My cameras, my skills

In year 2002, while expecting our 1st baby boy Edmond, I decided to spend RM1,280 (USD365) for a 2megapixel digital camera Nikon CoolPix CP2500. From snapshots to some serious macro photography, I upgraded to Nikon CoolPix CP4500 in year 2003 which claims the best macro semi prosumer digital camera. But I still can’t make blurred background of Edmond’s portrait, that something like this. Edmond is now 5 years old. Perhaps I really need to know more about photography at that time, so my visit to Kuala Lumpur I bought this book, The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Photography Like a Pro. I don’t need the expert guide; an idiot’s guide is just right for me. 🙂

I first started with Nikon FM2 and a MF 105mm f/2.5 and I am very keen of taking outdoor portraits back in 2003. A big thanks to Mr. Peter Kan who guided me patiently from A to Z, from loading film to expose correctly. Also a big to Mr. John Tendahal who had arranged many many gorgeous models for the outdoor portrait session and guidance in shooting outdoor portrait. There is one very important person I must not forget is Mr. John Lee, my ex-boss. He had taught me in Creative Photography. “You already have the right tools and skills, you must learn to shoot creatively to stand from others in order to attract viewers”. This is the words from John that I must not forget. All my winning shots should credit to him. A big big thank to you, John.Later I add up Nikkor MF 50mm f/1.8 and AF-D 70-210mm f/4-5.6 as well as a Sunpak AFZ 888 flash. Being not enough wide, I also added Cosina AF 19-35mm f/3.5-4.5. From there on, I started experiencing some Fuji Velvia & Provia slides (50 & 100 ISO).

Early 2004 when Nikon introduced it’s second dSLR, D70; I’ve made a decision to get it at first hand. My learning curve soaring high with the instant preview from the LCD and the ability to download pictures to my computer and start to learn digital photo manipulation using Adobe Photoshop. Later my visit to Taipei, I also added a superwide lens Sigma AF 10-20mm f/4-5.6 DC EX HSM to shoot landscaping which eventually became my favorite subject.

Being convinced by the extremely low digital ISO noise by Canon EOS System, I finally had give up my Nikon D70 with some AF lenses and digital flash but leave my FM2 and 50mm as well as the sunpak flash in my 60L DigiCab dry box. During my initial stage of using the Canon EOS System, I’ve encountered some minor lens back focusing issue but later was solved after returned from Canon Service Centre.I am now very pleased with Canon and never regretted switching. My experience on Canon system is EOS 20D, 30D, 350D & 400D. Here is the full list of my photography equipments:

Nikon CP4200 & Nikon Underwater Housing WP-CP2
Nikon D70
Sigma AF 10-20mm f/4-5.6 DC EX HSM
Cosina AF 19-35mm f/3.5-4.5
Nikkor AFS 18-70mm f/3.5-4.5 IF DX
Nikkor AF 70-210mm f/4-5.6D
Nikkor AF 80-200mm f/2.8D
Nikkor AF 50mm f/1.8D
Nikkor 50mm f/1.8

Nikon SB600 Speed Light

Nikon FM2
EOS 400D

Nikkor Ai-S 50mm f/1.8
Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II

Canon EFS 10-20mm f/3.5-4.5 USM
Sigma AF 17-70mm f/2.8-4.5 DC
Canon EFS 17-85mm f/4-5.6 USM IS
Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM
Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L USM IS
Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L USM
Canon EF 135mm f/2.8 SF

Canon Speedlite 580EX
Sunpak 888AFZ Flash

Manfrotto 709B DGT ALL TABLE TRIPOD BLACK
Manfrotto 190PRO B Tripod + 308RC Ballhead
680B MONOPOD (4-SCTN) & 486RC2 Ballhead

Jenova Top Loading Shoulder Bag -> my favorite bag
Lowepro Nova 5 AW (Green)
Lowepro Minitrekker AW (Green)
Lowepro Off Road
Lowepro Rezo 190 AW -> my favorite bag
Lowepro Slingshot 200 AW
Lowepro S&F LightBelt + some lens cases LC2, LC3, LC4 & LC5s
DMC-Z Memory Cards & Accessories Holder
SlipLock Pouch 60 AW
Lowepro Filter Pocket

Some Hoya filter ranging from 52mm to 77mm
Some Cokin P-Series filters with holders and ring adapters

A few Ridata CF Cards ranging from 2 to 4gb
Compact Drive PD70x

Whilbal White Balance Reference Card

Epson Perfection 4990 Hybrid Scanner

Canon PIXMA ip4200 A4 Photo Printer
HP Photosmart 8750 A3+ Photo Printer

Beside the Idiot Guide reference, I also visit some photography websites and sharing & asking opinions in online forums to sharpen my photography skills.

PhotoMalaysia
MIR Photography
Digital Photography Review
Rob Galbraith Digital Photography Insights
Ken Rockwell
PhotoSig
Photo.Net

I also used to buy and sell used equipments here but you just need to be careful with conman.
Free Trade Zone

Feel free free to write to me if you need to know more if happen to you wanted to buy the same gears I owned.