Hostile Traveler

[Okay, I know I said I'd be doing something about North Korea in the last post, but I'm still getting my act together so it may be awhile longer.]

About a month ago I got it into my head that the reason that I was a poor photographer had nothing to do with me, but instead had to do with the inferior equipment I’ve been using. (Yes, I know I’m misguided - it’s all about blame assignment, folks.) While the Sony DSC-T1 I’ve been using for the past few years has served me well, I figured it was time to splurge for a proper digital SLR. So now instead of having something I can slip into my pocket when I travel around, I’m going to have the full-on badge that screams OMG I’M A TOURIST!!!

Warning: nerd pr0n ahead (But there’s cute dog photos afterwards, so feel free to skip by)

We’re finally at a point where digital SLRs have hit the sweet spot of sub-$1000 and quality that rivals a proper 35mm film camera. Or so I’m told…I’m a total noob when it comes to photography, though I’m trying to learn. It seems to involve some math, which makes me cry. But I digress…

The camera I picked up is a Canon EOS 450D, also known by it’s terrible American name - Canon Digital Rebel XSI. I’m not going to even attempt a proper review because I’m still trying to figure out what all the knobs do, but so far I’m really impressed. The photo quality is superb even with the stock lens and my lack of skill, and I’m not dealing with a lot of the noise that I had to deal with on the small cam. Less photoshop time is always a good thing.

Rather than drone on about the camera, let me just show you what it does. I took some semi-willing volunteers (aka my three Border Collies) into the backyard on an overcast day, and took some shots. After you click on the image, click the green arrow at the bottom to see the full 12MP (4272×2848) glory.

This is Rohan (Gaelic for Red-Haired or Red). He’s the youngest of the three, and perhaps the most photogenic. Also a little bit insane…but that’s kind of part of the deal with herding dogs.

Gromit (as in Wallace and Gromit) is the middle child of the bunch. Pretty but…well, not so bright.

Finally, Zydeco (named after a type of Cajun music), the eldest and top dog of the house. He’s scary smart…I’m trying to teach him how to post to the blog. Okay, maybe not quite…

Anyways, should be fun to take next time I go somewhere interesting. I have a 55-250mm lens on order so I’ll look like a hardcore tourist. Now I need to find a hat…