I am a new member to the Pentax list and after one day of reading post thought I would provide my 2 cents Canadian worth on this topic. Will also send a new email introducing myself.
The only piece of equipment I have ever owned that made me a better photographer has been a tripod. It has forced me to think and compose my image and even decide if I want it. IMHO it does not make a difference if the camera is digital, film based 35mm medium or large format, thinking about the image and carefully composing it is the way that piece of equipment assists you in being a better photographer I do not mean that you must shoot on a tripod. The majority of my shots on a Pentax have not but that does not mean that I have ignored the lessons of the tripod. Shooting more images helps you in being a better photographer but that is equipment independent and of course if you do not think about your shots it does not help at all. There is also a differece between whether or not digital makes you a better photographer or if digital cameras encourage slopply or poorer shots. Although I sometimes have access to Nikon DX2 to use, my only personal digital camera is a Sony point and shoot and it is after over 30 years owning cameras my first point and shoot. Many of the images from the Sony are not good photographs and were never intended to be. The reasons I got a point and shootwere to have a camera I could carry with me whenever I wanted to SNAP shots away. Often just candid shots of my dogs. If I see something that really interests me I will come back with the Pentax or 4X5 to take a photograph as opposed to a picture. The second reason is to be able to document something whether it is how something looked before I took it apart or to record the damage a tenet left, I only need the info from the image, not hang it on my wall.In this way digital has not made me a better photographer but allows me to take more shoots. If I used the DX2 more or had a *1stDS or whatever I would most likely use it and immediatley review the images from tricky lighting situations etc. That is how I see that digital could make you a better photographer. Have enjoyed the posting so far however the traffic may be greater than I want (and do not like digests) Ivan Medicine Hat Alberta
