The joy of digital cameras is that, once you have made in initial investment, each photograph is essentially free: there are no film development costs, and no printing costs as the image can be displayed on a computer screen, cell-phone or tablet. The problem with digital cameras is that each photo is essentially free: there is a risk of just clicking the shutter with little regard for composition, exposure or finding that unique viewpoint. The result is a hard-drive with a few good images, sometimes a great image, and many average and mundane images. My intention for this page is to highlight some of my better images. [And a quick note – these are my choices. Your opinions may differ!]
The Olympus E-10
In 2000, the Olympus E-10’s specs were amazing for its time. It had a 4MP 2/3″ CCD, a fast high quality lens with manual focus and zoom rings, a useful articulating LCD, and an assortment of other goodies including flash sync, remote control, USB and A/V output.
The lens was the 35mm equivalent of 35-140mm with a maximum aperture range of f/2-2.4. It included both aspherical and ED elements giving fantastic sharpness. That lens was threaded and Olympus offered a macro and supplementary telephoto add-ons. The natural zoom could be adjusted just like on an SLR. While not a DSLR, the E-10 was the first camera to allow photographers to use live view at the same time as the optical viewfinder. The camera had a ‘beam splitter’ which sent a TTL view of the scene to the camera’s large optical viewfinder and directly to the 4MP CCD.
I purchased a refurbished E-10 from Olympus and carried that camera over most of the world – one camera did everything with no need for extra lenses. The only disadvantage was the base ISO: 80 is just a bit slow for low light shots and noise was prevalent when the ISO was increased. Still, I can’t complain, it took some great snapshots and as the images show, sometimes, 4 megapixels are more than enough. The gallery below contains a few of my favorites.
Morning fisherman approaching the shore - Vilanculos, Mozambique
Old deliver bike repurposed. A great restaurant - not too far from J'burg, South Africa
Late sunset near mid-summer - Vladivostok, Russia
Berry-picking urchins - Nahodka, Eastern Russia
Looking from Jordan towards The "Promised Land"
Tourist attractions departing - Wadi Rum, Jordan
Approaching the Treasury" - Petra - Jordan
"Oh Happy Day" - Central Park, NY (there was no sign of the Groom)
An old ketch (?) Sailing off Manhattan, NY City
Finima Creek - Bonny Island, Nigeria
The boats are home - and the catch is good (Bonny Island, Nigeria)
A young worker sorting the catch - Bonny Island, Nigeria
Fabrication of offshore platform modules at Samsung Heavy Industry
Preparing for the evening Street Market - S. Korea
The Alamo is more famous - but I prefer Mission Concepcion. (San Antonio Missions)
Typical Texas - a pump jack draining an old field when oil prices were ~$100
Tower Bridge - early morning London
Cold Embrace? (Wire sculpture by David Begbie - in the window of a London art gallery )
Carrickfergus Castle - a presence since the 1150s - N. Ireland
College Students in Caracas heading for lunch
Pet Coke & Sulfur export facilities - by-products from processing heavy oil (Venezuela)
Daybreak - Catia la Mar (Venezuela)