Glass

Posted Sun Aug 17, 2008 in Photography

I alluded to the fact I bought a Canon Powershot G9 a few days ago to be my carry camera. While there are many things about the Nikon S10 I bought a couple of years ago that I really like, working outside in bright light was nearly impossible because of glare on the viewscreen. My most frustrating experience came a couple of weeks ago when Wife and I spent the afternoon driving out in the boonies. I wanted to make several images, but just couldn’t’ get the composition right.

My other issue with the Coolpix S10 was the difficult I found in getting the horizon level. In landscape work, this is a critical issue and I was dissatisfied with many of my grab shots because they just weren’t level.

My frustration grew to the point that I decided to give up on the S10 and try something else. I did a bit of research and find the reviews at Steve’s Digicams very helpful. I went there after a trip to Best Buy where I almost bought a Nikon P80. But, after reading the reviews, I’m pleased I waited. The G9 appears to be a much better camera for about $100 more. In fact, I had a 10% coupon and $40 in Rewards Bucks, so I saved enough that I almost got to the original price point of the Nikon. (I know I’m rationalizing — shut up!)

So, research done I tried to get hands-on a G9. However, the local Best Buy didn’t have one in stock. The Reno store had one, but I didn’t feel like driving up there just to look and hadn’t committed to buying. A few days later I checked the availability again, but neither the Carson City nor the Reno stores had a unit in stock. On a lark, Wife and I drove to the local store (after grabbing a bite one evening after work) and they did have one in stock. So, I bought it, brought it home, and then put the battery on to charge.

I made the image above the next morning while Wife and I shared breakfast. I like shots of glass — the highlights do something for me.

I’m inspired, so my big camera is out of the closet again and the batteries are charged. I see an upgrade in my future because the technology changed so much over the last four years. I don’t need more resolution, but I would like the improved sensitivity, better internal software, and mostly a larger viewscreen for preview of images than the 1-inch screen of my D100. Fortunately, if I stay with the Nikon system all of my lenses will work.