Whilst I have to admit to being a photo-gear freak (or maybe just a freak full stop...I'll let you decide) I firmly believe that it is the resulting image that is truly important and not necessarily the equipment used to creat it. I have some pretty decent camera gear, but only ever upgrade when I feel it is the only option left to improve my photography and I can do nothing more with my existing stuff.

My first camera was a Kodak Easyshare Z710 that was an exceptional little gem, with 7 megapixels and a 10x optical zoom lens. I've captured some of my favourite images with it and it holds a special place on my gear shelf. Using high-spec DSLR's certainly makes life easier for the working photographer (plus a big lens never fails to impress folk..ahem :) but a photo is a photo, regarless of how much grain it has. Save your pennies, enjoy life and eat more!

I'm just off to buy my new Canon 400mm f/2.8.....