Happy Thanksgiving everyone!
This year, I’m thankful for the camera that I own.
Just over three years ago, I purchased my first personal camera with the money I had saved up working at a children’s summer camp. I bought a Sony A57 SLT camera, which was Sony’s version of a beginner DSLR.
This can be difficult to explain. However, because of a specific “SLT” translucent mirror technology Sony used at the time, it was different than the normal mirror technology that other classic brands like Canon and Nikon use. An important part of the camera is the view finder, which allows photographers to look through a sort of scope on the top of the camera. Normal DSLR cameras use an optical viewfinder (OVF), which is essentially a periscope that looks through the lens. Sony’s new technology decided to implement an electronic viewfinder (EVF), which is essentially another small screen inside the viewfinder showing the same thing as the LCD screen on the back of the camera.
Why is this important? About a month ago, in New York City, I simply dropped my camera. The screen landed on the sidewalk concrete.
It looks like this:
This was during the same NYC trip I wrote about just two weeks ago. Check it out here! 🙂
With the screen broken; well… it’s a broken screen. However, because of the electronic viewfinder, I’m still able to take pictures, view photos, delete photos, and use any function my camera had looking through the viewfinder. I look kind of stupid sometimes, but my camera was still MOSTLY fully functional, looking through the viewfinder.
This wouldn’t be possible with an optical viewfinder (OVF) that Nikon and Canon DSLRs have. I’m not necessarily saying that EVFs are way better than OVFs (I think it’s more of a preference), but if my camera didn’t have an OVF, it would be pretty much impossible to use with a broken screen.
Right now I’m planning to figure out a way to fix the screen, as well as saving up for a future new camera, but by being able to use my “broken-screen-camera,” I didn’t have to rush into buying a new camera, or live life camera-less for a certain amount of time.
In this one month using my broken-screen-camera, I’ve taken many pictures for many events that have occurred at school and at church. These events include the latter half of the NYC trip (burger picture above was taken with the broken screen!), a hiking trip, a church coffeehouse, a “Jesus Awareness Week” prayer and revival initiative at Rutgers University, a youth group retreat, a CCF fellowship class potluck, and so many other occasions.
The following pictures were all taken with my “broken-screen” camera. These are pictures of moments I’ll always remember, and that’s why this year, I’m thankful for my old camera for being able to capture these joyful memories.
I’m thankful for food. Who isnt’?!
I’m thankful for nature, and autumn hiking trips.
I’m thankful for my wonderful friends at Rutgers Community Christian Church, and the times of fellowship I get to spend with them. I’m thankful for the R8 college community as well as the Young Adult Fellowship.
I’m thankful for “Jesus Awareness Week,” and the unity it brought to the large christian community at Rutgers University through prayer and praise… and many all nighters.
I’m thankful for the junior high students that I get to spend every Friday with. I’m thankful for the opportunity to be their counselor, watching them grow and doing my best to guide them in the right direction through the gospel.
I’m thankful for the fellowship and companionship that I have had with various others serving alongside me for our junior high youth group.
I’m thankful for Chinese Christian Fellowship. I’m so thankful that God softened my stubborn heart and arranged my schedule so that I would attend this fellowship for the first time. Without that happening, I would not have met and befriended so many great people.
I’m thankful for the night sky. And the moon and stars.
Of course, I’m thankful for my family and friends. And lastly, I’m thankful for the opportunity God has given me to have these life experiences. However, more than that, God has given all of us the opportunity have fellowship with others through Him – a fellowship that will last forever because of the salvation that He’s given us through His son’s death and resurrection.
Have a very Happy Thanksgiving weekend everyone. I’m also so very thankful for anyone who has bothered to read about the joy I find in photography in my blog. Thank you! 🙂
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. – 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Matthew Lau 