happy birthday, camera

My camera is now 2 years old. I purchased it on Boxing Day 2008, althought it didn't arrive until probably actually this same day two years ago haha. Last year I bought it a Canon 50mm f/1.8 II and I've had a lot of fun learning new things with that. This year I thought about it for a while and couldn't think of another lens (in my price range) that would be a useful enough addition to the repertoire, so I started looking into flashes.

This year I finally decided on a Canon Speedlite 580EX II Flash. I haven't actually used one before so it's a bit of a weird move for me, but I'm really hoping I learn a lot and benefit from this piece of equipment. Winter is so dark anyways, so generally I go to work in the dark and come home just after the sun has set. It doesn't leave me much options for photography until I get a day off and usually my priorities are to relax a bit or travel to Toronto to visit various lovely people in my life.

To go with it, I grabbed a set of these as well: Sanyo Eneloop NiMH Rechargeable Batteries. I've been in desperate need of some good rechargeables for a long time now. My current ones hold a charge for about 5 hours, if that. I think they were originally purchased in the 90's though, so they've had a long life. I researched a bit and these Sanyo Eneloops seem like they'll be a good purchase. Since I don't have a camera phone, I want to keep my point and shoot Canon A590IS in my purse so I can still use it whenever I see something interesting. They sound like they keep a charge for a really long time even when not being used, so I'm excited to try them out and see how they go.

So yes. Happy birthday, camera! I hope you enjoy the copious amounts of money I spend on you...