A Journey Through My Camera History: From Digital Beginnings to Mirrorless Marvels
Reflecting on nearly 25 years of owning digital cameras, it’s incredible to see how far technology has come. My journey began early in the digital imaging era, bypassing the hard and low-quality days, and has since unfolded into a fascinating exploration of tools that have shaped my passion for photography. Here’s a look back at my personal camera history.
2000: Casio QV-3000EX
While working at Cisco, frequent travels to the US and Europe sparked my interest in photography. Inspired by a colleague’s creative experiments with an early digital camera, I decided to get my own. My choice was the Casio QV-3000EX, a 3.3-megapixel compact camera paired with a 330MB IBM MicroDrive. It was a game-changer for its time, albeit a battery-eating beast. I even connected it to a Palm handheld via serial port for remote control—a cutting-edge feature back then. This trusty companion captured many cherished moments over the years.
2004: Casio Exilim EX-p600
Next came the Casio Exilim EX-p600, a 6-megapixel compact camera with a 4x optical zoom. Compact yet powerful, it offered a range of features that made it a reliable workhorse. Although I likely experimented with other small cameras during this period, the Exilim stands out as a memorable upgrade.
2007: Nikon D40x
Nikon entered my life as I sought to improve my photography while traveling with my girlfriend. The Nikon D40x, paired with an 18-200mm lens, was a lightweight yet versatile combination. It accompanied me to Iceland, the US, and numerous other destinations, capturing landscapes and memories with remarkable quality.
2008: Nikon D90
Around two years later, I upgraded to the Nikon D90. Its improved sensor technology significantly reduced noise, especially in low-light conditions, elevating my photography. I expanded my lens collection during this period, further enhancing my photographic capabilities.
2012: Nikon D600
The move to full-frame photography came with the Nikon D600. It struck a perfect balance between size and performance, making it an ideal choice for my needs. However, the initial excitement was dampened by a known shutter issue that caused oil spots on the sensor. Despite this, the D600 marked a significant milestone in my photography journey.
2013: Nikon D610
To address the D600’s issues, I invested in the Nikon D610 before a long US trip. Ironically, Nikon later offered a free shutter upgrade for the D600, leaving me with two nearly identical cameras. I eventually sold the D600 to a friend and continued exploring photography with the D610.
2017: Nikon D850
With growing expertise, I set my sights on the Nikon D850. As one of the first in Switzerland to own this flagship model, I was thrilled by its capabilities. However, initial technical issues led to a replacement body, which has performed flawlessly ever since. The D850 proved its worth during a year-long family trip around the world, becoming an indispensable tool for capturing stunning images.
2023: Nikon Z8
The transition to mirrorless cameras came with the Nikon Z8. After skipping the Z6 and Z7 models, I found the Z8 to be the perfect successor to the D850. Rugged and lightweight, it’s ideal for landscape photography. Whether in the cold of Arosa or the heat of Dubai, the Z8 has exceeded expectations, solidifying its place in my kit. I still occasionally use the D850 for time-lapses or secondary footage, appreciating its enduring reliability.
Looking Ahead
From the early days of digital imaging to the advanced mirrorless era, my camera journey has been one of exploration, learning, and creativity. Each camera has its own story and has played a vital role in shaping my photographic experiences. With the Nikon Z8 now at the helm, I’m excited to see where the next chapter takes me.
