{"id":179,"date":"2005-11-13T20:00:56","date_gmt":"2005-11-13T12:00:56","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.elcreations.org\/engloy\/photoblog\/?page_id=179"},"modified":"2005-11-13T20:00:56","modified_gmt":"2005-11-13T12:00:56","slug":"tools-of-the-trade","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.elcreations.org\/engloy\/photoblog\/tools-of-the-trade\/","title":{"rendered":"Tools of the Trade"},"content":{"rendered":"

Originally posted 11 November 2004<\/em><\/p>\n

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This has often been said: it is the skill of the photographer that determines the quality of the photographs taken, and not the equipment used. I tend to agree. The problem with digital photography is many get caught up in the “equipment angst<\/a>” and become locked in perpetual upgrade cycles instead of concentrating on making use of whatever gear they have. It doesn’t help that major camera manufacturers come out with new cameras all the time, touting better features, higher resolutions and promising you (but not necessarily delivering) better pictures.<\/p>\n

Although I abhor the above practice, I myself have to a certain extent, been guilty of “equipment angst”, having changed to my fourth digital camera since 2000…<\/p>\n

My first foray into digital photography was with a 2.1-megapixel Canon Powershot S10. This rekindled my latent interest in photography (which was a very occasional hobby during my school days). Within 2 years, I upgraded to a Canon Powershot G3, which gave me enough ‘serious’ controls for creative work, especially when coupled with the accessories I added on. The G3 was a impetus and catalyst in helping me improve in photography, which cumulated in my successful application for the distinction of ARPS<\/a>. Alas, the G3, while being an excellent camera in many respects, has now fallen short of my need for better quality pictures, increased dynamic range, faster focus and reduced shutter lag.<\/p>\n

I still keep the G3 around for times when portability (especially for snapshots) is a necessary convenience. The need for even cleaner and sharper output, coupled with near-zero shutter lag capability for decisive moment photography saw me upgrading to a Canon EOS 300D digital single-lens reflex camera in late 2003. The 300D was (and still is, actually) a capable camera that provided good-quality images with all the advantages that only a digital SLR could provide (fast shutter response, low-noise even at higher ISO settings, and the ability to use a multitude of lenses), but was severely looked down on by many of those who already owned (or even those who aspired to own) a DSLR. To them, it was a poor man’s version of the 10D, with many of its features dumbed down and packaged into what was deemed a horrible, cheap-looking and non-professional silver body (not that I minded — I just needed it to take good pictures!).<\/p>\n

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Canon EOS 300D Digital Single Lens Reflex camera<\/span><\/div>\n

More than a year after I bought my 300D, I have upgraded to a Canon EOS 20D (the positive experiences of many with it, especially the almost noise-less ISO 400 settings, fast focusing response, and instant-on availability of the camera attracted me.) My main current 20D set-up for creative work now consists of:<\/p>\n

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