Me, my six-year old camera, and the need to upgrade

Whenever I ask some of my office colleagues to take my photos for my lookbook posts in this blog, they almost always tell me to get a new camera already. For the record, I'm using a lowly 6-megapixel Nikon D40, my first ever DSLR (entry-level) that's been with me since 2007. My colleagues, on the other hand, are using much higher-end models of either Nikon or Canon (Jessops has a great selection of both, by the way).

But almost six years into my camera, I'm proud to say that it's still very actively used, and I daresay it still produces some really decent photos. However, I must admit that sometimes I do think of buying myself a new camera because I want to take much better photos, especially in low light. Yes, my D40 has its share of limitations.

I still remember the excitement I felt then with my new toy, and I really thought I could become a photographer back then, or at least moonlight as one.

ADIEU (Bolinao, Pangasinan, Philippines)
One of my earlier photos, taken on June 2007 in Bolinao, Pangasinan. I swear this photo has never been Photoshopped or anything.

Back then, a couple of hobbyists I know told me I had an eye for photography. Unfortunately, I never really pursued it. And frankly, I've never really even mastered the right combinations of shutter speed and aperture without having to resort to doing test shots first. Nonetheless, I get it right eventually. Or when in a hurry, there's always the Program mode.

SKIMBOARDING ON A HEADSTAND (Boracay Island, Philippines)
One of my "photographer" moments back in 2007; Boracay Island.

Despite having the eye and even the skill, I do find that a photographer can also be limited with his equipment, occasionally at least. I mean, you can only shoot so much in low light with a D40. Yup, I need both a camera and a lens (and a tripod even) that can spare me the grainy images that go with ramping up the ISO and the exposure value.

FIERY LOOP (Boracay Island, Philippines)
How I wish this image was clearer and less grainy.

Although I can still get that bokeh effect (shallow depth of field) with my D40 by staying close to my subject, I can't do that, however, when I'm zooming in with my 18-55mm kit lens. I need another lens.

TEENY WEENY FLOWER (Bolinao, Pangasinan, Philippines)
Getting really close to my subject, coupled with some cropping, gave me this.

NATURE AND GEOMETRY (Baguio City, Philippines)
Bokeh's always cool.

While I still believe that the beauty of photos taken rests not with the camera but with the photographer, I also believe that the photographer can definitely do much more with a more superior camera and lens. So I'm hoping I can save enough for a new camera real soon.

Meanwhile, I still have my D40 to keep me company. It's light and it serves its purpose. So even if I do manage to upgrade, I don't see myself ditching it completely. It would still be great as a backup camera or when lugging around a bigger one would prove to be too much of a hassle. :)

Comments

  1. Those are really cool pics, you should probably buy a new one and keep gettin better, don't you think?

    But really amazing pics, huh


    http://mytigermx.blogspot.mx

    ReplyDelete
  2. You have a really good camera in my opinion, but buy one could be even better, but don´t worry I think you´re good at taking pictures

    These pictures are really amazing!

    ReplyDelete
  3. I can totally relate to your feeling, of wanting an upgrade. I just upgraded from my 40x half a year ago - felt so nice to finally upgrade! you should if you can. :)

    xx
    smudged-fingerprints.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  4. Really nice photos!! :D. Thanks for your comment

    Wherever the Sunset is

    ReplyDelete
  5. Amazing pics my dear friend!
    Best Regards
    Miss Margaret Cruzemark
    http://margaretcruzemark.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete

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