Well, there goes my savings...

pyrocasto · Posted: Jan 30, 2008 8:50 pm Post subject: Well, there goes my savings...

Finally gave up and bought a new camera. Usually I start slow with new items meaning camera and a lens, but I just went all out with this one.

Canon 30D 8.2 mp body
Canon 10-22mm IS lens
Canon 18-55mm IS lens
Tamron 28-300 VC(IS) lens
Up converter rings and hoya polarizer filter.
2 spare batteries and spare charger.
wireless remote trigger
8gb Sandisk Extreme III card
Lowepro Fastpack 200 camera pack

Still need to pick a flash setup and that should about do me.

And to think, I've only spent more than $2500 so far! YES! Crying or Very sad

Oh well I wouldnt do it if I didnt think it would be worth it.

Jensen · Posted: Jan 30, 2008 10:49 pm Post subject:

congrats man, the 30d is a great camera.

scott a · Ladies Man Joined: 13 Jan 2003 Posts: 9810

Totally worth it!

uh...right? guys?

Laughing

pyrocasto · Posted: Jan 31, 2008 5:24 am Post subject:

scott a, kinda what I've been feeling. Laughing

I've had many SLRs, and many digital cameras, but not a dSLR yet so in other words I've never spent this much on one. Neutral

Zach M · Posted: Jan 31, 2008 1:28 pm Post subject:

You will not regret it.

I dropped a whole lot of money on my setup in college, but I love having all of the equipment at my fingertips. My investment has also been repaid by shooting weddings and portraits.

My setup is kind of similar to yours:

(2) Canon 20D Bodies
Canon 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5
Canon 24-70mm f/2.8L
Canon 70-200mm f/2.8L IS
Canon 580EX Speedlight
Canon BGE2 Battery Grip
6 Batteries
20GB of Sandisk Cards in various sizes
Lowepro Bag
Pelican Hard Case

If you haven't shot RAW and edited with Adobe Lightroom, that should be your next purchase. I think you can download a 30 day trial on their website.

spyd4r · Addict Joined: 22 Apr 2006 Posts: 701

Think I am gonna upgrade from the XT to the XSi when it drops in April. It sucks that they are switching to SD in it though, I just bought a Sandisk Extreme III CF card :/

Oh, and my current setup is as follows

Canon Digital Rebel XT
Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II
Canon EF-S 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM
Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 USM
Sigma 70-300mm F4-5.6 APO DG MACRO

Jensen · Posted: Feb 01, 2008 12:38 pm Post subject:

spyd4r, you mean the xti? thats not much of an upgrade, how about picking up a used 30d or a new 30d when the price drops again.

Damon · Posted: Feb 01, 2008 1:18 pm Post subject:

Jensen, Xsi, it was just announced.

spyd4r, Xt to an XTi would be a better choice. They designed the XSi to help P&S users transfer over to SLR's, hence the SD cards. The only thing that is nice about the XSi is the 4% spot... Honestly I'd rather pick up a used 30D and save 2-300 bucks.

Damon · Posted: Feb 01, 2008 1:19 pm Post subject:

oh yeah, nice setup pyrocasto.

spyd4r · Addict Joined: 22 Apr 2006 Posts: 701

The 3" Live View screen is very handy, as well as the upgrade to the Digic III processor.

* 12.2MP CMOS Sensor
* Live View
* Contrast detection AF for live view (can focus without lowering reflex mirror)
* 3" LCD
* 4% spot meter
* Uses SD/SDHC memory cards, not CF
* 3.5fps. 45 shot JPEG buffer, 6 shot RAW buffer
* ISO 100 to 1600, value displayed in viewfinder
* 14-bit A/D conversion
* Digic III processor
* Improved autofocus

Don't get me wrong, the XTi is a nice camera, but for the extra couple bucks, I am going to go with the latest model available.

joedirt00 · Posted: Feb 01, 2008 3:34 pm Post subject:

pyrocasto, Let me know how you like the 28-300 VC after you put it through the paces. Maybe see if you can get some panning shots posted up. I was considering the Sigma OS but I want to see how the VC is befor I buy one.

pyrocasto · Posted: Feb 01, 2008 9:30 pm Post subject:

joedirt00, will do. Read a lot of reviews about everything because that's just the type of shopper I am. Read for about a week of free time before buying everything.

The Tamron got good reviews for what it was, considering it's not a Canon L lens or anything... Looking forward to playing with it. Smile

I received the Lowepro FastPack 200 tonight. Overall happy with it but it lacks a waist belt yet no one mentioned that on the reviews... I probably wouldnt have bought it had I known that, and went for the 250 anyway.

Jensen · Posted: Feb 02, 2008 6:12 pm Post subject:

oh wow, didn't see until today that the xsi was released.

how about a used 40d? i saw a brand new one for 1,099 body only on newegg.com

spyd4r · Addict Joined: 22 Apr 2006 Posts: 701

What would the 40D provide over the XTi/XSi besides a bit larger more durable body? I really hate the ugly jog wheel on the back.

pyrocasto · Posted: Feb 02, 2008 11:41 pm Post subject:

Jensen, I looked at the 40d but I really didnt find one thing I thought was much better than the 30d to make it worth anywhere near the extra cash. The 10mp just makes each pixel look worse between the 30d and 40d. Got the tamron in the mail today, hoping for the body on monday or tuesday.

Jensen · Posted: Feb 03, 2008 12:39 am Post subject:

pyrocasto, thats exactly what i did too, i was more so questioning the xsi vs 40d, because i did what you did and stuck with the 30d.

spyd4r, and also twice the amount of fps, higher ISO control, Compact flash, and top LCD readout. the rear jog wheel imo was a very nice feature when i upgraded from the xt to the 30d, much easier to scroll through pictures rather than pressing the over arrow.

pyrocasto · Posted: Feb 05, 2008 7:35 pm Post subject:

Image Stabilization is the shiz!
Just thought I'd let anyone and everyone that doesnt know that, know that.

I actually contemplated buying all non-IS lenses but I'm glad I went with all IS instead. Never really thought the difference could help me until I started playing with the camera indoors tonight. Incredible and I cant wait to go do some actual shooting with them. Very Happy

Just got the body in tonight so I havent tested it really yet, just playing inside tonight. I'll see if I cant get a few test shots tomorrow and post up some comparisons.

dmb · Posted: Feb 05, 2008 11:14 pm Post subject:

I'm actually looking at off loading the majority of my SLR gear, time for an over haul...

Looking at swapping from:
-20D w/ BG-E2
-EF-S 10-22mm
-Full custom water housing with pistol and pole grip
-EF 70-200mm F2.8L
-EF 50mm F1.8
-430EX Flash unit

And looking to pick up:
-5D (Hopefully a MKII, or 6D or whatever comes out)
-EF 16-35mm F2.8LII
-EF 70-200mm F2.8L (Possibly will keep this)
-EF 50mm F1.8 (Most likely keep this as well)
-580EXII Flash unit

So if anyone here is interested in a full custom water housing for 20D, with control over aperture/shutter speed and playback, with a pistol and 2.5' pole grip, let me know!

RUSSIAN · Posted: Feb 06, 2008 5:05 pm Post subject:

dmb, I'm interested, but no money right now Crying or Very sad

Dragonlady8 · Black Widow Joined: 27 Aug 2004 Posts: 9198

I'm sure the shipping alone will put a dent in your wallet. Wink

RUSSIAN · Posted: Feb 06, 2008 8:08 pm Post subject:

Well like they always say "if ya gotta ask, you probably can't......" Laughing

pyrocasto · Posted: Feb 06, 2008 9:00 pm Post subject:

dmb, what condition is your Canon 10-22 and how much would you be looking for it?(if you're looking to sell that is.)

I'd be interested after a couple of pay checks if it only fit my 30D. Crying or Very sad

Has your 430ex flash been pretty sufficient so far?

RUSSIAN · Posted: Feb 07, 2008 5:14 pm Post subject:

pyrocasto, It will fit your 30D. Another great option for UW is the Tokina 12-24 F4. Its a great lens and built like a tank. Focus is a little slower then usm lenses, but quite honestly you don't need fast focus on a this type of lens.

Damon · Posted: Feb 07, 2008 9:35 pm Post subject:

Just put a bid in on a 1D...

RUSSIAN · Posted: Feb 08, 2008 8:07 pm Post subject:

NICE!

pyrocasto · Posted: Feb 23, 2008 4:23 pm Post subject:

I didnt get a chance to get many photos in Utah(too much crazy skiing) and I havnet been able to get away from work either. Finally try and take some pictures of the Lunar eclipse couple nights ago and droped the Tamron. 4 feet onto concrete, so now off to the repair shop it goes... Crying or Very sad

Commodore · Ladies Man Joined: 20 Jun 2005 Posts: 11636

Wow, and I thought 4wheeling was expensive. Ouch!!! For that money I could have my dream front axle.

I expect to see some kick ass pictures!!