Before setting off on my around the world voyage, I did my homework about which camera I should take with me. It needed to be small enough to fit into a pocket when necessary, robust, high quality and have an excellent optical zoom. A friend and I started to research different makes and models and I ended up making a fabulous choice - the Canon SX700 HS. A good all round lens with 30x Optical Zoom and 16.1 Mega Pixels. The camera was cutting edge and was even capable of being remotely controlled by my iPhone or iPad and could bluetooth to either device to download photos directly from the camera without removing the card, using a cable or finding a pc (excellent for blogging on the hoof.)
I purchased several SDHC cards, a spare battery, a padded camera bag and a mini tripod and then two friends and I gave it a rigorous work out in Anglessey prior to my setting off.
It cost over £400.00, but forgive me for not knowing the exact price, I tend to blot out costs after I have made purchases, skilfully forgetting how much I paid, so that I do not suffer subsequent 'wince or wallet pang' reactions every time I come to use said item.
Sadly, after nearly six months on the road and having taken thousands of pictures, my camera developed an issue - a black spot. Distressed that my images were coming out with a spot in the same location every time, I did my best to rectify the matter. Dirt on the lens? No. Scratched lens? No. I called a camera expert and he said that it was most probably a particle of dust or some other alien body on the sensor. He recommended I try spraying short blasts of compressed air into the lens and shutter mechanisms to try and shift it. No success. The only option was to return the camera to Canon and get someone to open it up, clean the sensor and put it back together again.
The black mark appears twice in the panoramic above and once in regular pictures
As I was in New Zealand at the time, this was just not feasible. Without evidence of my warranty (back in the UK somewhere) this would also have cost me almost as much as the initial camera price. Never mind the fact that I would have to send it off somewhere and not get it back for up to a month and, being on the road, where exactly would it be returned to?
There was nothing for it, but to buy a new camera. I searched Queenstown and found a camera shop which sold the same make and model for the lesser amount of £350. Gritting my teeth at the unnecessary and unwelcome expense, I bought one and sent the damaged one home.
Canon SX700 HS camera number two has served me equally well. It has possible taken even more photographs over a shorter period of time. So familiar am I with how it works, I have been able to quickly take pictures without fuss and even take a number of discreet shots when I have not been supposed to. It has captured some wonderful memories.
Sadly, camera two is now very broken.
It failed to survive a drop of six feet from a train onto rocks and gravel. The display screen is broken and I can only see about 15% of the image. The shutters, which open and shut and protect the lens, no longer open fully and the casing has a significant chip in the metal body.
I did not take this accident in good grace. I quickly jumped down from the train to retrieve the camera and inspect the damage and then I swore loudly and only just stopped myself from starting to cry.
After a more measured analysis of the camera back at my hostel, I have ascertained the following:
- It can still take pictures which I can subsequently see on my iDevices.
- I can open the shutter fully by gently using my index finger nail.
- I can take remote photos using an iDevice and see what the camera is seeing on my iDevice screen.
Whist these findings are a pleasant surprise (and a tribute to the robust nature of the Canon SX700 HS), they are not a solution. With four more weeks of panoramic spectacle still to see and capture in South America I have no option but to buy another new camera.
I found two shops selling cameras here in Uyuni, Bolivia. The first shop had just one single camera for sale and the shop keeper wanted $155 US for something I would give to a reception age child to use as their first camera. The second shop had two better quality cameras for sale, but wanted £300 for either one. Neither of them were a patch on my deceased Canon (at just 5x Optical Zoom and 8 Mega Pixels.)
I have decided to wait until I reach La Paz, the biggest city in Bolivia, to look again for a camera. In the meantime, I shall do my best to take pictures with my broken camera.
I keep telling myself to put this into perspective. It's only a camera. It isn't the end of the world. It didn't cost thousands of pounds. No-one died. I can get another camera, even a modest little one to see out my trip. Yet, despite my best efforts to speak sense to myself, I am still close to tears. I can only assume it is a deeper indication of my decreasing emotional resilience, travel fatigue and financial hardship.
It's also been a bitch of a day...but that's another story.
RIP camera. I loved you lots and lots.
Paul
The final pictures taken by my camera and the train I dropped it from below!
Shame about the camera Paul, don't worry it's only money;) you will have to resort to using your phone as a camera like the rest of us!
ReplyDeleteWhat's app the rest of the day if you'd like! I'm in an available :)
ReplyDeleteOh dear Paul never mind like everyone else has said its only a camera but I do understand where your coming from when you find such a good thing and it's taken away from you you certainly miss them xx
ReplyDeleteGah! Horrible thing to happen. My sympathies!
ReplyDeleteHi Paul Keep up the positive spirit you have always had. I never forget how you entertained a whole Conference of teachers in Capetown x
ReplyDelete