My new DSLR test shots!

Yes, yes, yes, I did it! A few days after posting my delirious DSLR craving, I took the plunge and took home my new toy! The Canon EOS 400D for a song! But all the photos before today's are still from the Sony DSC-W50 point-and-shoot. Why? Because... Tomorrow is Camemberu's first year anniversary and I will kick off the DSLR photos then and thereafter!


Besides, I need a few days to practise and get to know the new camera. Even though one of the smallest and lightest DSLRs around, it's still a monster compared to the ethereal nothingness of the slim Sony. My preliminary photos turned out worse than with the P&S! LOL! But I'm comforted to read that it can take 3-4 months getting acquainted with the quirks of a new camera.

Thanks majorly to hubby who bought this for my birthday. He says it's long overdue and believes I can go much further in photography! He instantly wins "Best Hubby in the Worlddddd!!!~!1!!" award. I'm less certain of my potential but I'm not returning the camera!


I upgraded the kit lens to one with the Image Stabiliser feature. Canon's image stabilising function is not on the body but within the lenses (meaning costlier lenses too! Yikes!). Photo taken with the 60mm standard macro lens which I tested at the shop but did not buy. The guys at John 3:16 are very friendly. They are hardcore Canon supporters!

Did you know Canon's name is loosely based on Kannon, the Japanese goddess of mercy? Yes, it's the Guan Yin bodhisattva. And the name EOS is the Greek goddess of spring (and dawn). What divine roots, my new toy has!


My biggest challenge is taking shots at night in dimlit situations without tripod or flash. Must hold it so steady! And pick the right aperture, ISO and shutter speeds!


Daytime shots are a bit easier but it is still tough indoors. My house needs more natural light! Still practising to get the much coveted blurry background! It makes Jolie look so 3D, doesn't it?


Outdoors at 18mm widest angle. This is taken soon after I collected my FREE additional rechargeable battery (April promo) from the Canon office at Harbourfront.


Trying out the macro mode. I can't disable the flash here (bummer!) as I can with the Sony, so I literally closed the flash unit down manually while locking in focus. Will have to figure out the manual modes in future.


Portrait mode, with flash (which is superbright and a bit harsh but what to do, it's night time and subject is moving all the time!). This is Nadine pretending to be an overworked sushi chef.


I love these. I probably will need a macro lens. But first things first, I can't even hold the camera steadily enough yet!

Boy, do I have a long way to go! Any experienced photographers out there willing to share tips and advice?

But tomorrow - food photos! I will show what I took over the weekend. Stay tuned!