Macro fruit

various 08, originally uploaded by gugs.

Ultra shallow DOF using a macro lens (105VR), handheld, with the pop-up flash on the D40x, my simple travel camera, focus in the middle.

Candles

Candles, originally uploaded by gugs.

sometimes I take pictures because I just like the mood, the colors... this is such an example... simple diagonal composition, white balance on auto, giving very warm tones.

Pelican

US 2007 1, originally uploaded by gugs.

Shot in Santa Cruz in July. The weather was terrible. 70-200VR on the D200. The AF system didn't have too many difficulties to track the bird...

Flower in the dark

DSC_0048, originally uploaded by gugs.

This is a test picture with the D40x. I shot this almost in the dark, using the on board flash, with the 105VR macro lens (becoming one of my favorite lenses)... the flower just seems to be floating in the air thanks to the use of flash and the shallow depth of field. A few relevant parameters: ISO100 and f11.

D40x

D40x 3, originally uploaded by gugs.

my new allround camera... I just decided to go for the D40x, a camera with a lot of limitations, but excellent picture quality. Here pictured with 2 of my favorite lenses, the 105VR and the 70-200VR.

Pros:
- small package
- excellent picture quality at a reasonable price
- very intuitive user interface
- simplicity
- excellent on board flash performance
- 10MP
- good ISO performance
- excellent LCD display
- very good viewfinder
Cons:
- limited ISO steps
- no CLS (wireless flash system support)
- only one thumbwheel
- a few critical functions only via menus (BUT function button available)
- no grid display in viewfinder
- no optional grip
- batteries incompatible with other cameras (D50, D70, D80, D200, D300)
- incompatible with AF lenses without a built-in motor (only AF-S and HSM lenses will work. This is a HUGE limitation.

Turkey

Turkey 2006 47, originally uploaded by gugs.

This is a picture I shot in Turkey last year... with the "crappy" 18-200VR lens on the D200. I loved that place, a fishermen's village on the South coast of the country... I am going back at the end of the month and I am already thinking of the nice weather and the friendly people over there.

Nature

DSC_3289, originally uploaded by gugs.

Just a casual shot for today... I have been in a training center for a week.. superb environment... I had my "simple" camera with me, a D70+18-200VR, took a few pics in the park where the training center was located... gives a peaceful feeling... nothing more to share today...