The New Toy is On the Way!

[errantember]

After extensive research over the past week, I've ordered a Fujifilm IS-1. I've been consistently seeing situations where the already fairly impressive low-light capabilities of my Sony DSC-F717 weren't good enough, largely due to the deliberate crippling of it's infrared capabilities. The CCDs in most digital cameras can see some infrared, but manufacturers install what's called a hot mirror that filters out this light. Given the choice between hand-modifying my existing camera, or selling it and getting an out-of-the-box modified newer one, I decided to buy my first new digital camera in years. There are a lot of things that are nice about having a digital SLR, and it wasn't an easy decision, but it basically comes down to the convenience of having a single lens for everything from telephoto to extreme macro, and the ability to do infrared well. I suspect in the long run I will probably get a DSLR in addition to this camera, for clearer pictures, more versatility, and more high-end features, but for now it's not worth the additional hassle, and, oh, the additional $1k. There are a *lot* of shots I've been able to get with the Sony's Nightshot feature, even as crippled as it is, that other photographers couldn't. Now, especially if I get or make and infrared spotlight and/or flash, I'll be able to get shots in near total darkness. Infrared photography itself is pretty interesting, too.