peter_lamotte

I know there is a lot of discussion around cleaning to remove dust on the

sensor, but I haven't been able to find a general estimate on how much that

would cost. I am getting ready to go on big trip and would love have the sensor

as perfect as I can get it. Also I would love get my lens cleaned, which I see

a little bit of dust in. But I just have no idea what they charge for this

service.

FYI: I have a D80.

Thanks

Don't let the subject fool you, this is a quick post to rationalize a decision I

going to make and I want to get the peace of mind from the group. I have an old

version of Photoshop (7) and I was planning on purchasing the upgrade so that I

can work with my RAW photos. I can use a student discount I have, and the cost

for the full version is about $300. OR I can buy Aperture for $289 (b/c Apple

doesn't give a discount). The smart purchase is Photoshop right? I mean this

should be a no brainer but I have never used Aperture and heard great things,

but Photoshop trumps all right?

(And BTW I can't upgrade photoshop b/c it was part of a creative suite purchase)

Just looking for a little confirmation of my thought process.

I will be the first to admit that I am new to scanning photos with equipment

this nice. But I am missing something in the process. Every time I scan photos

the get a massive amount grain. I use the software in the scanner to reduce

grain, but have to think I am doing something wrong. Can anyone help here? I

am not sure what to tell you about the settings, I think I have everything on.

But if you ask a question I can tell you whatever the setting is.<div></div>

I have been told (read on the forums) that the S410/S500 has better image quality than the

SD400. However, now that I have decided on one of the two, I am trying to figure out the

quality issue between the S410 and the S500. Of course I realize that one camera is 5MP and

one is 4MP, but I have heard that the S410 has better quality image than S500. Can someone

confirm this? How does the loss of one Mega pixel equate to the quality. Or is this the

proverbial "mountain out of a molehill" and I should just take the higher MP. I am just not

sure how much one mega pixel with matter.

I should be honest, I am so cheap i was waiting for Canon to discontinue them hoping that it

would send the price down even more. You see my S400 was stolen earlier this year, but I

have the charger, the underwater case (which works with the S500), as well as a battery. So

being a student again I have found that I am super cheap again as well, so I wanted to wait

until they couldn't get any lower. But based upon what you are a saying I better buy while

they are still on the available in the market?

(quick question, I assume the S500 takes the same battery as the S400?)

I was wondering if anyone knows or would venture to guess when the S410 and S500 will be

put out to pasture, they seem to be leapfrogged by the new line of SD cameras (SD400 &

SD500). I am not sure why Canon is keeping them, other than to squeeze a little more life

out of them. But I would think this would allow the older models to cannibalize sales that

should be going to the new line of cameras.

Any thoughts in the group?

Let me rephrase the question.... are the extra battery, housing, and charger, worth sticking

with a product that a lot of reviews tend to find out paced by newer 5MP cameras.

If you look at the S500, they really did little to improve the camera other than just up the

MP to 5.0. I guess short of making the decision for me :) I want to find out if people are

really happy with the S500, and the supposed "poor" quality of photos that I have seen in

some reviews. (Although I think the word "poor" may be a comparison to other 5MP

cameras)

I had my Canon S400 stolen out of my car over the holiday. Now I am trying to figure out

whether or not to buy another one or get something new. Here is what I have to consider.

I still have my extra battery, charger, and underwater housing for the S400. As I

understand all of these work for the S500 as well.

The flip side is that I heard the S500 isn't that great of a camera. Especially with the 1.5

screen.

Just asking a "if you were in my shoes" question.

-Pete

Thanks for the input, so now based on what I have read here and elsewhere, I am going to

pick up the 1D with a 70-200 2.8 L lens and a 24-70 2.8 L lens for the shots under the

net. In reference to David questions, it was through a connection in the local team. I have

lots of sports photography experience (among other types) but it was about 14 years ago

with a whole different level of technology so I wanted to make sure. (So that�s why I am

renting, anyway I am waiting for the Mark II before I jump into DSLRs)

Eric, Thanks for the suggestions. To respond, the lens I was looking at was the 35

-350 3.5/5 L lens. I will have access to strobes around the arena, so I can shoot at 100

ISO but the bad news is that there is a 3 second downtown between bursts. Which takes

the fps out of the equation. I was looking at the 35-350 so I didn't need to switch lenses

or have multiple cameras. I thought it would be a good compromise... do you agree?

Here is my problem, and I think I have a grasp of the specs but I am still a little confused.

I am going to rent a camera to shoot an NBA game from the floor. I am comfortable with

the Canon line so I want to rent either a 10D or 1D (the decision between the two is based

upon the fact that the 1Ds is hard to find as a rental, and where you can find it the price to

rent is high.) So, keeping the 1D and the 10D in mind, my concerns are image quality,

shutter lag, and the just the general idea of right camera for the right environment. I have

never shot in a venue like this, and its a once in life time opportunity, so the last thing I

want to do is rent the wrong equipment. Any suggestions to help me pick the right

camera?

Thanks ahead of time.

I have a great opportunity to shoot a NBA game in the next few months. However I am in

between cameras right now. Because I have not yet decided on one, and the one that I

think I will get has yet to hit the market, I am thinking about renting a camera. Can

anyone recomend a place to rent a camera. What kind of prices should I expect? Is it an

easy process? I am in Memphis TN, so I do not have a local business to rent from. And

while you are at it throw in one phrase recomedation for a camera. Right now I am

thinking either Canon 1D or the Nikon D2H. (But the renting is my real question.)

They are going to have a tough time selling a 6MP camera for over $2000. I know they

call it 12MP but lets call a spade a spade. The software makes is what makes it 12MP, not

the sensor.

Correct me if I am wrong in this assumption.

Has anyone seen any sign, or posting, or even a hint as to the suggested price for the

upcoming Fuji S3? What about a date of release? The Fuji site states that it has yet to

announce the date, but Cnet.com listed it as Summer 2004. Can anyone else confirm this?

So correct me if I am wrong, but Fuji has invented a better 6MP camera, rather than adding

more mega pixels? They have in essence improved upon the S2 while not really chasing

the Megapixel race. In a way (and this is just me theorizing) isn't this a path that all the

manufactures will eventually take. I mean, once we hit the "more megapixels than we

need" stage, the only thing left to do is improve the quality of the image? Just a thought.

The new Fujifilm S3 looks like it may be perfect for what I need. However I am confused as

to how the "R-Pixels" technology works. According the dpreview.com "The SR sensor's

unique double photodiode design will produce images with a dynamic range four times

greater than that of a sensor working on single-pixel technology." Could someone break

this down into laymen�s terms for me. How do the two sets of 6MP work? Is this really

comparable to 12MP, or is it maybe even better? I realize this is a new camera, but I didn't

know if this was new technology.

I think everyone know this but what I meant was the 1Ds not D1s. And its the 1D Mark II

not the D1s Mark II. Sorry about that.

I finally sat down and took a look the Mark II vs the D2H. And in Nikon's defense the D2H

is a little bit older, but boy that D1s Mark II is one amazing camera. Just based on the MP

to Fps it really is quite a camera. As a former Canon junkie, now Nikon, I have to say I am

jealous. Only the fact that I know the D2X has to be right around the corner gives me

hope. I just hope that Nikon's next move can take the same leapfrog that Canon did.

Just my thoughts.

I have an S400 (that for what its worth... I absolutely love) and after carrying it around

over three continents, as high 10,000ft and underwater 100ft, its in need of some

repair. The catch is I have only had it for about six months. Is there a policy on

repair of digital cameras like there is for a computer? Is there an affordable way to

repair the camera without spending enough money to buy a now one. There are a lot

of cosmetic scratches and what not, but the damage I am worrying about it on the

lens there is a "ding" that may explain why I get a focus delay, if it ever focuses.

Thoughts or experiences out there? Anyone?

I was refering to the FujiFuilm S2, Nikon D100, and the Canon 10D digital cameras.

All high end digital cameras that based on past rates of replacement should be

getting some company soon. I am just wondering if anyone knows anything, or a

good place that could tell me what is coming down the pipe.

Has anyone heard of, or know where I can keep an eye out for the next FujiFilm Pro

camera. Not that I have heard of one, but I have to think the S2, D100, and 10D

should be getting some new family members soon. They have been out for over a

year, and while I can't tell you how they will be improved, at the rate the digital

cameras are going, I have to think there are plans for new cameras.

Anyone know ANYTHING?

There are lots of threads about camera insurance... as long as you have renters or

property insurance to add it to. Has anyone heard of insurance you can get to cover

gear for those like me that have no renters or home owners insurance?

I am getting ready to spend 2 months traveling in New Zealand and Australia and

need to make an educated decision on film. I know I want color slide and B&W

negative, but not really sure which film to go with. I would love any advice, however

its clear that film is like horse racing, or cars, or wine or whatever highly biased

aspect of life there is. So does anyone know a good place on the web that I a

breakdown of Pros and Cons of certain film. I will be shooting exclusively 120 & 220

film.

Of course feel free to give me you favorites if you like.