For my 30th birthday, I asked for money so I could buy a new camera for our trip. Thanks to the generosity of my family and friends, I was able to purchase two cameras yesterday: a Canon EOS 7D and a GoPro Hero3.

Aren’t they pretty?

The Canon is an upgrade from my EOS450D, which Paul has bought, and the GoPro is for video (but really with the main purpose of using it to film Beluga Whales when I go snorkelling with them next July/August).

I had intended to buy them in Canada because I thought they’d be cheaper. I investigated a bit and it did look like they would be cheaper but then when you added the tax (tax isn’t included in the marked price which is pretty deceptive) it came out to be either the same price or more expensive than if I bought them in Australia. So I bought them here and will collect the GST refund in Sydney (must not forget…must not forget).

I’ve started playing around with the GoPro and am pretty impressed with the iPhone App which allows you to wirelessly connect to the camera and get a preview. The camera doesn’t have a viewfinder so it can be tricky to establish the shot. I tried driving with it but it slid off the dashboard within about 10 seconds, so I’ve given up on that for now. It’s a pretty nifty little camera and am looking forward to playing with it more. Last night while at dinner I filmed Glen trying to open a bottle of Coke. It’s enthralling stuff.

Thank you to everyone who contributed. You have made me very happy. New tech-toys are the best.