Crack of Dawn ... among other things

As for State of Origin Game 1 ... that's all in the past. I can complain all I like about the video ref decision with regards to the 1st Jarryd Hayne try ... or even the crap stripping calls or even how I really dislike JT. But I looked back and found a photo from way back, and remembered that there's still games 2 & 3 to be played.

Lens: Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8

Settings: 0.5 Sec, f/32, ISO 100

The tamrom was an awesome lens, fast, good quality but didn't quite have the range I wanted for a walk around lens. So on my recent purchase of the Canon EF 24-105mm f4L, I sold the Tamron. The only other issue I had with the Tamron was the noisy auto focusing, which DOES matter in situations like weddings.

Back to the photo, the sun came up at just the right time, and you can see it crack over the clouds, almost as if to say "I know you've been waiting for 2hrs, so I'll give you a nice pose to make it all worthwhile"

On a side note, I've decided on the compact camera to buy. The Lumix LX-3 beat out the Leica C-Lux 3 with the features of manual control, wider angle & more fps HD vid. I figured the ideal camera in my situation was the Leica D-Lux 4, but the Lumix is literally an identical (close) camera for half the price. About 30mins ago I put that camera on order, and if all goes to plan I'll have it ready for State of Origin Game 2 :)

As soon as i get the LX-3 I'll be posting the images up for all to scrutinize.

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Decisions, decisions, decisions

While I'm writing this, there is a 3 way tug of war raging on in the cluttered mess that is my mind. And before I get into that, I should explain my situation ...

As a camera salesman working at Camera House, you would think deciding the right camera is a piece of cake ... well you're wrong. I soon realised that I could tell people which camera to buy, and make them believe me ... but I can't do it to myself.

Being an SLR shooter, I wanted something small and compact to carry with me to all the situations where the 50D may not be allowed (ie. State of Origin). I thought to myself "This is easy, I need small and simple, Canon IXUS 100 IS" It's a neat little thing, and it does everything pretty averagely (not sure if that's actually a word). I was fairly keen on that for a couple of days (LOL).

Then I thought ... "if I'm going to get one, why not pay a little more and get something better?" So for an epic 30mins I tossed between the IXUS 100 and the IXUS 990. Eventually I thought, "The IXUS 990 is a great camera, but nothing really stands out. No wide angle, and almost all other features exist in the cheaper cameras in the IXUS range. As a result, more confusion.

In the midst of my internal turmoil, a colleague of mine (bless her soul) threw Leica into the mix. Long story short, I eventually brought it down to the Leica C-Lux 3 ... until I saw the Leica D-Lux 4. While I eagerly await my reply email on the prices for these 2 cameras (contrary to popular belief ... I DO have a budget) ... I present today's photo

Camera: Canon EOS 50D

Lens: Tamron 90mm f/2.8 macro

Settings: 1/60, f/2.8, ISO 100

I know it's winter, but if you just keep an eye out, you'll find photo opportunities like this. Hypothetically, if I was trapped in the amazon with no food, little water and my future looking bleak ... something this minute would be enough to pick me up and keep me going for atleast a little while longer.

But then again, it was hypothetical, and I could end up a victim of malaria or killer pythons. Who knows, but it would be a decorated ending to a trip of photojournalism.

Hopefully by next time I'll have decided on the compact camera of choice ... or maybe you can decide for me :)

Until then, cheers

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