Several people have asked the same question of me. The short answer is that I will not be switching to the XT.
The decision to sell my technical camera system is both difficult and simple. I love my gear. I love everything about a technical camera. The method, the process, the slow pace, the movements and the need to really think about what you want the image's story to tell. That is why I especially enjoy teaching how to use a technical camera. No Photoshop, get everything you need in the field, and hopefully in one shot. You really become a part of your imagery. If you visit my website, I think you will understand what I am talking about. So the difficult/emotional thing, for me, is parting with the tech cam experience.
I do a fair amount of international travel as well as back country hiking. It's easy for my "light" pack to tip 40-50 pounds. The weight is not an issue for me. Traveling internationally and trying to carry all, and I mean all, of my gear onto the plane is rapidly becoming a losing proposition. The airlines are becoming increasingly difficult. I will not check my equipment into the bowels of the plane. Too many bad experiences. People say take less stuff but that is not how I operate. I'd rather have something and not use it than need something and not have it. Same thing with back country hiking. 10 miles on a rough trail or in a river and it gets a little weary. When I have to drive to a location up and down the east side of the country (where I live), that's no problem. But that is not the bulk of my work. So, the simple answer, albeit a sad one is I need to find a somewhat lighter, efficient, logistically friendly, and more well rounded alternative with a smaller footprint. I sell large fine art prints, so I will still be in the high megapixel world, just not a tech cam, which I will certainly and sorely miss.
Thanks for asking.
Andy
