I Can't Believe It Took Me Two Weeks...

[Speed]

Hey Speed -

First off, I go through times like that too. Probably most of us do at one point or another - if you don't feel like shooting and don't have anybody telling you that you have to, then take a little break. You'll see something that motivates you, then go for it. I really like the moon shot with the clouds - very simple and well done.

My take on digital is probably like what Liz said - high up front costs but then the gear is yours. Of course, if/when you get a D70 you'll probably want a couple 512mb cards and a spare battery or two - don't forget to add some money in for that.

I'm pretty disappointed in what I picked up from the lab today - they gave me digital prints from my 35mm negs. Yeah, I love digital, but wet prints (darkroom prints) from film look better IMO than auto process digital prints. I get great results by scanning film, adjusting color/contrast etc in photoshop, then getting a print made on a mini lab. What they gave me today I wasn't impressed with. I used to be a big fan of Kodak T400CN until today because they printed it on B&W paper - not anymore...

You are right, we all go through those phases. At least I'm coming out of mine now!

While my major hesitation to getting a DSLR is the up front costs, I'm also hesitant to go full bore into it because I haven't been thrilled with the digital prints. I've used some consumer grade photo printers, and while the prints are nice, they aren't the same as prints from a negative or slide. Maybe I need to see what a pro quality printer can do with archival inks. Maybe I just need to adjust to what digital looks like.

I've heard it repeatedly, that digital is different. Not necessarily better, or worse, just different. And the landscape shooters just can't seem to get the same results with digital that they get with Velvia. I know you can do a lot with post processing, but personally, I'm not a Photoshop guru, and never will be. And I'd rather not spend half the night trying to get a print to look just how I want it. Maybe I am a dinosaur, but I like photography because I like to take photographs - not spending time on my computer. :-O

Thank you for your comments. I do appreciate them. BTW, have you gone totally digital, or do you still shoot film as well?

[another view]

BTW, have you gone totally digital, or do you still shoot film as well?

I've actually gotten more interested in black & white - but that's about the only film I shoot anymore. Seems kind of weird - the internet (digital technology) has got me interested in b&w film processing (analog technology). I tried my first Tri-X in D-76 developer the other day. That film came out in 1954 and the developer has been around since the '20's.

I'm not a photoshop guru either, but one tip builds on the next. I usually spend a minute or two (usually very literally) on an image when it comes out of the camera. I've been very impressed with the prints I get from a Fuji Frontier when I do this. If you want (and have a high speed web connection!) I'll e-mail you an image from the DSLR with minimal photoshop that you can print to 8x10 at a minilab and see what I'm talking about. Any Wal-Mart should have a Fuji Frontier. Or I'll mail you a print (8x10's only cost me about $2). Send me a private message if you're interested. No, I don't work for Nikon!!

[Speed]

I've actually gotten more interested in black & white - but that's about the only film I shoot anymore. Seems kind of weird - the internet (digital technology) has got me interested in b&w film processing (analog technology). I tried my first Tri-X in D-76 developer the other day. That film came out in 1954 and the developer has been around since the '20's.

I'm not a photoshop guru either, but one tip builds on the next. I usually spend a minute or two (usually very literally) on an image when it comes out of the camera. I've been very impressed with the prints I get from a Fuji Frontier when I do this. If you want (and have a high speed web connection!) I'll e-mail you an image from the DSLR with minimal photoshop that you can print to 8x10 at a minilab and see what I'm talking about. Any Wal-Mart should have a Fuji Frontier. Or I'll mail you a print (8x10's only cost me about $2). Send me a private message if you're interested. No, I don't work for Nikon!!

Me either, but we should!!!!! Just waiting for them to "discover" us! :-D

By all means, I'd love for you to email me that photo. Send it to RobertLMcCabe@hotmail.com or, if the file is too big for a hotmail address, send it to robertm@co.carteret.nc.us.

Our local Wal Mart has the Kodak and the Fuji printers in the photo section, ( I prefer the Fuji) so making a print won't be a problem.

Thanks for the feedback and the help. I do appreciate it!