Well, here we are, back on the "big island". My first order of business was to investigate the chances of "going digital", and I'm happy to report that the chances were good, the deal is done.

It's goodbye film, hello Flash Cards.

This has already made a real difference to the way I work. No more do I accumulate tens of rolls of film while in the field, then have to scan hundreds of negatives when I get to a town.

Now I work on the morning photos in the afternoon, and the evening photos that night. Digital is just made for people living in on the road, throw in a good laptop and printer and you've got everything required to produce great photos, anywhere in the world.

The technical quality is outstanding, but more importantly, I think I'm getting better shots. Not so much with static subjects, but with wildlife. You see with wildlife you have to take a lot of frames to capture the right moment, those pesky animals and insects move so fast.

With film I was always aware of the money being spent every time I pressed the button, and sometimes held off shooting. With digital I just go ahead and press.

And the new lenses are so GOOD. My old gear was the best in its day, but its day was 20-30 years ago. Time has moved on, and so has camera technology.

And then there's the weight. I can do everything with just three lenses now, I used to carry ten, and still didn't have a really long lens unless I also carried my 300mm f2.8, at 2.5kgs by itself.

I miss the old gear, but not much. What I really miss is the memories it gave me, some of that equipment traveled with me through the USA, Europe, New Zealand, Africa and all around Australia.

I guess I'll just have to do it all again, and create new memories with the new camera :-)

Till next time then, and remember,

don't dream it, be it!