CAMERA PEN RECORDER

Nikon D2x
Nikkor 18-35 AF D ED-IF

Background
I've always been a Nikon guy. My first real camera was a Nikon F Photomic FTn. I bought it new in Hong Kong in the 70's. That camera and I have beeen through a lot together, including been shot at (and shot down), trips to Yellowstone backcountry and Grand Canyon and all over the trails and rivers of the Southeast. I still have it and a bunch of great old Nikkor lenses.

When the "digital revolution" hit, I was still shooting film, specifically slides. Lots of slides. As time went on, I got a series of increasingly better digital cameras that soon all but replaced my film slrs. The most notably was a Nikon CoolPix 4500. I literally took pictures with it all around the world. Nice camera.

Of course I still had the itch for a DSLR. I had already decided if/when I got one it would be something like the Nikon D100. Few if any of my older Nikkor lenses would work on a Nikon D100, but that was OK. Of course, after making such a large investment in a DSLR body I figured I would just add a few lenses like a $99 Nikkor 80-200 I found at KEH.

A few friends had already made the leap to DSLRs, specifically Canon. They touted the performance of the Canon 10D. And since I had no intentions of using any of my older Nikkor lenses, it seem like a natural choice for me.

In fact, I was all ready to order a Canon 10D, when the Canon 20D was announced. I changed my order to a Canon 20D with the impressive Canon EF-S 17-85 IS lens. After literally 1,000s of shots (and the addition of numerous really nice Canon lenses) I am set. I currently shoot the full frame Canon 5D for low noise and wide angle subjects and the Canon 40D for general purpose and telephoto work. I love both cameras and have a relatively complete kit of lenses and accessories.

But I always wanted a Nikon DSLR.

The Plot Thickens
Recently I ran across a very good deal on a Nikon N8008 SLR film camera with Nikkor 50mm f/1.4 AF lens. It was an offer I couldn't refuse, so I got it. Almost immediately thereafter I came across a screaming good deal on a Nikon D2x body. I mean I already had plenty of cameras, but that Nikkor 50mm would be just right on the D2x. It was fate. The deal was too good to pass up, so I got it.

I was in heaven! Not only did I have a Nikon DSLR, but a D2X!

Initial Reaction
I love the Nikon D2x. It just feels good in your hands. Every feature you can think of, it has. Everything you want a camera to do, it does. (OK, I will admit, it is not the equal of my Canon gear for low light, low noise work, but it does well.)

I will say I prefer Canon lenses to Nikkor, hands down. The less expensive Nikkor lenses are just junk largely made of plastic. Performance may be good to great, but a plastic Nikkor lens just isn’t for me. I’m sure the more expensive Nikkor glass is excellent, but with a full kit of top end Canon glass I won’t be investing in those anytime soon.

The Nikon D2x took some getting used to, but I am now reasonably familiar with the menus, functions, etc. And except for the fact that lenses "go on backwards” (and zoom lenses "zoom backwards") I am good to go and happily clicking away.

After all, I am a Nikon guy.
:-)
JG/HamWithCam


Canon 40D
Canon 28mm prime
Nikon SB-28 Speedlight, with homebrew grid
Background is plain grey poster paper

Down to my in laws I've had my camera in the woods. Bear came back.