D-SLR, incrementally
I've been shooting a Nikonos (5 years) and a Coolpix 5000 (<1 yr). Because of shutterlag, write speed, sensor quality and lens envy I know I will get to a housed DSLR...eventually. But I can't afford the second strobe, housing, and lenses in one whack (and still go on dive trips!). So I am trying to get there gradually whilst avoiding waste or obsolence.
I'd be interested in guidance in this (I'm inspired by the lens bag thread).
Here is what I was thinking of doing (jump right in, please!). For now, lens line and familiarity make me think Nikon but I'm not committed yet.
1. For my next trip, get a second DS-125 and set it up with dual sync and dual manual controllers on my CP5000. Based on my last trip's results, I think I am ready for and can benefit from a second strobe. And the strobe will be used on the DSLR, when I get there. I am considering doing this now.
2. That wasn't TOO painful. So shortly thereafter, get a DSLR even though I can't afford to house it for a while. It's a way of getting more familiar with the camera and building a lens bag. I'd set it up for land work. About next summer, I am thinking
D70 w/ kit lens (kit lens for most travel shots)
telephoto -- maybe 70-200 VR and a 1.4 or 2X TC (wildlife shots)
macro -- the 105 mm 2.8? or would 60 work better at first? (bugs and flowers now, but I want something that I'd be productive with UW as well)
3. Once I've worked that off, probably another six months,
12-24 (for landscapes and interiors now -- but really for UW)
Plus, for me, there's no reason to buy a housing until I've got WA. I think the less expensive 10.5 is too extreme for me, as a sole WA.
4. And then, finally, a year or probably two from now
possibly upgrade the camera ...this is just to "protect" my investment in a housing
Housing with macro and dome ports
5. Add lenses, upgrade components as I can...
Okay, I know it's not very BOLD, but working with a limited budget: does this make sense?
Any guidance, sympathy, or funding appreciated...
