New Camera Equipment Purchase!

This weekend, Ashley and I finally had the opportunity to buy a "real" digital camera. I think we've spent at least 3-6 months searching for the camera that would best fit us, and I have to say, it's almost like buying a new car if you aren't sure of what's out there.

What we decided on was a Canon EOS Rebel T1i DSLR kit. We had suggestions from friends and other people who do photography for either a living or just a hobby, and most of them came back for either a Nikon or a Canon. Some suggestions were for the more pricey cameras the pro's use, others were more in our price range. At first we had decided on the Canon XSi, but after further consideration went with the T1i instead. We really wanted a camera that would be great for getting pic's of the kids and family events, some sports and auto racing, railroad pictures and other shots that just cannot be done well with a point-and-shoot. We are done with the grainy, out of focus, poor quality shots we get with our Sony p-n-s. It has done it's job over the last 2 years we have had it, but it is not the best for action shots that are required when you have a 3 year old and a 7 month old.

Also with the camera we ordered some accessories. First is a dedicated flash from Vivitar and a mini softbox/light diffuser from Dot Line. We also got a UV filter to help protect the lens. For a memory card we picked up a SanDisk Ultra II SDHC 8GB card. And to carry everything around we chose a Canon backpack style bag that has enough room for all of our stuff and space to spare. And as an added bonus, there was a $400.00 rebate on a Canon Pixma P9000 printer, so we ordered it as well. And the cool thing about the printer rebate is that we are paying $446.00 before the rebate. So we get the printer for $46.00 and change.

Now, where are we buying all of this photographic awesomeness? A place in New York City called B&H Photo and Video. Of all of the places we shopped locally and online for what we wanted, B&H had the best prices and deals, and the people are great to deal with. At least the 2 Ash and I dealt with were. So we strongly recommend you check them out if you're in the market for photo and video equipment.

Also, we were recommended a couple books, or I should say an author, that are very informative and keep things light, without bogging you down with digi-cam techie jargon. The author is Scott Kelby and the books are called "The Digital Photography Books, Vol. 1-3". We got ours on loan from the library, but we will probably buy them later on down the road. Maybe when a book store has a sale or we get a coupon. Another book we were told to get was the "Rebel T1i for Dummies". This one we did buy since it was camera specific and we needed all the help learning this thing that we can get.

So, by Wednesday, the 10th, UPS should be knocking at our door with our equipment, as long as there isn't a delay because of the snow over the weekend. I'll eventually post some info and our thoughts on the camera after we play around with it for a few days.

Wish us luck, or pray for us, lol.

John