I guess I haven’t mentioned that. From January 1st to 10th, I’m going to Cuba. We’re going to spend four nights in Havana and four in a resort at Varadero. So, posting will be light to nonexistent over the next week and a half. If you’re looking for something to read, check out one of the 260 sites on the sidebar there. Surely there’s something to your liking.
In preparation for the Cuban trip, I decided to upgrade my digital camera. While I was happy enough with our PowerShot A75, and a better camera certainly doesn’t make a better photographer, I’ve been wanting a digital SLR since we went to Africa. On that trip, we used our great old Pentax K-1000, which takes great photos (with brilliant colour). However, animals move a lot. I’m not a skilled-enough photographer to focus the zoom lens, track the animal, check the settings and take a quality shot. We were successful occasionally, but not consistently. So, I thought I’d make it easier on myself by getting an SLR with an auto-focus option and digital output. I got a Nikon D70. It’s the pick of the litter in its price range, and Heather (who takes way better photos than me) kindly let me fondle hers to ensure that it was the right fit.
Today we went to Pender Island to look at a few prospective pieces of land. I took the camera to test it out and document the lots we were looking at. Mostly, there are a lot of photos of trees. I did get to sit up in the front seat of the float plane on the way over, though. I have much learning to do with the camera, but I certainly liked how it responded on its first day out.
DarrenBarefoot.com 
yay! another member in the D70 cult, ahem, club!
WAIT. > important than camera is tape or digital recorder for music. There’s more quality music per sq. metre in Cuba than any other place in the world. If you go anywhere on a tour or to a place where people on a tour are going, you will hear performance after performance, solo, duet, trio, even perhaps a seteto. I’d be surprised if you sat down to a single post-noon meal without the accompaniment of live performance. And much of it well above the level of “good busker”.
I wanted to spend my (unexpected) Christmas bonus towards getting a D70, but NOOOOOOOO…the missus thinks that’s impractical. Like fixing up our house is practical? Yeah…whatever, crazy lady!
Have a great trip, Darren! Cuba is an interesting place and will definitely reward you if you go exploring off the beaten path. The beach at Varadero is gorgeous (although the quality of the resorts is a little iffy).
Looking forward to hearing more about the D70! I’m leaning towards buying one myself, later in the year. (I almost bought one this week because of a rebate offer, but I really don’t have the cash right now. Unlike most Merkins, I enjoy not having any debt.)
Hey, have a nice trip.
You’ll enjoy the D70, but by now you already know that.
Happy New Year to you, Darren! Enjoy your R & R in Cuba.
Oooh, digital SLR. Nikon D70. I’ve had my eye on it, so will look forward to your reviews.