Post by Michael Fraley on Aug 1, 2009 22:29:08 GMT -5
I finally took the plunge and bought a digital SLR. Not without being pushed out of the plane, though. I've been reading reviews of various models until my eyes bubbled. And I've been making pilgrimages to the local mall camera store (now out of business due to recession/depression!). I've handled at least half a dozen different models.
The Olympus line appealed to me, especially its small size and the 25mm pancake lens. I asked my independent camera store owner, Vladimir, for a price a few months ago on the E-420 with 25mm kit. I wanted to support the independent store (who is still in business, yay!). So he gave me a competitive price and I couldn't make a decision. There's always the next model around the bend, tempting me to keep my DSLR budget in the bank.
Last week as I was dropping off some film for processing. Vladimir mentioned he had the 420 kit and brought it out to show me. No pressure, but if I wanted it he would not charge sales tax. And he'd keep it off the shelf for a few days to let me think it over. It seemed like destiny, or a really good sales pitch, or thoughtfulness on Vladimir's part. Maybe all of the above. So I bought it!
Of course it's not perfect and there are/always will be new models of interest. But I have a DSLR and I'm learning to shoot with it. It's light, it's got a normal fixed lens, and the controls are comprehensible to me. I think this is going to be good, to get out of my comfort zone a little and learn some new techniques...
I guess it's long overdue but now that I've got one, the uneasiness factor is gone. I'll still use film because I love the camera collection I've put together. But digital will be equally important and in some ways much more convenient. If there are any other hold-outs out there, come on in, the water's fine!
The Olympus line appealed to me, especially its small size and the 25mm pancake lens. I asked my independent camera store owner, Vladimir, for a price a few months ago on the E-420 with 25mm kit. I wanted to support the independent store (who is still in business, yay!). So he gave me a competitive price and I couldn't make a decision. There's always the next model around the bend, tempting me to keep my DSLR budget in the bank.
Last week as I was dropping off some film for processing. Vladimir mentioned he had the 420 kit and brought it out to show me. No pressure, but if I wanted it he would not charge sales tax. And he'd keep it off the shelf for a few days to let me think it over. It seemed like destiny, or a really good sales pitch, or thoughtfulness on Vladimir's part. Maybe all of the above. So I bought it!
Of course it's not perfect and there are/always will be new models of interest. But I have a DSLR and I'm learning to shoot with it. It's light, it's got a normal fixed lens, and the controls are comprehensible to me. I think this is going to be good, to get out of my comfort zone a little and learn some new techniques...
I guess it's long overdue but now that I've got one, the uneasiness factor is gone. I'll still use film because I love the camera collection I've put together. But digital will be equally important and in some ways much more convenient. If there are any other hold-outs out there, come on in, the water's fine!
