I’ve given more thought to my camera dilemma. Everyone keeps saying “go digital, go digital” but there’s something in me that thinks it would miss the lenses and shutters. I’m not sure what that thing is, but I wish it would shut up.
I’ve discovered that, on a very regular basis, one can buy the same model camera that I had AND a 300mm lense via Buy It Now for less than $300. The cameras that I saw were not flashes in the pan, rather, that’s basically the going rate. SO I think I have a few other options.
My first (and probably best) option is to buy a digital camera (model yet to be decided, of course) and use it this summer to see how it does. If I like it, no need to buy the film camera. If I don’t, I’ll know exactly how much I need to save up to replace ol’ faithful.
After typing it out, the others don’t even seem worth mentioning. Does this mean that I’ve made gasp a decision? Not even close… 
I had somewhat a similar debate between buying a digital camera or a comcorder. I went withe the camcorder, because I think it\’ll be a lot more fun to play with. (And I can also use it to take digital pictures, even though it\’s not as convenient.) I\’ll get a digital camera when I can afford it, but I don\’t think I\’ll ever give up the regular camera. I haven\’t ever seen digital printouts that are as good as developed film, and I enjoy developing B&W from time to time. Ok…end story.
Just today I saw printouts that were indistiguishable (aside from not saying Kodak on the back) from prints from film. GRANTED, they came out of a $400 dye-sub printer, but still… that\’s cheap compared to developing film forever.
i was never a photographer. i went through a phase when i picked up an auto-everything el cheapo model vivitar and finally was able to take decent pictures, but i hocked it long ago… long story. but had i invested in digital at the time, it would have paid for itself in film and developing.
if money is an issue, consider the cost of film and developing never being an issue when you are taking the pictures. very freeing. and there\’s that instant gratification of uploading the day\’s pics - very bloggy.
You\’re familiar with Noah Grey, of course? See his shots and tell me a digital can\’t do the job of a film camera. I ordered two of his prints and both are fantastic. I think he uses the Nikon Coolpix 990, an older model than what\’s out now.