Digital cameras you are considering for upcoming safari???
Apr 12th, 2005, 10:28 AM
#181
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Rocco I would never have thought about a 1.4 convertor either but my hubby got it. I have to say I do like some of the photos he got that would have been well close enough with the 400 on digital but are so so close now.
Have a fantastic time playing with your new toys.
J
Have a fantastic time playing with your new toys.
J
Apr 12th, 2005, 10:30 PM
#182
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Grr. I can see this becoming an addiction that will cost me lots of £££...
Have decided that I want the 350d as well as this funky Sigma 80-400 lens with OS, which will break the bank but I think I can do it, Visa willing.
Will be ordering the lens from 17th St photo, as even including delivery to the UK plus VAT and stuff, it's £200 cheaper than buying it over here.
Might take a month to get everything together, but should be worth it...
Have decided that I want the 350d as well as this funky Sigma 80-400 lens with OS, which will break the bank but I think I can do it, Visa willing.
Will be ordering the lens from 17th St photo, as even including delivery to the UK plus VAT and stuff, it's £200 cheaper than buying it over here.
Might take a month to get everything together, but should be worth it...
Apr 13th, 2005, 03:48 AM
#183
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Roccco,
What other equipments have you gone for? I would say get at least an 81A filter for your trip! What monopod with head too?
My only other suggestion would be to get the cable release. For those long exposures at dusk, they are a must! Would advise alot of practice with the Mirror Lock up fucntion for the same reason. You would be surprised at how much difference it makes to picture. It really makes them tack sharp!
What other equipments have you gone for? I would say get at least an 81A filter for your trip! What monopod with head too?
My only other suggestion would be to get the cable release. For those long exposures at dusk, they are a must! Would advise alot of practice with the Mirror Lock up fucntion for the same reason. You would be surprised at how much difference it makes to picture. It really makes them tack sharp!
Apr 14th, 2005, 08:21 AM
#184
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Well, I finally took the plunge. How naive I was to think that I was going to be able to escape for only $1,500 at the very beginning of this thread!
I am the proud debtor on the following camera and accessories:
Canon 20D
Canon 17-85mm IS lens
Sigma 80-400mm OS lens (Sigma OS = Canon IS, and many have reported this lens to be as sharp as the L glass lens)
1 Gig of Memory
Extra high performance battery that is supposed to get about 10 hours or up to 400 photos per charge.
5 year factory warranty that includes a once per year full service from Canon. They even pick up the camera, from what I understand.
Camera case.
Tripod. This was thrown in so that the online dealer could sell me on something or other. This guy was such a fast talker that before I knew it I had an extra $1,000 in accessories, but had I bought them at a store it would have been much, much more.
Filters. Three of them. I have no clue. I passed on them initially but then the salesguy dropped the price 50% at the very end.
Other things thrown in to...who knows?
Final price was $2,700 for the Canon 20D w/ 17-85mm IS lens, 5 year factory warranty, extra battery, 1 gig of high speed memory, tripod, camera case, filters, card reader?, and whatever comes in the Canon 20D package already.
I bought the Sigma 80-400mm separately for about $900 from 17th Street Photo but the big order yesterday was from Circuit Digital, which was recommended on an average 4.5 stars out of 5 by past customers.
http://www.pricescan.com/item_zip/it...;zipcode=91104
Hopefully I will get the camera by tomorrow, but it may not arrive until Monday. If I get it by tomorrow I will have a really fun weekend.
I still would like to get a couple more gigs of memory, one more long life battery, a monopod, a beanbag, a specially formed backpack that will perfectly hold and protect the camera, lenses and accessories, a downloading device that holds hopefully at least 60 gigs of memory, and maybe a couple more things.
Most of all, I really need to find a Digital Photo workshop to learn how to use this camera. Anybody with a lead for such a workshop in the Los Angeles area, please let me know. Thanks.
I am the proud debtor on the following camera and accessories:
Canon 20D
Canon 17-85mm IS lens
Sigma 80-400mm OS lens (Sigma OS = Canon IS, and many have reported this lens to be as sharp as the L glass lens)
1 Gig of Memory
Extra high performance battery that is supposed to get about 10 hours or up to 400 photos per charge.
5 year factory warranty that includes a once per year full service from Canon. They even pick up the camera, from what I understand.
Camera case.
Tripod. This was thrown in so that the online dealer could sell me on something or other. This guy was such a fast talker that before I knew it I had an extra $1,000 in accessories, but had I bought them at a store it would have been much, much more.
Filters. Three of them. I have no clue. I passed on them initially but then the salesguy dropped the price 50% at the very end.
Other things thrown in to...who knows?
Final price was $2,700 for the Canon 20D w/ 17-85mm IS lens, 5 year factory warranty, extra battery, 1 gig of high speed memory, tripod, camera case, filters, card reader?, and whatever comes in the Canon 20D package already.
I bought the Sigma 80-400mm separately for about $900 from 17th Street Photo but the big order yesterday was from Circuit Digital, which was recommended on an average 4.5 stars out of 5 by past customers.
http://www.pricescan.com/item_zip/it...;zipcode=91104
Hopefully I will get the camera by tomorrow, but it may not arrive until Monday. If I get it by tomorrow I will have a really fun weekend.
I still would like to get a couple more gigs of memory, one more long life battery, a monopod, a beanbag, a specially formed backpack that will perfectly hold and protect the camera, lenses and accessories, a downloading device that holds hopefully at least 60 gigs of memory, and maybe a couple more things.
Most of all, I really need to find a Digital Photo workshop to learn how to use this camera. Anybody with a lead for such a workshop in the Los Angeles area, please let me know. Thanks.
Apr 14th, 2005, 04:34 PM
#185
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Sundowner,
I finally had a chance to look at those photo albums for the Lower Zambezi and South Luangwa you posted a couple days ago. Thanks, those are really nice photos.
Here are a couple of my personal favorites:
http://www.wildworldphotography.co.u...=29&pos=65
http://www.wildworldphotography.co.u...29&pos=111
http://www.wildworldphotography.co.u...29&pos=114
As you can see, I am partial to lions!
I finally had a chance to look at those photo albums for the Lower Zambezi and South Luangwa you posted a couple days ago. Thanks, those are really nice photos.
Here are a couple of my personal favorites:
http://www.wildworldphotography.co.u...=29&pos=65
http://www.wildworldphotography.co.u...29&pos=111
http://www.wildworldphotography.co.u...29&pos=114
As you can see, I am partial to lions!
Apr 15th, 2005, 12:07 PM
#186
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Canon USA announced a rebate program today, valid from Apr 15- Jul 15:
http://consumer.usa.canon.com/ir/con...p;promocat=140
I'm hoping Canon Canada comes through with a similar program, but so far no announcement.
http://consumer.usa.canon.com/ir/con...p;promocat=140
I'm hoping Canon Canada comes through with a similar program, but so far no announcement.
Apr 15th, 2005, 01:24 PM
#187
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I knew that rebate was coming but could not wait any longer. Just got my Canon 20D in the mail today and will race home shortly to snuggle with it! 
Signed up for a one day photo workshop this weekend that is geared primarily to the Canon EOS Digital Cameras.
Hopefully I will be able to get to a couple more photo workshops in the next couple months so that once my August Africa departure rolls around I will be ready!
Thanks again for all the help. I really feel that all the guidance has led me to make the best decisions in selecting my equipment.
Canon 20D
Canon 17-85mm IS lens
Sigma 80-400mm OS lens
Signed up for a one day photo workshop this weekend that is geared primarily to the Canon EOS Digital Cameras.
Hopefully I will be able to get to a couple more photo workshops in the next couple months so that once my August Africa departure rolls around I will be ready!
Thanks again for all the help. I really feel that all the guidance has led me to make the best decisions in selecting my equipment.
Canon 20D
Canon 17-85mm IS lens
Sigma 80-400mm OS lens
Apr 26th, 2005, 01:17 PM
#189
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Canon 20D w/ 17-85mm lens arrived to my office today!!!!!!!
I cannot wait to get home and take photos of my dogs and to try out my 80-400mm lens.
I am totally clueless but I will be doing a couple workshops next month and reading, reading, reading.
I cannot wait to get home and take photos of my dogs and to try out my 80-400mm lens.
I am totally clueless but I will be doing a couple workshops next month and reading, reading, reading.
May 4th, 2005, 06:13 AM
#190
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Rocco -- just curious as to whether you have any thoughts or suggestions on the extended warranty you purchased with your camera. I know you won't really know how good the warranty is until something happens to your 20D, but I think you paid around $400 for your 5 year warranty from circuit digital, whereas I've been looking around and can find 3-year warranties from reputable internet camera traffickers (Willoughbys, B&H, etc.) for $99, and 4-year warranties for $149. Also, isn't the warranty from a third party service provider and not from Canon?
Did the warranty options factor into your decision on where to buy your 20D or was the warranty more of an impulse buy based on the hard sell it sounds like you got from the salesguy? Did you examine the terms of the warranty and do you think it will be a hassle to get service if you ever need it?
My preference would be to get my camera from a local shop to make servicing it easier, but then I'm stuck paying probably $150 more for the camera itself, not even including sales taxes. I think when you first started shopping you had the same preference, but it seems like the low price won out for you, as I think it will for me.
Anyway, appreciate any advice you have, now that you're an expert photographer!
Did the warranty options factor into your decision on where to buy your 20D or was the warranty more of an impulse buy based on the hard sell it sounds like you got from the salesguy? Did you examine the terms of the warranty and do you think it will be a hassle to get service if you ever need it?
My preference would be to get my camera from a local shop to make servicing it easier, but then I'm stuck paying probably $150 more for the camera itself, not even including sales taxes. I think when you first started shopping you had the same preference, but it seems like the low price won out for you, as I think it will for me.
Anyway, appreciate any advice you have, now that you're an expert photographer!
May 4th, 2005, 06:40 AM
#191
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zpenci,
My experience with Circuit Digital should be a lesson to consumers on what NOT to do when buying a camera online.
What should have been a $1,700 order for the Canon 20D w/ 17-85mm IS lens, turned into a $2,700 order when I allowed myself to become susceptible to a fast talking salesman.
I am strongly considering contacting American Express and at least returning the 5 year warranty that I paid $399 for, but I will possibly also return filters that I paid $99 for if they are deemed inadequate once I go to a photo workshop in a couple weeks.
My experience with Circuit Digital should be a lesson to consumers on what NOT to do when buying a camera online.
What should have been a $1,700 order for the Canon 20D w/ 17-85mm IS lens, turned into a $2,700 order when I allowed myself to become susceptible to a fast talking salesman.
I am strongly considering contacting American Express and at least returning the 5 year warranty that I paid $399 for, but I will possibly also return filters that I paid $99 for if they are deemed inadequate once I go to a photo workshop in a couple weeks.
May 4th, 2005, 06:58 AM
#192
zpenci - I'm not Roccco but I have purchased 2 10D's and 1 20D as well as several lenses, filters and CF cards etc. Most of the photographers I read about do not purchase the extended warranty and most purchase online.
Several shop at B&H in NYC and several others shop at Allen's Camera in PA. I have purchased everything from Allen and he has good prices and excellent service and you are working with a real person and feel like your business is appreciated. His # if you are interested is 215 547 2841.
If you have a warranty or repair issue, when you take it to your local camera shop they box it up and send it to Canon. Most photographers send it straight to Canon. If it's out of warranty, a camera repair shop I have read that others use for Canon cameras is in my hometown. Photographers from all over the US (and some in Europe) send cameras there for repair, Havel Camera in San Antonio, TX.
If you want to buy local, see if they can match the price on the camera. They will make up the difference in the accessories.
Good luck!
Several shop at B&H in NYC and several others shop at Allen's Camera in PA. I have purchased everything from Allen and he has good prices and excellent service and you are working with a real person and feel like your business is appreciated. His # if you are interested is 215 547 2841.
If you have a warranty or repair issue, when you take it to your local camera shop they box it up and send it to Canon. Most photographers send it straight to Canon. If it's out of warranty, a camera repair shop I have read that others use for Canon cameras is in my hometown. Photographers from all over the US (and some in Europe) send cameras there for repair, Havel Camera in San Antonio, TX.
If you want to buy local, see if they can match the price on the camera. They will make up the difference in the accessories.
Good luck!
May 10th, 2005, 05:56 AM
#193
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Ok,
I have decided to get the Digital Rebel XT.
As it comes a lot cheaper in the US than in Europe and my husband is leaving for Washington and NY tomorrow, I was wondering if anybody could tell me the name of a good photo/camera shop in Washington DC ? I know of B&H in NY.
Where would it be cheaper to buy the camera (don't have time to buy it on the internet) in NY or Washington DC?
I believe taxes can make the difference or not???
I have decided to get the Digital Rebel XT.
As it comes a lot cheaper in the US than in Europe and my husband is leaving for Washington and NY tomorrow, I was wondering if anybody could tell me the name of a good photo/camera shop in Washington DC ? I know of B&H in NY.
Where would it be cheaper to buy the camera (don't have time to buy it on the internet) in NY or Washington DC?
I believe taxes can make the difference or not???
May 10th, 2005, 06:53 AM
#194
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Last I looked in the Washington DC area, the best prices were at Costco. Whether you can actually get it in store or whether they only have it available online, I am not sure. Other places: Penn Camera, Ritz Camera, and Best Buy -- not sure about the price differential at each of these places.
May 10th, 2005, 11:57 AM
#195
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africa_lover -
If as I presume from your post, that you are somewhere outside the US - Europe - will your husband have to declare the camera on his return and get subsquently have to pay some "duty" fee?
Otherwise, if you're buying in NYC, regardless the tax (8-2/3%), if you have a viable "out-of-state/country address" you might not have to pay any tax. This usually works well, if the item purchased is "shipped" to the "out of state" location... though of late, the Infernal Revernue Service is cracking down on this) but many shops will allow you to take the purchase with you and then ship an empty box to your residence.
Contact B&H or whichever shop you have in mind in Washington, DC and ask how they handle this.
If as I presume from your post, that you are somewhere outside the US - Europe - will your husband have to declare the camera on his return and get subsquently have to pay some "duty" fee?
Otherwise, if you're buying in NYC, regardless the tax (8-2/3%), if you have a viable "out-of-state/country address" you might not have to pay any tax. This usually works well, if the item purchased is "shipped" to the "out of state" location... though of late, the Infernal Revernue Service is cracking down on this) but many shops will allow you to take the purchase with you and then ship an empty box to your residence.
Contact B&H or whichever shop you have in mind in Washington, DC and ask how they handle this.
May 11th, 2005, 05:20 PM
#197
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Anybody know how to self-treat a CF Err message on a Canon 20D?
I have treated this camera very well and just when I was ready to download some nice pictures taken over 2 days last weekend at the L.A. Zoo, as well as some photos for professional use with my wife's business, my camera does this!
Good thing it did not happen while on safari, but of course that thought will now always be in the back of my mind.
I would hate to have to send this camera into Canon so soon, but if that is what must be done, I will do it.
Another question, especially for anyone that has bought a camera online. Did your extended warranty come with your camera or was it mailed to you later?
I am really having a bad experience with Circuit Digital so far. When I checked them out before I bought the camera they were rated by one website at 4 out of 5 stars. Now, I see that they are rated 1.5 out of 5 stars by another site and I certainly agree with the latter rating.
Anyway, anybody have any experience with the "CF ERR" message?
Thanks.
I have treated this camera very well and just when I was ready to download some nice pictures taken over 2 days last weekend at the L.A. Zoo, as well as some photos for professional use with my wife's business, my camera does this!
Good thing it did not happen while on safari, but of course that thought will now always be in the back of my mind.
I would hate to have to send this camera into Canon so soon, but if that is what must be done, I will do it.
Another question, especially for anyone that has bought a camera online. Did your extended warranty come with your camera or was it mailed to you later?
I am really having a bad experience with Circuit Digital so far. When I checked them out before I bought the camera they were rated by one website at 4 out of 5 stars. Now, I see that they are rated 1.5 out of 5 stars by another site and I certainly agree with the latter rating.
Anyway, anybody have any experience with the "CF ERR" message?
Thanks.
May 11th, 2005, 06:01 PM
#199
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Sundowner,
I have not tried changing the lens yet, but I will give it a shot. The thing that scares me is that when I plug the card reader into a couple different computers that none of them read that there is a CF Card there. I just hope I did not lose all my images.
I am kicking myself in the butt for buying accessories online. At least with the camera body and the lenses I was pretty familiar, but here I am sitting with a 1 Gig CF Card made by "Kingston" and I have no idea whether this is junk or the high speed CF Card that Circuit Digital promised it to be.
The card reader, meanwhile, only says "Digipak" Card Reader / Writer, USB 2.0. I have no idea whether or not this is junk. It worked fine in the beginning and I was quite proud that I was getting the hang of a DSLR so quickly but now I am quickly humbled.
I am going to visit a reputable camera store in just a little while, and hopefully in an effort to earn my future business they will overlook the fact that I did not buy my camera from their store. Also, I am going to stop by Kinko's to see if their machine is able to read the images on my CF Card.
I have been going crazy over this problem so I do hope to find a quick fix.
Thanks again for your suggestion...I'll let you know the results.
I have not tried changing the lens yet, but I will give it a shot. The thing that scares me is that when I plug the card reader into a couple different computers that none of them read that there is a CF Card there. I just hope I did not lose all my images.
I am kicking myself in the butt for buying accessories online. At least with the camera body and the lenses I was pretty familiar, but here I am sitting with a 1 Gig CF Card made by "Kingston" and I have no idea whether this is junk or the high speed CF Card that Circuit Digital promised it to be.
The card reader, meanwhile, only says "Digipak" Card Reader / Writer, USB 2.0. I have no idea whether or not this is junk. It worked fine in the beginning and I was quite proud that I was getting the hang of a DSLR so quickly but now I am quickly humbled.
I am going to visit a reputable camera store in just a little while, and hopefully in an effort to earn my future business they will overlook the fact that I did not buy my camera from their store. Also, I am going to stop by Kinko's to see if their machine is able to read the images on my CF Card.
I have been going crazy over this problem so I do hope to find a quick fix.
Thanks again for your suggestion...I'll let you know the results.
May 11th, 2005, 09:01 PM
#200
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Well, I ran over to Ritz Camera tonight and I was told that just about the only way to save my 1 Gig Flash Card was to reformat it, thus erasing all the pictures that I cannot view anyway.
I purchased a 512MB Lexar Flash Card and the problem is solved for now. I will just be sure to buy only 512MB cards from now own so that I cannot lose so many images all at once.
I did manage to download a few lion pics on Ofoto, but it was only today that I realized that I had been using my Sigma 80-400mm OS lens with the OS (Optical Stabilization) turned off! Duh.
Anyway...I have a lot to learn, but at least I have a functioning camera to start attending photo workshops. I was worried that I was going to lose a month without my camera...now I just have to fight with this online company and I may just send everything but the camera and lens back, as I see now that I grossly overpaid for everything else.
I purchased a 512MB Lexar Flash Card and the problem is solved for now. I will just be sure to buy only 512MB cards from now own so that I cannot lose so many images all at once.
I did manage to download a few lion pics on Ofoto, but it was only today that I realized that I had been using my Sigma 80-400mm OS lens with the OS (Optical Stabilization) turned off! Duh.
Anyway...I have a lot to learn, but at least I have a functioning camera to start attending photo workshops. I was worried that I was going to lose a month without my camera...now I just have to fight with this online company and I may just send everything but the camera and lens back, as I see now that I grossly overpaid for everything else.
