Cougar

Ok - so we thought we were sorted, but apparently not! Intended to buy a 500d with twin lens kit (18-55 and 55-250) - until the salesperson in camera shop started talking about the canon kit lenses being pretty poor, he's had complaints about images from customers etc. Said that the Nikon kit lenses were much better (so perhaps a 5000d twin lens) OR get the 500d with a Sigma 17-70mm lens, either option was apparently better than the Canon kit stuff. My question is - is he right? I have no SLR (digital or film) experience, am planning on discovering a new hobby and want better pics than my point and shoot. Hubby has a lovely old Minolta SLR so has much more experience than me. I guess we need something that will work for both of us. I am now completely flummoxed and am not sure which way to go. We prefer the Canon body (and I'd really like the that 'nifty fifty' lens that I've seen around!) but don't want to be disappointed with the new toy. Advice/opinions gratefully accepted!! Thanks.

Thanks Shell, thinking we might go with that - great price! Its also good to know of people that have had good experiences with a particular seller. We're in Melbourne but their postage is surprisingly reasonable! Unlike some other places I've come across. Yeah, I know we might need to go with better lenses down the track but this is all new to me - so anything's better than my point and shoot right? ;) Looking forward to playing with it!

Right, so I know what i want - Canon 500d, probably twin lens kit for now. Am currently researching best price which is mighty confusing! I understand the grey market import thing, (was looking at bhphoto but that exceptional deal is now defunct) - but I'm finding it hard to tell whether some websites are selling grey or not. I figure the .au is not always the reality Is DWI Aus or overseas based? They have a great price on what I want (ie its marked 500d not kiss x3 or rebel T1i) but don't want to get slugged import duty etc through my ignorance. And are they reliable? Am happy to have sites recommended to me or to receive any advice at this stage!! Thanks.

Thanks for that. Yeah that's pretty much the experience I had with the cat and hair clippers last time, not real flash. If only it was a 'one time thing' - this cat has enough hair for 3 or 4 cats and HATES being brushed so he ends up like a giant hair ball. We looked into getting him clipped at the vets last time, was going to be about $300! He'd need to be knocked out you see.... Long story but he's not technically ours (just on a semi-permanent holiday, 2 years so far!), and he's never really enjoyed the grooming thing apparently which makes it bloody hard to keep his insane coat under control. Last time my poor OH had to wear a couple of jumpers and big thick gloves to protect himself from the ball of spitting, hissing fury that was the cat. Thanks for the help, might just have to bite the bullet and get some! Man these animals cost me a fortune.....

I'm so in love with these two, and your photos are always amazing. I feel like I know them!

Ok, so I'm potentially looking for some pet clippers and was just surfing the net for research purposes. After looking at a a few types, I'm wondering whether there is any real difference between people hair clippers and animal clippers? As I'm an ex-hairdresser, I already have the good people grade ones, but they didn't perform overly well on the cat (who is the one in need of clipping, sorry I know its a dog forum!), I thought maybe pet ones would be better? Any info/advice would be much appreciated, thanks.

In the bath with hose attachement thing. My boys quite enjoy the attention. It's just like a loooong pat with warm water! Funny one day, I bathed Floyd (he was going to the GAP stand the next day) and I didn't wash Rex - not enough time. Bit later in the day I heard odd noises from the bathroom - only to find Rex in the bath waiting for his turn!! :D