Digital Cameras & Bloggers Who Use Them

Left: Pig Races


The other day, I asked Ann Althouse what cameras she uses for her interesting photos. I've been contemplating moving up to an SLR, but wonder if I'll actually use it. My Sony pocket camera goes everywhere. My new iPhone camera (2MP) goes everywhere else. Do I really need a big camera? Ann said probably not. She rarely uses her SLR since it's too big to lug around. That's my fear--spending money on technology I'll never use.

Then again......What I covet is a long-range lens to capture my kids unobtrusively. They are so used to a camera in their faces, close, close up that they are mini-Tyra Banks voguing, voguing. Little Toot spots the camera, finds his best angle and says cheesily, "Cheeeeeeeeeeeese!" It would be fun to catch them further away.

I was leaning toward the Nikon D70. Ann said that her SLR was a Nikon. And then came the piece d'résistance: Michael Yon, the war correspondent extraordinaire uses the D70. Or, he did until it coughed its last and died on the battlefield. You absolutely must go to the link and look at the pictures. It's a visual reminder of how far the war has come and the images that have captured the action and, in part, shaped it.

His endorsement is enough for me. Actually, Ann's was enough. Michael just confirmed it.

Both Yon and Althouse are "amateurs" (like they are amateur writers?) meaning, it's not their first profession, but they take fantastic pictures. Both excel at shot selection. I've known more than a couple people who view themselves as professionals but their shot selection stinks. The best, perfect equipment means nothing if you don't point it the right direction.

So maybe that will be my next foray into technology. Nothing says "Happy Birthday to me!" like a D70.