I decided that 2011 would be the year that I would finally do something about getting the results I’m looking for in my street photography, candid, and social event photography as well as adding long-awaited newer accessory equipment to my camera bag. This series of articles covers my thoughts, reasoning and a simplification of the results of several months’ research into what equipment was most suitable for my needs.
After spending around three months considering my requirements and comparing many other cameras and solutions, I have chosen the Nikon D7000. Apart from where otherwise mentioned, all photos and video sequences in this article were taken with the new D7000 during my first outings with it.
The search for new camera equipment has taken in a wide range of potential new kit, from the lens I wrote about recently to a new flashgun and the potential decision to spend more time shooting with film cameras. In my search for new equipment, I have spent a lot of time researching and cross-checking compact cameras: the best of which would potentially be added to my kit as an alternative for when I want to shoot unobtrusively or when I don’t want to take my full-sized SLR with me.
With the money I’ve put aside for new camera gear, a new, reliable, fully automated flash gun was high on my “wants” list, not least because I receive a slowly increasing number of requests to take portrait photographs and cover events.
My family were very generous at Christmas and for my birthday, by helping me to get some cash together to buy new camera equipment. Jo gave me the lens which has been top of my list for some time now, which I discovered whilst looking for more expensive toys: the Nikon 35mm f/1.8 DX. This has instantly become my favourite lens and will, very likely, see a huge amount of outings over the coming years.
Part 2 in an ongoing series of articles explaining how I am reviewing my photo equipment, how I have considered switching from digital to film photography, and how I choose which camera format to use in future.
I decided over Christmas that 2011 would be the year that I would finally do something about getting the results I’m looking for in my street photography and candid, social event photography: in short, I would buy a new camera to work in alternation with my D80, which continues to serve me well.