various things

<p>"I'll probably only use it for temporary data e.g. when doing photo manipulation."<br>

That's what I do with the Kingston-SSD Now V100 64G, as it was as unreliable as system drive as is the SSD you describe. The Kingston SSD I've set as Drive Z. So no matter how many card readers, USB sticks, external bluray drvies or whatever I attach to the system now and then, there is never any confusion for W7.<br>

And tell you what: no problem whatsoever ever since. I transfer the shots from the D800 onto the Kingston SSD (which in parallel is set up as cache for ACR, Bridge and Photoshop). Loading/saving is lightning fast compared to files stored on a standard HD. After editing is finalized, I transfer the .nef and the final .jpg or .tiff to the 2TB HD data grave. </p>

<p>Bridge CS6 always stops importing the files from my D800 via USB 3.0 after 6 files are transfered. But at the same USB 3.0 port, no problem whatsoever to do the transfer via Windows Explorer. Also no problem, except the slooooow speed, with Bridge CS6 if the D800 is connected via an USB 2.0 port. Are USB 3.0 problems with Bridge CS6 a known issue, and if so, is there a cure?<br>

And since I'm already asking: where do I find the CS6 manual, it appears not to be on the CS6 DVD?<br>

<br />Thanks,<br>

<br />Stephan</p>

<p>There are faulty SSDs out there, but not much more than faulty HDs. My new setup utilizes a Samsung Typ 830 128G SSD for System+Programs (plus a 2TB HD as data grave, plus a Kingston SSD as program cache), runs absolutely flawless and very fast.<br>

The previous setup had the above mentioned Kingston SSD-Now V100 64 G for system+programs, and crashed frequently. As in your case, chdksk then started. Unlike in your case, it always managed to bring the system up and running again. </p>

 

There are good and bad copies of every lens. The same applies to the 17-85. I got a ver good copy, used, mint condition, for 220€. It is a very good value for the money all-purpose lens. Also in your budget is the Sigma 17-70 HSM (not the old version w/o fast AF motor) which is wo/ doubt better in terms of sharpness and contrast, plus the near focal distance is superb, almost a macro. This is a lens I can highly recommend.

<p>Hello,<br>

I don't care about the optics. For me it doesen't mean anything if it looks ugly or other people might be impressed blahblah. As for the function: whenever you shot vertical, the grip is a godsend. I do appreciate the additional controls and the better weight balance (yep) especially in studio/portrait shootings, and for architecture.<br>

I bought it for my 30D. The extended battery life was no issue, in the 30D, a battery seems to work for a thousand or so shots. Now, with the 50D (uses the same grip, thankfully) wich sucks batteries empty faster than a thirsty man a can of beer, also this feature of the grip became very, very useful.<br>

/Stephan</p>

Hello,

 

I'ves seen CS4 today at photokina. The presentation was focused on features with a wow! effect. Like masking a few persons shot at a beach, then just drag the right border of the picture, this stretches the landscape, but the persons don't alter their width, and the picture looks as if it was sohot like this, no seams visible... Stunning. The smooth zooming looks very, very good. The new 'Bridge' allows very fast sorting/tagging. All in all, a gerat many new features and improvements, that's the impression I got. Not sure if it is a 'must buy' for me. I had the impression that CS4 needs a hell of processing power to run smooth. There were apparently high price Fujitsu Siemens multi Xeon machines used for the presentations. So, CS4 would therefore require to replace my 'old' but till now sufficently fast Core2Duo computer and invest a lot of money for a state-of-the art machine with lots of cores and gigabytes, plus 64bit OS, plusplus...

 

Regards

 

Stephan

as a value for money crop lens the Sigma 17-70 / 2.8-4.5. That was the only lens I had with me during my recent

vacation on Cuba. It covered I guess 90% of what I wanted and needed, and I have no problem to maybe have lost

10% since it saved me carrying two more (and heavy) lenses with me. You might have a look at the Cuba section of

my portfolio. With one exception, all of the shots are taken with the Sigma 17-70. I believe that your 40D is not

very much more demanding than my 30D, so the results should be similar.

 

Regards

 

Stephan

that did it. Having seen that, I'll take with me only the 30D and the 17-70 lens (because I don't have a 30 prime yet, otherwise...). There are a lot of shortcomings in my photography, but certainly not caused by the gear I use.

 

Thanks and Regards

 

Stephan

probably a rather stupid question, but... With the best of all wives I go this Sunday to Cuba/Varadero for two

weeks. We will most of the time spend at the beach and in the hotel area. But also make two, three one day trips

for instance to Havanna. So the question is: is it worth to carry all the photographic equipment with me. Which

is a Canon 30D, 3 lenses, large external flash, plus the useal bits and pieces, in a Loewepro. All together about

5 kilograms. Or is it sufficient to just take the 30D plus the 12-24 or even the 17-70, some storage cards and

batteries. About two kilograms...

 

Thanks and Regards,

 

Stephan