After Eight Years, Lighter is Better!
My journey as a photographer started eight years ago this month with a pocket camera. When I bought my first MacBook Air I realized that I could post photos online, make a book, and share videos. How creative! Shortly afterwards I bought a Canon PowerShot SD870 IS. The guys at the Apple store showed me the basics of the camera, along with a few composition techniques, such as the rule of thirds, so I was ready to go on my birthday trip to Europe!
Although it only was an 8MP camera, it served me well. I captured some interesting shots, and with time that little camera sparked a keener interest in photography. Within a year I upgraded to a more advanced pocket camera, a PowerShot G10. It had 14 MP with more features that allowed me to up my game in terms of creativity. The quality was very good. In fact I have this photo below hanging in my office.
However, as I developed my photography skills my desire to take better, more creative shots led me to purchase my first DSLR, my Canon 60D, and last year I added a Canon 6D to the mix. I have primarily used these two cameras on my walks for the last three years. I love the photos that I am able to capture.
There were times, however, that I longed for a lighter camera. As the iPhone cameras continued to improve, I started taking more photos with my phone. There are limitations, of course, but generally I was happy with the results. This is a photo I took with my iPhone edited in Snapseed.
Last fall I decided to add the DXO One, a 20 MP 1" sensor camera, that uses the iPhone as its viewfinder to my camera collection. It has proven to be a great addition, especially when the weather is bad and I don't want to expose my DSLR to the elements. Here is one of the photos I took with my DXO One. It takes great wide angle shots.
Over time I began to feel that there was a gap between my DSLR and the DXO. I love the mobility, the lighter weight, and the flexibility of the DXO One, but I missed the zoom options of my DSLR. Recently, I watched Rick Sammon's video from India where he used his Canon PowerShot G5X to do street photography. It piqued my interest. Rick is an amazing photographer and instructor, so watch this short video to get some great tips.
After researching online and visiting my local camera store, I decided to purchase one. Although it has taken me a bit to reorient myself to a pocket camera, I am glad I added it to my camera family. It is a 20 MP camera with a 1" sensor, and has a lens that zooms from 24-100mm. That is pretty close to my Canon 24-105 lens that I use on my DSLR, so that is a plus. Take a look at this video to get a better sense of its many features.
Although I have only had it for a week, I have enjoyed playing with it. The images are coming out well, and the weight and size are perfect for Camera Walking. Here are a couple of shots I took on Whidbey Island over the weekend.
After eight years, lighter is better, but that doesn't mean that I have given up on my DSLRs. I love them and look forward to using them for my walks during better weather. I am also looking forward to using my Lensbaby Velvet 56mm lens with my DSLR to capture the spring flowers. It is good to have options, which I now feel that I have with my diverse line of cameras.
Whatever you have, a pocket camera, smartphone, or full frame DSLR, enjoy your Camera Walking and bring back creative, fun photos. Remember that in-between the stops you make to take photos, walk briskly!
