Santa Was Good To Me This Year... [Archive] - The DIS Discussion Forums

annnewjerz

12-25-2008, 01:55 PM

Thus far, I have had a very Merry Christmas. Santa was very nice to me this year, bringing lots of photography related stuff :goodvibes

So far I got:
- New 22 inch widescreen LCD monitor (purchased by me with gift cards from my boss)
- Nikon SB-600 external flash
- Nikon 60mm f/2.8D AF Micro lens
- Understanding Exposure
- Beyond Portraiture
- Understanding Digital Photography
- Tracy Joy shoot bag
- Hoya ND8 72mm filter
- New CD Booklet for my DVDs
- Seagate 500GB External Hard Drive
- ML-L3 Wireless Remote Shutter release

I also got lots of gift cards, looks like I may have some Gary Fong diffusers and some other non-photography related gifts the near future...like a new pair of boots to keep my feet warm while I'm out trying the new lens :thumbsup2

Merry Christmas everyone, from what I can tell...Santa brought a lot of you some nice toys!

Ann

jfinke

12-25-2008, 03:01 PM

Sounds good!

I got a 40D book, a Lightroom 2 Book, an umbrella stand, and an umbrella stand head.

However, I also have my birthday tomorrow and then christmas/bday with my parents next week. Hoping for some remote triggers and an umbrella.

DVC Jen

12-25-2008, 03:21 PM

Awesome!

I got Lightroom 2
CS4
Manfrotto O55xPROB tripod
Manfrotto 808RC4 pan/tilt head
Canon 580EXII flash
4 gig Lexar CF card
Roxio Creator 2009 - to make some cool slideshows

and a few other non photography related items

next? :goodvibes

Merrywheather

12-25-2008, 03:57 PM

Ann - sounds great!

I also have the Christmas / birthday present thing going on over the last 2 weeks. I got:

Canon 580EXII flash
2 Impact monolights with softboxes
Gary Fong diffuser
and a background stand with some backdrops

I was thrilled :goodvibes

blackears

12-25-2008, 05:23 PM

I too had a picture perfect Christmas!!! A:
SB 600 flash:cool1:
Photoshop Elements 7:woohoo:
Nikkor 50mm f/1.8 D lens
Tri-pod
Seagate 320G passport HD
Subscription to Popular Photography
A remote shutter button-still have to look into this one

And the oldest daughter received a Nikon CoolpixL18

So, we are having a great Christmas

jfinke

12-25-2008, 05:45 PM

YesDear

12-25-2008, 07:41 PM

My DW totally shocked me and got me the Nikon 10.5! I must have done something right!

I also got and Iphone!

annnewjerz

12-25-2008, 08:01 PM

Merryweather - which Gary Fong diffuser(s) did you get? I was looking at their site and can't decide if I should just get the clear, or get the two pack that has the cloud and the clear, so many decisions!! :)

Blackears - glad to hear someone else got an external flash, is it your first? I just barely opened the box and looked at it today, have yet to look into the owner's manual...too much to do today, I figure that's what this weekend is for :goodvibes

YesDear - 10.5 eh? You're right, must have done something really nice for your DW this year!!! :thumbsup2 Let me know how you like it. I still have some Christmas money to burn through although I have been taking a break from figuring out ways to spend it to try to enjoy my gifts from the past few days, but like I said, I had come ___ that close to pulling the trigger on the used 10.5 on KEH, but for once I am trying to exercise patience and restraint. It's tough :scared1:

DVC Jen

12-25-2008, 08:26 PM

Adobe was very happy with your gifts this year. :D

LOL probably not as happy as they could have been - DH got really great student discounts on both products since he is a student (MBA).

Merrywheather

12-25-2008, 08:57 PM

Merryweather - which Gary Fong diffuser(s) did you get? I was looking at their site and can't decide if I should just get the clear, or get the two pack that has the cloud and the clear, so many decisions

I got the cloud since I wanted softer light. I used it a little today, and it did a great job. Plus, my kids thought it looked like a toilet bowl, so they were actually laughing and smiling at the camera for once! :) LOL!

blackears

12-25-2008, 09:15 PM

annewjerz wrote:
Blackears - glad to hear someone else got an external flash, is it your first? I just barely opened the box and looked at it today, have yet to look into the owner's manual...too much to do today, I figure that's what this weekend is for

I unpacked it, threw in some batteries and commenced to taking pics!!!! I figured I could read the manual a little later and I didn't want to miss some good pics. I have the D60, and it all works great so far just from the screen. I'll learn more in a little while.

jfinke

12-25-2008, 11:37 PM

LOL probably not as happy as they could have been - DH got really great student discounts on both products since he is a student (MBA).

Ahh.. They have some great student discounts. Wish I still got those. However, it is cheaper to pay retail than to get yet another degree. :lmao:

Pea-n-Me

12-26-2008, 02:47 AM

Sounds good. :thumbsup2

I got:

A Netbook (for travel)
Remote shutter release
Gorrillapod
Understanding Shutter Speed (began reading early :upsidedow )
Pop Photog subscription
Upholstered storage boxes and albums

Big Vic

12-26-2008, 07:52 AM

It looks as though everyone had a great Christmas. :thumbsup2

A rookie DSLR owner here, as Santa brought me a Canon XSi.

The learning begins. :)

zackiedawg

12-26-2008, 08:53 AM

Did OK myself...camera-wise, I got a Slik Sprint ProEZ tripod, a Pentax ME53 magnifying eyepiece (for my A300), and two step-down rings for my other lenses to share filters. Some great books, DVDs, shoes, and other stuff I wanted too...a fine Christmas!

MarkBarbieri

12-26-2008, 09:15 AM

I hardly got anything. I pad of paper, a package opener, and some candy.

Fortunately, my older son got the Adobe Master Suite and my wife got a 5DMarkII and a 24-105 f/4 IS lens and they said I can use them.

DVC Jen

12-26-2008, 11:35 AM

Ahh.. They have some great student discounts. Wish I still got those. However, it is cheaper to pay retail than to get yet another degree. :lmao:

sshhhhhh I have DH nearly convinced to go for his phd when he is done with the MBA. ;)

Ok - he is thinking about doing it for HIM not for me - and the great discounts but I can pretend - right?

Danauk

12-26-2008, 11:42 AM

Wow you guys got some great gifts. I got a Lowepro slingshot 200 and a gotilla pod which I was happy with. I also got some money which I intend to save and use with my birthday money later this year to get another lens, I just need to decide which one!!

MarkBarbieri

12-26-2008, 01:20 PM

sshhhhhh I have DH nearly convinced to go for his phd when he is done with the MBA. ;)

Ok - he is thinking about doing it for HIM not for me - and the great discounts but I can pretend - right?

You've still got kids. My 3rd grader qualified for the academic discount for the CS4 Master Suite.

DVC Jen

12-26-2008, 02:14 PM

You've still got kids. My 3rd grader qualified for the academic discount for the CS4 Master Suite.

That is true and Kylie will still be in college for a while and then Em will be following her in a few years. So if Ian does decide he is done when he finishes his MBA in June - I will have a back-up plan. ;)

wenrob

12-26-2008, 02:25 PM

DVC Jen

12-26-2008, 02:37 PM

We didn't do Christmas for each other but hubby had overtime on his paycheck and told me to go ahead and order Lightroom 2. I just got confirmation that DD's student ID was approved this morning so I should be getting it in a couple of days.:cool1: Now that my camera's profile is included I'm going totally RAW.:thumbsup2

don't forget to go to the adobe site and update it with the latest update to version 2.2

Here is a link - http://www.adobe.com/support/downloads/detail.jsp?ftpID=4234

jfinke

12-26-2008, 03:19 PM

Well, for my birthday today, I also got a tamrac express 7.

That will be nice for my XT for my wife.

I purchased a crumpler for my 40d.

wenrob

12-26-2008, 03:33 PM

don't forget to go to the adobe site and update it with the latest update to version 2.2

Here is a link - http://www.adobe.com/support/downloads/detail.jsp?ftpID=4234

Thank you Jen, will do!:goodvibes

Krisi616

12-26-2008, 03:45 PM

Experiment_626

12-26-2008, 03:55 PM

Well, I suppose I must have been on my best behavior ever this past year.

I got:

Nikon D300 :thumbsup2

Bogen/Manfrotto 190XDB Tripod Legs with 486RC2 Compact Ballhead

Lowepro Slingshot 200

A pair of 16 GB compact flash cards (and the camera came with a 4GB Extreme III card as well).

The camera is very gently used -- only about 1400 actuations, and it looks fresh-out-of-the-box mint. The previous owner decided to move up to a D700. My wife got the camera along with a Sigma 18-200 OS (VR, in other words) lens for just over $1100. She just got a D70 for herself (she's just beginning to learn*), so she'll keep the lens for her own use.

I got some other stuff as well, including a renewal on my WDW AP (my wife and I each got this from my parents), and the fourth season of Lost on DVD.

All in all, I'm a very happy camper! :cool1:

* Of course, she expects me to teach her in a few days what has taken me 15 years to learn! But she's doing well and learning quickly -- and having fun, which is the important part.

SSB

annnewjerz

12-27-2008, 08:12 AM

Everyone did very nice in the camera department. I got Adobe Elements 7 and then Hubby COMPLETELY suprised me with a Canon D50. I really must figure out how to use it now. We have had a Rebel for 4 years that I always used on Auto -- I know bad me! I will be purchasing a good book for learning more about photography any that you LOVE?

I had heard a lot about the "Understanding" books by Bryan Peterson, particularly Understanding Exposure when I got my first dSLR a few months ago. I got it for Christmas and have already read through about half of it :rotfl: . It's a great book for understanding the ins and outs of how each thing (like aperture, shutter speed, depth of field) affect the look and quality of your photo. So far, I would classify it as a book that I LOVE. You can get it at a book store for $25 but you can order it online for just over $15 with free shipping on Amazon.com, although I believe they are back-ordered right now.

Congratulations and have fun with the new camera! :goodvibes

rtphokie

12-27-2008, 11:23 AM

Santa brought me Camera Armour for my Canon 350D. Great protection from the occasional bump and scuff. My camera is about 2 years old and I know it's getting a lot of wear just from the button labels wearing off.

http://static0.shopify.com/s/files/1/0009/2362/products/Canon_XT_lf_s_large.jpg

http://static2.shopify.com/s/files/1/0009/2362/products/Canon_XT_rr_s_large.jpg

Fits perfectly. Some complain that the CF card door is a little hard to open with the case on, but I believe this is by design. Buttons work perfectly through the case, all indicators and the IR emitter are visible and the bottom is open so the tripod mount is accessible. I like that it covers up the Canon logo, every little bit helps to prevent theft.

They retail for $50-$80 depending on the camera and are available in black and grey for most camera below and some are available in camouflage or obnoxious red.

Canon 20D, 30D, 40D, XSi/450D, XT/350D, XTI/400D, 5D, & 1DS
Nikon D40/D60, D70, D80, D2X, D200, D300
Olympus E-410
Pentax K10D/20D
Sony Alpha A100

http://www.cameraarmor.us/

The safegrip strap looks intriguing, anyone have one?

annnewjerz

12-27-2008, 11:34 AM

Santa brought me Camera Armour for my Canon 350D. Great protection from the occasional bump and scuff. My camera is about 2 years old and I know it's getting a lot of wear just from the button labels wearing off.

VERY cool, I was looking into some armor for my D60, but it was red...it made it look like I would be carrying around a v-tech kids camera. :rotfl: I like the black, I'll have to see if I can find one specifically for my camera model.

Thanks for the idea!! :thumbsup2

handicap18

12-27-2008, 07:53 PM

spinetnglr

12-27-2008, 08:27 PM

We didnt do gifts this year but I hope to be doing some camera related shopping for myself soon. Watching and hoping for some after Christmas sales. I did get an excellent gift though .. my son had the last two pins removed from his foot on Tuesday from an accident he had back in September. He got the go ahead to start putting weight on it again and although he has a permanent titanium rod in his lower leg and a permanent plate near the heel he should be walking again without crutches in 5-6 weeks.

I have been enjoying reading this thread and getting some ideas for items to add to my list of "Iwanttogets"

annnewjerz

12-27-2008, 09:05 PM

I got a Pizza Grill!!! yummmy

I also got close to $200 in amazon gift cards so I'm thinking about putting that towards the Sigma 10-20mm!

So thats something. I did order a new wireless remote for my D300, though it was only $20 or so.

Pizza grill sounds goooooood, I got a quesadilla maker. Haven't used it yet, but I know I'll eventually enjoy a lot of good mexican food made from it.

I also got Photoshop Elements 6: The Missing Manual today, as well as a $50 Amazon gift card that I'm considering putting towards something...just not sure what yet.

Evad

12-28-2008, 04:49 PM

Santa was good to me as well!! I received a brand new Nikon D80, 18 - 70mm lens, Lowepro slingshot 200 AW and memory cards. :thumbsup2 :thumbsup2 Now to learn how to use the darn thing. Let the NAS begin. :lmao:

YEKCIM

12-28-2008, 05:20 PM

Let the NAS begin. :lmao:

THAT part is guaranteed. There is a "cure" for the disease, however. The downside is that it gets quite expensive after a while.

~Ed

annnewjerz

12-28-2008, 08:24 PM

So..DH just got home with Christmas with some relatives (I couldn't attend--I was volunteering) and we got the best gift ever...cash ;) With it, I have just put in an order for the Gary Fong Lightsphere Diffuser Starter Kit, $70 with free shipping on Adorama. Can't want to see how much difference they make with the new SB-600. :thumbsup2

KAT4DISNEY

12-28-2008, 10:57 PM

annnewjerz

12-29-2008, 03:49 PM

I got a new pair of sunglasses to replace the ones I lost on the Kilamanjaro Safari a week earlier! :rotfl:

There's also a photography present to myself that has been taunting me on the UPS truck since Friday. They claimed weather problems although it was our first beautiful sunny day of the week!!!!

Waiting for something to get delivered is THE WORST. I like buying stuff in the store so much more, except for the fact that it is usually more expensive and that means I actually have to put on half-way decent clothes to look somewhat presentable in public on the weekends instead of staying home in my PJs :rotfl2:

Something else that is almost as bad is waiting for a pre-order to come in. DH told me yesterday that he also pre-ordered me "Understanding Close-Up Photography" by Bryan Peterson--I think he got on a bit of a book kick for Christmas, I got Understanding Exposure, Understanding Digital Photography, Beyond Portraiture and Understanding Close-Up Photography :rotfl: It doesn't come out until March.

It's going to be a long three months but at least I have plenty of reading to fill up my time this winter so that when spring rolls around, I'll be able to go out and put all of this newly acquired knowledge to good use :thumbsup2

wkrider

12-29-2008, 07:41 PM

Not Disney but real nice....
http://us.st12.yimg.com/us.st.yimg.com/I/luminoxshop_2030_11478546

http://www.luminoxshop.com/luevoseiidiw.html

Brad M

12-30-2008, 03:48 AM

Sounds like you all had a great Christmas. DW and I decided not to spend much on each other so I asked for the umbrella and flash/umbrella mount pictured below. I've had a blast with it so far. My MIL bought me a camera shop gift card which I will use to buy a 2nd SB-600 flash. I "need" another Christmas in April to get a fast telephoto lens for baseball season. :rolleyes1

http://i489.photobucket.com/albums/rr254/bcmccon/050.jpg

spinetnglr

12-30-2008, 06:50 PM

annnewjerz

12-30-2008, 07:17 PM

I have now joined the ranks of the Understanding Exposure owners. Today was my birthday and Borders sent me a 25% off Happy Birthday coupon in my email so I went shopping this evening and got myself a birthday present.

I'm surprised you were even able to find it. I got it for Christmas but was searching online for cheaper prices and EVERYWHERE was sold out....and I mean everywhere. Amazon, A1Books, Barnes & Noble/Borders (at least all of the store locations and also one of the sites online). I guess it's a popular Christmas gift :goodvibes

spinetnglr

12-30-2008, 07:38 PM

I'm surprised you were even able to find it. I got it for Christmas but was searching online for cheaper prices and EVERYWHERE was sold out....and I mean everywhere. Amazon, A1Books, Barnes & Noble/Borders (at least all of the store locations and also one of the sites online). I guess it's a popular Christmas gift :goodvibes

I was going to order it from Amazon with a gift card I got but they are sold out so when I got the email from Borders this morning for 25% off anything I decided to try their store in York. They had one copy on the shelf .. I was very surprised myself to find it. Of course I had to stand there in the store and browse the other photog books and wrote down the titles/authors of two more I'd like to get :rolleyes1

wen-tom

12-31-2008, 10:00 AM

well DH was :thumbsup2

I got a the 50mm 1.4, lowepro slingshot 200 and a gorillapod...

I wasn't expecting any of it so it was a real nice surprise.

Just have to learn how to use them all now.. thats the hard part for me and as i have a nikon D40x I will have to manually focus on the 50mm.... wush me luck.... :thumbsup2