Okay, this post is going to be a little controversial for some of you photographers out there, but here goes.

I used Nikon equiptment for 8 years. I used them when I shot film, and I stayed with them when making the switch to an all digital studio two years ago. Right about here I’ve already lost a few of you.

Yes, every image you see here and on my website is digital. I’m not here to argue which is better, so whatever works for you - go for it! As for me, digital is incredible and I would never return to shooting film.

Oh, and for the very few people out there still wondering if digital is good enough…..I bet you never would have known I’m completely digital if I hadn’t said anything.

So for those still reading, here’s where a few more might drop out. I made the switch to Canon equipment earlier this year. After doing some research and hearing how incredible Canon was supposed to be, I decided to see for myself. I checked out a 5D and put it head to head against my D200. Same lens equivalent, same ISO, aperture, and shutter speed. The results were amazing!

That wasn’t enough to convince me, so I headed out shooting downtown Roanoke with a buddy of mine, Sam Dean. For three hours in the evening and into the night, we shot everything in as identical settings as we could.

The results were more than what I thought were possible. I had a few questions, so I thought I would give Canon a call and an amazing thing happened - A HUMAN answered! No recordings, no waiting line, and…..I could understand them. Several questions and another phone call later I still got the same incredible client service.

So after converting everything over to Canon gear I write them a letter telling them how happy I am with the great equipment and client service. What did they do? Wrote me a letter back thanking me and invited me to join Canon Professional Services.

To every photographer still reading this and wondering if I’m sponsored by Canon….I’m not. They’re just THAT good. They have given me several things that Nikon could not, and did not.

Before I sign off, I must say one final thought. When I spoke at the Virginia Professional Photographer Association meeting back in September I told everyone that the camera behind your eyes matters the most (your brain). That is true and I really do believe that.

A “better” camera won’t make you a better photographer.

Do good tools help?

ABSOLUTELY!