Kevin's T-RaveL-og

I took time out over the weekend to think seriously about what sort of camera I'd want to travel with. I currently have an old Canon Powershot A80 that I've been pretty happy with. I'd definitely buy another Canon product/camera.

This time, however, I'm looking for something more substantial -- a camera that will encourage me to be creative, to learn the ins-and-outs of photography, and allow me to capture many special moments. As with last time, my starting point was (i) Google and (ii) dpreview.com. Having read numerous reviews and user opinions posted to various camera related forums (see, for example, photo.net, photographyreview.com) and Amazon, I narrowed it down to two digital Single Lens Reflective (dSLR) cameras: the Canon EOS Digital Rebel XTi (as it's known in the US. Also known as the Canon EOS 400D in the EU) and the Nikon D40X . After visiting a camera store in San Francisco and inspecting both camera's as well as talking to the (very helpful) camera reps, I decided the Canon was the way to go.

Since then, I've been thinking about what lenses and other additional equipment to get. As things stand, I'm looking at getting a Canon EOS Digital Rebel XTi (black, body only) with the following lenses:
(i) Canon EF 50 mm f/1.8 II (thought about the f1.4 USM model but at an extra $200, I think I'd rather invest in another lens. Plus, the f/1.8 II model has received excellent reviews), (ii) Canon EF-S 17-85 mm f/4-5.6 IS USM, and (iii) Canon EF 70-300 mm f/4.5-5.6 IS USM (a must have (or so it seems!)).

OK, enough camera talk for now. I'll keep you posted on my final decision. In addition to camera shopping, I've been putting a rough travel outline together. In brief, it reads: two months in South America, two months in Asia, one month India. I've also booked an appointment to get the necessary immunizations. Exciting!

- Kevin

Hello!

I've set this blog up to track my up coming travel adventures. I've just completed my graduate studies (MS, PhD) at the University of California at Berkeley (Engineering, Mechanical) and intend to spend the first 6/9 months of next year (2008) catching up on life and traveling!!

I'm currently in Berkeley wrapping up things and, after graduating on December 8, 2007, I plan to head to Dublin, Ireland (via New York City for about a week) for the Holidays and (maybe) New Year's (TBD). I'll be spending most of January in Dublin and London interviewing for jobs and catching up with family and friends.

Job or no job, I plan to start traveling end of January/beginning of February 2008. First stop: South America (more on this later). Between now and then, I'll likely post random info and experiences about preparing but otherwise things will be quiet for awhile. Check back in Feb. 2008.

Aloha and I will hopefully see you on my travels! All the best,

- Kevin