1996 Casio QV-100

1998 Olympus 220L

2000 Canon Elph

In all my years as a photographer, I have never seen such a complete and rapid change! When I obtained my first digital camera (an early Casio), I thought of it as merely a toy. The resolution was only 0.0768 megapixels and it was barely capable of producing a good enough image for a TV screen. I moved up to an Olympus two years later and quadrupled the resolution. But still the images were “toys.” I was using these digital images for fast proofing, or for my budding web site. Nothing creative.

It wasn't until the original Canon Elph with its 2 megapixel sensor, lithium ion battery (I kept Duracel & Eveready in business with the previous 2 cameras) that I was able to make some serious images. I began to use less film and more electricity. My dad’s 1961 lament, “You can’t make pictures with electricity.” had been proven wrong!

I still have the Elph, and after a Canon PRO-90IS, I now have a D-60 and a Minox DCC plus a slim Pentax Optio-S. My serious camera is the D-60, replacing the Leica IIIf. But it is still wonderful hold the Leica and feel its buttery smooth operation.

Maybe there is still hope for film, but as the cover of the Radio Shack monthly flyer said:

“PHOTO FINISHED”

I hope not.

2002 Canon Pro90IS

2002 Canon D-60

2003 Pentax OptioS

2003 Minox DCC

1.2megpxl + Genuine Fractals = 16x20 sized prints like the “Blue Bike” to the right.