Comments

• 

  inka piegsa-quischotte July 30, 2012 at 8:57pm

  Just entered the Frommer Cover Photo Competition and would very much appreciate votes.
• 

  Maureen Blevins July 10, 2012 at 4:29pm

  Have a new blog which I hope some of you will check out.  I include some of my photos every week too!  http://maureenblevins.blogspot.com/
• 

  Jacquie Whitt July 6, 2012 at 4:28am

  I know I'm rough on my camera, you should see my luggage!  I wore out an Osprey bag and they replaced it! 

  I'll try not to "bash" around my camera. LOL.  I'll be traveling with a group of photographers, so I'll pay attention and follow their lead.  Might learn something!  I'll check out the 18-200 zoom.  Thanks again.
• 

  Mark Elias July 6, 2012 at 2:26am

  Not necessarily. But having said that, any wide angle to telephoto zoom lens worth hauling around is going to be heavier than the average kit lens. My "go to" for many assignments is the 18-200 Nikkor zoom. It's a pretty good all-around piece of glass, but like with any lens, you need to take care not to bash it around!
• 

  Jacquie Whitt July 5, 2012 at 6:42pm

  Thanks Ed.  Yes, I would like the resulting shots to be usable in print.  Does that preclude using a camera with a fixed lens?

  
  Thanks again,

  Jacquie
• 

  Ed Wetschler July 5, 2012 at 6:06pm

  Jacquie, what I've done over the years is use a 28-200 mm zoom. That allows me to keep the advantages of an SLR without having to change lenses (and, inevitably, get dust in the camera). Of course, I still don't get the extreme wide-angle functionality I'd like to get. In any case, I want to add a qualifier to your "Am I asking too much" question: What if the resulting shots must be good enough to work in print as well as on websites? 
• 

  Jacquie Whitt July 5, 2012 at 5:59pm

  Thanks Mark.  One of the features I'm considering is that I can take close-ups or distance shots without changing lenses.  I tend to wear my camera all day when I travel (which is how the first lens got scratched - I forgot to replace the cover)

  Sometimes, I'll forget to carry the other lens with me or I'll opt out of taking a shot because of the hassle of changing lenses.  (lazy?)

  I even invented a system for carrying the spare lens in a padded chalk bag on my belt loop.  But sometimes, I have to take it off. 

  
  Am I asking too much to expect to get good, quality photos with a single camera without changing lenses?

  Appreciate your feedback.

  Thanks again,

  Jacquie
• 

  Mark Elias July 5, 2012 at 5:35pm

  Jacquie, if you are going to invest in that big a camera to replace the other, I would just buy the new lens instead! You may find yourself outgrowing the P510 in short order. If anything, I would go for the newer (and better image quality) Nikon D5100!
• 

  Jacquie Whitt July 5, 2012 at 2:24pm

  Thanks Mark.  The replacement cost for the lens (which is a kit lens) is $199.  I am considering a new Nikon P510 that doesn't require changing lens.  The cost is affordable and it appears to do everything! (except maybe National Geographic cover shots)

  NOW I know about the filters and will make sure I always use one.  I'm escorting a group of photographers to Machu Picchu in 3 weeks and I want to take a decent camera.  I'll be sure to listen in on the conversations to pick up tips for better photos.  (& camera care while traveling)

  Gracias! Jacquie
• 

  Mark Elias July 5, 2012 at 7:44am

  Jacquie, If it was the "kit"lens that came with the camera, I would suck it up, and remember to get a UV filter to protect the front element next time. If it was a more costly lens like a 55 Micro Nikkor lens, I would consult with Nikon's repair center in NY, 1(800) NIKON-SV, to ask for an estimate on replacement costs.

  Just buy the filter next time and leave it on all the time!

  Hope this helps!

  Mark