Picture This

Our upcoming international trips had me thinking it was definitely time to get a new camera.  While I have no complaints with my current one, it was starting to get embarrassing that it was (gasp!) a mere 4 megapixels.

I wasn't opposed to get another "point and shoot" type camera.  While my last "film" camera was one of those pretty nice ones that I could swap in a big-ass lens, I felt I never took advantage of all of its features.  Additionally, I remember it not being terribly fun lugging that one around... so these "fit in a pocket" (and getting smaller all the time!) digital cameras fit the bill.

Still I was conflicted, I would certainly be fine with upgrading to a new "point and shoot"... and they're pretty affordable... as with most technology, it seems like every 3 years or so you can get something infinitely better in basically the same price range... but those fancier (and more expensive!) SLR cameras were pretty distracting.

If you are a regular W&C reader, it's not terribly difficult to predict the outcome... so I'll just cut to the chase, here's my new camera:

Canon EOS Rebel XTi 10.1 Megapixel with EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 Lens...

Of course, the above picture was taken with my Canon PowerShot A520 4 Megapixel camera.  So quite exciting... though granted after I tacked on an extra battery and memory card (and tax!) the final $$$ was a bit gulp-inducing. 

But having already thought I spent my "stimulus" check on my the iTouch purchase (another long overdue, woefully out-of-date gadget upgrade) at the beginning of March... I guess I still had that patriotic fervor running through my veins... and with the iTouch already paid off, why not stimulate the economy a bit more with that $$$ arriving in the next week or so?!?!

I did successfully fend off the Best Buy salespersons attempts to get the extended warranty and a bigger and better lens.  I understand they're "sales"-people, but I hate how they make you instantaneously feel like whatever you are buying is inadequate without additional item B, C, and D.  As you may have read in my Twitter sidebar updates, it took two BB trips to get it done.  After lunch on Saturday, I camped out in front of the camera for about 10 minutes without anyone asking if I needed assistance (or even a "be right with you")... so I left that store in a huff... but conveniently (or not!) we ended up by another/different BB store at dinner time... and got sales help in a more timely manner and just had to work my way through the expected and above-mentioned annoyances.

While I was pretty much "there" in getting an SLR, thanks to Jen for helping me out with my lingering questions and concerns.  I often swoon at Jen's photography and I am sure it will inspire me to explore the "bells and whistles" of this new camera and take some great (and more interesting!) photos.

Until then, I got a pretty pricey "point and shoot"... and certainly come as no surprise who was the very first subject of my first pictures with the new camera.

Let's just say it's quite a challenge to get any watering done in the backyard with a Boston around!

Or maybe it's just Rocky, who has the fascination with the garden hose and, in general, water.  This pic was taken a good 20 feet away, and I was quite impressed with the increased quality... guess that's what happens when you more than double your megapixels and have a decent lens.

Comments

[Jeff]

Ooh, I am jealous! I've been wanting to get an SLR for a while now, but I think my next gadget purchase will probably be an iPod touch sometime this year.

[jen maiser]

yipppeeeee! that's great!

and that's not a bad lens to start with --