Digital Photography

I have always enjoyed photography. Well, to be more precise, I should say appreciating good photography works by others. Even though I do indulge in photography myself from time to time but not as much as I would like to claim for myself. In any case, I always admire the work of others. Digital photography has certainly come a long way since it first came into being. Nowadays, not only anyone can be a photographer but also have fun at it. With a couple of pushes of button, you can erase what you just took and start over again. Remembering the good old days where after you have taken the pictures, you need to wait a few days before you can review your work for the first time. Either you develop the film yourself or you send it to the shop. Either way, it takes time. The worse part is when you do get your pictures back, in hard copy, you find the pictures were far from being perfect, due to the camera settings. And by that time, you may not go back to the same situation to take the pictures again. Digital photography definitely makes it more fun today.

My first digital camera was an Olympus C3000 with only 3MB pixels. I know some of you might exclaim in shock that it is OLD or even surprised that anyone is still using that.Yes, it is indeed old. Bought that almost 8 years ago for a high price then, more than $700. This camera has served me very well. I was quite happy with the quality of the photos that it gave me. The colors of the photos were one of the best for a camera of its league. Today for the same price or even less I could have bought a DSLR with 2 lens. For example, an Olympus E-510 with 2 lens kit now cost $619 at this time of writing. This camera is many times better than the one that I have, there is no doubt about it. But then again, just about every year they come up with better models at roughly the same price. For someone like myself who always want to get the best possible features at the best price, it can be difficult thing to buy any gadgets as they are always changing and improving in features. I have the same problem with computers.

It is definitely time for an upgrade, from my C-3000. I know some of you might say, just buy it and move on. For me it is a bit more difficult, as I get the buyer's remorse much more easier than most other people. Ever since I first eyed on this camera, the Olympus E-510 a couple of years ago (the earlier model of course, the E-500) it has improved quite a bit. And now there is even a newer model the E-520. In a way I was glad that I waited and have new models to select from. But then again think of all the fun that I could have had with the camera, had I bought it 2 years ago. By now I would have had a whole collection of nice pictures and an improved photography skill.

Since I am merely a hobbyist photographer, I am not one of those who are always chasing newer technologies. But like I said I like to buy the best at the best price. Usually it is the price factor that is holding me back. So until then it will remain on my wish list, hopefully not for too long.

For those who are interested to get into photography, I would recommend a good web site dpreview.com . Here you get good reviews of cameras, the latest camera news as well active forums for the different popular cameras.