New J1 and V1 Cameras From Nikon

I've had several phone calls today asking about the new Nikon J1 & V1 cameras that Nikon introduced yesterday. The first reaction I got was disappointment that the announcement was not about new professional D-SLRs. Nikon has most certainly not abandoned or lost interest in the pro market. The reality is that this is not cause for disappointment but cause for excitement. While these are not pro cameras the technology in them is stunning and when extrapolated to the future it is obvious that when-not if- but when those new D-SLR's do come we can expect great things.

We have come to the point where professional level D-SLR cameras have become so good that neither the technology nor the current economy warrants the rapid 20-30 month life-cycle that we saw in the beginning of the digital camera revolution. After 26 years with Nikon I have learned to be patient and fasten your seat belt.

Mt Rainier National Park is Awesome

The weather in Western Washington has been fantastic this Summer. Paula, our good friend Rick Hunter (www.rickhunterimages.com) and I took the opportunity to visit Mt Rainier National Park. It's a fantastic place! We got to the the Sunrise area of the park mid-afternoon and were disappointed to find the mountain totally socked in by clouds. However, despite the September date the wildflowers were in full and massive bloom. The area was riot of color with tons of great photographic opportunities.

The next morning we were at the Sunrise summit for sunrise and were not disappointed. The clouds had cleared and Mt Rainier was out in full glory lite by a golden sunrise. It was breathtaking. The rest of the day remained clear and we drove the park spending extra time to explore the giant trees of the Hall of Monarchs area (interesting but not highly photographic) and the Paradise area (great for photography).

If you go here's a few tips. Give yourself at least a day, more is better, its a long way around. Get gas and food before you enter the park. There is very little food and even less gas in the park. Check with the park for when the wildflowers are in bloom, its usually toward the end August.