Ahh yes, the I broke down and ordered a new Gadget thread! [Archive]

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Christina

October 10th, 2007, 08:12

I've been wanting a digital SLR for quite some time. Ever since I had to shoot 35mm slide film a while back. Now that I've been building a texture library, I've come to the realization that my point and shoot camera just can't get the high resolution quality that I need. Even though it is an 8.1MP camera, the lens just has its limitations.

http://www.hardwarezone.com/img/data/articles/2006/2067/title.jpg

So yes folks, I have graduated to a Canon Rebel XTi 400D (http://www.usa.canon.com/consumer/controller?act=ModelInfoAct&fcategoryid=139&modelid=14256). It will arrive Friday and I can't wait! This will be an excellent starter camera for me. Gotta love student loans! At least I'll go down happy! :lol: I didn't bother with the kit lens so I ordered the black camera body only along with the EF-S 17-85mm f/4-5.6 IS USM Zoom Lens. I hope to get a Macro lens I have my eye on this Christmas or early next year. I chose the EF-S 17-85mm lens as a good all rounder to tie me over til' I can afford some higher end glass. It has great reviews and it'll give me a wide range of great shots. I hope to take some great night shots of the city with it as well. I also ordered an 8gb Sandisk Extreme III compact flash card to go with it and an extra battery. I'll also be hunting for a case or a fitted bag to fit all these gadgets into as well as a lens case from Lowepro most likely. I'll be testing some lens' out this weekend that my uncle has. He bought the 400D the day it came out. Loves it but doesn't have enough time to shoot!

I've also been accepted as a contributor on Shutterstock/Dreamstime. At present, I like Shuterstock a lot more than Dreamstime.

Anyone else a shutterbug? :crazy:

Ironically, I just sold my Canon Rebel 2000 35mm camera on Ebay today :( I'm going to miss that camera. It did a great job. Developing film is too costly for me though.

UPDATE: I ordered the Lowepro lens holder from Ebags and a Roadwired rap for the SLR. Reason for this and not a dedicated bag is so I don't look like a sitting duck err or leave myself wide open for a 'gadget' snatcher! I have a nice padded skateboard backpack (yes it's a skate pack! Bucky Lasik to be exact!) since I can use the skateboard holder as a tripod holder as well!

chaos

October 11th, 2007, 18:19

Very nice choice :) I've been keeping my eyes on the prices of those things, and I must say they are still a bit pricey for me, though I have to admit, it would be infinitely better than my 6.1MP point and shoot cam. Have some fun, and don't go too crazy :lol:

8gb Sandisk Extreme III compact flash card
That's huge! I didn't even know they made those.

Jamie

October 11th, 2007, 19:43

I don't claim to know cameras, but that sure as hell looks like one mean piece of kit! :)

I'm looking to purchase a digital, hard-disk video camera at the moment, but the huge range of choice confuses the heck out of me. :lol:

Christina

October 11th, 2007, 21:24

It is pricey but it will be worth it! Nothing but rave reviews. As long as you have a decent camera body, the lens' are where you want to spend your money on! Yeah, 8gb was what I had to go with. I'd rather have that one than have 2 4gb cards. There's a 12 and 18gb card floating around too :crazy:

Jamie, a little research and you'll be able to justify your statement!! :lol: Unfortunately, my order is delayed and I won't get it in time for my trip to Los Angeles next week. I hear there's a Canon Rebate going to be released so that may be the reason.

As for a video camera, this all depends on your budget! I personally wouldn't buy anything less than an HDV Camcorder right now. I have a 6 yr old MiniDV, a JVC GR-DVL520

http://www.welectronics.com/camcorder/jvc%20gr%20dvl520%20big.gif

Still works and is in top condition. I drool over those Canon handycams! So, assess your needs/budget/use and you'll find yourself a nice video camera in no time :)

chaos

October 11th, 2007, 23:20

Ah, I really like our MiniDV camera. It's a 3CCD Panasonic PVGS150.
http://reviews.cnet.com/digital-camcorders/panasonic-pv-gs150/4505-6500_7-31307916.html

At the time we bought it (about 2 years ago), it was one of the highest rated consumer 3CCD camera's (the 3ccd really pays off in Arizona where it's almost always really bright outside). Now it's not so popular, but the colors are so beautiful...
that said, if I had the budget... :)
http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/Sony-Handycam-Camcorder-DCR-VX2100/sem/rpsm/oid/154674/catOid/-13063/rpem/ccd/productDetail.do

Christina

October 11th, 2007, 23:41

Tjobbe

October 12th, 2007, 14:02

yummy!

I have been wanting to start amateur photography for quite some time, but no idea where to start.

I assume for someone like me a digital slr would be best, am I right?

Christina

October 12th, 2007, 14:16

Yes Tjobbe!! The Canon Rebel XTi is probably THE best entry level DSLR for the quality and (now) price! Your money will be spent on the lenses. I did a lot of research before making the purchase. It is an investment for sure! Bottom line, you buy the best lens you can afford!

http://www.amazon.com/Canon-Digital-Rebel-10-1MP-Camera/dp/B000I1ZWRW

http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,1759,2026722,00.asp
http://www.macworld.com/2007/01/reviews/rebelxti/index.php
http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Canon-EOS-400D-Digital-Rebel-XTi-Review.aspx
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?A=buyUsed&Q=457530&O=productList
http://www.megapixel.net/reviews/canon-rebelxti/rebelxti-gen.php

Tjobbe

October 12th, 2007, 14:17

Christmas is coming.. Might have to write to santa and get that list changed!

Christina

October 13th, 2007, 04:22

Christmas is coming.. Might have to write to santa and get that list changed!

:lol: I hope you've been a good boy ;)

prabu

May 17th, 2011, 07:52

It is a nice sharing.........