...I want it all, George.

I want an idiot-proof 20 megapixel point-and-shoot with the image quality of the best professional dSLR that's the size of the new iPod Shuffle. It'll be instantly on and ready to go, won't cause red-eye, won't blur anything, and will know that I'm trying to focus on my kids instead of a tree two miles away. It'll take Life Magazine-quality shots, get my kids modelling contracts, and make my $600 bike look like a $20K dream.

I know if I get any camera today, tomorrow something way better will be available...for 1/2 the price...and I still won't know how to use it.

I don't believe the SD-series has that function. The G-series does - it allows for Shutter-priority and Aperture-priority as well as the ability to tweak both simultaneously. But I think the SD600 "might"? have an action-mode?

I wish I can simply pop in a digital back for my old camera body.

I have the SD800/IXUS850. It has the "kids and pets" mode. I assume that it leans towards faster shutter speed. The SD series also have exposure & flash comp, although not direct shutter/ap priority modes.

Still, I don't really like the image out of it. Even if it looks nice, a quick side by side comparison with those from a DSLR will show how much more amazing the flesh tones are from the DSLR.

At the end, my pics suck, so I'm blaming it on the equipment (and drumming up an excuse to get my own dslr). :p

If I remember, I'll bring it to the Baldy ride and you can try to shoot some fast moving cyclists. :D

Hi Mo'Phat,

I'll jump in and try not to confuse you more.

I've been doing this photography stuff longer than I've been racing bicycles. The one problem that I regularly see when people go from P&S to DSLRs is that they want to aim the camera and shoot in all kinds of lighting conditions with a variety of subjects and when the photos don't come out as they expect, they blame the camera. :eek:

Note that if you go the DSLR route you WILL have to learn more about photography: ISO, shutter speeds, aperture settings, depth of field, color temperatures, etc if you really want to make use of what a DSLR offers. Some of the entry level DSLRs give you some P&S type settings but for the most part, taking a picture with a DSLR is more complicated than with a P&S. (Think beach cruiser vs. road bike.)

Also, don't get too hung up on megapixels. Pixels are not pixels are not pixels. ;) Sensor size, type, and design have a lot more to do with final image quality than the number of megapixels. It's kind of like weight with bicycles. Lighter isn't always better.

So if after all of what I and others have posted, you still want a DSLR, then I would suggest that you also look at Olympus. So far they are the only manufacturer that has a DSLR system that is designed specifically for digital. There are pluses and minuses with Olympus but their two latest offerings. the E-410 and E-510, have a lot to offer and the digital Zuiko (Olympus) lenses are smaller than the equivalent lenses (designed for 35mm) from Canon and Nikon.

BTW, for 30+ years I used Nikon exclusively.

Hope this helps. Check out my photos here:

http://www.pbase.com/cleavel/cleaveportfolio

Thanks for the information and advice. As of this morning, I've buried my nose in the owner's manual of my Canon, and am trying to educate myself, so I don't just blame my equipment. Like I said, sometimes I get 'lucky' and the pics come out great...but I'm discovering that 'luck' just means I finally took a shot that my camera was actually set to take.

I think I'd be setting myself up for more frustration dealing with a dSLR at this point.

uh-oh...

http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f5...olee/badge.jpg


trouble is lurking...

http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f5...ee/x5badge.jpg


very interesting...

http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f5...tindicator.jpg


i'm in serious trouble...

http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f5...rindicator.jpg


what is under there?

http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f57/wahoolee/rear.jpg


large and in charge...

http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f5...e/reartire.jpg


more pics of the x5 and my speeding tickets soon....

Nice, Lee!! Is it a 4.4 with the 4.6/4.8 wheels?

Willkommen to the dark side!!!

http://luwin.smugmug.com/photos/153875724-M.jpg

they make digital backs for 3x5 cameras. i dont know about 35mm though.
ill stick with my 5 year old digital rebel (not the xt)

2005 4.4i X5 Titanium silver and black leather fully packed Sport and Premium packages with Navigation and DVD System (screens in the headrests of the front seats), Sirius Satellite built-in, with the BMW 20 inch rims: 315's in the rear, 285's in the front. Auto and 6 speed manual Steptronic transmission...315 hp and 324 lb/ft of torque...only 22k miles....still has that new car smell. :love:

Even though it will push me back in the seat on acceleration, I'm looking at getting a chip for it so it will "go_fast"er. :eek:

:D

For the wife :)

Speedplay Light Action Pedals (pink)

http://www.ivelo.com/ivelo/icons/pink_speedplay.gif

Sidi women Genius 5

http://www.teamestrogen.com/images/p...06-107_xlg.jpg

I purchased a pair of these:
http://www.giant-bicycles.com/_gener...horts-0011.jpg

And my GF purchased a Nike Tour De France jersey while in france after watching the final stage from the fence. She said her and her roomate were standing at the fence for 9 hours.
http://www.madeinsport.com/photos/TD...DONS_ANIME.gif

chris king classic hubs... red.. looking for either som mavic open pro '/ RED or velocity aerohead /oc red...

Just dropped $1800 on a new computer, well, the parts for a new computer...

:D

Should be here on Thursday or Friday. I've been putting this off since January and it's been 5 years since i built my current computer.

That means we're going to be able to hear you coming from a mile away...:D
Those are great hubs, BTW...

I would really like to know how you like the Chris King Classic hubs. I really wanted a pair but after riding with another who had them I don’t think I could handle the nose. I know everyone says they are great.

I know I have not been out on any recent BF rides but I have been looking for people wearing the BF Socal jerseys and I just havn't see any in my area (Aliso Viejo, Laguna Niguel, Dana Point, Lake Forest). I feel a need to represent...... Where do I get one? Do I have to do something to earn it? How much?

http://www.nashbar.com/nashbar_photo...RS-NCL-TOP.jpg

http://www.nashbar.com/profile.cfm?c...ruing%20Stands

On sale for $150. :D

I just got these in the mail and they're a bust.:( The description said Euro-race cut, so I thought I could fit into a size small, a la Assos. No go. They're way too big, or rather, they're more of an American size small than a Euro size small.

Any gal want them? :o

Not related to cycling, but I saw X5 posting above, so if you care... I Got my new car. CLS 55 AMG Black. I have no clue where to put the bike on this one?!

In the mail yesterday, I got the Madone (very nice looking) catalog.
Did any one of you playing a trick on me and gave my address to Trek? because I know some of you think I need a new bike...

Shai, Mercedes makes a nice integrated roof rack for the CLS that is easily removable when not needed. It is a bit pricey but works well. If your interested let me know. My friend Eric, whom you met the other night at dinner can get them near cost. I attached a picture of the carrier on his E-Class.

Nice ride BTW. I have a CL55 AMG.

I assume in a week or two I will start looking for such add on. This coming long weekend I am just going to ride in the area (from home) so no need for a roof rack just yet. BTW, I think the CL55 rocks! It was a rocket in the time it came out and I am not sure why Benz stop the line?!

The CL model just got redesigned, and the AMG version (CL63) is gorgeous in person. I just saw the CLK Black Series in person before the owner took delivery, and that thing is so hot as well.

Here's the CL63 -

http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/images/...o_209570_7.jpg


And BTW, congrats on the CLS55!! I actually like the 55 more than the 63 - it's a lot smoother to roll of the tongue "CLS fitty-five" ;) Being a huge Mercedes guy still - I'm very excited for your new car. Do post pics, and hope to see you driving it in person at a future group ride!

it is my X5 and i don't care about your benz. :rolleyes:

;):D just kidding.

the 63 is an awesome automobile but the 55 is the correct choice. i'm all about torque over horsepower and the 55 has it over the 63.

have fun trying to keep that black shiny though...my favorite color for any car but it is a full time job keeping the paint shiny and new. :p;)

Werd. Two words for the 55 - pulley kit. :p