I run a D800 and D300s. The two are very similar in handling, layout etc. One of the main things I like about both of these is the build quality. The 300s may be getting a bit long in the tooth (It's been out for over a month now) but it is a reliable camera that you could probably knock fence posts in with. It has a good shooting rate, and it works. Mine is now relegated to the back-up body, but it served well as the main camera before that, with a D800 as back-up then.

Most bug houses are heated, so check for condensation.

Good thinking Lighthouse.

I use 8 cards, which I find will allow aprox 100 RAW shots (Nikon D800). I carry a couple of spare cards while out for the day, but find that generally, one card will last a day. I then download onto a laptop each day. Start each day with a fresh card. I do not erase the used cards until I get home, download onto the main system, and have made DVD back-ups. In fact I have 8 cards sat here beside the computer as I type, all from my last trip out a month ago. I will put them back into circulation when I am getting short of cards again. Until then they stay there as yet another back-up.

4 month old camera ? Speak to Nikon !! Certainly here in UK, they are very helpful, and I see no reason why it would be different in the states. Any customer service I have had from the states has been brilliant.

Thank you all for your comments. This is the first time I have posted pictures to the site, and your kind comments are appreciated. As for the straightening of 1 & 3, I did so when I mounted them, and never gave it a second though to correcting the file. Hopefully I won't make that mistake again.

Simon, it poured down all day at Lake Bled. A few minutes earlier you couldn't see the shoreline at all, at the rear of the lake. Normally the shot you see of here is a mirror surface, bright sunlight, reflections etc. Glad you like them. Thanks for the comment.

Pictures from Porec, Rovinj and Lake Bled (Slovinia).

Porec


Rovinj


Lake Bled

Good camera. Not a second or backup, but an alternative, when situations make a larger DSLR inappropriate. My only concession to Canon to date, and well worth it.

Look at the Lowepro range. I have just bought the Vertex 300 AW for £130 on e-bay. Holds 2 bodies, 5 lenses, including the 150 - 500 Sigma, plus flash batteries cards etc. Still got a couple more pockets to go on it.

I was there last October, a few days before the troubles blew up again. Most areas are well aware that they attract tourists. I didn't find any problems. Obviously care must be taken with respect to anything military, but that is no different to anywhere else in the world. Enjoy yourself, take loads of cards and batteries and relax. You don't need to carry litres of water. It is available in shops, just like anywhere else. If you are venturing more out on the wild side, then once again, you prepare for that just as you would back home. If you think a location could be an issue, check with the local police, who I have found very helpfull. Religious sites did not present any photo problems at all. Go and enjoy yourself. The biggest problem will be that it over too quickly, and of course you will miss the one shot that you wanted. A good reason to go back perhaps ?

The only thing the bombers achieve is to bring about universal contempt and disgust of them, what they believe in and their way of life. My thoughts go to those who have suffered and their families.

Certainly within the military "chuffed, (or chuft in text speak)" means to be pleased. We used to have chuff charts which showed how pleased you were to be going on home leave. An expotential curve, with infinity being the day you are travelling out. It took most of the tour to work them out. No computers or calculators in those days, just slide rules and log tables. It passed the time though.

Georgia Peddler.
See my previous post. www.manfrottospares.com.

Lots of good advice here. First think about your usage plans. Then what type of head. The head is where most of the cheaper tripods fall down. (Pardon the pun.) When you have that sorted out in your mind - listen to MT. Personally camera bodies come and go, but my Manfrotto has stood the test of time.
On a slightly different note, a website that you and others may find useful for spares for Manfrotto's
www.manfrottospares.com a brilliant site, all you need is the model number and the site will walk you through the rest.