I kept reading advertisements and receiving daily emails from Adorama stating that they were giving incentives and additional trade-in allowances if you trade certain Nikon cameras for the new d850. I have a d810 and a d500 and both were on their "list" so I thought I'd call and see "what's the catch?" I got a return phone call saying I could get "up to" a specified amount for trade-in. Now, many of you know I take excellent care of my equipment so I'm thinking wow, I could have a d850 and do a nearly even trade. They said they would pay UPS shipping both ways and I would be put on a "priority" list for the d850. So I sent both cameras to them on Aug 29th. I watched the tracking and confirmed that they received the cameras no more than 4 days later. I waited, I called, waited, called and waited some more. They said it could take 5 days for the cameras to be appraised. 7 days later I get call saying if I trade in for the d850, I would still owe a little over $1000 WITH the trades. I said no, please send them back to me ASAP. They confirmed my address and said I'd have a tracking number within 48 hours. I called another five days later and they again made me the same offer. I told them that I had heard this same offer five days ago and had asked the items be sent back to me. They confirmed my address again. They finally shipped them and I received them TODAY. Please be aware of how much time and trouble and how deceptive this process is. It took me exactly three weeks to get my cameras back.

Well gang, I had a major GAS attack last week. After reviewing the specs of the Canon 80D and it having features my 5D MKII & 7D MKII didn't have I decided to take the plunge. I also wanted to upgrade my Canon EF 24-105L to version II.

So, I jump on to one of my online go to sites B&H for the purchase. They had the body in stock, however the 24-105L was back ordered so I put myself on the 'notification' list of when it would be available and in stock for purchase. So, I ordered the camera thinking it would only be a couple of days for the lens to come in and I could order it then. I received the camera in three days, free shipping and no tax with a boat load of goodies along with the body, including a nice medium sized bag, Sandisk memory card, lens cleaning kit and a lens cap keeper. ( don't know of anyone who uses those )

Well, after 4 days with nothing in notifications from B&H and patience not being one of my virtues with GAS continuing to build up lusting for the new lens, I went to Adorama's web site, another of my 'go too's, and viola' they had the lens in stock for the same price as B&H also with free shipping and no tax. Plunged again, and ordered the lens and upon delivery via UPS three days later it came with a bonus bundle as well including the Corel Paint Shop Pro X9 digital Creative Suite 2.0, lens cleaning kit, (another one) lens keeper, (oh boy) and some other stuff I forgot.

Twas like Christmas in September for me!

Hats off to Adorama and B&H for the stellar service and laser fast shipping. It's no wonder these two giants in the photography industry are, what they are. EXCELLENT!!!

For those who participated in my initial post about image noise in my son's wedding photos, I have learned that the images are NOT proofs but the final product, unfortunately. The couple was given a presentation box, a bottle of champagne, and the thumb drive with the noisy images. I did not ask if she was a professional or how they found her as their photographer because of the sensitivity of the issue (they are, at least on the surface, pleased with the images). They will not receive any prints, but are free to print their pictures from the drive. I am still mystified how 20mb images were made with quality equipment resulting in such noisy images. Thanks to all who have voiced an opinion or taken interest in this discussion.