I have a camera with me everyday and usually it will be with me anywhere I go during the day unless I’m at a meeting.  Even then, with my new iPhone there’s still one close at hand.  I just don’t think of my iPhone as my camera of choice, it’s there as a fail safe backup if ever called on.

But every day before I pack up and leave for work I go through an internal debate about whether to grab my Canon G11 or my Nikon D300.

Eventually it comes down to what my schedule looks like and the camera I more likely want to want to have with me given the circumstances of my schedule.  Will I have to carry it for any length of time?  Will my Nikon be too conspicuous?  Will I have to explain why I’m carrying it?  I work at a university, so I’m around a lot of students some days of the week…I’m a little sensitive and don’t want to intimidate anyone on campus with a big camera.  I’m not into capturing people photographs but they don’t know that.

Of course, I’ll get the best results with the Nikon, no doubt about it.  It’s going to take much better photographs than my Canon G11.  Not that my Canon is a slouch, but it just can’t compare to the control I have over my shots with the Nikon.  If I know that I’m going to be able to take a walk at lunchtime and can do my own thing, then I’ll take my Nikon.   I’m likely to strip it down to its lightest configuration though.  That means leaving my grip at home and usually going with a prime lens, more likely my 50mm f/1.8.  If I’m going to do some macro work, I may go with my 60mm micro lens, the AF 2.8D.

But there are many days where my Canon is just easier to carry.  It’s just a nice size, it shoots raw, and will support brackets for HDR work, its still very capable.  I even keep a Joby GorillaPod nearby so that I can shoot brackets if conditions aren’t good enough to handhold the camera.  The case for my G11 also has room for a remote shutter release which is essential for the G11 for some critical shots that wouldn’t require a tripod on my Nikon with its greater capabilities.  The Canon in a small carry case is just inconspicuous.  Most folks would have no idea I’m carrying a camera till I pull it out to take a shot.  It’s just easier to have with me.  The downside is the shots just aren’t as crisp as my Nikon.

So, my first decision most days is which camera to grab.  I’d say that my Canon is with me 75% of the time.  I’m grateful for the opportunity to make a choice between two capable cameras.  Having one of my cameras with me is most important. It’s great to be able to make a choice that fits my needs for the day so that I’ll be ready if that once in a lifetime shot ever presents itself!