I have a brand new camera: a simply wonderful Canon EOS 7D! For nearly eight years I loved my Canon 400D, even though I only ever had the standard kit lens. The 400D was a great entry-level prosumer camera for me, and I resisted an upgrade for a long time, wanting to feel like I had exhausted its potential before trading up. Last Christmas I decided I had waited long enough and started to do some research into what was available and would achieve the most bang for buck. Keen to stay within the Canon range, I quickly narrowed the pool to the 7D, which delivers impressive functionality with a very competitive price (significantly lower than its initial price at release in 2009). But it was still a serious investment, and when we bought our apartment in late January I decided that a new camera would have to wait. Imagine my surprise when I came home one day in April to find that Colin had bought it for me. With the whole world as my witness, Collie, you’re the BEST 🙂
I am lucky to have a 50mm macro lens and a zoom lens, but so far all I’ve used is the standard 18-55mm kit lens. I’m not exactly sure why, but I move pretty slowly with new toys and am taking time to get to know this camera. Thus far there is sufficient joy to be found in the lush, vibrant colours, and the soft yet highly detailed images that emerge with minimal input from me. In this camera I definitely have room to grow, but for a start, below are seven objects photographed in and around home: seven small details, elevated beyond their station by the lens of one amazing camera.
Note: hover your mouse over each photo for explanatory captions.
Chez Moi 
Pingback: 2013: 12 memories | Chez Moi
Hi Chez…..So pleased you like the new camera – but as someone has already said, it is not so such the camera as the brain behind the eye behind the viewfinder. You have a very good eye – I don’t think you need me any more as a photographic mentor!! Keep shooting!!
Hi Phil! Thank you so much for this lovely comment, which is extra special coming from someone whose work I admire immensely. When are you going to start your own blog…hint, hint! Hope that all is well with you xx
Hi Chez
Very good to hear from you…….Not sure how to post pics on Facebook (I’m not very active), but will attach a small selection of some stuff I have been working on – have been going through a square format phase that I find quite pleasing. “Ever Hopeful” was sold through a Newmarket gallery not long ago. “Summer” I printed A1 on canvas and it came up well – I now hanging on my wall. If you want to post any on your site, go for it….
Cheers, Phil
Ok, ok, I’ll admit it. Your Canon 7D beats my Nikon D5100, but only by a few measly points! (http://snapsort.com/compare/Canon_EOS_7D-vs-Nikon-D5100) That aside, I think you give too much credit to the camera, and too little credit to the photographer. Your images are great, not so much because of the Canon but because you have a talent to spot something beautiful and to compose it such that you can share this beauty with people who would otherwise miss it completely. A good camera does help, but a good camera turns someone into a good photographer to the same extent that a quality piano turns someone into a good pianist, i.e. not much. In your case, the Canon compliments your existing artistic ability.
Reinhardt, this is possibly the nicest comment that I’ve ever received on this blog – thank you so much for taking the time, you have absolutely made my day!
Glad to hear that 🙂
I can also post angry comments, like “Start using that macro lens of yours!”
Fair call! I actually have next Monday and Tuesday off work and that’s the number one project on the list 🙂
Lovely images! I’m a Nikon girl myself, but your shots are just wonderful. Thanks for sharing.
Ahhh the old Nikon-Canon debate; just about as passionate (I’ve found) as the Holden-Ford divide! My decision to go Canon was simply about familiarity, but as it turns out I reckon that I still haven’t figured out what 96.7% of the buttons and settings do on the new camera. Thanks for your lovely comment 🙂