Jump to content

ericreagan

Members
  • Posts

    461
  • Joined

  • Last visited

Posts posted by ericreagan

  1. I think this is the portion I was referring to from the post I linked:

    <p>

    <i>

    Small Camera, Big Picture

    On the high side of the technology wave, there are tons of features and specs to consider. A lot of these considerations are making it into smaller and smaller packages. You can get a lot out of a camera that will fit in your pocket comfortably. That's what this category is all about. Folks who want to have high technology accessible (in their purse or pants) - but not in the way.

    <p>

    The Canon SD800 IS fits the bill nicely. It's 7.1 megapixels, has a 3.8x optical zoom, and has image stabilization. It also has a 2.5" LCD and only weighs in at 5.3 ounces. Price of admission? About $360.

    <p>

    Also, take a look at the Panasonic Lumix FX9, which is available in black, silver, or red. Personally, I like the black. 6 megapixels, 3x optical zoom, and image stabilization. It's priced in the $360 range with the SD800. You might also take a look at the Panasonic Lumix FX50, which has 7.2 megapixels and is around $350.

    <p></i>

    Only part of the post deals with SLRs. Can't help with the Dubai question. Hope this helps. Good luck.

    <p>

    Cheers!

  2. I've got the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FSigma-70-200mm-Canon-Digital-Cameras%2Fdp%2FB0009V13XS%2Fsr%3D8-1%2Fqid%3D1164470869%3Fie%3DUTF8%26s%3Delectronics&tag=cyclingshots-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325">Sigma APO 70-200mm f/2.8 EX DG HSM</a> and I love it. I think it's a good range and aperture for both sports. It's cheaper than the Canon lens too.

    <p>

    I'd also recommend getting a good book if you think you need to learn a little more about proper exposures. Check out <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FUnderstanding-Exposure-Photographs-Digital-Updated%2Fdp%2F0817463003%2Fsr%3D8-1%2Fqid%3D1164471173%3Fie%3DUTF8%26s%3Dbooks&tag=cyclingshots-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325">Understanding Exposure</a> by Bryan Peterson. It could be the best $15 you spend on photography.

    <p>

    Cheers!

  3. Two things I think you should buy now:

    <p>

    1. The book <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FUnderstanding-Exposure-Photographs-Digital-Updated%2Fdp%2F0817463003%2Fsr%3D8-1%2Fqid%3D1163555812%3Fie%3DUTF8%26s%3Dbooks&tag=cyclingshots-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325">Understanding Exposure</a> by Bryan Peterson. The book is great for beginners and helps explain (and make simple) things like the "f/" and other fundamentals. Regardless of what kind of photography you are interested in, this book will offer significant guidance along the way. In my humble opinion, it's the best $15 you could possibly spend on this hobby.

    <p>

    2.A <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FKenko-Auto-Extension-Tube-Set%2Fdp%2FB000A1N8F8%2Fsr%3D8-1%2Fqid%3D1163555876%3Fie%3DUTF8%26s%3Delectronics&tag=cyclingshots-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325">Kenko Extension Tube Set</a>. I recently purchased some extension tubes instead of a dedicated macro lens. I use them frequently on the 50mm f/1.8. They will help you obtain the macro image that you are seeking at a fraction of what a new lens costs.

    <p>

    These two items will put you well on your way in this great hobby. Once you gain more experience you'll know what kind of lenses that you should buy. It will all come with time and patience. Good luck.

    <p>

    Cheers!

  4. Stick with Photoshop Elements 3 and buy this book:

    <p>

    <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FPhotoshop-Elements-Digital-Photographers-VOICES%2Fdp%2F0321269055%2Fsr%3D8-3%2Fqid%3D1162682732%3Fie%3DUTF8%26s%3Dbooks&tag=cyclingshots-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325">Photoshop Elements 3 for Digital Photographers</a> by Scott Kelby.

    <p>

    If you like DVDs, consider putting <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FPhotoshop-Elements-Book-Digital-Photographers%2Fdp%2F0321321340%2Fsr%3D8-2%2Fqid%3D1162682693%3Fie%3DUTF8%26s%3Ddvd&tag=cyclingshots-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325">this DVD</a> on your preorder list. The good thing about Elements is that techniques that you learn will transfer well over to Photoshop CS2 if and when you decide to upgrade. Scott Kelby is an excellent author and teacher. You'll be hard pressed to find a better book to learn Photoshop from.

    <p>

    Cheers!

  5. Paul,

     

    Can you discuss what some of the indicators of this fraudulent card are?

     

    I'm in the process of dealing with a fake card I received from an ebay seller and the pic that you showed is the most authentic looking fake that I've seen (I've been reading up on this issue a lot lately).

     

    I'm just curious to know.

     

    Thanks,

     

    Eric

  6. Since you are considering a 70-200 vs. a 50-135, I thought I'd add to your choices the excellent <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FSigma-50-150mm-Telephoto-Digital-Cameras%2Fdp%2FB000HPOQKS%2Fsr%3D8-1%2Fqid%3D1162317881%3Fie%3DUTF8%26s%3Delectronics&tag=cyclingshots-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325">Sigma 50-150 f/2.8 EX HSM</a>.

    <p>

    I've got the Sigma 70-200 f/2.8 HSM and I love it. From everything I've read the 50-150 is on par with the 70-200 in quality and is closer to the price range of the Canon 70-200 f/4. With the 1.6x crop factor, I've found that the 70mm length is just too long sometimes for family shots and general use.

    <p>

    I probably would've gotten the 50-150 had it been available when I got my 70-200 (I was considering the Canon 70-200 f/4 as well). I'm glad I went with a 2.8 though. It's been a life saver at times - especially indoors. Couple that 50-150 with any of your wide combinations mentioned above and you'd be set.

    <p>

    Let us know how it goes!

    <p>

    Cheers!

  7. <a href="http://photofloor.blogspot.com/2006/07/memory-cards-and-cameras.html">Here's a general blog post</a> that addresses your question. Additionally, be careful about buying from ebay. While I've gotten good deals in the past on SanDisk Extreme cards, I'm in the process of dealing with a knock-off card that I received recently. After the claims process is over, I'll post the details of my experience. Go with Amazon, Adorama, or B&H if you aren't buying locally.

    <p>

    Cheers!

×
×
  • Create New...