New Camera!!

So we finally shelled out for a new DSLR. Yes, Lauren and I will now be joining the ranks of the wanna-be photographers. While I say we "shelled out" we actually got a really good deal; and we bought one of the introductory DSLR's so we really didn't go all out. We decided on the Nikon D60 for a few reasons. First, it's a good introductory camera. Second, it was super cheap at the place we got it from (soniccameras.com-it was brand new).

This is the lens we bought to go with the D60 body. It is 18-135mm nikkor lens with autofocus and a few extra goodies. This lens normally comes with the D80 kit. We passed on the 18-55mm that comes with the D60 kit in favor of the extra focal length, although the VR on the 18-55 was tempting. We plan to eventually purchase a 18-200 with VR sometime in the future, perhaps after we have had some practice with our first lens. I always saw myself going with a Canon instead of a Nikon as I know a few people who use them (my mother included) and they are very popular. However, a friend of mine persuaded me against the neat features on the body of the Canons in favor of the higher quality lenses on the Nikon's. I have since that time learned that there really is not that much difference between the Nikon, Sony, Canon, Pentax, etc. As long as they are name brand and multi-billion dollar companies then they make good lenses (see http://www.kenrockwell.com/tech/nikon-vs-canon.htm). But I have no reservations whatsoever about the choice we made to go with Nikon. My mom uses a Canon Rebel xti and Lauren and I have both played with them but I honestly prefer the feel and functionality of the Nikon's. Who knows perhaps I may switch in the future but for now I am excited to use my new Nikon (which could be here as early as Monday!).

So what prompted us to get the DSLR? Well Lauren and I have been thinking about it for about a year and came pretty close to getting one a few months ago but decided to pass on it. A few days ago, however, Lauren and I went on vacation, she went to Miami and I went to Oregon. I brought a couple of friends of mine along on the trip, one of them brought his Sony cybershot and an HD camera. While hiking on the trip I had an opportunity to use his awesome camera to take some cool nature shots and absolutely fell in the love with the clarity for the shots and the zoom. That was the straw that broke the camels back. I came home Sunday and bought our first DSLR yesterday (after much persuasion on my part toward Lauren, which included going to a store so she could hold one in her hands and play with it). I will have to follow up with pictures for the D60 as soon as I learn to use it.

Mission Reunion

Yesterday I was able to go to my 6th (so Lauren tells me) mission reunion. It was great to see some of the missionaries that I served with, though I was dissapointed by the low number of people who were actually there. However, most of all, it was awesome to see President and Sister Blake. As is his custom he gave an amazing talk on remaining faithful to the gospel and keeping ourselves focused on returning to our Father in-heaven. He reminded us of our mission motto: The Kingdom of God or nothing! Hearing him speak as he did as I served as a missionary 4 years ago, and being able to speak with him about the changes in our lives, served to inspire me and remind me of what I learned in the two years I served in the MJM. I am very grateful for the opportunity to meet with my missionary brothers each year and to be reminded of the many lessons I learned with them.