Camera-speak

photo courtesy of kenrockwell.com
Q. What kind of camera do you use?
A. If I had a dollar for every time I've been asked this question, I could buy a new lens. I will go to my grave saying "it's not the kind of camera you use, it's how you use your camera."

Anyway, all the photos posted on this blog from July 2008 through December 2011 were taken with a Nikon D80, which Nikon no longer makes.

In January 2012, I started using a Nikon D7000 ... because I wore out the D80. The D7000 is supposed to be more rugged and better sealed, protecting the innards from the ridiculous amount of blowing dirt out here. lt has a built-in sensor cleaner, which is among my favorite features.

I use one of four lenses: the kit lens that came with the D80, which is an 18-135mm zoom; a Nikkor 50mm 1.8; a Nikkor 35mm 1.8; and when I'm stalking wildlife, I use a Nikkor 33-200m zoom. My favorite lens is the 35 mm.

For videos, I carry around a Flip cam.

Q. What kind of camera do you recommend?
A. Whenever someone asks me this question, I send them to Ken Rockwell's site.
This guy really knows his stuff and has recommendations for point-and-shoot cameras as well as DSLRs. He also has posted user manuals he's written for many popular cameras, which I've found to be much more user-friendly and helpful than the manufacturer's manuals. And all of this information is free!

Q. Where do you buy your equipment?
A.  Adorama and B&H have both served me well. Their customer service reps are very knowledgeable and helpful.