So today I was thinking to myself, 'look gal, there's only so long that you can sustain a photo-blog that is based on nicking other people's internet images.'
'Good point, well made,' I replied to myself. And at that moment, I decided that I needed to splash out on an emergency gadget.
Pic.No.1. An example of a picture that I nicked. It's from one of my favourite websites: 'I hate my parents.com'
To be honest, it wasn't just need that spurred me on to purchasing a new camera. A couple of days ago, I had been talking to my chum Clare on Skype, and she was waxing lyrical about a new camera that she had just bought, telling me how good all the photos of her mutt were.
I wasn't happy for her. No sirree. I had gadget envy; I am the Gadget Queen for chrissake. I wanted to reach into Skype and snatch it from her, drive a steam roller over it and then set fire to the remaining crumbs (the only flaw in the plan was that I didn't have a steam roller to hand).
"How much did you pay for it?" I asked through clenched teeth.
"About $120," she had replied chirpily.
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So yesterday I started searching for a new camera on the internet. It quickly became clear that I did not have the expertise to understand what I was buying. They were all advertising things like 'ISO settings', 'DSLRs', 'shutter speeds', and to top it off 'circular polarising filters'.
WTF? They were either technical terms, or camera geeks speak 'Klingon'.
So I came up with a brainwave: I would join a 'digital camera forum'.
Tentatively, I set up a user account on the website 'Digital Camera Expert' and posted my first thread.......
Title: I'm a bit of a joey when it comes to cameras, please can you help?
My thread: I know nothing about cameras, but I want to buy a compact digital, and it must cost more than $120.01. And I don't want to bother with any fiddly settings. And it must be bounce-proof. And big enough so that my dog can't eat it. And if it has a good zoom function for spying that would be a bonus.
It wasn't long before I got a reply.
Siuye (global moderator): Hi, not sure if you noticed, but this is a professional photographers' forum. We don't rate cameras by 'fiddly settings' or their ability to 'bounce'. Also, we don't review cameras in terms of whether they can be eaten by dogs or not. But if you want to buy a camera for more than $120.01, then I recommend the Canon Powershot S95. You can set it to 'automatic' so that all you have to do is press a button. It also has a 28mm wide angle lens and powerful zoom function, although I can't comment on its effectiveness for spying.
How helpful are those forum guys? I had anticipated that they might be a bit stand-offish...... but I got that wrong...... the Canon Powershot S95 is the puppy then.
Pic.No.2. I nicked this picture of the Canon Powershot S95 off the internet
So, I have just ordered it from Amazon for £299 with a 2-day delivery, and I am awaiting its arrival with bated breath. I am so excited that I could blow chunks.
Pic.No.3. Another picture that I nicked from 'I-hate-my-parents.com'
P.S. I shall let you know post-haste what my new camera is like when I get it.
P.P.S. What is your favourite gadget? And why do I have a feeling that my gadget-buddy, Brahm, is going to out-gadget me?!
Dear me, you should have looked closer to home, my wife sells cameras amongst other things for a living and we are both keen photographers, plus I spent 17 years flogging them in a previous life. But you have not made a bad choice and I am sure it will do what you want, but no toilet shots please as it is not waterproof!!!
ReplyDeleteHa!....I got a new camera a month ago that cost less that $100. and I got a Lowepro carry case for free. I didn't pick it out though...my son did. His only criteria was that it had to be mum proof (ie.idiot proof). It's very cute and light and I can stick it my pocket or purse....Samsung ES70. Takes really great pictures...when the son uses it:(...did I tell you he's a photographer....oh well. I just have to get around to reading the on-line manual.
ReplyDeleteIf someone posted a reply like that to a plea for advice that I had made on a forum, I would hunt them down and shoot them in the cock.
ReplyDeleteMy fave gadget is not that gadgety, but it's my sooper dooper food processor.
Innocent has nothing on my smoothies.
You are a minx Robert. How come you didn't tell me about your Mrs being a camera expert when I did my post about destroying my camera? I will definitely contact you when I destroy my new S95!
ReplyDeleteOh hello Mary Ann! Are you a new visitor round here? You are most welcome!
ReplyDeleteCan I borrow your son for a couple of days? I promise that I will look after him really well..I have got 3 Bombay Bad Boy pot noodles lined up and waiting.
Expect an email in the next week then Annie.
ReplyDeleteBy the way I presume it does come with, or you have also ordered a memory card for it?
I think I lurked recently and was being nosy again:)
ReplyDeleteRe: son...I had to laugh because he often works part time for a local TV station filming food shows...he always gets to eat whatever they are making that day.
have you ever done a cost analysis on how long things last v how much they cost u... it would be scary.. I give this camera months.. 2 quid a day.. better get some decent pics!
ReplyDeleteYou must realize that there isn't a camera out there that will be NG proof don't you? You may get one that he can't swallow, but that certainly ensure it's survival.
ReplyDeleteI can't tell you how many electronic doo-dad we've had to replace over the years because of the pack. I've lost count.
Kiwi, our Siberian had a real affinity for seat belts. While we were in the mountains of Colorado one winter she ate through at least 3.
That response from them is hysterical. I'm pretty happy with my Sony. It appears to be moron-proof so far.
ReplyDeleteDamn snotty photogs, shoot a picture of NG licking himself inappropriately and post it on their forum.
ReplyDeleteOk...now, Annie, listen up. Since the camera is on it's way, you will need to get your very own, specialized camera bag to carry it around in. So, post haste, head to the nearest office supply store, buy one of those bubble wrap lined mailers, cut a circular hole in one side so that the lens can slide in and out uninhibited, then cut a square-ish hole in one of the side seams so that you can get your finger on the "take the fucking picture" button (and yes, that is the technical name...I'm an expert too and I used to work tech support).
ReplyDeleteThen, when the camera arrives, put the new camera bag on the bed, put the box next to it, open the box carefully, put in the batteries, and then carefully and gingerly put the camera in the camera bag (make sure the lens is positioned at the lens hole in the bag, seal the bag, and race NG outside to get some AWESOME pics to share with your loyal followers! =) ox
um...am i really the only one concerned about the baby who is about to be TIPPED OVERBOARD?!?!
ReplyDeletestop kissing and save your goddamn baby! no wonder it hates you.
gotta new camera for my birthday - a Sony hubby chose it with help from " very nice young guy " in the shop. It's my new camera wot's buggered up my blog ! Thanks for your expertees - you are better than you think !
ReplyDeleteYou have hit a nerve. I have a camera and can't work the bloody thing. I keep putting my thumb over dials at the back and changing the setting by accident.
ReplyDeleteKeep making us laugh!
Sue x
Hello Mary Ann - are you new around these parts? If you are WELCOME! Your new camera sounds awesome, I had a samsung in the past and it was great. What's a Lowepro case? Will it prevent me from destroying it?
ReplyDeleteYou have hit a nerve. I have a camera and can't use the bloody thing. I keep putting my thumb over the dials at the back and changing the settings by accident.
ReplyDeleteKeep making us laugh!
Sue x
Aww Gumpher, you make me laugh - you'd shoot them in the cock!
ReplyDeleteWhat's with the food processor being your favourite gadget? Do you like dressing up in women's clothes in secret too?
Jewell me dear, what are you insinuating?!! LOL
ReplyDeleteNo probs Penny. I have sent you an email so that you have a direct line to technical support!
ReplyDeleteHello Sue! How are you doing? Are you new round these parts? Nice to have you around..... mind you, it sounds like you are a bit of a joey when it comes to gadgets. Can you put selotape over the dial so that you can't knock it?
ReplyDeleteNow that is a good idea!
ReplyDeleteYes I am a blogger of just three weeks. I am already addicted.
To say I am a gadget Joey does not accurately describe my talents. Trouble is I am allergic to reading the instruction booklets, that may have something to do with it.
I just want to be able to DO things, I don't want to learn.
Blimey Robert - I don't know if it comes with a memory card or not? I bought it from Amazon. How would I find out?
ReplyDeleteWell you could look on the Amazon page you orded it off, my guess is it wont and you will be in panic mode and go out and shock some poor young soul in a camera shop when you rush in to buy one.
ReplyDeleteBy the way a tip, find out the type of card you need before you go!!!
The S95 is a cracking little camera.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure it'll give you literally several hours of pleasure, before it's destroyed in a bizarre accident involving a food processor, a plate of pasta and two sumo wrestlers.
I know people who have these and love them!
ReplyDeleteYou will have a ball once you 'get it going'.
I love gadgets. I think I have one each of everything...except an iPhone...cause I've heard they are prone to breakage ;)
ReplyDeleteHey : )
ReplyDeleteShopping on the web or in-store? which usually do you like? truly wondering lol.. i love in-store since i don't really like waiting it to arrive!
Thanks a bunch
Sophia