kimana517 | Quick thoughts...

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Quick thoughts...

+ Happy birthday to Isaac! He is now only 12 years away from 40. Hehe. And he is the best husband ever!

+ I feel like I live at Home Depot and Walmart. I've been to each of them at least 4 times this week.

+ I'm trying to laugh at the fact that the first night this week that I finally got enough sleep preceded the one day I really could've used an extra few hours of awake time.

+ Ghirardelli chocolate chips being the same price as Walmart brand makes me very happy.

+ Apparently I've been lusting after cashmere sweaters all these years, when I could've just bought them; there are tons of them for great prices on Ebay! Oh, this is a bad, bad discovery for my budget.

+ 30% cash back on Ebay Buy It Now purchases is love.

+ Can any of you convince me that the quality of photos taken by a DSLR is worth it despite its heft when compared to a good digicam that has all manual options but an attached lens? I love the quality of DSLRs, but I also like having a camera that fits in my purse and doesn't weigh 3 lbs because of the lenses. So, yeah - convince me.

+ Hanging pictures is a lot easier than I thought it was. Therefore, I hate myself for waiting 3 years to do so.

+ I have an unhealthy obsession with soft blankets. And Cherry Coke.

+ 18 people have RSVPed for the party tonight. That is workable, assuming they don't all stay for the debate and want to sit in the living room. (Our dining room is basically just an extension of our living room though, so it'll be fine.)

+ I don't actually believe that it's October. Everyone is lying to me.

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Happy birthday Isaac! :)

I know what you mean about feeling like you live at those stores. I feel that way about Target.

I told him you wished him a happy birthday. He said, "Cool." Hehe.

If Target was nearer to me, I probably would go there more too. I have two Walmarts nearer than my closest Target though. I suppose, financially, that's a good thing, as I am tempted to buy more things from Target than WM. =o)

Definitely. Wal-Mart is much less alluring. :)

DSLRs are wonderful things to have. They allow you to do things that you couldn't do with point and shoot. I love, love, love my SLR.

However, I do at times wish I had a smaller camera that I could slip into my purse. And I'm actually looking into one.

If you get an SLR you have to be willing to invest in at least two lens. My camera and first lens cost me $600 all together. And that was with a used lens. I think my second lens was about $100. And you have to be very careful with it.

However, if you are still planning to go to Europe, it is worth the investment. I would trade my SLR for the world. I have some amazing pictures from Russia and England that I credit with my SLR and it's fast response time. Most of the cameras that aren't SLRs do not have the great response time that DSLRs have.

To me, I would say BUY THE SLR!!! But also, consider looking into something smaller. Realize that carrying the SLR everywhere for every occasion can get kinda tiresome. But if you really want to do good photography, get an SLR.

*steps of soap box*

I ditto just about everything that Lilia2000 said, including the "occasionally wish I had a smaller camera" part, but the only times I wish for that are when I'm on a video shoot and want something to take production/"behind the scenes" stills - generally, the only thing we ever do with those is post them on facebook or blogs. Nine times out of ten, I would still select my SLR, and would probably be afraid to NOT take it if I ever had a smaller camera for fear that I would want it. Generally I feel that ANYTHING I want to print (especially enlargements) I use my SLR.

If you decide against an SLR, one thing you need to be especially careful of is the sensor quality on P&S cameras. Higher megapixel doesn't necessarily mean better quality. My dad and I spent days researching P&S cameras to find one for my mom. A lot of their sensors are crappy and otherwise decent cameras got chucked because they took grainy pictures.

Your noise control on a DSLR is going to be MUCH better than a point and shoot. MUCH faster response time. Easier to get good depth of field on an SLR.

Some of my bigger beefs with digital P&S cameras is that they flatten out color ranges... you don't get the nuances from various lights and shadows that you do with film, and DSLR cameras CATCH those nuances.

I don't necessarily agree with needing to invest in two lenses for just consumer purposes - my Nikon D80 came with an 18-135 lens that is fairly good quality and is very flexible as far as doing very wide angle and moderate telephoto distance, so it would be possible to get away with just one lens. They also make 18-200's that are decent, just a little pricey. You usually get a little distortion on those at your wider angles, but it doesn't bother me that much most of the time.

Last, but not least, even if you don't plan to get more lenses immediately, you have that option in the future. What if you decide that your 10x optical zoom on your P&S camera isn't enough? I think they do make some tele-attachments for some models, but I'm not sure how good they are.

If your only complaint is the weight, get the SLR and use a bigger purse. Mine generally fits in my purse(s) and it's fine as long as the lens cap is on securely. I realize that your budget would have to be a little bigger, but you have an eye for and enjoy photography; get yourself a good camera to use. ESPECIALLY with Europe coming up.

/essay

Um yes, I ALSO agree with almost everything above.

I've never actually owned a regular P&S digicam, but those I have borrowed, used, or seen in action are nowhere NEAR the quality of my base-level DSLR. It really is a huge difference.

I also disagree that you need two lenses. I still just have the modest lens that came with my camera kit (something like 18-55mm, it's nothing special at all) and though I've occasionally drooled over telephoto lenses, I still don't have a pressing need to get one.

I got a nice, compact camera bag for mine, and when I want it I just take it along. It's got a comfortable strap and it's not that heavy. It would probably fit in a large purse, and the quality of photos MORE than makes up for any inconvenience.

I have a Nikon D50, which they don't make anymore. My brother just got a DSLR before going to Rome, and did some research -- he said the D40s are no longer as good as the D50 was, and he ended up getting a Canon, I believe.

In conclusion, I would like to say... Buy a DSLR.

DO IT! DO IT! DO IT! DO IT! DO IT! DO IT! DO IT! DO IT! DO IT! DO IT! DO IT!

Thank you and God bless America.

Kay... let me explain my two lens comment...

I have a Canon Rebel XT (the best!) and I bought a 28 to 90mm lens for it. It is a great lens that allows me a huge range. However, when I was in Europe and several times since, I kept thinking "I wish I had a zoom lens"

So earlier this year I bought a 70-300mm zoom lens that I love. Admittedly it is much heavier than the other lens, but it has allowed me to take some great pics at Comic Con and I know it will be great when I (hopefully) go to Europe next year.

So I don't suggest buying a longer lens right away... first figure out if you are willing to spend the money and whether or not it would be something you would use. For me, I think it will be and I'm very glad to have it.

I suppose that is a personal preferance.

And as to brand... I'm a Canon fan all the way. This is what my photography teacher recommened and this is what both my parents have owned the past 30 years. The XT is great, however you can know get the upgrade, the XTi for about as cheap as I got my XT. Personally I think its features are easier to use as I have used a friend of mines Nikon and don't like it as much. But that is a personal preferance too.

Yeah, if I were going somewhere special like Europe, I would probably consider the zoom lens too. I've definitely thought about getting one, but I've used my camera mostly for just average daily life kind of stuff. I do like to take pics in the woods near my house at close range, but I've never felt too restricted by my lens there either.

So it really depends on what you're going to do. And as you said, it's not something you'd need instantly. It probably also depends on how serious you are about photography and whether you're likely to get annoyed when you can't do a long zoom. Me, I'm a contented amateur and I don't do much traveling.

MY photography teacher in college had all Nikons, which is why I looked at them first. I really like my D50, the way it fits in my hand and where the controls are. But my mom has a D40 and I don't like the interface as much. And my brother is REALLY happy with his Canon. So... yeah, preference.

Ditto the "all about preference" thing - I've used both Nikons and Canons and prefer Nikons, but I know people who are as equally passionate about Canons. The one REALLY nice thing about one of the highest-end Canons is that the sensor is the same size as a 35 mm, so you don't have to do any "focal length conversions." Most DSLR's have sensors that are smaller than a 35mm frame, and so there's a conversion factor - multiply the number on the lens by 1.5 to get what your focal length really is. An 18mm lens looks like 27mm, 200 is 300, etc.

One thing re: needing a telephoto or not - if you have 10+ MP's, as long as you don't want to enlarge anything massively, you can often crop an image pretty far to zoom closer. I do this especially when I'm in low-light situations and can't afford to lose the open aperture when I zoom in closer. You could also probably get yourself an old manual telephoto lens pretty cheaply if you really felt like you needed it; you'd just have to learn to use the manual controls on the camera quickly. Add an extra pound to your bag, though.

Happy Birthday Isaac!!

I have never had a cashmere sweater...or really touched one. I've always been afraid that I will love them so much that it will make my sweater budget explode. (I am obsessed with jackets and sweaters...)

I told him you (and some of my other friends) wished him a happy birthday. He said, "Cool." Hehe.

I had never touched one till I found the one I already own at a thrift store. I touched it and was like, "Holy cow! That is SOFT!" Then I checked the tag and found out why. So that's where I got my J. Crew cashmere cardigan for $4. Hehe. Since then I've wanted more, but it's always so expensive, even on clearance at Old Navy and Target! But Ebay... Ebay rocks my world. You should check there for some. Like, here's a search (http://clothing.shop.ebay.com/items/Womens-Clothing__cashmere-l-large-lg-XL-x-large-extra-large-blend-silk?_nkw=cashmere%20(l%2C%20large%2C%20lg%2C%20XL%2C%20x-large%2C%20extra%20large)%20-blend%20-silk&_fln=1&_fromfsb=&_sacat=15724&_ssov=1&_trksid=p3286.c0.m282&_mPrRngCbx=1&_udlo=&_udhi=7) for cashmere in sizes L and XL ('cause I don't know what size you wear) under $7 (+ shipping) and there are 225 results. One sweater ending in 30 minutes is cashmere and angora (both so soft!) and the bid is $1 right now! Shipping is $6. I'm sure it will go up a bit, but still. It's pretty darn awesome. I ♥ Ebay.

And I'm obsessed with jackets and sweaters too. And soft, beautiful scarves, like this one (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&item=220282892079), which I own in cream and black. =o)

Happy birthday to Isaac! I forgot that he was a Libra, too. :-) Yay! We're awesome!

I love Cherry Coke. Yummy.

Hope you had a fun debate party! :-)

Haha, I didn't even know what his sign is. Actually, I'm not entirely sure why I know what mine is. Someone probably told me once. =o)

ME TOO. It is my biggest addiction, I think.

We did! It went swimmingly!

I, too, really admire the quality of DSLR photos, and I, too, kind of wish I had one. However, since I didn't have the money to invest in a good camera (or rather, I had other plans for that money), nor did I really have the time to learn out to use an DSLR (which I'm pretty sure is very important), I compromised.

I have this little baby, the Canon SX100 IS. It costs around $200 - $250 dollars, and it gets better pictures than my friends' point-and-shoot cameras (Exhibit A: my facebook albums), but it's still small enough to go anywhere. I'm actually really satisfied with it. It wasn't as expensive, it didn't take that long to learn to use, and it + Picasa = good pictures (well, good enough for me!).

Also, as far as having a DSLR, there is one thing you must watch out for! :D And that is this: I have one friend in particular who takes amazing pictures. They are wonderful quality and beautifully composed, but sometimes she gets so obsessed with getting the right picture or having a picture of everything that she kind of gets in the way of normal people having normal fun. I have lots of friends with DSLRs who aren't like this, but I'm just warning you. ;) For instance, this particular friend will ask for a "group shot" at some activity or function and then proceed to take 5 - 10 minutes to set everything up just perfectly and test the lighting, etc.. So don't be like that! :D

I already know how to use a DSLR camera, so that's not a big issue for me, but the price tag is hefty. Although with the 30% cash back on Ebay Buy-It-Now purchase that's going on right now, I could get a Canon Rebel XSi with basic lens for about $550. That's a great deal, and about what I paid for my P&S 5mp digicam (looks a lot like yours, only mine's older so it's bigger) 4 years ago. We really don't have the money to spend $500 on a camera right now, but it will save me over $100 in the long run, so it almost seems worth it to buy it now, ya know?

I do know what you mean about your friends with DSLRs though. I'm not usually that obsessive. ;o)

Oooh, wow, that's a great price. If I had the money (or had most of the money!) and the know-how, I'd definitely get one--the photos are much better quality. And with your ebay deal, it sounds like now is the time! ;)

I'm struggling enough with how close 30 is. Don't even think about reminding me how close 40 is!

Yay for enough sleep! Sorry you didn't get everything done, though.

I kind of wondered a few times why you didn't look for cashmere on eBay. Yay for finding lots of good deals (boo for the budget)!

I know nothing about DSLR, so I can't convince you. ;)

We may not have a lot of other decorating things, but I love having my pictures! Did you ever find the white frames you wanted?

Today is definitely October. I have all the windows closed and I'm tempted to get a sweater.

That's because you're OLD! Hehe. Just kidding. I'm halfway to 50, so who am I to talk? ;o)

I got most things done, so it worked out okay. And I got enough sleep again last night, so hopefully the madness is over.

We don't actually have a budget. We used to, but we didn't really need it. We already save money in a lot of ways most people don't. I just say it hurts my budget as an alternative to it hurting my wallet. =o) I have already bought one cashmere sweater still with the tags on for $8 shipped, and I'm looking to take advantage of that 30% cash back and get a really cute cardigan for about $12. Ah, Ebay makes me happy.

Hehe. At least you're honest! =o)

I realized one down side to my wall of photos: now I don't have a good bare wall to take pictures of myself! Hmm. I'll have to finally paint the guest room and move my photography to that one. =o)

I don't mean it's not October because of the weather, I mean it's not October because there is no possible way this year is 75% over. =oÞ

Age is relative, anyway. I may be 28, but most days I don't feel any older than 22 (and some days I feel even younger). Kids age you, though--just thought I'd warn you. They keep you young, but they age you too. Especially when you look at one and say, "I had you four years ago? Four YEARS ago?"

Yay! I hope the crazy sleepless nights are over for you.

My paypal account is slowly growing from some surveys I take. When it gets to about $30 or so, I'm going to have fun. :)

What color do you think you'll use?

Yeah, I totally know what you mean. For me it's pretty scary because OMGOSH, I'm having this baby NEXT month!! *slight freak out* Where did the time go?

I know how you feel. I still feel so much like I did when I was 16 or 17. It's so hard to believe that I'm MARRIED and own a HOUSE and will be having KIDS soon. *shakes head*

Me too!

Are those PineCone surveys? I'm not thrilled that they lowered the payment to $3, but getting paid via PayPal sure is nice.

A sort of bluish purple... cornflower, I think, was the Crayola crayon name for the color I have in my head. Or perhaps a light version of cobalt. Something that could be either boy or girl, I think.

Holy cow, you're right! I didn't even realize, because in my head it's about June. Heh.

Some are from PineCone, but there's another group who pays via paypal, too (can't remember who), and I suppose I could always get some paypal gift cards from other survey companies. I just need to remember.

Ooh, sounds pretty!

I don't feel like it should be June, but that's probably cuz it's been cooler. Plus, the leaves are changing. But yeah.

I am *totally* saving up for a DSLR right now TOO, and should have enough to buy it around my birthday. Hooray!!

When's your birthday? I hope to have one by the time we go to Europe next year (hopefully mid-May to mid-June). I want a good camera for that, but I'm still unsure about lugging around a DSLR everywhere. Hmm.

November!

The reason I'm getting my camera is so I can take picts when I go back to Europe. ;) Dustin and I may be going to China this coming summer, so I want to get it now so I can play with it and get some good shots while I'm there.

You guys are doing the backpacking thing, right? I did that in college, and I had SO MUCH FUN. I hope that Dustin and I will be able to do that together someday!! <3 Get a eurail pass, one of those red eurail books, and stay in hostels and sleep on trains--so fun!!

Ooh, soon!

China? Are you going with your "family"? How cool!

Yeah, we can't afford to do it the "normal" way. As it is, we are saving a lot just to do it backpacking. We want to do it soon because we are planning to start doing the kid thing in the fall, and you can't really backpack around Europe with a baby in tow. (Well, you could, but it doesn't sound fun.) We're still debating on the Eurail pass because we can't use it in at least one country we're going to, and Isaac's over 25 so it will be extra expensive. I don't know if they will let me get the youth price or not, because I'll be turning 26 while we're over there. We'll see. But yeah, hostels, trains... I'm excited!

Yah, with the fam.

Heehee! A good reason to go now, for sure. I don't think we'll have a child for several more years, but that's definitely a requirement before we have kids--backpack europe together!

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Me Three

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