My Camera Woes – Long Form

LucasMotor, originally uploaded by carolsLittleWorld.

Ok, so by now you probably know all about my camera woes. I’ve been trying to get a new camera, the one I want has been out of stock, my camera keeps hobbling along though it’s getting more broken with every click of the shutter, yada yada.

So, I tried to do some shopping. Before I can get a new camera, I have to get a new version of Photoshop. Because my version of Photoshop is so old, it won’t recognize the RAW file format from the new cameras. Ok, this isn’t too bad, I had to spend a certain amount of dough, plunk down some cash for the latest and greatest in Photoshop. This weekend, I ordered that and it’s already on the way to my doorstep. So far, so good.

Next up, I started looking at cameras. For a while now, I’ve been trying to hunt down the Canon Digital Rebel T2i. It’s a nice camera, I still think it is, and I might still be getting it. Over the course of looking for it, since it goes in and out and in and out of stock every twenty minutes, I did some googling, searching on the Interweb and such. I found a few reviews. After reading the review, I’m now starting to re-think my decision. I’ve started looking at the Canon 7D instead of the T2i.

Now, on the surface, the 7D doesn’t make any sense. It has the same sensor as the Rebel T2i, it is more money than the T2i, it’s larger and heavier than the T2i. At first, this was a no brain-er. Why spring for the 7D when you can get the cheaper, lighter, spiffier T2i?

But then I started to do some thinking. Yes, they have the same sensor, that’s true, and, yes the 7D is three hundred dollars more than the Rebel T2i. The 7D has a much better autofocus system. Much better. It hooks up to external lighting rigs more easily. It’s heavier, yes, but it is also dust and wind resistant. It’s got a stronger body, since it’s made of metal not plastic. It uses Compact Flash, like my infrared camera, so I would not have to purchase two different types of memory. When you look at it, when you really stop to think about it, the 7D might actually make a lot of sense for me.

So what to do, what to do?

I’m probably going to try to go to the local camera store this week and try them both out a bit. I want to hold both in my hands and see just how “heavy” the “heavier” 7D is. I want to poke and prod and inspect and think about it with both cameras in front of my nose. I’ll make up my mind later, right now, I’m punting until I have more data.

Yeah, I need a new camera, and, yeah, I’ll probably get one very, very soon, but I want to make sure I get the right one. I want to make sure I get the one I need, not just any one and not just the cheapest one. I want to do it right, even if it takes a little more time in doing it at all.

Yeah, I know that makes me boring. I’ve love to post here and tell you how happy I am that I got a spiffy new camera. I’d love the show it off and scream and jump for joy about all the pictures I’m going to take. I know you don’t really want to see me take so much time, but that’s how it is. Sometimes, taking your time is a good thing, even if it doesn’t fit into the overnight lickety split world of blogging, Facebook, Internets, the webs and all. I’m sorry, but that’s just the way it’s got to be right now. Take my time, consider the options, and think a little bit (ok, maybe a lot.)

You’ll be the first to know as soon as I get one. Wish me luck!

Until next time…