kja

google "warhammer maneuver" Oh and I can't really help on the camera beyond what I always say in these threads LOL Pretty much the wish list is everyone's wish list but there just isn't a camera out there that does it all as a point and shoot and for a reasonable amount of cash. Learning how to work with the camera, no matter what it is, will go a very long way towards overcoming any shortcomings said camera may have. I can even do action shots with my baby Canon SD1200 IS - but I have to think about it and make the camera do what I want it to do. I'd make a top priority list - then search for the camera that gives you the top priority and be willing to compromise on #2 and below

More added today over here :D

Be aware - it's one of those lenses that spoils you. the more you shoot with it the less tolerance you will have for "almosts" and "so close no one else would know". I'm harder on this lens than any other for some reason - if I've missed focus by a hair and even though no one else would ever notice, I usually dump it. Just because when you get it 100% spot on, it's dreamy

I adore my 135L f2.0 - looks like you do, too!! Nice action shot with the water

While the 70-200 range is awesome, it will be of limited use inside as most of it will be too long for most people's houses. Still worth considering, though as it is just a really nice range and all of Canon's are excellent. if you're looking for wider, here are two that are more or less in your budget: Canon 17-55 2.8 IS - fabulous lens. My main workhorse because it just does what I need it to do. Sigma 30 1.4 - omg this is so sharp and such a gem of a lens for next to no cash. adore it. Honestly, I'm still not 100% clear on what you are trying to achieve so it's hard to really say YES get this one have you looked at the metadata from your two zooms to find out which focal length you use the most and which focal length you LIKE the most? Using those points will help you narrow the field and also help you visualize what they are NOT giving you which will also help immensely. Maybe it's not your lack of lenses but a lack of direction

You need to let us know what is missing from what you are doing now before we can point in a direction - there are a zillion options.

I would seriously be asking someone else because I've had three bodies from the US and they all allow PAL and NTSC. the KISS series is for the Japanese market, not the US market, and I suppose it could be only NTSC but...

imho it's not a question of the technical (though they are there) so much as pretty much every one of the big players does a mighty fine job on that. It IS about all the other things - dslrs are not independent units, they are systems and you have to be comfortable with every aspect of the system or at least willing to put up with any "short-comings" said system might have. Support, reputation, selection of lenses, selection of compatible extras, ease of use, ease of getting what I need when I need it and many other intangibles are important. I could be using the most technically fabulous system ever to be built but if I can't get it serviced in a timely manner, if I can't go in and buy something when I'm out and about, if I can't easily find an answer or get the support I need it wouldn't matter - I use my cameras to shoot and anything I can do to make that easier is worth something to me. I use Canon because that brand fit my needs the most closely when I selected a system in the first place and now there is no reason to change as no other brand offers enough difference in the things that matter to me. There's no one camera brand that is perfect for every single person. You need to do a little homework and decide for yourself - my goal is not to be a fanboi coz frankly I don't care what anyone else shoots with LOL My goal is to put some information out there that people may not have thought of and that might be important. There's no right or wrong answer. OK, I lie, there is a wrong answer and that's no camera at all! Buy what you are comfortable with and go shoot. Even if you make a blooper and end up hating what you buy, you can always resell it or buy into a different system. Nothing's forever.

It's not really Holden vs Ford Pentax does make nice gear, no doubt. But...better resale value on all things Canons vs Pentax, far more options with Canon (though you may not think this is an issue right now with an investment like this thinking of the future isn't a bad thing so you don't have to start over) especially when you talk about 2nd hand gear, excellent support not only from Canon but from tons of people right here on DOL - important for questions, maybe you'll desperately need to borrow something on short notice, who knows; and more shops anywhere you are will have more Canon items in stock, which again you never know when you'll need that but when you do need it, you need it right then. Also, the software that comes with Canon - DPP - is fabulous by all accounts. It's not that the Pentax won't work, it's just I feel the Canon is a better overall, big picture (no pun intended) option.

I wouldn't buy the Pentax

I would hope he doesn't treat any customer or potential customer with that kind of disdain!!

This is the look I get when I have an apple! MatildaLily adores apples - she can be sound asleep down the hall or outside playing and if she hears me even pick one up from the bowl she zooms right to me (or in this case, the doorway of my office as she's not allowed in without an invite) and gives me the puppeh eyes. I never cave, but I do take the core outside when I'm done and give it to her Yes, my dog is strange.

Poor Frodo! He's so patient!

Both are outstanding lenses. The L version is weather-sealed and had IS. And you pay for it

You shouldn't feel like an idiot at all. But if someone is wanting to publish an image of yours, why wouldn't you think it was actually worth something? Obviously THEY do. And it's not like this is a charity or something - this is some guy wanting to make his book as appealing as possible so it makes him more money. And you don't have to be a "pro" to be compensated! It is very flattering to be asked to have something published and I think most people get a little flutter from it, no matter how many times it's happened. I personally love to see my name in lights and always try to clip a copy and send it to my Grandmother coz I know it makes her happy. But you do, I feel, have some responsibility to yourself and, yes, to others, to think about your choices. If you said you wanted to be paid, but the guy wasn't willing - how much is your photo really worth? And if you aren't paid for such an awesome photo -because it is great - then where does that leave others who want to be fairly compensated for a service/goods? Clients or potential clients totally trawl places like flickr hoping and knowing that they can appeal to people's egos and get images for free that they would otherwise have to pay for - thus increasing their profits for no outlay. How is that fair? Same with newspapers and mags - they'll pay the journalist or writer, the typesetter, the proofreader, the printer, the editor but not the photographer. How is that fair? Does the photographer not have something valuable to contribute or are photos so common now that there really isn't any value? And if this it true, why do people with cameras wet themselves over getting their name written next to an image? I see this same thing in my other industry. Dive masters and instructors find it hard to get good paying work because there are so many DMs and Instructors who are willing to work for free. Why should dive operators pay? I work hard to make sure that we keep people employed and lead by example in not using cheap or free labor, even though honestly I could probably crew my entire operation on paying no one simply because of how many are willing to give their time and talent. It's crazy. Whenever I'm tempted to work for free I think - how would it effect me if someone else came in and volunteered to do my job because they aren't a pro and just liked to do my job (whatever it was) in their free time for the simple pleasure of it? And how will effect me if I give myself away for free the next time something comes up? Clients really hate when you change the rules on them! Each and every person has to make an informed choice and be happy with that choice. Whatever that choice is. Your photo is a great example because it's a fantastic photo and clearly not some happy snappy hack job. It's clear you take pride in your photos and that you work to make beautiful images. Good luck whichever way you go on this!

Welcome to the worlds of Photographers Should Work for Free but We'll Keep Getting Paid and You're Good Enough to Publish, but We're Not Going to Compensate You Because You Should Just Be Thankful To See Your Name In Print. I just had a twitterpeep put this up the other week: No one but your mom cares if your name is printed by your photo. And why should people pay for photos when every one and their dog (no pun intended) is so damn excited to hand over their images to see their name in lights? BTW - that's a great photo!!

yay!!!

Squeeeee! I want to scoop him up and squish him and snuggle him and squish him some more! Cute puppeh!!

It's great if you can try a lens out first! Have fun!! Shoot lots and try lots of things!

Not only is this a great series coz they're too cute - but the exposures and light are fab! Great job!!

How I plan to spend many an evening... I'm not so sure Dora & Tilly are as excited as I am - they spent a lot of time circling me and trying to peek in!

Don't worry about "equivalents". the focal length is what it is for your camera. You aren't using multiple sensor sizes, so don't think about that stuff - you'll just get confused about what is really a non-issue. As has already been said above, 35 is too wide unless you are careful with your portraits. I love my 30, but I don't use it nearly as often unless it is for a specific shot or idea. The 50 is, imho, far more versatile. With the 35mm you're going to have to get much closer to fill your frame - which is often not terribly desirable or do-able when you are out and about. It is, of course, an option and you can make it work. Does Sigma make a 30 1.4 for Nikon mount? Might be worth checking out as it could save you a significant amount over the Nikon 35 - and my Sigma 30 1.4 for Canon is freakin' awesome. I would go the 50 and I'd go at least 1.8. 1.4 if you can afford it and know you're going to be shooting in crappy light. Sigma's 50 1.4 is a fabulous lens. I'm sure the Nik version is sweet, too.

Canon lenses are international warranty. Canon bodies are local warranty.

Yup, they usually are - and sometimes quite a lot. Are you staying with any friends while you are there? Most US companies won't ship to a hotel but they will ship if you can give them a real address. it could be there waiting for you

cute!!