In terms of decent (consumer/prosumer) DSLRs you have the choice of either Nikon or Canon (yes, I know there’s also the likes of Sony, Pentax, Olympus and others) with a bevy of glass available for them.

I’ve been shooting a Nikon D70s with an AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR lens attached to it.  It’s a super convenient lens because of the focus range that with good light is fast enough for most situations while still making good quality images. The one thing about shooting a DSLR however is that they’re big with an even bigger lens attached to them.  You get noticed.  In some situations this can come in quite handy but for the most part, when you swing that DSLR towards someone they tend to shy away.

I liked taking photos but didn’t really have anything specific I would shoot.  As with anything, when you have no direction it can get boring or tedious or both.  It’s also an arse to lug around something that cumbersome.  I used to, but gave up on it because I just never took out my camera.  Maybe I was just a little embarrassed.  At any rate, I haven’t picked up a camera in a year or so.

Recently, a mate borrowed my D70s for a photo shoot he was doing.  It got me thinking.  I’ve been experimenting with various photography apps on my iPhone and it’s really got me interested in street photography.  Wikipedia explains street photography as:

Street photography is a type of documentary photography that features subjects in candid situations within public places such as streets, parks, beaches, malls, political conventions and other settings.

I like this type of photography.  Not in any sort of perverse way.  I like watching the world.

Now, the iPhone 4 has an excellent camera in it but there are two considerations about pulling out your phone to snap a picture:

1. You have no control over things like aperture, shutter speed and iso
2. You look like a twat - this is common knowledge so don’t argue

To this end, I’ve been investigating compact cameras.  Something that isn’t too big but can still shoot RAW.  Interchangeable lenses were a thought but not essential if it already had good glass.  On the list so far are (and in no particular order):

• Fujifilm FinePix X100
• Leica X1

For the moment, that’s where I’m at.  There will be a part 2 to this post.