Canon seems to not let you know this number unless you take the camera to them but if you have a good local camera shop they may be able to find it for you. I was selling an XSi and took it to my shop and they plugged into some formula and got the number. The online sites didn't work for that model of Canon anyway.

I guess I was one of the lucky ones. My 7D came with a "real" manual. One could also get one of the many Field Guides for the camera (see Amazon) which, while not as small as a manual, are still portable.

You have gotten valuable tips from the UHH folks, as is usually the case. I would like to add a couple of points.

1. Don't change lenses while on the game drive. It is very dusty and that stuff gets in everywhere. If possible, have a second camera body for another lens. I had my 7D with a 100-400mm lens and an XSi with my 24-105mm. That was all I needed and had no dust issues.

2. Get a bag of beans or rice to rest your lens on the vehicle rail or window sill. It really helps to stabilize the camera, especially if you have a longer lens, since there probably be folks moving around in the vehicle.

3. The better you know your 7D, the better you'll feel. I got to learn some new things on the trip. Be sure to take your manual.

4. As my wife said, look outside the camera once in awhile. enjoy the whole experience.

I agree. I tried Adorama on a lark because they had a special and chose the Metallica paper. The prints came out great. Give that a try.

Thanks for all your input. With that plus the online reviews, I am definitely going to wait until the many issues with the M are settled, if ever. The Sony and Olympus do look inviting. You folks are the best.

For all of you experts at the UHH, does anyone have any information and/or opinions on the Canon M camera. How does it stack up to the other mirrorless cameras out there? I was thinking of, perhaps, getting it as a second body (smaller and lighter) to go with the other Canon lenses that I already have, rather than getting a different camera and having to buy another set of lenses. Any info and advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, in advance.

Thanks for the nice comment.

I was there last summer and spent several days there experiencing various times of day and lighting situations. It was spectacular any time of the day. I agree that a few clouds add to the feeling. Here is one that I took and it is basically as it came form the camera. I did have a CPF to help with the sun coming form the right. Just enjoy the place.

Colorado River low center

As was said last week re: MelloDigital, run don't walk away from that outfit. You will order the item and will then get a call saying that it is on backorder for umpteen weeks but have this alternate at the same price. As said last week, they have the "bait and switch" deal down pat. Good luck. Go with the tried and true companies like B7H or Adorama, etc.

Should have said 7D battery

This is their standard MO. They will never have the things you ordered and will offer an alternative. I got stung once with a &D battery and will never deal with them again. "if it sounds too good to be true...

At the risk of over stating what already has been said, I have bought three lenses from ebay, two of which were Canon L, and have been satisfied each time. They work perfectly, were clean and the glass was perfect. It helps to ask sellers questions.

I agree with Millismote. I rented one for two weeks in Africa and found that, although a very good lens, it gat heavy after awhile. I rested it on a bag of rice which made it easier to hold but Hand holding for long shots made it a bit harder to get sharp photos. That being said, I got a lot of, for me, really nice shots. Try before you buy.

As one vet to another, thanks for your service and welcome to the UHH. These folks are, by and large, a great group and have a lot to share. I am fairly new to the group and somewhat new to photography and have learned much from these fine people. I have a Canon 7D and also a Canon D10 (a bridge camera which takes great underwater pics). I must say that little camera takes some great pictures and is easy to learn. My point is that whatever camera you have, learn it, practice in many environments and situations and you will find that you will become better. The main part to this whole photo activity is the person looking through the viewfinder. Stay with it and the group.

You won't be sorry. I made that move about a year ago and the glass is so good that I wonder why I didn't do that right away. expensive but worth every penny. Enjoy.