Some recent AK photo's

[cobolt]

that's the problem....I can't change fast glass on my camera...I can't manipulate my field of view....trust me...it's time to purchase.

[Barkingowl]

Have you already found your next camera?

[Floyd_Davidson]

Originally Posted by cobolt

that's the problem....I can't change fast glass on my camera...I can't manipulate my field of view....trust me...it's time to purchase.

I enjoy greatly the off the cuff shots that many people are able to produce while they work at other things, which are possible only because they carry around a "cheap",small, simple camera. Sometimes the quantity of images are much greater than the quality, but danged... it beats the heck out of not taking any because that DSLR was too big and bulky to drag along.

Using a high end DSLR, as opposed to a low end or mid-level P&S, is a whole different ball of wax. Better pictures yes, but only when someone actually carries that heavy camera around everywhere they go.

That easy to carry P&S can go anywhere, but a typical 2-3 lb DSLR with a 3+ lb high quality 70-200mm zoom lens on it is literally a ball and chain! (A real interesting chain too, if the ball costs $3000 or even more.) You can't go do something else and also take pictures. All you can do is be a photographer, and haul camera equipment (oh yeah, there's the flash, the tripod, and the wider zoom as well as the long lens for birds, all of which you need too!).

I use a pro model (i.e., big and heavy) DSLR, and pack it all over tarnation; but I don't necessarily think it is the right way for everyone. I'm retired, and physically not so spry anymore. So these days I go places to watch others do the real work, not to be part of it. That makes it easier to be a full time photographer. For me a DSLR is great, but only because I actually do devote full time to it.

I suspect that most younger Alaskans are far too active to be tied to a DSLR.

Here's a picture for grins and giggles. This was taken as a joke! This moonrise might be worth what, $15 a print at the most? Moonrise over Hernandez NM it is not... (with a tip of the hat to the late Ansel Adams, whose moonrise prints are worth $50,000 each). Whatever, this is Barrow at the brightest time of the day on the shortest day of the year, December 21st.



And here's something interesting, from an unusual perspective. Alaska cotton (Eriophorum scheuchzeri),

[cobolt]

Yeah...I know what you mean about hauling the extra baggage. That's what has stopped me before. I take most of my pics while hiking and traveling and it's so easy for me to pull out the point and shoot and go for it. I got some really sweet pics of SE AK, the Olympics, Mt St Helens, and part of the Pacific Crest Trail last summer. I get frustrated when I can't get closer to my subject and I want to zoom and either the zoom isn't powerful enough or I lose alot of resolution in doing so. I'm kinda considering keeping the point and shoot and buying a lense or two for it instead of buying a bigger, bulkier SLR...I don't know if lugging the lenses around would be less of a pain than the SLR. Originally I wanted an SLR so that my telephoto and wide angle lenses from my old film camera wouldn't go to waste, but I'm thinking I may not be able to use them with the new SLR technology, so it may be an exercise in futility.

[Barkingowl]

Floyd makes some great points. Perhaps the solution is to have a P&S & a DSLR.

[warptman]

Cobolt, you can get a set of binocular straps and mount them on your new camera, it keeps it close to your chest while you are out on the trail.

Picture 2 for Butler Creek Bino Buddy - Binocular QD Deluxe Binoculars Strap 16112 - 16112

Binocular Straps

[Barkingowl]

I generally carry my camera on the neck strap that came with it. But it really weighs down your neck after a while. Those binocular straps look like they'd provide a lot of relief.

[cobolt]

Yes I have thought about that. I don't like how the camera bounces up and down....do you think I could get used to that?

[warptman]

I don't think they'll bounce with those straps, the chest strap is elastic, it should stay put no matter what you do.

[asma]

these are wonderful pictures thank you its from the great creator Allah