Fatter and Fatter and Fattter and . . .

Digital cameras are getting bigger and fatter with every new model. Nikon's new D700 weights 995 g (2.19 lbs,) Sony's new alpha 900 weights 895 g (1.97 lbs) and Canon's just released 50D comes in at 822 g (1.8 lbs.) That's the body only. Now add a lens to each of these over-weight giants and on average you add another lb to the system. So that would be 2.5 lbs to 3.2 lbs of brick around your neck.

Note: Nikon D700 weight is without the battery. At 2+ pounds what difference will a battery make?

When I was young (24) and serving in the Marines in Vietnam I carried two Nikon F with a 28mm and 35mm lenes. The camera straps were those narrow things that had the habit of cutting off blood to the brain. I know -- What brain? I would wear a towel around my neck to protect myself from those nasty straps.

Today I carry one camera with a 18mm to 70mm lens. The camera is a Nikon D40X. This system comes in at 936 g (2.1 lbs.) When I'm out with the camera it could be several hours with it hanging from my neck. You can't be ready to take photos if you have the camera over your shoulder or worse in the bag. It's always around the neck with the camera on and the zoom set to 26mm. Worse case I can just point and shoot. Also a good camera strap helps. The one supplied with the camera works just fine.

This systems big advantage is it's weight. If I was using one of these new fatties I just couldn't work the way I do. Walking around looking for opportunities.

Driving around in the car and then stopping when you see a photo opportunity is not an option. Tripods -- never happen. I do keep a tripod and a step ladder in the trunk of the car but they are rarely used. I will say that the step ladder is a great tool. All photographers should get one. Many times I have had to get photos from over construction fences and that old step ladder saved the day.

The replacement for the Nikon D40X is the D60. The D60 (495g) with battery (51g) and 16mm - 85mm lens (485g) comes to 1031 g or 2.27 lbs. Fatter and fatter.

When I was in Vietnam I was young and full of pep. Now I'm 64 and full of shit.