New Camera Gear
The insurance check came in last week for all of our stolen property. This past weekend I was able to replace all my camera gear off of B&H Photo Video. I’ve already received questions on whether or not I was going to buy the same camera. I quickly thought about it, but I could not see buying a camera that is already out dated. I looked at the Canon 5D and of course drooled over the 1DS Mark II again, but they still aren’t in my price range. The 5D was a lot closer, however, I still have my eye on the Mark II, even though it will be quite some time before I shell out $8,000 for a camera.
So, what camera did I go with? I went with Canon’s 30D camera. Years ago, I sort of regretted buying the 300D. It wasn’t because it’s a bad camera. In fact, it was a very nice camera to make the switch from film to digital. The down side with the 300D, for me, was the fact that I outgrew the camera features after the first month. I expected it to be rich with high tech features that would take me a while to figure out, since there really wasn’t much to shooting film. There were several extra options I wish I had, that the 10D offered. Shortly after purchasing the camera, the 20D was released. Once I saw the features on the 20D, I knew I should have waited. I know, hind sight is 20-20, however, I don’t regret purchasing the 300D at all. It was a fine camera until it was stolen, and truthfully, I would have used it until it no longer worked. If the specs hold true, that probably would have been another couple of years (users report between 10k and 17k photo limit on the shutter, but Canon says between 50k and 100k). The same reason why I did not go with the new Digital Rebel XTi holds true as well. I prefer to have the features, rather than an extra 2 megapixels. Printing 20×30 sized prints is more than enough for me. Matter of fact, I never even considered the XTi, so I can’t say that it didn’t have the features or the durability as the 30D.
Other than the camera, there won’t be a lot of new gear in my arsenal. I wasn’t able to replace the mini tripod that I had purchased several years ago. Instead, I ended up purchasing a Bogen/Manfrotto 676B Digi Monopod. For the cost that the insurance covered for my mini-tripod, this was the closest thing I could find that could handle the weight of the DSLR and lens (10lbs) and compact down close enough to the size of mini-tripod. I just hope I have room for it in my bag.
The 30D also does not have a wireless remote control. I was disappointed to find this out, especially with today’s Wi-Fi technology. So, instead of something like Canon’s RC-1, I had to purchase Canon’s Remote Switch RS-80N3. It’s funny in a way. When I switched to digital, I was a little disappointed that I wasn’t able to use a cable release and had to go wireless. Now that I’ve been wireless, I’m disappointed I have to go back to using a cable. 
Still, I’m sure there’s a reason why a cable is needed for night photography, but as I said, we’re living in a Wi-Fi age and I can’t seem to figure out the reason. Maybe someone can enlighten me on why we have to be tied to a cable on such a new camera.
The only lens that is new, is the one that came with the camera kit. I opted not to go with the kit that comes with the 28-135mm lens or the cheesy 18-55mm lens. I went with the little more expensive kit that comes with the 17-85mm Image Stablized lens. I’ve had a chance to use this lens at work and I quickly liked how the lens handled. Unlike the 18-55mm that came with the Digital Rebel kit, this lens produces photos that are crisp and not soft.
Lastly, I went for a larger bag to carry everything with. This is the one thing I’m still up in the air about. I purchased the “Professional Gadget Bag”. The 1EG bag. It’s supposedly able to carry 2 SLR’s, 5-8 lenses, a flash and accessories, however I’ve read mixed comments on this being able to hold that much. Still, if it can hold all of my gear, I think I’ll be happy. As happy as I can until I purchase a rugged backpack before my trip to Alaska in a couple more years.
All in all, I think I’ll be happy with the new gear. Time will tell, as it arrives in just a few short hours from now. If you have any comments on the camera bag or monopod, or any of the gear for that matter, please feel free to post a comment.