Cameras

I have been wanting a new camera for a while now. While preparing inserts for the Sunday paper, I saw several ads for cameras on sale, which got me thinking about whether I could afford an upgrade by the time I left for Boulder. I really can't, if I want to have enough money for rent while I find a job there. But when I can save the money, I think I have decided that the Canon PowerShot SX260 HS is the best camera at the next level of photography. I thought about getting a bridge camera, which is between a point-and-shoot and a dSLR. In the end I think they are still just too bulky, and there are smaller cameras with the same high quality shots with more control like manual settings. The PowerShot SX260 is the best of these, and is a bit more money than I was originally planning on spending. But it's not like I need a camera for anything now. If we (Vanderbilt orchestra) end up going to China I will hopefully be able to invest in a new camera.

Three main considerations that I have are as follows: image quality, particularly in low light; a more versatile zoom (my old PowerShot only has a basic 3x zoom); and more creative control through manual settings, as I hope to become a better photographer armed with more than a point-and-shoot. And of course size and convenience is another major factor, as I want to take landscape pictures and pictures of architecture when I am able to travel.

There are plenty of things that I want that I need to start saving for as soon as I can. Besides a new camera, more immediately I need to buy some new shoes. And I would really like to have a computer that didn't overheat and require an external fan all the time. Dad said I could use his copy of Corel Draw (2009, I believe, so not too old) so that I can finally use the electronic tablet that he got me forever ago. And long term saving will hopefully begin soon for a road trip to Yellowstone (I'm hoping to meet Ashley there, which would be lovely) and ultimately, a return trip to Vienna and perhaps Switzerland.