Bob-- Not sure if my question was clear or if I'm just reading your reply incorrectly. I'm talking about buying the CF adaptor, having that in my 40D all the time, loaded with an SD card. That way I just take the SD card out of the camara and use a card reader or plug it into my SD slot. To my knowledge, computers don't come with a CF slot. Just trying to save a step and I guess just used to the SD cards and already have a bunch.

Bob--at first I took offense (kidding of course) to your SmugMug (Macy's) vs Shutterfly (K-Mart) analogy. I clicked on your link (www.smugmug.com) and WOW---what a difference and ability to do things and customize. Curious Bob, do you use the Pro or just the basic?

Guess I need to just learn to trust what you say Bob!! lol

Personally, I'd bring all your DSLR goodies AND a nice compact. Use the compact 80% of the time for the family shots---then negotiate some "ME" time away and then go out alone with your DSLR and create some awesome images. Disney shots at night would be awesome. Any ways, that's how I'd roll!!

I just upgraded to the Canon 40D---Cannot wait to get out there and shoot--work is definitely interferring with my hobby!!

My T2i uses SD Cards---the 40D is Compact Flash Cards (CF's)--- I've contemplated buying an adaptor to use the
SD card in. Two things I am wondering:

1). Does it slow things down or 'obstruct' the process in any way?

2). If you have experience with them, specifically what Brand and model do you suggest? I researched last night and truthfully have no idea what I am looking for.

Thanks in advance---Jeff

I agree with the Class 10--I personally don't shoot a lot of Video if any but I would look for ones with at least 20-30 MB/sec so you don't slowed down in any way. Good to over buy.

I was just told to stick with around the 8GB--cards are cheaper; plus it forces you to download and save the images more often. Point was if you lose or it fails on a 16GB card and it's full--you lose 16GB worth of data. I like the idea of smaller cards personally. Also look at the specs as to how quickly they can be downloaded--they give you those #'s on the card---I looked at some last night on Adorama and although they were cheaper, IF I would have had say 8 MB's--the cheaper card would have taken approx 4 more minutes to download. Perhaps not that significant but depends on how important that is to you.

Larry--I too use Canon--- 40D and a T2i and I use a 70-200 f/4L IS USM and a Tamron 17-50. Which converter do you use?

JD--I could NOT agree more

Guess one always needs time for BOTH eh Pat-- :roll:

When you say "Second Hand" are you simply referring to gently used or Off Brand lenses? I do my research and then once I know what I want, try posting ads on this site or other forums you belong to--most have Classifieds. I bought my Canon 70-200mm f/4L IS from a guy on Craigslist and I pretty much knew upon meeting him the lens would be in great shape. He had a ton of great equipment and has been a great resource to share his ideas with me. I also bought a used Tamron 17-50mm that I found at my local National Camera they had just taken in.

Good luck!! Jeff

I would sincerely appreciate any advice on two topics.

1). Organizing and viewing photos---I'm curious what advice you have upon returning with a card full of new pics. What is the first thing you do to view, delete and organize all of them? I'd love to hear your thought process on this.

2). Suggestions on a favorite External Drive for storing and organizing my work OR do you have an offsite backup such as one of the monthly pay services available that you like and trust? I am not very tech saavy so user friendly is key!! I found an External DiscGo Edge drive we've had around but funny how it has never gotten used. Anyone have any experience on the DiscGo Edge drives?

I have a newer laptop and was amazed when I looked at what storage is left after all of my photos have been put on there with RAW files etc. Not much room remaining.

Thanks so much in advance for taking the time to assist a newbie.------ Jeff

I often think of the song by Kansas, Dust in the Wind--not sure why but it always makes me think about photography when they say, "Close your eyes for a moment and the moments gone"

Curious if anyone has bought the off brands---Vello or Zeikos for a Battery Grip and if you'd be willing to share your thoughts. I have a Canon T2i and really like the extra battery and the extra FEEL you get with the grip. I am also looking for a longer distance remote shutter and not sure if it matters what grip you have. I have seen some of the 'packages' that sell the grips along with the remote shutters.

Any ideas would be very much appreciated. Thanks in advance for your input.

Jeff

LOVE the shot of the motorcycle--very sharp. Curious when you shoot action like that---do you use AI Servo or AI Focus (least that is what it's called on Canons)? I have been having a heck of a time with moving object that apparantely AI Servo mode is supposed to follow. Any suggestions would be awesome. Jeff

Got it--Thanks!!

I'll give it a shot---Never heard of Avatar--well the movie maybe. lol