Amazon.com

[YEKCIM]

I ordered my 18-135 from an Amazon storefront, but only after I actually spoke with someone at the reseller who answered some questions I had (the 18-135 was "de-kitted" from a D80 body and in a plain cardboard inner box instead of the standard gloss retail box, which the rep explained to me). No problems whatsoever. Since you have the gift card, it only makes sense to use it toward the new lens, of course. The safest thing, of course, would be to spend the extra to buy directly from Amazon. Of course, if you buy from the storefront, you could apply the savings toward that 70-300vr...

Ed

 

[DVC Jen]

I have gotten 3 lenses from Amazon without any problems. I think you just need to make sure you are dealing with a reputable store - check their ratings.

 

[TinksDH]

I ordered my Sigma 10-20mm from the Amazon storefront, and it was actually fulfilled by 47th Street Photo. It was actualy cheaper than buying directly from the 47th Street Photo site and included free shipping.

I received email confirmations from both Amazon and 47th Street everytime it changes status (ordered / processed / shipped). Great experience - feel confident when using 17th Street and 47th Street.

 

[emmabelle]

Of course, if you buy from the storefront, you could apply the savings toward that 70-300vr...

Ed

I know, right!


I think I really need the 30mm more after taking pictures indoors last night of my daughter's semi-formal. I had to deal with a ton of red eye when I used auto exposure and the onboard flash. My 18-135mm doesn't work well indoors without the flash, because the shutter speed was too slow and the pictures came out blurred when I tried to get the right exposure. I did raise the ISO to 800, but I still didn't like the non flash pictures. I'm still learning something new every day.

 

[emmabelle]

I would look at the sellers ratings on amazon

47th st has over 27,000 ratings..

quality photo has 121

I know I noticed that too, that's the kind of scary thing. I wish the difference in price between 47th photo and Quality was only $10 instead of $30. The price between Amazon direct and Quality is $37. I know me though and I'll probably order the most expensive one.

 

[SueInBoston]

I just got my 85mm this morning from Amazon, fulfilled by Beach Camera. Sigma 30mm will be my next lens.

 

[Donald's Fan in PHX!]

I've never used it for a lens, but I use Amazon for about every other possible internet purchase. I'm very satisfied with both the new and used items i've purchased.

 

[GatheringNoMoss]

My husband has $150 gift card from Amazon that he got from his company. Have any of you ever used Amazon to order a lens? They offer the lens (Sigma 30mm f1.4 EX DC HSM with a Nikon mount) from 17th St. Photo, Quality Photo and 47th St. Photo for the best prices. I'd hate not to take advantage of this gift card and to order it from B and H instead.

and for all sorts of things, but as others have said, returns are even to amazon direct can be slow and costly if care is not taken.

 

[MICKEY88]

I know I noticed that too, that's the kind of scary thing. I wish the difference in price between 47th photo and Quality was only $10 instead of $30. The price between Amazon direct and Quality is $37. I know me though and I'll probably order the most expensive one.

to me, peace of mind is worth 30 dollars

 

[Groucho]

I know I noticed that too, that's the kind of scary thing. I wish the difference in price between 47th photo and Quality was only $10 instead of $30. The price between Amazon direct and Quality is $37. I know me though and I'll probably order the most expensive one.

You'll forget about that $20 a lot faster than if you get burned by a shady internet merchant. I'd spend the extra!

Or, check eBay too, see if a reputable seller (high-90s rating) has the same lens for cheaper.

I've bought a few things off Amazon (including my new camera!) and generally am very happy. The only thing that drives me bonkers about them is that, if you get the free "super saver" shipping, they seem to sit on the order for a while. I recently ordered another car seat for my kid, which was in stock and ready to go. I placed the order on Feb 28th. It wasn't shipped until March 14th, over two weeks later! Once it was shipped, it arrived quickly - but man, I hate waiting like that.

 

[arthropodtodd]

So, we just got the Canon Rebel XSI for our 5th anniversary on Friday. I have a little experience using an old SLR, a Pentex K1000, when I took a photography class in college. I love pictures and I always did things well from a composition stand point, at least if I am remembering what my teacher used to tell me way back when. I will only have the standard lens that came with the camera for now. I plan to buy more after I show my wife that in fact that I will use the camera often and therefore need more lens and such.

Any tips or suggestions for me with this particular camera? Anything I should be practicing specifically before I get there? I am planning to use the next two months to get ready to take good pictures. Any tips would be helpful.

Finally, on a sad/happy note I am excited to have this camera. During our honeymoon at WDW in '04 we used an old SLR that my parent's gave me. We took a ton of pictures. However, unknown to us the shutter was not working correctly so we came home with no pictures. I was pretty upset. So I forced my wife to go back down two years later to retake all the picture. Okay I did not force her, I suggested it and the next thing I knew she had the whole tri booked. Anyways, glad to have a better camera this time around.

 

[boBQuincy]

I carry a Xsi (after years of using "higher end" Canons) and make no mistake, the Xsi is a very capable camera! The kit lens is pretty good too, just not at it's best in low light or wide open.

Tips? Set the camera to use only the center focus point, it will focus faster and more accurately. Practice aiming the focus point at an area with high contrast to insure quick focus.

Use RAW, or RAW + JPG if you really need processed images. RAW will capture much more detail and you will be glad you did this in years to come, even if you do not use it now. This bears repeating because all it takes is more memory cards and they are inexpensive but memories are not! Use RAW!

Use Program mode if you are not sure of yourself. No, it is not what many photographers consider "true" photography but it will deliver a well exposed photo automatically in almost any lighting condition, something that Av, Tv, and especially M will not. I almost mentioned using Auto (green rectangle) but that will not allow using RAW.

ISO 1600 is usable but not without some noise reduction software. Be careful not to underexpose at high ISO. *Always* remember to set ISO back to lower levels when done with low light shooting!

Read the manual. Read the manual, again. Even twice is not enough, there are a lot of settings with which to get ourselves in trouble.

Practice a smooth shutter release, better yet use a monopod or some camera support. Even photos taken at 1/30 can have a lot of blur without good technique.

Oh yes, have fun!

 

[annnewjerz]

I would recommend taking a look at a few threads to get started. If you go to the link below, you will see a list of threads Mark put together. They are a great series of "How To" threads, from indoor shows to the safari ride and everything in between. If you need to find them quickly, they are in a sticky at the top of the page called "Equipment Recommendations / Photo Techniques" and they have a wealth of really helpful information.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1450061

As far as recommendations for the XSI, I don't own a Canon dSLR but a few tips that seem to be recommended often to those who ask are: 1. Use a tripod/garbage can/beanbag/anything to stabilize your camera and a remote shutter release for fireworks; 2. Bring a fast lens (1.4, 1.8, 2.8...the lower the better) for indoor rides. You will probably still have to boost your ISO considerably but the lens that can open the widest will probably give you the best chance of good indoor ride pictures; 3. Try to stick to the rule of thirds. This is something I had trouble with recently when trying to take some "landscape" type of shots and Mark demonstrates in one of his threads why using the rule makes for a much more interesting shot; 4. Don't forget to enjoy your vacation! For me, having the camera makes me take things a little slower and I'm hoping the same will apply in December when we go, but people often forget that they are on vacation to really enjoy themselves and spend too much of their time fretting over their photos; 5. Bring a comfortable strap/bag for your camera. After walking around with it for hours in the heat, you want to make sure that your camera isn't making you annoyed by digging into your shoulder, bumping everyone you walk by, etc.

I'll be attempting to put all of these suggestions/tutorials to good use in December---so I am by no means an expert when it comes to WDW photos, but I do have a good memory!

Good luck, have a great trip and be sure to post lots of pics when you get back.

Ann

 

[arthropodtodd]

Thanks for the tips, especially using P first. I will start there and get the hand of things before I move up. Gotta start simple. I am planning to buy a tripod for the trip.

In terms of shutter release, any thoughts on the remote? Is it worth it? I tend to have a case of the shakey hands from time to time.

I have been reading the tips sections and a lot of what I learned back in college is coming back to me, which is good. I sure will miss the fumes and being in a dark closet trying to get my roll onto the spool to develop it.

 

[Todd_H]

Thanks for the tips, especially using P first. I will start there and get the hand of things before I move up. Gotta start simple. I am planning to buy a tripod for the trip.

In terms of shutter release, any thoughts on the remote? Is it worth it? I tend to have a case of the shakey hands from time to time.

Hi, Todd and welcome to the boards (cool name btw)! Regarding the remote shutter release, if you plan on shooting fireworks while you're there (or any stationary low light shots where you use the tripod), the remote will be invaluable, especially with shaky hands.

 

[arthropodtodd]

Regarding the remote shutter release, if you plan on shooting fireworks while you're there (or any stationary low light shots where you use the tripod), the remote will be invaluable, especially with shaky hands.

Excellent name!

Good to know. On my old Pentax K1000 I had the cable hooked up to the camera all the time when I used the tripod for nature pics. Thanks for the tip.

 

[boBQuincy]

In terms of shutter release, any thoughts on the remote? Is it worth it? I tend to have a case of the shakey hands from time to time.

Canon's RC-1 and RC-5 will work with the Rebels, as well as a cable release. I used the RC-1 extensively on my February 2009 WDW trip and it worked very well.

I have been reading the tips sections and a lot of what I learned back in college is coming back to me, which is good. I sure will miss the fumes and being in a dark closet trying to get my roll onto the spool to develop it.

Yep, I sure miss the good old days of spending hours in a dark room full of chemicals! Not...

 

[11290]

In terms of shutter release, any thoughts on the remote? Is it worth it? I tend to have a case of the shakey hands from time to time.

I got one each of the remotes, 1 wired and 1 not, for my Xsi from Ebay. Look just like the Canon ones and work just as well for a LOT less money. I personally like the cabled remote better than the infrared one if for no other reason than I don't have to aim at the front area of the camera. I can stand behind the tripod and use it especially if I am in live view.

 

[kim]

Looking for the Olympus fl36r flash. Adorama has a great deal, but it's been out of stock for a while. Amazon has one too, but it comes from Ace Photo Digital. Anyone with experience this this seller??

Thanks!
Kim

 

[JoeDif]

ACE Photo

Check this from resellerratings......I'd stay away from them based on this