Kite

I'm thinking either Toshiba, Dell or HP.

What are my requirements?

No bigger than 14", but preferably 13 inch.

3-4GB RAM/Memory

2.53GHZ (maybe 2.40... I know AMD and Intel have stopped naming it by GHZ but it doesn't matter)

It doesn't have to look brilliant, but it can't look like a piece of junk.

At least 300gb ram. Maybe 250.

Intel processor

nvida 9500 + (min)

Under $1800.

dell.com.au

hp.com.au

toshiba.com.au

HP in Australia doesn't do orders.

Problem is:

Studio XPS 13 is $2184! (when it has 2. ghz 4gb ram)

HP Dv3 is expensive, over $2300.

Toshiba looks expensive for bad models

Anyway, hopefully it'll drop by end of year, but it needs to be decided before June, so...

Any thoughts on whether the Studio XPS will drop? It's the one I really want. But I'll take any others.

Thanks.

So, a little dilemma.

Looking at some slingshots, they seem better constructed than Crumpler's Brazilian Dollar Home. I'll admit that one shoulder straps may not be so good... but I think it should be fine.

Even though I've heard it's heavy.

Which is why I've somewhat become a little lost.

Firstly, here's what I'll eventually be putting in, so the bag must at least be able to take this:

- Canon body with battery grip

- One, two flashes

- 24-105mm

- 12-24mm

- 100mm macro

And, the thing that I'm worried about...

- 150-500mm

So as long as any of the Slingshots can carry this, it'll be good. Do pass on the smallest model that can, thanks.

Additional notes:

- Anyone used Slingshot 350, with laptop, and how was weight?

- I don't think you can take the 350 on an airplane. Can you manage to, with laptop?

- Any back pain? They've apparently designed it quite well. Hardly any complaints...

Any other details will be appreciated. Thanks.

Firstly, I'm really just annoyed at the Dymo disc painter.

Sure, it's a little cheaper.

But I can crank out 'painted' CDs from machines that are cheaper and can do more things. Like print, copy and fax.

So what's the point? It might take longer, I don't care.

It doesn't ship to Australia, anyway...

But what I want is really to be able to print on CDs.

And use the printer as not just a printer, but a copier and scanner. Colour. Fax doesn't matter, it can be there. In other words, a multifunction printer.

But here's something. The only ones that offer CD printing are the photo line up printers. Inkjets. And I don't want them because I can get photos printed on Fujifilm Crystal Archive for only 15c. That's about the cheapest you can get, here.

So, are there any laser printers that can print on CDs? I doubt it, but...

Alongside that, just in case, what's a cheap, good inkjet printer I can use for mono and colour printing, copying and scanning, and also print CDs?

$250, or less.

Thanks.

All prices in AUD.

---

Studio 15 - $1754

NOTEBOOK COLOUR KIT Topo Black Colour with Black U-Trim

PROCESSOR Intel® Core™ 2 Duo Processor P8600 (2.40GHz/ 1066 FSB/ 3MB Cache)

OPERATING SYSTEM Genuine Windows Vista(R) Home Premium SP1 64 bit (English)

SOFTWARE Microsoft(R) Works (Including Microsoft(R) Home & Student 60 Days Trial Pre-installed)

WARRANTY & SERVICE 1 Yr Ltd Hardware Warranty, InHome Service after Remote Diagnosis

DISPLAY 15.6” 720p WLED (1366x768) Display with TrueLife™ and Built-in 2.0MP Web Cam

MEMORY 4GB (2X2GB) DDR2 SDRAM Memory

HARD DRIVE 320GB SATA 7200RPM Performance Hard Drive

OPTICAL DRIVE Slot Load 8X DVD+/-RW Drive with DVD+R double layer write capability

VIDEO CARD 512MB ATI Mobility Radeon HD 4570

AUDIO SOLUTION Integrated CREATIVE Sound Blaster(R) X-Fi MB Audio Software Solution

WIRELESS NETWORK CARD Intel(R) WiFi Link 5100 (802.11a/g/n) Half Mini-card

BLUETOOTH Dell(TM) Wireless 370 Bluetooth Module

PALMREST OPTION Silver Palmrest

CARRYING CASES No Case

BATTERIES 9-cell Lithium Ion Primary Battery

KEYBOARD Dell(TM) Backlit Keyboard with Touchpad (English)

---

Dell Studio XPS 16 inch - $2149

PROCESSOR Intel(R) Core(TM) 2 Duo Processor P8600 (2.40GHz/ 1066 FSB/ 3MB Cache)

OPERATING SYSTEM Genuine Windows Vista(R) Home Premium SP1 64 bit Edition (English)

SOFTWARE Microsoft(R) Works 9.0 (Does Not Include Microsoft(R) Office 2003/2007 Software)

DELL SERVICES: HARDWARE MAINTENANCE 1-year XPS Premier Service with 1-year CompleteCover

DISPLAY 16" 720p WXGA (1366x768) WLED HD Display with 2.0MP webcam

MEMORY 4GB (2 X 2GB) Dual Channel 1067MHz DDR3 SDRAM

HARD DRIVE 320GB 7200RPM SATA Hard Drive

OPTICAL DRIVE Slot Load 8X DVD + /-RW Drive with double layer write capability

VIDEO CARD 512MB ATI Mobility Radeon HD 3670

AUDIO SOLUTION Integrated CREATIVE Sound Blaster(R) X-Fi MB Audio Software Solution

WIRELESS NETWORK CARD Intel(R) WiFi Link 5300 (802.11a/g/n) Half Mini-card

BLUETOOTH MODULE Dell(TM) Wireless 370 Bluetooth Module

BATTERIES 6-Cell (56WHr) Li-Ion Primary Battery

POWER OPTION 90W AC Adapter

TV TUNER & REMOTE CONTROL No Integrated TV Tuner

KEYBOARD Dell(TM) Backlit Keyboard with Touchpad (English)

---

Dell Studio XPS 13 inch - $2184

PROCESSOR Intel(R) Core(TM) 2 Duo Processor P8600 (2.40GHz/ 1066 FSB/ 3MB Cache)

OPERATING SYSTEM Genuine Windows Vista(R) Home Premium SP1 64 bit Edition (English)

SOFTWARE Microsoft(R) Works 9.0 (Does Not Include Microsoft(R) Office 2003/2007 Software)

WARRANTY & SERVICE 1-year XPS Premier Service with 1-year CompleteCover

DISPLAY 13.3 " Widescreen WXGA (1280x800) CCFL Display with integrated 2.0MP webcam

MEMORY 4GB (2 X 2GB) Dual Channel 1067MHz DDR3 SDRAM

HARD DRIVE 320GB (7200 RPM) SATA Hard Drive

OPTICAL DRIVE Slot Load 8X DVD + /-RW Drive with double layer write capability

VIDEO CARD 256MB NVIDIA® GeForce® 9500M-GE with Hybrid SLI® Technology

AUDIO SOLUTION Integrated CREATIVE Sound Blaster(R) X-Fi MB Audio Software Solution

WIRELESS NETWORK CARD Dell Wireless 1510 802.11n Half Mini-Card

BLUETOOTH Dell(TM) Wireless 370 Bluetooth Module

CARRYING CASES No Case

BATTERIES 6-Cell (56WHr) Li-Ion Primary Battery

POWER OPTION 90W AC Adapter

---

So what am I looking for?

I'll be running, frequently, Adobe CS4 Production Premium along with Lightroom and some other programs.

From what I can tell:

- the Studio 15 is so cheap, but seems to have really good... well, everything! Why is it so cheap? Is the studio XPS just expensive because of the design?

- the Studio 16 seems a waste. Admittedly, it does have this ATI thing which seems good, but I'm sure the GeForce upgraded version that I've selected for the 13" will be adequate. So, ultimately between the 15 and 13.

Thank you!

Both are the OS version.

I think I'll get used to the vibration that it apparently produces.

Unless it really knocks my hands so much I can't hold it steady. However, many who were aggravated with it originally say that they've grown used to it.

The price difference here in Australia is only two or three hundred dollars.

I'm just wondering; has anyone used BOTH, and which was better?

How was image quality? That's the biggest one, of course.

The aperture on the 120-400mm goes larger... (smaller f/number).

But I've heard that from 400-500 the 150-500mm doesn't fair well.

So, it's pretty confusing. It depends, for me, on which can produce a better image quality. If they're the same, it's much easier for me.

Just when we all thought we were content with the EOS 450D/Rebel XSi, and convinced ourselves that the 500D was a mere figment of our imaginations and mild speculation...

Canon released the 500D, or T1i.

Price TBA.

Has Canon improved the maximum number of RAW bursts? Currently, on the 450D, it stands at 6. The new 500D can shoot up to 60 JPGs, compared to its predecessor's 53. The fps is the same.

It's gone for a more 'silver' look... the 450D had a silver hotshoe instead of the 400D's black... and now the dial is silver on the 500D!

Not all too much new except the fairly obvious ones:

- 15.1 megapixels

- HD recording

- 20,000 dot VGA monitor

- Digic IV (4) processor

- Face Detection in Live View

- ISO up to 3200, H1: 6400, H2: 12800

- More curved (as always... each new model gets curvier and curvier)

The price will most definitely be considerably higher, since the 500D has 15.1 mp and HD recording. Will it be worth it?

It's glorious except in HD recording, as some don't want to pay extra just for the HD recording.

Personally, I'll buy this. A pity about the HD recording, though.

Well, I have an EOS 450D, or XSi, and want to upgrade to the 5D MKII.

Apparently you can't use EF-S lenses on full frame cameras.

Would I then have to sell my current EF-S lenses?

Would it be just wiser to upgrade to a 50D?

So, here's the cut.

In AUD, the Tamron costs $500. The Canon costs $800.

I am aware that in other places, the difference is not much... it is here.

I know the Tamron extends, but I'm afraid that if I photograph an insect, it might fly away due to the extending lens. However, I hear its bokeh is good.

Thoughts?

So.

I can get a 4GB SD card for 12.50 and 6.00 shipping (AUD). So, I might as well get more, yes?

Thing is, I already have a 1 GB and a 512 MB and a 2GB card. So, what's it worth?

I mean, the shipping... makes it go to 18.00, which is still a good price, considering everywhere else it's 30.00...

So should I get another SD card? 2GB? Another 4GB? (on the same site, make use of the shipping)

So.

I can get a 4GB SD card for 12.50 and 6.00 shipping (AUD). So, I might as well get more, yes?

Thing is, I already have a 1 GB and a 512 MB and a 2GB card. So, what's it worth?

I mean, the shipping... makes it go to 18.00, which is still a good price, considering everywhere else it's 30.00...

So should I get another SD card? 2GB? Another 4GB? (on the same site, make use of the shipping)

I can't really decide between the Velbon CX 888 and the Velbon CX 480.

The 888 is $20 more.

Here are the specs.

480:

Features a 2-way PH-248 fluid panhead. Light weight and ideal for compact video/8mm camcorders. Radial braced, 3-section legs. The CX-480 also features a Spirit level.

Maximum Height

147cm

Minimum Height

56.8cm

Folded Height

58cm

Weight

1.3kg

Diameter of Leg

20mm

Leg Sections

3

Maximum Load

5kg

---

888:

A new tripod in black finish, ideal for general purpose photography. It features 4 section legs and has a maximum height of 145cm.

The CX-888 has a PH-249Q fixed panhead with QB-4W quick release plate and carrying case.

Maximum Height

145cm

Folded Height

48cm

Minimum Height

46cm

Weight

1.3kg

Diameter of Leg

23.2mm

Leg Sections

4

Maximum Load

3kg

---

Thanks in advance.

Canon-Nikon-Sony.

I'm aware, you see, that Sony has in built IS. So, that's good. It also uses Minolta lenses.

But currently, I don't have any lenses except an 18-250mm Tamron.

Is IS/VR offered on Macro lenses? Telephoto lenses? Wide Angle lenses?

I stick around the semi-pro stage, at most, and I doubt I'll go to full frame DSLRs, so I'm trying to decide which brand is best for investing in.

I'd probably only ever get a twin kit lens, a telephoto, macro and wide angle, maybe fish eye.

But I still would like to know if they are offered in IS/VR, and whether it is much more expensive than the Sony lenses.

I've not yet got my first DSLR. I've been doing photography for years now, but with P&S's, even though some were quite advanced.

So, I know most things about photography.

Yes, I know I'm buying into a brand, although yes, there are lenses from Sigma, Tamron, etc...

I know it depends on glass as well.

But here's my question.

Is it worth investing in a semi-pro/mid level DSLR? I don't want to have to update in at least the next 3 years.

Because apparently prices for entry levels will drop, but mid levels wouldn't so much...

I mean, in terms of Image Quality, they'd be around the same. I'm aware that ergonomics is another difference, and so is fps, exp, etc.; but what other features are there?

Are they sturdier? Will they last longer?

I don't exactly want a camera that becomes old stock after a while. Would mid levels be compatible with lots of lenses?

I've recently been considering a lot of cameras, ultimately narrowing down to the Pentax K20D, Canon EOS 450D (Rebel XSi) and Nikon D90.

Nikon D90 seemed, and seems, so perfect. Only thing; the HD movie mode is bad and makes the price go up. I'd consider it if I weren't so unsure about whether it counts as an entry level or mid level DSLR. Also, apparently the VR lenses aren't as good as IS. Still, that last one isn't that important. It's mainly the price, too.

Canon 450D is a bit of a grey area for me. It's, compared to the others, cheap, produces fine image quality and can go up reasonably to 1600 ISO without creating a lot of bad side effects. The IS lenses are apparently great, and the program offered is excellent. So you see, I don't want to unnecessarily pay for the D90, just for a better screen and movie recording. I'm aware, however, that this has only 9 pt, against 11 pt, but this has 14 bit proc. and from what I've seen, produces a lot sharper images. However, if this is too much of an 'entry level' and will become 'old stock', I don't really want to get it.

Pentax K20D is a bigger grey area. I don't know how the image quality matches up to the others, and the ISO noise is contrasting and quite odd. I'm not sure if it's better or not. Live View is terrible, and I don't want to really have to pay for something that is bad, but since the K20D is fairly cheap, I don't mind. 11 pt, unsure about bit proc. and program offered... 6400 ISO, like on the D90, is useless, but I wouldn't use it any way, so it's of no concern. In built VS (Vibration Shake) and it's, from what I can tell, a mid level camera.

Ergonomics don't matter at this stage. Please don't tell me to hold them. The Pentax is heavier, but if it's worth investing in... Pentax doesn't have much glass, but it does have glass, and there are other providers for lenses, anyway, so that doesn't matter at this stage.

I'll pay for the D90 if the ISO and IQ is much better, or at least if it's worth investing in.

I'd probably only buy at end of year, so it would probably drop, but still, I'm planning ahead.

What are the differences, how are the cameras affected...

I know the GX20 is cheaper, but apart from worse .jpg quality, that's all I know.

I'm aware that the K200D and 450D are both entry levels, as compared to the 20D and 40D, which are both advanced DSLRs.

However, I'm quite certain that I'd get quite far with the 20D or 40D... but to be sure, what differences are there between the entry and the advanced DSLRs?

The reason I raise this is because I don't want to have to suddenly upgrade from an entry level. The K20D is 40D is surprisingly cheap, in comparison to, say, the D300.

Here are specs:

EOS 450D:

- 12.2 MP

- Live View

- CMOS sensor

- 3.4 fps

- 100-1600 ISO (exceptional image quality and low noise at high ISO levels)

- No In-Built IS

- $800 body only

- 9 point AF

- No Wireless Flash Control

K200D:

- 10.2 MP

- CCD sensor

- 3 fps

- 100-1600 ISO (excellent image quality and relatively low noise at high ISO levels)

- In-Built IS

- 11 point AF

- $500 ~ body only

- Wireless Flash Control

- No Live View

K20D:

- 100-6400 ISO (excellent image quality and relatively low noise at high ISO levels)

- 14.6 MP (Pentax says there is low noise, due to smaller pixels)

- CMOS sensor

- 3 fps, but can go up to 21 fps at 1.2 MP

- In-Built IS

- Live View

- Wireless Flash Control

- $1200 body only

- ? Point AF

EOS 40D:

- 100-3200 ISO (excellent image quality and quite low noise at high ISO levels)

- ? Point AF

- $1200 body only

- No In-Built IS

- 6.5 fps

- 10.1 MP

- CMOS sensor

- No Wireless Flash Control

Apparently, the Nikon D80 is a lot better than the 40D... so I am also considering the D80 ($900, body only), although I'm not sure whether that would be wise, since most shops have stopped selling it and it's been three years since release.

Also, I'd like to know if the Tamron 18-250mm AF-S is compatible with Pentax?

Your advice is appreciated.

I would have got the 450D, except a complication came up.

I got a Tamron 18-250mm lens.

So, I can't decide. It doesn't have IS.

The A350 is more expensive... at least in my area.

It offers in-built IS, though, so if I got it, the Tamron lens doesn't need the IS anyway.

But the 450D is $200~ less, and the twin kit that can be purchased comes with 18-55mm IS and 55-250mm, and with the camera, is only $1269. Meanwhile, the A350 is $1474 with 18-70mm and 55-250mm...

But then I'd get the A350 in a body only so, $1171, or the 450D body only, which is $889.

So, I'm confused. Or, should I sell the Tamron lens (unused, valued at $699)?

Money is not of concern.

I'm thinking of Evah Pirazzi, Obligato, or Violino.

I use Evah Pirazzi currently, but I would like a really warm, tonal, ringing and mellow sound.

Violino is supposed to be warmer, but if anyone has tried Obligato AND Violino, please offer your advice on which you think is better.

And I'm not sure about the Tonica. Apparently they released a new line... I have the old edition, haven't tried it, don't really want to open it yet until I decide to actually use it or not.

I'm thinking of buying someone a photography book. They're interested in photography.

So, I've two options.

-The Digital Photography Book, Scott Kelby

-Digital Photography Book: Volume 2, Scott Kelby

They aren't exactly sequels... so I'm not sure.

Overall, and I mean overall, because I know you can't really say best otherwise, which country produces the best violins?

Germany? Czech Republic?

Nikon D80 Black 10.2 MP Digital SLR Camera Kit w/ 18-135mm Zoom Lens

for

$650 USD not inc. shipping

Is it worth it?