Photography, it was not even in my hobby list 14 years ago but it was after a trip to Vancouver, Canada in a winter that I fell in love with it. Believe it or not, the credit has to go to my uncle (William) and my dad (James). Let me briefly relate what had happened 14 years ago.
As I mentioned, I went for a trip to Canada. My dad wanted me to bring his camera along since we are going there first. Upon my arrival, uncle William brought me to places that I have never been before (you have to believe this). It was nature... virgin forest and parks. Imagine during the winter in northwest coast of North America. Trees are still green, fruits are still hanging on the plant and lots of dews and rain. Oh yes... good opportunity for close-up photography. Uncle William began to teach me the art of close-up photography. After 1st couple of rolls of film, walla!!! Interest grew in me and sustain for about 10 years.
Pentax SF-7
So much about my story. That first camera I played with was a Pentax SF-7 equipped with a Takuma 28-80mm/3.5-4 lens and a dedicated Pentax flash. It was a SLR (single lens reflex) with limited function. Onboard this simple camera is a built-in 35mm flash, 2.5 frames per second continous, max 1/2000 sec shutter speed, 1/100 flash sychro., two metering mode (center-weighted & partial metering) and four basic functions (Program (P), Aperture-priority (Av), Shutter-priority (Tv), & Manual (M).
In the following year, I invested on a Takuma 70-200mm/4.5-5.6 lens which I practically got it for... no reason I guess. But later, I used it to take planes and portrait. In fact I used that camera for Asian Aerospace 1988 & 1990. Tho' the lens is not fast but the lens quality is consider on the average. Picture result is relatively sharp especially 200mm.
Canon EOS 10QD
After a couple of years, I bought my 1st personal camera. It was a tough choice at that time. Minolta Dynax/Maxxium 8000i, Nikon F801/N8001, Pentax SF-1, and Canon EOS 600 series were my choice. I must say my patient pays. I finally got the camera about 18 months later. Yes, it was a Canon EOS 10QD. That model was the newest in the line of EOS and in the market. New features were introduced and existing functions were improve for performance.
This camera is built with 2 metering systems (Evaluative & partial metering), 3-point focusing, 5 frames per second continous, max. shutter of 1/4000 sec with 1/125 flash sync., built-in 35mm flash, 5 basic exposure functions (Program (P), Aperture-priority (Av), Shutter-priority (Tv), Manual (M) & Depth-of-field (Dep) and 5 built-in functions (portrait, sports, close-up, landscape & barcode).
I must say this is one of the best SLR camera in its class. The grip is good and all function buttons are conveniently locater. However, during the spring of 1998, due to my carelessness, I allowed my battery to leak in the camera and apparently, the body is kind of disintegrating itself. Well, had to abandon it due to high repair cost. :(
Canon EOS Elan II
Due to that problem on my EOS 10QD, I had bought a replacement. It was one of the best rated camera in its class by several photography magazines, the EOS Elan II. However, in my opinion, this camera needs some improvements on the grip. It certainly didn't feel as comfortable and stable as EOS 10QD but all switches and buttons are within reach without much hassle.
This camera has built with 3 metering systems (Evaluative, Center weighted & partial metering), 3-point focusing, 2.5 frames per second continous, max. shutter of 1/4000 sec with 1/125 flash sync., built-in 35mm flash, 5 basic exposure functions (Program (P), Aperture-priority (Av), Shutter-priority (Tv), Manual (M) & Depth-of-field (Dep) and 5 built-in functions (portrait, sports, close-up, & landscape). This camera originally equiped with a 28-80mm IV lens. Pretty simple and "ok" lens. No complaints. Too bad. I should have gotten the model with the "Eye-Controlled".
Equipment profile:
EOS 350D (aka EOS Rebel XT) with battery grip
EOS Elan II body with BP-50 battery pack
EF18-55mm II lens f/3.5-4.5
EF50mm II lens f/1.8
EF28-80mm IV lens f/3.5-4.5
EF35-135mm USM lens f/3.5-4.5
EF100-300mm USM lens f/4.5-5.6
Speedlite 380EX flash
Manfrotto 055C tripod
Manfrotto ProBall 308RC head
My photo gallery at Yahoo! Photos
For more info about camera available in the market, please click on the following desire links.
Links to other sites on the Web
Canon Gateway
Minolta USA
Nikon
Pentax
