paul_rentz

<p>Yep, a bad shutter for sure. Watch the video above and you'll see why they charge $200+ for the repair. I would hope, though, that if that Nikon was less than a year old it would have been free. I had to have shutters replaced in my Canon 10d and 40d. Canon had pity on me and replaced the shutter free in the 40d as both happened in the 13th month, but the 40d had already been in for a button problem. Never had the problem with my XTi and I'm at the 14th month with my 7d. Hopefully no more shutter problems! They weren't <em><strong>close </strong></em>to the shutter numbers that would be expected before failure.<br>

Now glad we settled the 'shutter/no-shutter' issue as I'd be suing Canon for the $200 I paid to get one repaired!</p>

Do you really want 'tack sharp' in portraits? I'd work more on the focal length that makes the best sense. On a full frame that'd be between 75-100, on the 1.6 sensors that would be 50-80 range. Sure, you can go beyond that on either end, but you have to be able to reach that range. I agree- no wide angle! At least 1.25 magnification. In some ways you may want a longer reach on the APS sensor as you can't get the same depth of field separation as on a full frame camera.

So, find a lens that focuses quickly, smoothly and has good bokeh no matter what it is.

I appreciate the sample images as they really help show the strengths (or weaknesses) of the various lenses- and the feedback too!

Kevin, one problem with you idea of using your local camera store to 'shop' and online to 'buy'- how does the local camera store stay in business! At least offer to pay for his/her time. Those are folks that live in YOUR town, the people that local charities go to for fund raisers, that are active in your community. They deserve better than that. Then after handling that camera many times- and never buying it, how is your local dealer expected to sell it! If you want him/her to be there the next time you want to check out gear, support them!

Used lenses- locals often have these too, or sources for them AND you'll get to check them out first.

Sorry for preaching but this practice is putting local dealers who work much harder for your business- OUT of business!

I would not be surprised if it comes at CES or PMA of 2008 as it is the only DIGIC II camera in the current line up that stands alone. Yes, the 30d and the Rebel XT remain in the line up but they have the 40d and the XTi ahead of them.

Here's what I figure will come- 14 to 16 meg sensor, DIGIC III or IV with Highlight Tone Priority, dust shake sensor (those are the features that will push it in the line up as many of these are used by wedding photographers- the 5d w/ 24-105 begs to be a 'wedding' camera!)

I'll be at PMA, not CES this year- CES is just too crazy and not enough 'photo' interest to me ALTHOUGH there were a lot of new cameras announced there last year! This year it was from PMA (February) to August for the release of the first DIGIC III camera (Mark III 1d) to the 40d and the 1ds so about February 2008 seems like a good fit for the final shoe to drop- the 5ds or 5d DIGIC III or 6d or ?

So- any reason? No, but somebody has to be last- and since the 5d was first (full frame at a APS price) this will be last- but worth the wait unless you need a body today!

There is a point of "no greater return" because the device printing

the image doesn't output more "information" than a certain amount-

feed it more and it just throughs it out. Sometimes it just makes it

worse. Yes, the larger you print, the more information is needed.