My Body is Confused and Camera Envy

on October 20, 2009
in POM Wonderful Harvest Tour

My eyes snapped open at 4 AM.  I think my body is a little confused about the time change (California is three hours behind).  I forced myself to go back to sleep until 5:30, and then I woke up to get some exercise in.

 

But when I walked over to the hotel gym, it was all full.  There’s only 2 treadmills and 1 elliptical.  I contemplating doing an in-room aerobic routine, but I decided I’d rather brave the cold weather.  It’s 52 degrees in Fresno!

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I layered.  :)  I ended up wearing the shorts + tank I ran in yesterday, plus yoga pants and another running top.  My arms were FREEZING, but my legs and chest were fine.

 

I ran along a main commercial drag.  Lots of car dealerships and McDonald’s, so although there weren’t a lot of people walking around, there was traffic and lighting.  I felt safe.  It was just a boring run, visually.

 

Here are my statistics:

 

  • Duration:  29:07
  • Distance: 3.0 miles
  • Mile 1: 9:37
  • Mile 2: 9:47
  • Mile 3: 9:42

 

I met Tina for breakfast in the lobby:

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The hotel food was excellent.  I love breakfast buffets!  There was real Quaker oatmeal with a variety of fun toppings:

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My plate:

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I had eggs, fruit, and oatmeal with cranberries and brown sugar:

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Watching Tina use her sweet SLR camera (and comparing my dinner photographs to her dinner photographs) has really solidified the fact that I need an SLR camera in addition to a point-and-shoot.  The quality is so much better.  I hope I can get one before our trip to England!  If anyone would make good use out of such an expensive camera, it’s a food blogger, right? 🙂

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Well, if I don’t hurry up, I’m going to be the last person ready, so I’d better get a move on.   Today we’re going to the POM Wonderful orchards.  I’m really excited – I love agriculture.  🙂

 

See you soon!

 

What kind of camera do you have?  My point-and-shoot is a Canon PowerShot SD1200 IS.  For a little camera, it takes excellent non-flash photographs, which I think is key for food photographs.

{ 80 comments }

 

  • Kristen @ frostingandfroth.com October 20, 2009, 10:23 am

    I’d love to have an SLR camera as well. Looking at all of the gorgeous pictures bloggers take with theirs makes me understand the huge difference in quality between SLRs and point-and-shoots.

    Have a great time on your orchard tour! I’m an agri-nerd, too, so I can’t wait to see your photos and read all about it.

  • Evan Thomas October 20, 2009, 10:23 am

    That’s definitely one of the best breakfasts at a hotel I’ve seen

  • Sarah @ See Sarah Eat October 20, 2009, 10:26 am

    That is one awesome breakfast buffet! Everywhere I go seems to have oatmeal but no toppings (other than fruit). So that is fabulous! I don’t even know what an SLR is but it does look like something I would like to own 😉 I have a Kodak EasyShare C813, which does pretty decent considering it was a pretty inexpensive camera. Have fun today!

  • christie @ honoring health October 20, 2009, 10:27 am

    I have major camera envy too, I just can’t afford a DSLR right now 🙁 I’m saving my pennies, though!

  • Diana October 20, 2009, 10:27 am

    That’s a great looking breakfast 🙂 Yum.

    I have a Nikon D80 but I know most people don’t wanna spend that much money on a camera. I did because well… it’s part of my job ahah But it’s a great camera and I’m really enjoying taking food photos with it! 🙂
    There are some cheaper Nikons and even Canons so you should look into those. Like, the Nikon D60 or something like that. 🙂 It’s a great investment I think.

    Have fun!

  • Jessica @ How Sweet It Is October 20, 2009, 10:28 am

    The is one amazing hotel buffet. I am completely camera clueless. I have no idea what I use, but I posted about it a month or so ago. So bad at photography!

  • Lindsey @ Sound Eats October 20, 2009, 10:32 am

    I have a Nikon D40 and love it. 🙂 Maybe check sales around the day after Thanksgiving (if you’re willing to wait a month)? You may be able to find some great deals then. Plus you can also try to save up a bit.

  • Kristen October 20, 2009, 10:32 am

    Could you write a DLSR off as a business expense on your taxes? That way the sticker shock isn’t quite as crazy.(I have no idea how the American tax system works. Although I also have very little knowledge of my own Canadian tax system as well…) I’d love to have a DLSR…I’ll just keep drooling when I see them.

    I know it is all what you are used to, but when I see that you were running in 52 degrees, I’m a little jealous- I was running in 35 degrees this morning.

    Enjoy the POM tour.

  • Jessie (Vegan-minded) October 20, 2009, 10:33 am

    That is a great hotel breakfast. I have a Sony Cyber-shot (DSC-H10) which is kind of like a “middle ground” between a point-and-shoot and an SLR. For the price I paid, it takes some pretty great photos. I am planning to eventually upgrade to a Canon SLR in the future though.

  • Karla October 20, 2009, 10:34 am

    I recently got a Canon Rebel Xsi (it was my present to myself… plus it’s useful for projects). I love it!

    Yes, it was a little pricey but it makes taking pictures SO much fun.

    Have fun at the orchards!

  • mary ann October 20, 2009, 10:34 am

    well, if you do get a new camera-you could sell me your old one and id actually get some courage to fill my blog with foody and vermonty pictures! It would be like owning a celebrity’s hand-me-down. imagine owning HTPs old blogging camera!

    • caitlin October 20, 2009, 6:41 pm

      hehe i have like three old cameras if you wanna buy one!

  • Stephanie October 20, 2009, 10:34 am

    I have an Olympus Stylus 1030SW — awesome features and it can even be used underwater !

  • Carolyn October 20, 2009, 10:34 am

    What type of camera is Tina using? I have also been thinking of getting an SLR but I am not a food blogger I just want a new toy 🙂

  • Paige (Running Around Normal) October 20, 2009, 10:36 am

    I have the 1100 version of yours. I like it ok – it has a decent macro setting and non flash shot, but I, too, would love an SLR.

  • Laura @ FindingAHealthyBalance...after a 100+ POUND weight loss! October 20, 2009, 10:39 am

    I forgot my camera today and I can’t for the life of me remember what kind it is but I know it is a 10 megapixel, which I love!

    I love your pants, where you get them???

    =) Laura

  • emily October 20, 2009, 10:39 am

    I have a Sony Cyber-shot. It is new actually, an improvement over my old camera, but I still have major camera-envy! I actually have a super fancy Nikon with a $$ lense, but it is old-school and uses film.

  • Christina October 20, 2009, 10:42 am

    My P&S is a Canon like yours but the 1100 version. I also have a Rebel XT and I’m hoping to update to a 50d soon because it’s better for shooting skating, otherwise I like that the XT is smaller and lighter than the 50d.

    Have fun on todays tour!

  • Tay - Pacing For Pretzels October 20, 2009, 10:48 am

    I have a Canon Rebel xsi but I have no idea what I am doing with it! I find that it takes amazing photos on auto but when I start playing with manual I have no clue what I am doing.

  • Jess October 20, 2009, 10:49 am

    I need a new camera stat! I have a Canon right now and it’s on it’s last legs.

    I had to chuckle a little bit at 52 being cold. I’m about to start training for my next marathon in November, most Saturday morning long runs, it will be between 8-15 degrees when we start our run.

  • Michelle October 20, 2009, 10:50 am

    Olympus fe-340. I want an SLR..alas I am going back to nursing school. This one will have to be ok. It’s been through Australia, the USA, and E. Timor. not too shabby.

  • Sheri October 20, 2009, 10:51 am

    That looks like a great breakfast buffet! It is so great when hotels have healthy choices.

    My camera is a SLR Canon 30D…I love it! I just got a bunch of new lenses for it and a external flash!

    Have a great day.

  • Ryan @ Greens for Good October 20, 2009, 10:57 am

    I LOVE my Nikon D40! Nikon just came out with a comparable camera to the D40 (price range is the same, more megapixels, and smaller body) called the D3000. You can get a 2-lens kit for about $700 (http://www.ritzcamera.com/product/SLR1212.htm?bct=t1134). I have 3 different lenses for my D40, but my most recent food photography lens is a 35mm. It was $199 but totally worth it, especially for low-light photography! There’s also a 50mm which is $139 that would do the same thing as the 35mm, just at a closer range.

    My recommendation for you (especially if you’re getting a camera primarily for food photography) would be to just buy the SLR body (rather than the kit which includes a cheap 18-55mm lens). Then choose the lens you want (such as the 35mm or 50mm) and purchase that too. It will save you money just to buy the body and pick the lens you will really use, rather than spending extra on the kit and forking out another $200 for a better lens.

  • Erica October 20, 2009, 10:57 am

    This event seems like so much fun! POM is a great company and I think its fabulous that they are putting this on for this group of bloggers. Nice job on the run (way to make it work!). And yummy bfast. I have a poopie little camera- I need a new one

  • Kristie Lynn October 20, 2009, 10:59 am

    I have a Nikon COOLPIX S220, which I like. And it’s dark purple, which definitely doesn’t hurt 🙂

  • julia October 20, 2009, 10:59 am

    52 degrees is balmy! Haha. It was 36 in Boston this morning and I opted for running on an indoor track.

  • Stacey October 20, 2009, 10:59 am

    That’s the best spread I’ve ever seen a hotel have!! The one’s I always go to are LAME compared to that, haha 🙂 I’ve been wondering what kind of camera to get, mine is pretty old and it’s real basic kodak camera. I’m so excited to get a new one!!

  • Gabriela October 20, 2009, 11:13 am

    I have a little blue Panasonic, but it’s not too good for my new bloggy career, so I’d love a new one…Christmas, perhaps? And I can tell you’re staying in the Marriott- it’s the same breaky spread I get whenever I travel! Simple but complete! Have a great time on the remainder of your trip!

  • Simone @ P:T October 20, 2009, 11:19 am

    I am in need of a new digital camera, and I would love an SLR camera, but I just feel it would be unpractical for “going out” purposes when I want my tiny digital camera that slips easily into my going out purse. I would say to have two–an SLR and a smaller one–financially, that’s just not in the cards right now. 🙁

    On a different note, way to go on having the motivation to brave the outdoors. It’s a sign of a hardcore runner 😉

  • Shannon (The Daily Balance) October 20, 2009, 11:20 am

    Nice run and delish looking breakfast! I think you photos are fab, by the way 😉

  • Runningwriter October 20, 2009, 11:30 am

    I have this one http://www.panasonic.co.uk/html/en_GB/Products/LUMIX+Digital+Cameras/Super+Zoom/DMC-FZ38/Overview/2718819/index.html and I love it although I haven’t even figured out how to get the best out of it yet (long user manual). I researched for months and this seemed like the best value in its class.
    Well done on braving the cold.

  • Lara (Thinspired) October 20, 2009, 11:31 am

    We got a DSLR earlier this year (the Nikon D60), which I don’t use as often as I should! I don’t have the patience to sit down and learn how to use it properly. I use a compact camera like yours most of the time but I am trying to be better about using the DSLR!

  • sarah w October 20, 2009, 11:31 am

    You and hubby should definately do some research on digital SLRs and seriously considering making room in the budget for one before England. They are fabulous cameras for traveling especially! I prefer Canon Rebel SLR series…but Nikon D60 or 90 is also good

  • Alex October 20, 2009, 11:36 am

    LOL! I love that you layered when it was 52 degrees out! When it’s 52 degrees where I live, I where a short-sleeve shirt and shorts and end up being warm-ish. Must be that Florida blood in you. 😉

    • Alex October 20, 2009, 11:36 am

      Wear* – oops!

  • Sara October 20, 2009, 11:39 am

    I think I have the same camera you do! I would love a much nicer camera! My boyfriend has a really nice Nikon camera but I don’t use it too much 🙁

    Sounds like you are having about the same weather we are here! It was 37 degrees this morning (no wonder I couldn’t drag myself out of bed at 5 am!)

  • Ellen October 20, 2009, 11:53 am

    Good for you for not letting the full gym keep you from working out! I would have been like, “Oh shucks, guess I can’t work out now!” and gone back to bed. You’re inspirational!

    http://www.firednfabulous.blogspot.com/

  • Whit October 20, 2009, 11:53 am

    My point and shoot is a Nikon CoolPix, but I just got an SLR [used, from my sis] which is a Nikon D40. I’m still learning the ins and outs of it, but I ADORE it.

  • Tay October 20, 2009, 12:01 pm

    I have a canon sd400 point and shoot. But a DSLR is on my wishlist for Christmas! There’s actually one on sale at Costco for $700 that I’m considering. My dad has one and I Love it!

  • Marisa (Trim The Fat) October 20, 2009, 12:07 pm

    Great job on your run this a.m.!

    The breakfast buffet looks amazing!

    I have a Canon and it works pretty well. There is so much more to food photography and using certain settings that I need to learn about!

  • Lauren @ Dragonflies Journey October 20, 2009, 12:20 pm

    I have a Canon Digital Rebel EOS SLR. As a photographer it’s great. Mine is only 8 megapixels as I got it almost 5 years ago at this point, but the new 12 megapixel ones cost as much as mine did. About $500.00. But it’s a phenomenal investment and go through Amazon. Much cheaper and better shipping deals.

  • Nicole October 20, 2009, 12:39 pm

    I have a Canon Digital Rebel t1i and it’s my pride and joy. It also takes HD video!

  • Julie @ Peanut Butter Fingers October 20, 2009, 12:46 pm

    i have a lil’ SD630 – my pics could use a lil’ help, too! 🙂 i always envy good photographs… though i don’t think it’s just my camera that’s to blame.

  • Allie October 20, 2009, 12:54 pm

    mmm. great hotel breakfast. i had to laugh out loud when i saw you all layered for running. it was mid 30’s this AM…and it’s only october!! poor southerners (can you tell i am a bit jealous!).

  • Mellissa October 20, 2009, 1:04 pm

    I have the same camera you do, but my husband has an AMAZING Cannon SLR that I am afraid to touch!!

  • Jolene (www.everydayfoodie.ca) October 20, 2009, 1:05 pm

    I have a digital SLR, I think it is a Nikon something or other 🙂 The hubby bought it, I just use it!

  • jen October 20, 2009, 1:08 pm

    a canon 30d slr. i love it. it’s my second slr, an upgrade from the rebel.

    actually, you might remember me. i was the one (nonblogger)lugging my behemoth cemera around the healthy living summit. 🙂

  • Matt October 20, 2009, 1:22 pm

    The time change always messes me up too!

  • Chloe (Naturally Frugal) October 20, 2009, 1:29 pm

    I just got a new camera, definitely not an SLR but a good upgrade from my old one for now.
    Earlier today I was reading an “article” on the best and worst airport food and they actually said to choose a donut from Dunkin’ over something else. I was horrified since that donut may have less calories but ZERO nutritional value. Long story short – this is why I love your blog. You lead by example and show what to eat and how to stay healthy while traveling!

    • caitlin October 20, 2009, 6:42 pm

      thanks 🙂 that article is silly! its not all about calories.

  • Jenna October 20, 2009, 1:32 pm

    have fun today! great eats at the morning breaky!
    jenna

  • Jen October 20, 2009, 1:33 pm

    Hi, I thought I’d de-lurk myself and finally leave a comment! I have major DLSR envy and keep hinting to boyfriend that I really need one for christmas, he’s not having it though! Well done on braving the cold! You’ll need to get some warm clothes for England though, I’m up in Scotland and it’s about 9 degrees celsius (about 48 farnheit) at the moment but feels a lot colder! A good water prof is a must with all the rain! Have a great trip.

  • brandi October 20, 2009, 2:01 pm

    we have a bigger SLR camera, but I don’t use it! I should, at least when I’m at home.

    I have a canon powershot SX110, which actually has all the same settings as our larger camera and is the main reason I got it. I could learn on this one, too.

  • skinnyrunner October 20, 2009, 2:03 pm

    i love running in new towns or areas even if the route is kinda blah, like yours sounded today. but at least you got a sweet breakfast!
    i have a point and shoot, the only rad thing is the touch screen. i don’t think i could work a more technologically advanced one!

  • Susan October 20, 2009, 2:15 pm

    Oooh, I need a new camera SO badly! I have a really old model of the Kodak Easy Share. The flash and focus sucks, and has to be held reeeal steady without the flash. I think the only thing that saves my pictures is that I did a lot of photojournalism and have an idea of how to play with angles and light.

  • Anna October 20, 2009, 2:17 pm

    Good for you! Way to get out in the cold. The last few days its been 32 degrees for my morning runs, and boy, is it chilly. Hope you have a great time in Cali 🙂

  • Beth @ DiningAndDishing October 20, 2009, 2:20 pm

    That is the exact problem with the camera I have – it does not take good non-flash pics when the lighting is bad. Although you’re right, Tina’s camera is the best of them all! :O)

  • Andee (Runtolive) October 20, 2009, 2:25 pm

    I have a Canon SD Powershot 1100SD, but I’m having trouble getting good quality pictures when shooting indoors with dim lighting. Oatmeal breakfast is the best 🙂

  • Erin October 20, 2009, 2:26 pm

    I use a Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ3. It’s by far the best point-and-click I’ve ever had but I’ll hopefully upgrade to an SLR next year. It’s much easier to travel with a p&c, even the pics aren’t quite as amazing. 🙂

  • Allison (Balance in Bites) October 20, 2009, 2:32 pm

    I very, very much want a good SLR camera… I need to get some money saved up before I feel justified buying one, though. Digital point and shoot will have to be good enough for now >.<

  • Amber from Girl with the Red Hair October 20, 2009, 2:52 pm

    I have a Nikon D60 that I LOVE. My point-and-shoot camera SUCKS though. It’s a Kodak and it eats batteries like it’s nobody’s business!! I should get a canon maybe!

  • Ali @ Food, Fitness, Fashion October 20, 2009, 2:54 pm

    I would cry tears of happiness for a run in 52 degree weather in the morning, it had been in the 30’s here!!!

    I have a Canon Powershot SD780. I like it, and just got it in June, so I will not be replacing it for a while.

  • on the rocks October 20, 2009, 3:15 pm

    having most of my family live in fresno, i can definitely confirm with you that it is boring! so i understand why your run didn’t have much to look at!

  • on the rocks October 20, 2009, 3:15 pm

    also…i just got an slr. love it.

  • Nicole (dishin') October 20, 2009, 3:18 pm

    Your oatmeal looks great!

    Running sleeveless would be chilly when it’s in the 50’s!

    Have fun!

  • Carolina John October 20, 2009, 3:26 pm

    we shoot with a nikon d40 digital-slr. It’s the model from 2 years ago, now you can only buy the d60. Still, it’s the best thing we’ve bought since having kids. we take thousands more pictures now than we did before. just b/c the pics are so much better quality.

  • Becka @Studio222 Photography October 20, 2009, 3:32 pm

    While Nate and I use pro cameras for our work, when I first started into photography as a hobby I had the Canon rebel xti. It was fairly inexpensive, you could change the lenses, and it was perfect for my needs. Canon has an updated on now called the Canon xsi. It would be perfect for you. Or, you can pick up a used rebel on the cheap if you check out craigslist. Here in Orlando there’s a pretty good photo/video section. 😉

    xo,
    B

  • Lauren October 20, 2009, 3:36 pm

    Tina and Kath’s pictures are incredible. I have a point and shoot as well. I do love the Cannon Powershot, and honestly I think your pictures are great for a cannon powershot. Look how well you’ve done with the camera you have. Running in the cold is annoying-we have to do that up north. We just wear long pants and long sleeves which can be really annoying at times. And your breakfast buffet looks great.

  • Nikka @ HealthfulGirl October 20, 2009, 4:01 pm

    Hi Caitlin! Glad to hear you are having such a great time!
    As far as the camera goes, I have been a Canon lover for yours. I think if you have been happy with your Canon point&shoot it’s not a bad idea to stay with the same company, it makes it so much easier for you to navigate the many menus.
    Last year I saved up and bought a Canon Rebel XS DSLR, and I love it! The pictures are so much better and having a lot more control over the picture you are taking is great too. The DSLR can be a bit bulkier to carry around, but I know if you can train yourself to photograph every meal! then you can carry around a bigger camera : )

  • Melissa October 20, 2009, 4:56 pm

    My Sony Cybershot is getting a little wacky and my food pics are often lacking. I could definitely use a new camera under my Christmas tree in a little over 2 months from now. 🙂 Haha.

  • elliebelle October 20, 2009, 5:14 pm

    I have a Nikon D40 and it definitely makes a difference – you get amazing quality shots without having to use a flash. I was able to hold really still and get decent photos in a very dark cave while on vacation! I’m glad I went with the lower pixel amount though (since most of my photos are only shown on the computer – I don’t print much)because the photos do take up quite a bit of memory and have slowed my iphoto down a bit.

  • Tammy October 20, 2009, 5:22 pm

    I was surprised at your layers too! It has been around 39-40’s here in Arkansas and I have finally started to layer!

  • Marcia October 20, 2009, 6:33 pm

    I have a crappy Panasonic point n shoot. Hopefully an SLR is in my future–one of these years.
    mmmm POM wonderful! Enjoy!

  • Jaime October 20, 2009, 8:01 pm

    I have the same camera you do and I LOVE it. It’s perfect for my day-to-day food blogging and any social photos in natural light. (It does suck for low-light or action shots.) I get TONS of compliments on my blog photos though so it’s definitely the best $200 I’ve spent this year. 🙂

    We really want an SLR but I’m waiting until FH can prove to me he would actually use it and take decent photos! haha. He’s kind of a bad photographer but won’t admit it.

  • Cynthia (It All Changes) October 20, 2009, 8:49 pm

    It makes me giggle when people think 52 is cold. But I’m proud of you for getting out of the hotel for a run since the gym was full.

    I have a regular Cannon Point and shoot that we got as a wedding present. If I took as many pics as ya’ll do thought I would totally have camera envy too.

  • erica October 20, 2009, 8:57 pm

    I have two:

    1) my point-and-shoot is a waterproof, shockproof, “crush-proof”, “freeze-proof” Olympus Stylus Tough that I can take anywhere. If it gets dirty or i spill drinks on it, i just stick it under the faucet! I recently used it while canyoning in Zion national park and never had to worry about it getting we or bumped.

    2) a Canon Rebel xsi (aka, EOS 450D) that i just bought a month ago! My first DSLR. It’s nice to have both. The picture quality of the DSLR great, but you can’t take this baby everywhere, so it’s nice to have both

  • rebecca October 20, 2009, 9:07 pm

    Great 5k time– sounds like a relaxing, enjoyable (and early) morning run.
    I love that you contemplated doing an in-room aerobics routine; though, I guess I’m ashamed to say I’ve done it. Haha. Have a great night and always remember how beautiful you are.

    rebecca

  • Olga @ Healthing It October 20, 2009, 10:19 pm

    I have the same camera as you do! But I’ve been dying to get an SLR…graduation present perhaps? 😉

    And 52 degrees is cold? I’m jealous!

  • Kristen October 20, 2009, 11:27 pm

    I would do anything to be able to run in 50 degree weather right now! MN is already freezing cold in October!!! I realize you live in a much warmer climate, so good job braving the “cold!”

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