expats

<p>What sync speed are you getting? Are you shooting in manual mode? I've used these transmitter for some time and am able to get sync speeds of 1/200 to 1/250 in manual mode with a 40D and a 580 EXII. Is your flash set to manual too?</p>

<blockquote>

<p>>>> Another thing that i noticed it that in camera configs it doens't detect the wireless transmitter. should it detect?</p>

</blockquote>

<p>No, your camera won't detect a wireless transmitter. It will only detect a Canon ST-E2 transmitter.</p>

<p>Silly question:<br>

Can the PC port on a flash be used to trigger a radio transmitter (ie. PT-04s, CRT-301s)? I have been trying with my Canon 400D with a 580 EX II flash, coupled by PC Sync cable to a PT-04 wireless transmitter. No joy. The idea was to have ETTL with the 580 II on camera, and a second flash elsewhere in manual mode. The remote won't fire, and the flash on camera quits working when the test button is pressed on the wireless transmitter. Is there a custom function in the 580 EXII that needs to be changed?<br>

A friend, a Nikon D80 user with a SB800 is having similar problems.<br>

Anyone have an answer?</p>

<p> </p>

<p>I have an XTi and recently upgraded to a 40D. The smaller frame of the XTi was difficult to hold (and not comfortable) even in my small hands. This was remedied with a battery grip and strap.<br>

Both are fine cameras. If you can afford it go with the 50D.</p>

<p>Agreed, the 2.8 is the way to go, if you have the budget. I had a Canon 70-300 f/4-5.6 USM IS and was not happy with it. Unless shooting outside on a bright day the results were not good.</p>

<div></div>

<p>24-105 - Jack of all trades.</p>

I too would say Gift Certificates. The Canon 70-300 f/4-5.6 USM IS, IMO, is not a good lens. It's slow and goes very soft after 200 mm. I had one on my XTi and was constantly disappointed with the resulting images.

Shooting with a 40D I haven't noticed a considerable noise problem, even when shooting at 1600.

 

Using an EF 50 f/1.4 at ISO 800 would work wonders. I wouldn't go larger than F2 or the DOF is too shallow.

 

If you want to try jacking up the ISO considering using the Noise Ninja plug-in in PS. It will help quiet down the noise.

You might want to check out this page: <a href="http://sbinfocanada.about.com/od/gsthst/a/gsthub.htm">GST Registration</a>. GST tracking is a giant pain.

Jeff,

 

So true. I recently picked up my P&S again, showing my wife how to use it. I was amazed at how much fun it was. I may pick up another.

Wow!

 

I forget to click on email notification. I'm stunned by the responses.

 

I consider myself a serious amateur (can you measure that by the amount of money you have spent)?

 

I hadn't considered the cyclical nature of photography as a hobby. Once upon a time I worked as newspaper reporter/photographer. When I left that profession I was sick of photography. Car accidents, house fires, random fatalities: The woes of humanity, combined with cold Friday nights in Hockey arenas that smelled of stale, frozen sweat. I didn't touch a camera for years.

 

When I moved to China I bought a point-and-shoot and rediscovered something I loved to do. I quickly outgrew the little Sony and moved to a Canon 400D, then a 40D. I make a little money, not enough that I would miss it if it was gone.

 

Thanks for all the responses. Maybe I will pick a theme or specific project to work on, or change the focus of my work. Or, go back and take the shots I have stored away from shooting without a camera.

 

Thanks, all, for the collective kick in the rump.

 

Cheers,

Steve

How do you stay motivated?

 

Silly question, I know. For some photography is hobby (maybe a serious hobby), for others a profession.

 

Yes, I love photography. Capturing images, moments, is a passion. But I can’t be the only one that gets sick at

looking at life through a lens, can I? Do you ever think about your camera and cringe.

 

Yes, I want to take photographs, I want to improve. But after a 60-hour week, traipsing somewhere with my gear is

the last thing I want to do. Realistically, how do you balance weekend shooting with a family, a full-time job,

etc.?

 

Does that mean I have no passion? No, just being realistic. Air conditioning, a silly DVD with my wife, and a

cold beer are more appealing at times than thinking about DOF and wondering if I’ll get beaten for taking street

photos.

 

Honestly, I like to hear the opinions of those in a similar situation.

 

Thanks a bunch.

Courtney:

 

Ditto the above. Sports mode is a waste of time. I spent an afternoon experimenting with it and was incredibly disappointed. As others have said, a higher ISO setting, AI servo, and Av mode. A faster lens, (no, not a EF 70-200 f/4-5.6) would also work wonders.

Update:

 

Thanks all - I bought the Flipside 400. I'll give it a whirl.

 

Alan: I will start to work on creating my own pack. Great idea.

Thanks, Edward. I'll take a look.

I bought a Lowepro SlingShot 200 AW and am not impressed. It was a craps shoot that didn't work out. I knew that

when I bought it. With a Canon 40D + battery grip, a 24-105 f/4L, and a 50 f/1.4, plus odds and ends, it leaves

me with tremendous back pain if carried for more than an hour. It was fine with my 400D body.

 

I want a bag with a full backpack harness for comfort reasons. I move around a lot and I think that's the best

option. That rules out the much of the Trekker line, as the straps and harness are minimal.

 

I'm considering the Nature Trekker AW II, or the Compu Rover AW II. Laptop storage isn't a big concern as I use a

ASUS eeepc and it needs almost no room. The Compu Rover seems to have more room for stuff (clean shirt or a pair

of socks) but the Nature Trekker seems better able to hold my gear securely. As I often fly airline carry-on

compatibility is also a consideration.

 

Does anyone have experience with either bags? Or another brand/option.

 

Thanks,

Steve

I have bought a Phottix 400D wired remote, and a Photo Cleon wireless from HK Supplies (eBay). I have also purchased a Clean C8 for the 40D. I am happy with all three products.

<p></p>

Steve<br>

Puppy Face: Thanks for your thoughts. Surely there is a compromise between Canon's minimalist approach and a text book? I'm not looking for a text book but some further elaborations on how the features and functions work might be useful. Yes, and small enough to fit into a camera bag.

JDM: Very true.

 

DN: I will, but I'd like to have something to refer to when my experimentations don't go as expected. I'd like to be able to know the "whys" of certain functions.

I would agree, Joseph. Canon's manuals are minimal, at best. The manual with the 580 EX II Speedlight was an

absolute joke. Thanks for your advice.

<p>

<p>Steve

Heidi-Ho:

 

I'm picking up my 40D later this week and wanted some input on the best field guide to purchase.

 

With my 400D I bought the <i>Canon EOS Digital Rebel XTi/400D Digital Field Guide</i> by Charlotte K. Lowrie. It

was a decent guide, but a little on the simplistic side. I didn't pick up the Magic Lantern Guide. Living in

China, I have to shop online and can't look at the physical books before purchase.

 

I wanted to know if anyone has seen/used the <i>Magic Lantern Guides: Canon EOS 40D</i>? Are the Magic Lantern

Guides good? Or would is the <i>Canon EOS 40D Digital Field Guide</i> by (again) Charlotte K. Lowrie, better

than the 400D version?

 

Thanks for your help.

 

Steve

What a great thread. I ordered a 40D, I'm stepping up from a 400D. I pick it up at Hong Kong Supplies on Friday. I can't wait.

 

Steve

I agree with the above. The 18-55 is a good training lens. You might want to throw in a 50 mm f/1.8. It's cheap and gives you a lot of option.

 

Work with what you have, learn the camera, and about composition. Buy another lens when you start to reach the limitations of your current equipment, limitations that you cannot get around. When you start to say, "If I had a _________," then upgrade.

 

I started with a kit 18-55. A slow lens makes you think creatively to get a decent shot.

Have anyone encountered issues printing sRGB JPGs on Epson printers? I'm using

a n Epson Photostylus 830BU and any sRGB images print highly saturated. Other

formats and vector-based clip art print properly.

 

Thanks,

Steve

Thanks for your input. I'll send it back, and think about an upgrade to the EF F/1.2L 50mm, or a downgrade to the f/1.8 50mm.