Let’s just say Santa has some extra money put back this year, and let’s just say I’ve been a good fisher; practiced catch-and-release (mostly), written about epic exploits (mostly), and cussed less, drank fewer beers and smoked fewer cigars than in past years, and now I find myself at the front of the line. (I reserve the right to edit those last three good things, after Christmas, for accuracy.)

Santa, I definitely want a new camera for 2012, so that I can photograph my fly clients with a camera that carries easily and works well. It also has to shoot video. I think the new Nikon 1 V1 fills the void in my photo equipment shortage perfectly. Look at this camera. The screen is huge and sharp as a tack. Put your eye up to the finder, and the screen automatically shuts off. Now I can see what I am photographing in broad daylight on those hot summer days on the flats. The V1 also has a tough metal frame, and comes with an entirely new line of lenses. Nikon is also coming out with an adapter so I can use my current lineup of lenses on this small, futuristic camera. I’ve been harping on manufacturers for years to feel free to join the 21st. century, and it finally looks like they’re ready. There is no reason why a top of the line camera needs to look like your grandpa’s old 35mm SLR, and I think the Nikon V1 is the first step toward a whole new era in digital cameras.

The Nikon V1 comes in black and it comes in white. If you live in the south, go for the white as it reflects heat. It can be yours for as little as $800. usd, and it even uses the lenses you have now – with an adapter coming out in ’12.

Santa, if there’s anything left over after that, how about a new Sage 1 fly rod because it makes even me look like a decent caster. I am thinking a seven, lucky seven weight perhaps? Casting the 1 didn’t leave me feeling like it was a saltwater rod, but if they make it in a seven, I am willing to add it to my quiver. All I know is, this rod is straight, straight and smooth. I am betting we have not seen the end of this technology, and 2012 will give us at least one and maybe two new lines of Sage fly rods.

Then, since we’re on a roll Santa, I would really like to see what those new Simms airbag material packs are about – especially the 1/2 Day Pack. Look at this thing! It’s the right color for those of us fishing in the heat! The only better color would be silver, but we know that doesn’t work. Realistically, I wouldn’t care what it’s made of if I can get it in this Texas practical color.

A stocking stuffer perhaps? How about a pair of Costa del Mar Sunglasses? Talk about breaking Santa’s bank! I hear nothing but good comments about Costa’s 580 Series (their topline glass) and Costa certainly has some styles that turn my head. Right now, I am looking for the Corbinas, but there are a handfull of styles that fit my oversize mellon.

Just looking at these glasses makes you want them, doesn’t it? Costa not only has good glass, their styles are really hip as well. I think it’s time to look away from the Smith Optics, and through the Costas.

What else is there on my list, besides peace on earth, and goodwill toward man? I’m the guy who usually has to DIY his own Christmas list because it’s so vague and off the elves chart. I have a reputation for buying myself everything on my wish list while I shop for others, and have heard that’s not a good thing. Really, what I want the most is for Texas Fly Caster readers to have a great Christmas, love your family, hold them tight, let them run, stay up late, watch football, watch basketball, drink beer, smoke cigars, sleep hard, fish hard, be careful, take chances, turn the music up, and fasten your seat belts because I can guarantee you – 2012 is going to be a fast and bumpy ride!

Kodak’s new Zx5 has some new upgrades and downgrades.

Nearly thirty years in the photography business has taught me at least one thing; Count on Kodak to take a good thing, overprice it, overhype it, and finally tweak it into obscurity.

Rather than a long treatise on Kodak, the US corporation, let’s just take one simple product the Kodak “PlaySport” consumer grade waterproof camera. I have sold a few to friends and fly fishers through articles on Texas Fly Caster, and phone conversations. It’s a straight forward camera that fits easily in a fishing shirt pocket, vest or pack. And that’s where mine stays, my Simms waist pack, virtually all the time.

I actually like mine so much that I was looking to upgrade to the newest PlaySport Zx5 a few weeks ago. Of course, there’s upgrades galore to the new PlaySport. They have moved the on/off button to the top (fantastic idea!), and have a “Share” button (which means a wifi connection?).

The upgrades to the new camera are significant, when compared to the previous Zx3 interim upgrade to the PlaySport. Default recording in .MP4 is a huge plus, as is something even more critical to fly fishing photography – macro focusing down to ~ 4 inches. Now, I am sure you would have to fiddle around with mode settings and go into “macro” mode to focus that close, but we are talking some fantastic fly tying video details – if that’s your cup of tea.

Guess what? They have also reduced the sensor size from 1/2.5 to 1/3.2, meaning overall quality, and the ability to record in low light is further reduced. And the real downgrade comes in the battery department. We wander far and wide as fly fishers, not just out in the back yard to shoot video of kids in our swimming pools, so batteries and battery life is a much higher priority than the average user considers. Kodak, in their infinite wisdom, has decided to install a permanent battery – invisible and non-removable. What does this mean for users? We already know batteries have an effective life of perhaps two years under best case conditions. We depend on backup batteries when we take these cameras fly fishing, so if one goes down, we have a backup charged and ready to go. Now, once the camera dies, and believe me it will die, you’re done for the day. No more video or 5mp stills … just put it away because it is now dead weight. When the internal battery finally quits holding a charge, pack it up and send it off for repairs – to Kodak! Are you starting to get the picture – the big picture?

Unfortunately, Kodak never gets the clue until it’s too late. Will they go back to a removable battery? Probably not. Will the downgrades continue? It’s Kodak. If you are interested exclusively in video, the gap widens between Kodak and better choices. If you can live without a “Share” button and without macro focusing, run to Amazon real quick and look at the Zx3 Kodak PlaySport.

If you can live without macro function, and share isn’t in your digital vocabulary, look at the Kodak Zx3.

Sometimes the road less traveled can surprise even the well traveled.

As we headed for Pagosa Springs, Colorado, we were invited to take a brief pit stop in Cochiti, New Mexico. The next morning, given the options of visiting a place we had never heard of – Tent Rocks, or Bandeleir, we decided to see what Tent Rocks was all about. Are we glad we did.

When one cuts their teeth on the worship of Ansel Adams, and has an early, deep admiration for Georgia O’Keefe, New Mexico is always enchanting – as soon as I cross the border. I often imagine myself walking in the physical footsteps of Adams or O’Keefe, when in Santa Fe, Taos or some place like Chimayo. I don’t know that either of them experienced the strange formations at Tent Rocks, or explored the slot canyons leading to expansive vistas and different vantage points to view the Tent Rocks, but I could probably spend weeks there myself, like Adams, waiting for the light to be just right.

Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument is located forty miles southwest of Santa Fe, and about fifty-five miles northeast of Albuquerque. The best access is off I25. Although the National Monument is not crowded at all, it’s still very easy to find.

The hike is probably a 2.5 on a 5 scale (my scale). You will be catching your breath, and the slots can get downright tight. There are spots where you will have to wedge your feet in to get through, but don’t stop short because the views of the rocks as well as the vistas, change at every angle. Bring and drink plenty of water, and a lunch at the end of the climb would be a perfect way to cap off your experience.

I am first, and foremost, a photographer. Please enjoy the images, and if you ever get a chance to spend time in Cochiti, be sure and see the slot canyons and Tent Rocks National Monument as well. I also have to take a moment to give credit where it’s due – to those companions, and teachers who taught me about Georgia O’Keefe and Ansel Adams. You know who you are.

Apache tears are along the trail that goes through the National Monument.

Quick! What kind of bug is this? I knew there would be a fly connection eventually!