I have recently acquired an Epson R2400 and will be producing all my prints with this machine. The larger format (especially 13" rolls) and print longevity are the two primary factors that drove me to upgrade from my previous Canon Dye printer. Although the existence of more paper choices (with profiles) and great ink quality are also quite important.

Initial test prints are fantastic, and the black and white prints I have done on Epson Enhanced Matte and Velvet Fine Art papers are especially impressive! I only wish there was an extra space to hold both the Matte and Photo Black cartridges at the same time. However, most prints will likely be onto Matte papers with only the occasional need for Glossy outputs.

More comments are likely to come, but so far it is great to be able to provide better quality outputs with much better archival guarantees to those purchasing my prints.

I just wanted to share some information on camera accessories that may solve solutions to unique problems and others that may save others some money. This isn't a review of more commonly known third part products such as lenses or teleconverters, but of other perhaps lesser known accessories and DIY solutions. I hope someone can make use of the information I have listed there. Feel free to contact me if there is anything else that's missing regarding these items.

I just picked up a Lowepro Slingshot 200 sling bag. After long ignoring the single strapped camera bags, I have found this to be one of the most useful ways of carrying my camera. Even though nothing compares to the weight support of a good backpack, accessibility for street/casual shooting left much to be desired. The Slingshot packs solve this problem in a light and incredibly well designed product. It has enough space to carry around my most used lenses (even the 70-200 VR off camera if need be), D200 with grip, filters, and a whole bunch of other stuff. Overall design is fantastic down to the built-in rain cover, and tuck away support strap. I think anyone looking for a small, ultralight, easily accessible bag for shorter outings would be very happy with this Lowepro design.

The new Nikon D200 has arrived today. As of yet I've had minimal time to shoot or experiment with it, but it seems to be as good as I had hoped so far. I did have brief chance to go for a walk with it, and thankfully it's ergonomically exactly the way I had imagined. I'll likely post more thoughts and information in the future, but I'm elated to have received it given the recent departure of my D70.

It's official. Nikon has released the D200. This post is just about my general excitement for this camera. Whether I will be purchasing the new model is another question. Afterall, the D70 is still a great camera in terms of quality. The obvious statement of 'skill being more important than gear' is something that is very true, but there are a handful of features in the D200 that I would find incredibly useful for certain styles of photography I have grown to enjoy.

The key features that seem most exciting to me are (based solely on specs):
- larger/brighter viewfinder
- FP flash sync
- built-in flash acts as master
- ergonomics! (fantastic access to everything I often change)
- Multi-CAM 1000 (hopefully a great improvement in speed)
- faster burst shooting
- more useful display (larger, %400 zoom, RGB histograms)
- available accessories (grip, wireless, and remote primarily)

There are many other great features, but these are the most exciting for me. Higher megapixel count is something that doesn't concern me greatly, but is of course always useful and part of the obvious progress. My print size desires will surely grow as time passes. However, the one element I am waiting for is reports on (or a chance to try) the Multi-CAM 1000 focus system. I expect it to be faster than the D70, but how close to the D2X this comes is yet to be seen. If all is well, the danger of the availability of the D200 may result in a lightening of my wallet at which point I will likely sell the excellent D70.

I have just added a Sigma 10-20mm lens to my kit. So far it's meeting all my expectations. Though my trip up north didn't yield many photographs to do weather restrictions and other factors. I will however post some images taken with this lens, likely in the new Landscape category. Build quality is better than expected, and sharpness seems more than adequate on my current DSLR body.

I will also be shooting of series of panoramas once I calibrate my panoramic head for the wide angle. The will also be posted with some additional information when I have some time.