Hello, my name is Mark and I am an amateur photographer.  My passion lies within the realm of Nature Photography.  I pretty much ‘focus’ on nature photography because of my love for nature.  I classify myself as a Generalist, meaning I like landscapes, close-up, wildlife, flowers, etc. On this site I will post what I feel are some of my best photo’s.   I will also post my own reviews on the equipment I use, and other useful info.   Also, please feel free to send me your feed back concerning this site.  Have a nice time and enjoy!

HISTORY

I started in photography when I was 12.  I bought my first SLR, a Minolta X-700, with some of the gift money I received from receiving my Eagle Scout Award.  I used and loved that camera a lot.  As I progressed in my learning, my desire for autofocus grew more.  This meant that I would need all new lenses and accessories. I first tried the Minolta 400si, since I already owned that brand.  It was a nice camera, but there was something lacking from it that I could not explain.  I knew that once I started to buy the accessories I would be “married” to the system, so I went out to find the system I wanted to live with.

I did a lot research at the library (this was in the pre-Internet days), read a lot of magazines and talked to a few people at local camera stores.  The deciding point however, was the first time that I pick up the Nikon N90s.  At that moment I knew Nikon was the camera brand for me. The N90s was a great camera but was a little pricey. More recently, I have sold off my N90s system and downgraded to the Nikon N80 (2000). This camera does all I need at with half the weight, and includes a small but decent flash.

In 2000 I also ventured into the world of Digital Photography. I had been waiting for the right time to take the plunge, and I that time finally came. I was waiting for the quality to go up and prices to come down. I decided to get a camera that would give me control over exposure setting, but could also be a P&S for the lazy times. I first decided on the Canon G1 (2000). This camera had a nice feature set, but I hated it’s output. Some G1′s seemed to be plagued with excessive magenta cast, and mine was one of them. So when Canon released the G2 (in 2001), I upgraded immediately and what a difference! The colors were outstanding, and the resolution was at the top of it’s class.

However, there was something inside of me that was just not happy with the P&S camera format. Probably was of the biggest shortcoming with the G2 or any of the P&S’s that I tried was it’s ridiculously long shutter lag. By the time the camera focused and the shutter released, my subject had already moved.

Then it happened! In March 2001 Nikon announced an ‘affordable’ DSLR, the Nikon D100. I was so excited. I put aside the money and counted the days until the release. However, once the Beta pics and production pics started to circulate, I was extremely disappointed with what I saw.  Granted, many will say that there is nothing wrong with the D100, but for me, I was not willing to spend my money on it. I waited to see if possible firmware updates would “fix” the issues I had with the D100, but alas, nothing.

So now I really needed to make a decision. Should I stick it out with Nikon and wait for their next affordable DSLR, or should I “jump ship” and head over the the competition, Canon. Canon’s D30 was a huge success, and so was it’s  replacement, the Canon D60.

On 12/9/02 I made the decision, I was tired of Nikon trying to play the technology catch up game. Canon had a great ‘affordable’ DSLR now the D60. Canon offered USM in almost all of their lenses and IS in a good number of their lenses. The biggest selling point for me however what the D60′s image quality. It’s CMOS sensor produced stunningly smooth pics.

UPDATE (7/4/03):  Well I have done it! I have sold off all of my film equipment. My total digital transformation is done.  I have made the total move over to digital with not even any remote thoughts of turning back.

UPDATE (12/22/05):  I am now the proud owner of a Nikon D200. Even though I like the Canon D60′s images, I am a Nikon man at heart. The D200 feels so much better in my hands then the Canon, the controls are right where they should be, unlike the D60. To be honest I was never really sold on the Canon; It was more of a convienece thing, so I never bought any extras for it. Well, time to sell the D60 and start aquiring my Nikon System. Let the Nikon Acquisition Syndrome (NAS) begin.

UPDATE (05/02/07):  My Nikon System is now pretty much complete. I’ve just aquired the last lens on my NAS list, the Nikon 105VR. What a beauty!

UPDATE (09/06/07):  Well, I’ve done it, I’ve pre-ordered the new Nikon D300. My D200 has been a great camera, but the D300 has too many new, and upgraded features not to upgrade to it. Higher ISO, LCD, Pro-AF, MB-D10 (one of the biggest reasons), 100% Viewfinder. I plan on using this camera for a long time, providing NAS does not get the best of me.

UPDATE (11/21/07):  Well, it’s here, my new D300 and MB-D10 have arrived. One word, AMAZING. The camera and grip combo is everything I could of hope for. Images are great, speed is amazing, AF is fast and accurate. Definitely worth the upgrade price from the D200.

UPDATE (10/08): I was not going to get the D700 at first, however once I saw the High ISO capabilities (same as D3) I knew the camera was destined to be mine. The final straw was a MS Live Cashback deal at J&R I could not pass up.

UPDATE (12/08): Wow, the D700. One of the best decisions I have ever made in camera gear. I cannot get over the HighISO shots I have been taking. Unbelievable.

UPDATE (08/09): It’s been a while since I have acquired any new gear. I have been happily using what I have. However, I was getting the craving for a camera I could carry with me everywhere (without the bulk of the SLR). After much research I decided on a Panasonic Lumix LX3. One of the best images out of a P&S I’ve seen, (it is not an SLR replacement by any means), and it is really nice to be able to have a camera with me at all times.