For fun I called one of the sites and pretended to order a camera. A Nikon SLR I think. The salesman was really nice on the phone until I told him I just wanted the camera. He tried to tell me the battery, charger, strap, even the hard copy of the manual would be extra cost to me. I then told him I got his phone number off an internet scam site. He said (expletive deleted) and hung up the phone.
I'm familiar with the "Store Fronts" Jerry is talking about. Some kid, a few years back, photographed most of the rip-off store fronts in Brooklyn and posted them on the internet. These dives had great internet sites but slum retail sites. I think one had a advertised address that was a vacant lot. Caution is the word when buying goods over the internet. I'm new here, but this subject must have been covered in prior Ugly Hedgehog Posts. I found the address if you want to see the actual store fronts.
http://donwiss.com/pictures/BrooklynStores/
I would not buy from this outfit. B&H or Adorama for me, but here is their website if anyone is interested.
http://www.sunset-electronics.com/
I own a Nikon Coolpix L120. I bought it to use as knock around point and shoot. Just don't buy it. One of the worst cameras I have ever owned.
Started out with a "Kalimar SR200" SLR with light meter built into the body. (Russian). Went through a succession of Canon film SLR's and now am shooting with a Nikon D-50. I follow the advice of some on this board and refuse to upgrade until I find something I need to do my camera won't do. The Kalimar reference, I'm sure, left many of you in the dark but I'm Old, Old,Old.
You might want to look into a used Nikon D50 camera. About $230.00 American dollars. My camera store believes the Nikon D50 to be one of the best Digital Slrs ever made and on it's way to becoming a classic.
Free Picture Resize Starter. Just google it. Great program
I really like your B/W. Friends of mine, that do in camera B/W pictures, never turn out as good as yours. I also process B/W after the picture is taken. I mostly stay with jpegs however. Moved away from computer working with pictures. Just never have the time. As an aside, I really love the way you capture kids. You have a knack for it.
Is that straight out of the camera or processed?
Snowbear: Thanks. I just had the filter on to protect the lens. Noticed my pictures had degraded and suspected the camera. Started reading some filter topics on Hedgehog and decided to take it off my 18-55. World of difference. Now my pictures are crisp and clear again. Going to be careful of filters from now on.
I really like that. Inspires me.
'Hi Chair Guy" is my grandson Gage. When he was 2 years old. He's now six+. Been playing Classical, Flamenco and Folk guitar for over 50 years. If God came down and told me I would have to give up one or the other, Photography or Music, I suspect I would have to sell my cameras. Maybe just become an atheist and keep both interests. A Photographer friend suggested I use my guitars in still lifes and it sounded like fun.
I'm still shooting with My Nikon D-50. Super deals on this camera in the used market. Like snowbear said, my D50 is only 6mp and does amazing blow-ups.
Waiting for UPS to deliver my new handmade Spanish Classical Guitar. I hope today (Sat.). I will be taking a lot of pictures of that guitar in still lifes.
Just removed a Quantaray (sp) neutral filter from my Nikon 18-55 lens. Took a few shots and man what a difference! Would not have thought about doing that if it were not for this list.