Reflections on Rolling the Odometer.

My Nikon D-200 Rolled-the-Odometer last week.
I guess that is some sort of a milestone.
The file numbering protocol had to restart at FSC_0001.
If I'm counting correctly, that means 10,000 photos.
Passing this milestone provoked some pause, reflection,
and a return to the DU Photo Group to say, "Thanks."



I first came to the Photo Group in 2004,
looking for ways to take better Stop Motion photos of my cats.
At that time, I was using an OlympusC-750 Ultra Zoom, and the shutter lag was very frustrating for Stop Action photos.

I got some good tips,
and was able to catch my cat jumping through a hoop.

Of course, at that time I knew embarrassingly little about photo composition, lighting, framing,
and trashy, distracting backgrounds,
but the camera and the cat did their jobs.




The Photography Group was very accommodating.
There were some top notch photographers then who didn't mind answering my dumb questions, provide nurturing critical perspectives and advice when asked, and generally assisted the novices down the road.



I became intrigued.
I found that as I spent more time in the Photo Group,
my camera started taking better photos.



However, this quickly became a double edged sword.
Before I came to the Photo Group,
I was absolutely happy with almost every single photo I took.
After spending some time here,
I began finding fault with every single photo.



I kept hanging out here, and even started submitting photos to the DU Photography Contest.
On Jan 1st, 2006, I made a resolution to take the leap,
and spend most of my "disposable" income for the coming year on a decent camera.



I SUFFERED over the next 3 months.
Canon vs Nikon, which was better?




I studied the reviews, haunted the internet, asked questions,
and changed my mind daily. There is a mountain of testimony available supporting either choice,
but surely one MUST be better than the other.




Finally, I went to an upscale Photo Store, and held each camera in my hands.
The Nikon fit better, so that was my choice, though I was unable to afford that store's asking price.
I felt some guilt as I ordered my Nikon D-200 from a Mail Order house at a significant discount,
and a reduced Warranty.



I spent my disposable income for the next couple of years acquiring a few decent lenses
which seem to fill all my needs.



I've been happy with my Nikon.
It has never required repairs, service, adjustments, or upgrades.
It has performed flawlessly with only Operator Errors.



I am aware that newer and better models are on the market,
but I have no desire to upgrade.
My old horse still gets me where I want to go,
and I hardly ever even look at the magazines or websites anymore.



DU taught me how to take a decent photo.
My Nikon D-200 has performed without a single problem.
For that, I am truly grateful.



I don't come to this group very much,
mostly because I now live in a very rural area without Broad Band access,
but I always look forward to the Photo Contests.




As far as Canon vs Nikon,
it doesn't make much difference.
I challenge anyone to distinguish between the end results,
or ID which camera took which photo in a blind contest.



I thought I would post a few photos that made me happy over the years.




Again, Thanks.

--bvar22