New DSLR Camera
A few weeks ago during our visit to Hong Kong, I bought my first DSLR (Digital Single Lens Reflex) camera – a Canon EOS 1000D, also known as Rebel XS and Kiss F (in Japan). It is considered an entry level DSLR, perfect for a SLR novice like myself. My two older digital cameras are point-and-shoot cameras by Panasonic and Casio (both are still working).
Along with a camera bag, extra battery and lens filter, it also included a zoom lens (Canon EF-S 18-55 mm – f/3.5-f5/6) and conversion lens (Fujiyama 0.42x S7 Wide Lens) as pictured below.
I am really enjoying the camera. It is quite easy to use and the picture quality, especially in low light, is much improved compared to my old point-and-shoot camera. I am also trying to learn more about photography such as exposure, aperture, shutter speed, etc.
So far during our stay in Japan, I have taken a lot of pictures (86 photo albums on Facebook and counting!) – clearly, I am going for quantity instead of quality :-). Hopefully with this camera, if I can really learn to use it properly and technically, quality gets a little better.
Updated on 01/17/09: Both TokyoFive and InSendai, my fellow Japan bloggers, posted blog entries about Canon Kiss ads in Japan – thanks guys. I highly recommend their very interesting personal blogs about Japan.
Konnichiwa 
Nice camera. You’re going to learn so much using one of these. Stay away from the auto setting use the P setting to start and take lots of pictures. Quantity is good, you’ll learn what works and what doesn’t.
Congratulations 🙂
Will see and wait for more pictures to come in.
@Eric, yes I actually started with P right away and am now beginning to experiment with aperture priority and shutter priority as I learn more about these concepts. Fun stuff for sure.
@Prasoon, thanks for the comment. I usually post most of my pictures on Facebook – are you on Facebook?
I wrote a post about the Canon “KISS” ads (and linked to your post)…here:
http://tokyo5.wordpress.com/2009/01/17/kiss-ads-in-japan/
I’m looking forward to getting my first DSLR myself. I’m eying the Nikon D90, but won’t be getting it for a while.
Tom, thanks for visiting my site and commenting. Looks like you also have a blog focused on Japan and if you don’t mind, I’ll add you to my blogroll – I’m interesting in joining your Blogs on Japan list, let me know how to add your widget in WordPress.
I was also looking at the Nikon D90 … that’s a sweet camera, one of the latest DSLRs in the market. The only negative I have seen about it is problems with the video capture – it is one (could be the only one actually) of the few DSLRs which has a video capture feature. I don’t think we can go wrong with either Canon or Nikon.
PS. I think I’ll also follow you on Twitter 🙂