Some time last year (2007) Ryan and I purchased a printer. We spent quite a while in the store wondering which printer we should choose and what features we liked. Finally, we choose the HP Photosmart D5160. So far it has satisfied our printing needs, which has mainly been printing my Canadian permanent residency application and supporting documents (this was one seriously huge package, so much for saving paper!). One added bonus is it’s photo printing capabilities.
Today, I finally printed off some 4×6in photos to place into a four photo frame we received as a Christmas present. I used the HP Premium Plus photo paper that was included with the photo print cartridge. The results were quite pleasing for a home printer worth $70. The only feature that I will most likely never use again is the ‘white border’ option. I tried this on one of the photos and found that the white border was too small, width was different on all sides and you could tell that the photo paper wasn’t completely aligned.
Here are the photos I chose to print:
Before I purchased my Pentax K10D I mainly used my Panasonic Lumix FZ20 and EasyShare DX4530 Zoom. My Pre-2008 flickr set has some of my favourite images using these two cameras. I do miss using the Lumix and Kodak as they were so easy to use, however I ended up mainly pointing and shooting. For me to achieve better photos I need to go manual, hence the purchase of the Pentax.
Left to right: taken with Panasonic, taken with Kodak.
Related Post: Pentax K10D
On boxing day 2007 I used Birthday and Christmas present money to purchase a Pentax K10D with a simple 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 lens. Read this review to find out more about the K10D. Here is a quick run down of some of the specs:
10.2 megapixel
Shake reduction in the camera
22 Bit A/D conversion
CCD Dust Removal System
All metal body
Sealed against weather & dust
Compatible with all Pentax 35mm SLR Lenses back 30 years (may have some restrictions)
3 FPS motor drive (12 frame max in RAW)
I am very happy with my purchase and am still learning many things about it’s functionality. This is the first time that I’ve used a dSLR and I’m finding the experience very exhilarating. I’m finding that I relied to heavily on the programmed functions of my previous cameras. Now I am forcing myself to go manual, it’s quite a challenge as some images have come out terrible! There is a huge learning curve but it’s worth it when a few images turn out beyond my expectations. My main interest is in macro photography, I love abstract patterns. I may invest in a dedicated macro lens but they can be quite costly.
In the mean time I will keep experimenting. Hope to post a few of the better shots on here for review.
Related Post: My Other Cameras
