New Equipment

[Shadowman]

Which item (digital camera, computer, scanner, or printer) gave you the greatest amount of hesitance when deciding to first purchase?

I would rate the scanner as the one item I had the most concerns with when purchasing. I wanted a good replication and also wanted to be sure my computer had the necessary resources to complete the scan. When I bought my first computer, I already had some knowledge of computers having put together a few barebones kits or upgrading older models. The printer was an easy purchase, however now with so many new refinements, such as single cartridges, laser printers, and the expense of new cartridges all options have changed. i remember when the only choices were dot matrix or inkjet printers.

My first DSLR was an easy decision also having some knowledge of cameras beforehand and upgrading from film and digital point and shoots. I know of about five brand names (Nikon, Canon, Pentax, Sony, and Olympus) and had used a Sony Mavica some years ago. Pentax was new to digital, and i wasn't familiar with the Olympus brand so it came down to Nikon and Canon. i knew I wanted to eventually get a supertelephoto and did not like the glaring white Canon lenses so the choice of Nikon became easier to undertake. I have heard that some Canon shooters will use black tape to cover up their white lenses but why go to the bother when you can just purchase a black one. i know this decision making process looks over simplified, but keep in mind that there are always some cosmetic effect that can make all the evaluation of electronics, stability, skill level, ease of use a mute subject when it comes down to just enjoying your new purchase. And that's my Ken Rockwell moment for the year.

[rob marshall]

Which item (digital camera, computer, scanner, or printer) gave you the greatest amount of hesitance when deciding to first purchase?

I'm afraid the answer from me (and I'm not trying to be smart) is none of them. I bought (traded up) a new 5D Mk2 last week, and I wan't too interested at all in the actual bit of kit, only in what it might be able to do in terms of delevering better quality images (but not better photographs). I actually dislike most of the gear I have, it's ugly, boring, heavy, and I see it purely as a necessary tool. To answer your question though, I suppose the hesitancy with anything is 'will it help deliver what I want to produce?' If it turns out not to, them time, money and opportunity may be lost.

[Shadowman]

I'm afraid the answer from me (and I'm not trying to be smart) is none of them. I bought (traded up) a new 5D Mk2 last week, and I wan't too interested at all in the actual bit of kit, only in what it might be able to do in terms of delevering better quality images (but not better photographs). I actually dislike most of the gear I have, it's ugly, boring, heavy, and I see it purely as a necessary tool. To answer your question though, I suppose the hesitancy with anything is 'will it help deliver what I want to produce?' If it turns out not to, them time, money and opportunity may be lost.

You'll notice I mentioned camera brands and not lenses which will usually get you where you need to be provided the camera has the basis controls (aperture, shutter speed, VR), the rest of the skills have to be sharpened by the photographer.

[Sonic4Spuds]

I can't answer any of these, as I haven't purchaced most of the above items. I am currently using a Nikon L100 given to me as a gift, and borrowing a Nikon D40. This makes me hate the Nikon brand, as they limit your options as compared to similar Cannon products. I am hoping to get a Cannon t2i soon, but don't know if I can afford it.

For printer and scanner, I am looking at a top end cannon or epson all in one.

Computer wasn't hard as I found a high-end netbook for sale for $300, and once I find the money I will be building my own very high end computer.

-Sonic

[Shadowman]

I can't answer any of these, as I haven't purchaced most of the above items. I am currently using a Nikon L100 given to me as a gift, and borrowing a Nikon D40. This makes me hate the Nikon brand, as they limit your options as compared to similar Cannon products. I am hoping to get a Cannon t2i soon, but don't know if I can afford it.

For printer and scanner, I am looking at a top end cannon or epson all in one.

Computer wasn't hard as I found a high-end netbook for sale for $300, and once I find the money I will be building my own very high end computer.

-Sonic

Actually you answered it quite well, for the printer/scanner you have limited it to two brands and are obviously looking at the capabilities of the all-in-one features. For the computer, you are using prior knowledge and future requirements. Regarding the camera it looks like you let someone else do the decision making for you. It might be interesting to find out why they chose the Nikon brand over any other.

[proseak]

"For printer and scanner, I am looking at a top end cannon or epson all in one." - I've never owned an all-in-one, but have moved from Canon scanners & Epson printers to, you guessed it, Epson scanners & Canon printers.

They're fairly specialised devices, and I suspect that a midrange one of each will outperform even a topend all-in-one. Oh, and you'll find Vuescan useful.

HTH

peter

[rpcrowe]

Absolutely no hesitance regarding our scanner. We got our scanner as a freebie (EPSON Workforce 610) with a new notebook computer we purchased from Fry's Electronics. It is a combination copier, scanner and fax machine (and also does the floors and makes coffee). The EPSON works great for how we use it. We don't do a lot of scanning of images and no scanning of negatives. We use the machine mostly for copying and faxing. The EPSON replaced a relatively new HP multi-purpose machine which kept breaking down. We have had no problems with the EPSON and love it.

I am still working with an HP Photosmart 7960 printer which does a great job. It is probably 5-6 years old and still working great.

I had a bit of hesitance in purchasing my first DSLR camera. Canon had just come out with the 300D which was the very first sub one thousand dollar DSLR/lens combination (prices have sure gone down and camera capabilities have improved). I did some research and decided on the Canon 10D which was a bit more expensive but, had better capabilities. I am happy that I did. I have continued with the Canon brand. Deciding on a camera is a lot like a marriage... You have to accept the in-laws as well. In the case of a camera, you really need to decide on a camera family based on the lenses available. However, for many photographers - the original kit lenses supplied with many cameras do a decent job at a wonderful price.

My present dilemma is whether to purchase the New Canon 7D or just continue shooting with my older Canon 30D and 40D cameras (using 17-55mm f/2.8 and 70-200mm f/4L IS) lenses. IMO, the lens is the primary element that controls image quality. However, the 7D has a brand new and very fast and accurate focusing system along with being able to control a Canon flash wirelessly. It has some other bells and whistles which have me salivating. I am not interested in the 60D nor T2i, although they are great cameras. However, I need to sell my 70-200mm f/4L (non-IS) lens and my 17-40mm f/4L IS lenses to fund the purchase of the 7D camera.

ON-THE-OTHER-HAND... I get very good imagery from my 30D and 40D cameras, See my China galleries all shot with the 30D and 40D cameras with the 17-55mm IS and 70-200mm f/4L IS lenses. Scroll down for the galleries at:
http://rpcrowe.smugmug.com/

[Shadowman]

Absolutely no hesitance regarding our scanner. We got our scanner as a freebie (EPSON Workforce 610) with a new notebook computer we purchased from Fry's Electronics. It is a combination copier, scanner and fax machine (and also does the floors and makes coffee). The EPSON works great for how we use it. We don't do a lot of scanning of images and no scanning of negatives. We use the machine mostly for copying and faxing. The EPSON replaced a relatively new HP multi-purpose machine which kept breaking down. We have had no problems with the EPSON and love it.

I am still working with an HP Photosmart 7960 printer which does a great job. It is probably 5-6 years old and still working great.

I had a bit of hesitance in purchasing my first DSLR camera. Canon had just come out with the 300D which was the very first sub one thousand dollar DSLR/lens combination (prices have sure gone down and camera capabilities have improved). I did some research and decided on the Canon 10D which was a bit more expensive but, had better capabilities. I am happy that I did. I have continued with the Canon brand. Deciding on a camera is a lot like a marriage... You have to accept the in-laws as well. In the case of a camera, you really need to decide on a camera family based on the lenses available. However, for many photographers - the original kit lenses supplied with many cameras do a decent job at a wonderful price.

My present dilemma is whether to purchase the New Canon 7D or just continue shooting with my older Canon 30D and 40D cameras (using 17-55mm f/2.8 and 70-200mm f/4L IS) lenses. IMO, the lens is the primary element that controls image quality. However, the 7D has a brand new and very fast and accurate focusing system along with being able to control a Canon flash wirelessly. It has some other bells and whistles which have me salivating. I am not interested in the 60D nor T2i, although they are great cameras. However, I need to sell my 70-200mm f/4L (non-IS) lens and my 17-40mm f/4L IS lenses to fund the purchase of the 7D camera.

ON-THE-OTHER-HAND... I get very good imagery from my 30D and 40D cameras, See my China galleries all shot with the 30D and 40D cameras with the 17-55mm IS and 70-200mm f/4L IS lenses. Scroll down for the galleries at:
http://rpcrowe.smugmug.com/

I've owned two scanners in my lifetime and still have the first one purchased but don't use as computer technology advanced beyond its capabilities, it has a parallel port and i didn't want to bother with the converter. It still works but has a max resolution of about 1200x800. It would always crash my slower computer at the time but did make pretty good scans.

[Black Pearl]

Had to be my iMac which I bought at Christmas. I've always had Windows PC's, still have a two Laptops a Netbook and an old XP based tower that we use as a home server, so the leap to an Apple was going to be one of both faith and constant recommendation from friends.

I should have done it years ago, it is simple superb. Quite apart from the stunning screen, my main reason for wanting one, I have now got to grips with the OS and rather enjoy some of the ways it does stuff. I don't go in for all this Microsoft v Apple rubbish all I wanted was a large screen, a tiny footprint (don't have a computer room/office so it sits on the dining table) and it to be faster than the Dell Inspiron Laptop it was to replace as my main machine. It does all these and more. Having two young boys we don't have a lot of spare time through the day so the instant start is a bonus when you get a rare five minute break and want a nose around the net. From a photography point of view then the overall performance is a huge leap from the Dell, as it should be its three years newer, though even up against mates similar spec PC based systems it still feels snappier.

A small confession - I have tried to justify the purchase purely on what it can do but each day I get a warm glow from the sheer beauty of the thing - I'm sorry I can't help it, every bit is a piece of art.

[Colin Southern]

Are we limited to just those 4 things?

[arith]

I think it was printer; I didn't want to learn new colour spaces and have a fondness for wet methods. Commercial printers around here are rubbish though; they are more interested in beer mats than photography and refuse to even give a quote.

The next was a calibrator; but it turns out I like that now. Then there are those little things like Interval Timer, that cost a lot and are hardly ever used.

[rpcrowe]

I am afraid to get an I-phone. I have not mastered the old Motorola phone I have used for years. I have a Samsung MP-3 player and that is nice but, my wife's I-pod is even nicer...

[Shadowman]

Are we limited to just those 4 things?

I was thinking of adding cars, any item will do.

[Black Pearl]

I am afraid to get an I-phone. I have not mastered the old Motorola phone I have used for years. I have a Samsung MP-3 player and that is nice but, my wife's I-pod is even nicer...

Best bit of tech ever - though they completely take over your life and you find you can't live without it very quickly

[Shadowman]

Had to be my iMac which I bought at Christmas. I've always had Windows PC's, still have a two Laptops a Netbook and an old XP based tower that we use as a home server, so the leap to an Apple was going to be one of both faith and constant recommendation from friends.

I should have done it years ago, it is simple superb. Quite apart from the stunning screen, my main reason for wanting one, I have now got to grips with the OS and rather enjoy some of the ways it does stuff. I don't go in for all this Microsoft v Apple rubbish all I wanted was a large screen, a tiny footprint (don't have a computer room/office so it sits on the dining table) and it to be faster than the Dell Inspiron Laptop it was to replace as my main machine. It does all these and more. Having two young boys we don't have a lot of spare time through the day so the instant start is a bonus when you get a rare five minute break and want a nose around the net. From a photography point of view then the overall performance is a huge leap from the Dell, as it should be its three years newer, though even up against mates similar spec PC based systems it still feels snappier.

A small confession - I have tried to justify the purchase purely on what it can do but each day I get a warm glow from the sheer beauty of the thing - I'm sorry I can't help it, every bit is a piece of art.

The Apple is the choice system for graphic arts, I know of a few photography courses that only use this system for their instructions leaving us PC users out in the cold. When the Apple first hit the market I didn't go that route because of the lack of software available, now that has changed and the Apple does look more desirable these days.

[Shadowman]

I think it was printer; I didn't want to learn new colour spaces and have a fondness for wet methods. Commercial printers around here are rubbish though; they are more interested in beer mats than photography and refuse to even give a quote.

The next was a calibrator; but it turns out I like that now. Then there are those little things like Interval Timer, that cost a lot and are hardly ever used.

A new product idea, the photographer comes into the print shop, does his own editing and printing. If you don't like the first printout, sorry you already paid for it. It could work, the photographer shouldn't have to touch the printer, only the computer equipment and why not bring your own.

[rob marshall]

I was thinking of adding cars, any item will do.

Action is better than thinking.

I had to change my Peugeot last year. The second one in two years that had major engine management (don't make me laugh) problems - the first one was sent back to the factory where they no doubt are using it for target practice in their tea breaks. I was hesitant about moving away from a sporty hatch-back (same engine as the mini-cooper) but I was also hesitant about getting a third car of the same model. How's that for a hesitancy dilemna?

The only real option was a diesel turbo of the same model range. I had visions of some phut-phut diesel belching slowly along the by-ways of rural Wales, where I would stop occasionally and pour milky coffee from the Thermos, and tuck the tartan rug under my wife's knees. But actually it turned out pretty good. I'm saving £700 ayear on fuel, £150 a year on insurance, and £150 a year on road tax (don't worry, you don't have that in the land of the free!). And the performance is nifty-shifty - in fact, not too far off what the sporty heap of junk was. The moral of this tale is hesitancy can sometimes stop you from doing what is right.

[MiniChris]

There is very little difference between the two operating systems...when it comes down to file handling, storage or speed. Mac has the graphics advantage because early on when they first came into the marketplace, they targeted that industry...it was a smart move. They also targeted higher education and set up a system of upgrades that pretty much left a user with no financially good options but to stay with them. Again, good marketing.
That said, the world in general depends on PC's for everything else and their graphics support programs aren't too shabby, either...that's why they have an Adobe crossover for just about every Mac based platform. Do ya think! I look at it from an intuitive standpoint. Macs feel "left-handed" to me and PC's don't, so I use the PC. I can cross over when necessary but I always feel like I'm having to think at every turn. Oh well, to each, his/her own.
Phone...push the right combination of numbers and reach a friend...listen to the ring and get a call back. Enough for me.

[MiniChris]

Rob, you should have waited for the Mini Countryman. AWD and sporty. I have the Mini Coupe S and the Mini Clubman S. The Clubman has all the boot space you'd ever need and gets incredible mileage. I believe, in the UK, they also offer the diesel version which gets upward of 65 miles to the gallon. the new Minis use the Peugeot motor whike the older models have the BMW motor which I prefer over the Peugeot, though the torque of that motor is quite good.
Peugeots don't sell well over here.

[rob marshall]

Peugeots don't sell well over here.

What! After the French helped you out (loans) in 1776. As I recall Ben Franklin was US Ambassador to France at that time.