Nikon Announces the Nikon D300s and D3000

Nikon just announced the pending release of my next camera, the one I've been waiting for. It's the Nikon D300s. The biggest new feature over the D300 is the addition of HD video clips at 720p resolution. They also announced the D3000 and some new lenses included the "VR II" version of the 70-200mm 2.8. I have the, now out-dated and ancient, "VR I". The VR II is supposed to be even heavier than its predecessor. I won't be upgrading it anytime soon.

Nikon Press Releases:

• Nikon D300s
• Nikon D3000
• AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 ED VR II and the AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II

And a pod cast:

• Nikon Podcast #23: New Announcements - D300s, D3000 & Two New Lenses

As always, DP Review had the inside track and already has preview reviews posted:

• Nikon D300s brief hands-on
• Nikon D3000 brief hands-on
• Nikon annnounces AF-S DX 18-200mm VR II lens
• Nikon releases AF-S 70-200mm F/2.8G ED VR II

Creative Philosophy

Many weeks ago, late at night, I scribbled this on a piece of paper next to my bedside:


René Descartes: "I think; therefore, I am."

Terry Smith: "I create; therefore, I LIVE."


I just got around to adding it to a re-worded About Us page.

Tip: ALWAYS keep something by your bedside to write creative ideas on. I never tell myself, "I'll remember it in the morning.", because I know from experience I won't! I just wish I could video record my dreams. I dreamed a whole major motion picture recently but couldn't fit it on a Post-It note. I still remember some of the sound effects though. Quite explosive!

Updated Homepage Slideshow

My updated homepage slide show includes a picture of a mouse in a tree. His name is Waldo. See if you can find Waldo: http://www.terrysmithimages.com

Police Gear Bags

I was just looking at some websites that sell police and SWAT gear to scout equipment for a photo shoot. Along the way I noticed that these sites have some awesome gear bags and very cheap prices compared to what the photo bag dealers charge. These are designed for tactical gear and often come with a ton of pockets. I've been wanting a larger bag to get more of my on-location lighting accessories in one place, and I think I may have just found the answer. Maybe one of these could be your next photo bag?

These are the two sites I've looked at so far:

• http://www.copsplus.com/policeequipmentbags.php
• http://www.mycopshop.com/category.cfm/policesupplies/cases

Besides, what photographer doesn't need tear gas compartments in their bag?