THEBILNS

Why the D70? Well, the Nikon D70 was designed for a broad range of people, from novices to experienced photo enthusiasts, and so it allows photographers like me to easily adopt digital technology into my pictures.

The D70 uses the Nikon DX Format sensor and the Nikon F lens mount design. This means compatibility with all AF Nikkor lenses and at the same time, allowing me to take advantage of higher quality DX Nikkor lenses designed for Nikon’s D-series digital SLR cameras. The DX lenses are optimized for full image quality, edge-to-edge.

The D70 has a 5-area AF (Auto Focus) system that is fast and precise, and can even perform Auto Focusing very well in dark conditions.

It can shoot a rapid 3 frames per second for a continuous burst of 144 pictures (when using JPEG NORMAL - Large settings).

The controls are easy to access and the menus are clear and in plain language on the large LCD monitor.

Of particular note, are the D70’s seven automated Digital Vari-Program selections for a combination of personal control and automatic operation that helps achieve great results under difficult shooting conditions.

Shutter speeds of 30 to 1/8,000 sec. give me full creative control. The built-in auto pop-up flash can synchronize at shutter speeds of up to 1/500 sec.

ISO can be set from 200 to 1600 or controlled automatically across the same range of settings to maximize available light.

The D70’s 3D Color Matrix Meter with 1,005-pixel sensor provides accurate auto white balance. Six different manual white balance modes, preset white balance, and white balance bracketing are also available for even more creative control.

Exposure compensation and flash exposure compensation combine with auto exposure bracketing to further help me in achieving the perfect shot.

I mean, come on!! Any serious photo hobbyist should begin, at the very least, with this camera.

The 18-70mm zoom range on my D70 is equivalent to a 27-105mm lens in 35mm format. That’s because of the smaller CCD (Charge-Coupled Device image sensor), forcing an actual length of 1.5 times the amount of the lens.

It’s a very good lens for the price and is probably the best kit lens to accompany a camera. The first thing I noticed when first using it was the quiet and smooth Auto Focus. Add that to the performance of the glasses in the case and you got many pictures without worrying about abberations.

I love this prime lens. It’s great for indoor shooting when your in some tight spaces and don’t have a flash. Close ups can produce great depth of field. Some other pluses are that it’s really well built, compact and very lightweight, and can give you a very high contrast image with maximum aperture.

This is a high speed telephoto lens with RF (Rear Focusing) technology for fast AF (Auto Focusing) operation. It’s the perfect lens for wedding situations or even personal portrait work.

The lens is very sharp and like the Nikkor 50mm I have, it’s also very compact and lightweight. 

Delivers high-performance focus at extremely close range. Minimum focus distance is 14cm (5.5 in.)—only 3cm (1.2 in.) from the lens front.

ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass element minimizes chromatic aberration, for natural colors.

Versatile lens for photomicrography.

Close-up to approx. 22cm/8.6 in.

Close-Range Correction (CRC) system provides high performance at both near and far focusing distances.

The Kenko Extension Tubes set contains three tubes of different length which can be combined in seven ways to obtain various magnification.

They keep perfect coupling with TTL metering and AE mechanisms, but autofocus may not be possible with some lenses.

Filters are good investments. They help protect your lenses from dust, moisture and scratches. If you want to, they can be left on the lens at all times for protection.

As well as protection various types of filters can be used for various types of photography.

The SB-800 with wireless i-TTL flash control evolves the technology beyond the D-TTL of the D1 series, and introduces features that include Advanced Wireless Lighting—wireless remote control over multiple flashes, Flash Value Lock (FV Lock), AUTO FP High-Speed Sync, and Flash Color Information Communication.

It also has a new Wide Area AF Assist Illuminator. Additional features include a built-in wide flash adapter for 14mm wideangle lens coverage, GN 38/53 (ISO 100/200, at 35mm), and flash coverage from 35mm up 105mm in 5mm zoom steps when using the Auto Zoom function.

The SB-600 features Nikon’s latest i-TTL monitor pre flash metering technology. It offers a powerful but attractively priced main flash for general photographic situations. Which is why I bought it.

It has a fully automatic exposure control when used in groups with other SB-600 Speedlights controlled the new ‘Commander’ function of the Nikon D70.

It’s easy to use with simplified buttons and packed with practical functions to meet most of my lighting needs.

The Sto-fen Omni-Bounce creates a diffused bare bulb effect, giving even coverage across the entire frame, with lenses from 15mm to 200mm in the 35mm format (and equal in other formats as well).

The Omni-Bounce is easy to use and goes onto and off the flash in seconds with custom fitting and no velcro.

I fell in love with this tripod right when I saw it. I mean, it’s so sexy! But seriously in my opinion it is the one tripod that can be there for whatever I need.

It’s compact due to its 4-section legs, it can even fit in a backpack, which makes it especially suitable for outdoor photography.

The 055MF4 has a three-faceted aluminum center column, which can offset the pressure of the locking system and the torsion caused while in used in a horizontal position. Perfect for when you want to take shots with the camera pointing straight down.

The legs are constructed of 1.2 mm carbon fiber tube and quick-action lever locking collars made of magnesium die-casting. Each leg can be set independently in one of four angle settings using the a leg angle selector.

The top spider is made of magnesium die-casting, and includes the clamping system for the dual position (horizontal and vertical) center column plus a built-in bubble level. It also has a hand-padded carrying strap which can also operate like a hook to hang weights from in order to increase the stability of the tripod during shoots in extremely windy conditions.

So it can handle all the outdoor stuff, and the indoor work will be a breeze with it.

A three-section black anodized aluminium monopod with a rubber grip, wrist carrying strap, quick action lever leg lock system with 45° flip, large 2.3” camera/head platform with plastic cover and dual 1/4-20” - 3/8” camera screw.

Perfect for what I need.

The 329 is a low profile 3-way head intended for use with all format cameras as well as heavy setups. It stops exactly where you tell it to, and comes with a quick release clamp & plate with screws for both size camera holes (1/4"-20 & 3/8"-16).

A strong sturdy ball head, the 488RC2 features a separate ratchet lever for 360° pan and an easy to grip locking knob for +90°-90° tilt movements.

It’s perfect for what I need at the moment. Might need a stronger one for those extreme outdoor stuff, but i don’t see myself climbing cliffs anytime soon.

Designed specifically for Monopods. The swivel tilt head with quick-release features a one-axis movement which allows the positioning of the camera for a vertical format with the Monopod in the upright stance.

From DPReview:

“The Optio 550 has a five megapixel sensor with a five times optical zoom lens ... The Optio 550 sports a wide range of manual controls, flexible settings and a powerful Lithium-Ion rechargeable battery which puts it up at the prosumer end of the market, ... it’s a very attractive proposition for anyone considering a five megapixel prosumer compact digital camera.”

From the LOMOGRAPHIC SOCIETY:

“The legendary LOMO Kompakt Automat is a pocket-size, robust, precise and automatic snapshot camera made in St. Petersburg, Russia. Using Prof. Radionov’s incredible “Minitar 1” wide-angle lens, the Lomo is forever at your side for contrasty, color-drenched images.”

From the LOMOGRAPHIC SOCIETY:

“This little beauty is the one and only incredible four-lens-photo-photo-photo-photo ActionSampler. Available in three sexy surfaces. With one shot you get a series of four images on one print & a macro-movie to be relished online!”

The Holga 120S is a lightweight camera that has the talent for dreamy, double exposure shots.

The Holga 120S is a medium format camera that has a standard hotshoe for a flash and a plastic lens. This model has a standard tripod mount, a bulb exposure selector for extra long exposures and comes with two frames to take pictures in 6x4.5 cm or 6x6 cm size.

From Matt Denton:

“Solid all-metal mechanical SLR right in there with its contemporary Ricoh, Mamiya, Fujica and Yashica M42-mount SLRs in terms of features and quality. Nicer than some, in fact—rugged, well-designed and well-made ... Generally found with either a fast sharp Cosinon or ‘Argus Sekor’ normal lens depending on the date of manufacture. Most impressive feature: strong metal focal plane shutter like Praktica and Konica.”

Concealable SLR camera system.

Messenger style.

11 pockets for extra accessories.

Front pocket for media players with headset outlet.

Harness includes internal frame, load adjustment, compression and sternum straps.

CollarCut shoulder straps, and quick-adjust waistbelt. Revolutionary water-resistant zippers, travel cover, and All Weather Cover protect the gear against extreme weather, dust and sand.

Attachment loops - made from the same tough Hypalon used in river rafts - position the Trekker Tripod Mount or optional SlipLock accessories wherever most convenient.

NB - I only WISH the interior of my bag looked like the interior of the one shown here.