Looking for a digital camera

[CaptainGizmo]

I spent some time on their site, and the one thing I came away with is, I don't know what I don't know. So what bag would you suggest for a camera, a couple of lens's, batteries/charger, etc.?

Jim,

Peak’s bags are quite unique and very flexible. I use the Messenger Bag, exclusively, for my “light” carry. I can pack a spare lens, blower bulb, full body/battery with lens, spare batteries, and filters…and still have room for other items. It’s great to sling around your shoulder, or set onto a shelf on our coach too.

I’ve loved LowePro in the past, but since discovering THINKTANK years ago, they’ve become my favorite. This is what I’d call my “storage” heavy bag; it’s the Airport Roller Derby bag. It has incredible construction, top-quality…not cheap, but who cares…I’ve had it for years and years and it’s the perfect bag for what it does. It sits on my shelf and can be ready to roll any time I wanna take my entire cache of camera and glassware.

This is one of the Airport series; they now have a few models/sizes:

ThinkTANK Airport Roller

 

[CaptainGizmo]

P.S. I just LOVE spending money…especially when it’s SOMEONE ELSE’S!!

And THIS…is why I’ve been personally banned by so many wives from calling their husbands! Sorry…not sorry.

 

[Jim]

Turns out, there's a learning curve!

When it comes to purchasing a D850, you can get Gray Market or US Version. Both are made in the same Nikon factory, but the Gray Market is/was developed for sale in countries other than the USA. Gray Market are substantially less to purchase, but they don't have a US warranty. And I've been told that many (most) US dealers will not work on them even if you're paying the repair bill.

And you know which one I bought? That's right, the Gray Market version. I mean, heck, they look exactly the same, because they ARE the same, just not for meant for sale in the US market.

So back it went and now I'm waiting on a brand new, USA version, with USA warranty.

​

 

[Jim]

Most of this has taken place undercover. I mean, Trish knows I'm buying some camera stuff, but I haven't been clear with just how much this is going to cost over the period of the next couple of years or so. So I've been thinking of a way to bring her up to speed, in as gracious a manner as possible. Here is what I have so far.

"Baby, I know this may look like I’ve spent almost $5,000… and technically yes, I have… but what you’re missing is that I’ve now invested in a hobby where, for the very first time in my life, I can finally start taking bad photos in really, really high resolution."

What could go wrong?

 

[MemoriesByTheMile]

When it comes to camera gear - you have learned a valuable lesson.
This is why most of my camera gear purchases end up going through a shop where I know I get the legitimate stuff.
Been using B&H Photo and Video for years. Competitive pricing AND good customer service. Tried a couple of the other NY shops and customer service wasn’t good. The others would charge me but not ship products for weeks.

 

[Texas Clodhopper]

I wish I had known when we were there, you would be in the market for an upgrade. I have a Nikon D500 with fewer than 1,000 clicks on it and a variety of Nikkor lenses. I could offer you a deal you couldn't refuse. Plus, a carbon fiber Gitzo tripod with a Wimberley mount and a carbon fiber monopod. Many lenses, teleconverters, etc.

 

[CaptainGizmo]

Wise decision on returning the Gray camera, Jim. It’s not worth it; if nothing else, for resale.

 

[Neal]

Most of this has taken place undercover. I mean, Trish knows I'm buying some camera stuff, but I haven't been clear with just how much this is going to cost over the period of the next couple of years or so. So I've been thinking of a way to bring her up to speed, in as gracious a manner as possible. Here is what I have so far.

"Baby, I know this may look like I’ve spent almost $5,000… and technically yes, I have… but what you’re missing is that I’ve now invested in a hobby where, for the very first time in my life, I can finally start taking bad photos in really, really high resolution."

What could go wrong?

You're smart. You built a campground. You have options

 

[Jim]

Wise decision on returning the Gray camera, Jim. It’s not worth it; if nothing else, for resale.

Well, that’s exactly right. You have no idea how hard it was to return that camera. But it was the right thing to do. If for no other reason, as you noted, the resale value.

 

[Jim]

You're smart. You built a campground. You have options

I’m not sure building a campground and intellect are partners in this situation. If anything, it proves I have a history of fully committing to expensive hobbies that make little financial sense.

 

[redbaron]

I’m not sure building a campground and intellect are partners in this situation. If anything, it proves I have a history of fully committing to expensive hobbies that make little financial sense.

It does show that you have prepared your wife for unexpected, under explained costs.

Good job

 

[DennisT]

Well, that’s exactly right. You have no idea how hard it was to return that camera. But it was the right thing to do. If for no other reason, as you noted, the resale value.

The “non US” version has been an issue for quite a while.

Wife used to sell high end audio and video equipment. Now and then someone would bring in something to get looked at - nope, this does not have a warranty in the US, sorry.

Folks used to get upset but saving a couple bucks is not worth it sometimes.

 

[Jim]

Well, it’s finally arrived! It’s definitely bigger than I expected, with an impressive array of buttons, dials, and switches to fiddle with. LOL, I don’t think I’ll be snapping any photos today, though. The battery still needs to charge anyway.

 

[Texas Clodhopper]

If you're in the market for some Nikkor lenses, including teleconverters, let me know.

 

[CaptainGizmo]

Well, it’s finally arrived! It’s definitely bigger than I expected, with an impressive array of buttons, dials, and switches to fiddle with. LOL, I don’t think I’ll be snapping any photos today, though. The battery still needs to charge anyway.

The the fun and forgetfulness begin!

I say that with kindness of the brotherhood, knowing that photography gear can be so complicated, ya gotta have a cheat sheet on every shoot!

So…try to bite off a small piece at a time, just enjoying AUTO mode before changing a bunch of settings.

And finally…remember your friend: “RESET TO FACTORY DEFAULTS”!