Try Before I Buy
As I revealed a few blog posts ago, I’m currently saving up for a new camera. A Nikon D800. I’m almost half-way there, and hope to have the new camera by May 1st.
Wait! Not so fast!! This is a big investment. Before I lay down $3,000 for a new camera, I need to be 100% sure that it’s the right one for me. Wouldn’t you agree?
Yes, I played around with one at B&C. But, it was just for 30 minutes in crappy store lighting. I won’t know if it’s the right camera for me until I really shoot with it – and, by that, I mean testing it out for a whole weekend, and in different lighting situations and shooting scenarios.
Borrow Lenses – Online Camera Gear Rental
Fortunately, there’s a reputable gear rental company called Borrow Lenses. Although their name may suggest otherwise, the company offers more than just lenses. You can rent camera bodies, lighting equipment and other gear, in addition to lenses.
For under $200, I can rent a Nikon D800 for three days (price includes rental, shipping and insurance). I think that’s a very reasonable price, and believe that it will certainly help me to make a more empowered purchasing decision.
The Plan
This morning, I placed my order. I’ll be trying it before I buy it on the weekend of March 15th. I’m extremely excited. I have no shoots planned that weekend, so it will give me plenty of time to just play around with the camera, and get used to shooting with a full-frame body, as well as see if that particular model is right for me.
I’d like to test the camera in a few different shooting scenarios: (1) The dog park: A fast-paced environment with lots of action; (2) The mountains: Weather permitting, and a great place for landscape photography; and (3) Indoor studio: Half of my shooting takes place in this type of an environment (Yes, Dave will be my guinea pig!)
What If?
Being an analytical type, I can’t help but wonder what will happen if I don’t like the camera. Well, the answer to that is I’ll be out $200 instead of $3,200… and will need to go back to the drawing board. Either I’ll rent the D600 or D700 (again, trying before I buy), or I’ll just wait until Nikon introduces their next mid-range full frame camera. As I’ve mentioned before, my current camera is wonderful and definitely does the job. I’m just ready to invest in a full-frame camera for artistic purposes, that I believe will help me grow in my craft. (No, I’m NOT a gearhead. I repeat – I am NOT a gearhead!)
Stay Tuned…
I’ll be giving you a full review of my experience with the Nikon D800 and Borrow Lenses, after I’ve tested them out.