The list of lenses for Canon cameras has been updated. More lenses are included, as are Lensplay.com ratings, and Canadian Internet pricing for many lenses.
Credit goes to John Lane from dpreview.com
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It is with much sadness that I came across news that Richard Hammond, the charismatic and energetic co-host of Top Gear, a popular British car show, has been severely injured in a crash during taping of an episode. His condition has improved slightly, he is now listed as stable but serious. Reports are that he has suffered a brain injury, but thankfully has a promising outlook for a strong recovery.
The crash happened while Mr. Hammond was driving a jet powered dragster. Going at 300mph, any accident is a recipe for disaster. The BBC, the channel which produces the series, is being investigated by police and the Health and Safety Executive, looking for any signs of wrong doing by the show.
In a sign of just how popular Richard Hammond and Top Gear are, a fundraiser for “Hamster” as Mr. Hammond is known, has already surpassed its goal, with nearly 27,000 pounds donated at this time.
I wish Richard a speedy recovery, and my thoughts and prayers are with him and his family.
Other articles about the accident can be found below.
Youtube video about crash.
Mysupportcenter’s post.
LifeStyleExtra
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The past week has been pretty dismal weather wise, but with a nice weekend in the forecast, I was beginning to get anxious for the camera to ship. Cameracanada.com notified me that it was shipped yesterday, but to expect 4 days for delivery. Well, I just tracked the shipment moments ago, and it arrived in Edmonton tonight. I would expect it will be in my hands tomorrow. The 70–300mm lens, and the accessory kit are still on back order, but that is minor. Merissa and I have been looking forward to taking some nice fall shots, and this weekend looks like we will finally get our chance.
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I found this spreadsheet in the forums over at www.dpreview.com . I do not recall the original author, but I thought I would put it online as a web page. Pricing is currently in USD but I do plan on putting some Canadian prices in shortly. It contains many, many Canon lenses, with all the details, including various Internet ratings.
Find it HERE
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After a couple of days with the XT, I returned it with an eye on the XTi. The XT was really an impulse buy, and it gave me the initiative to research digital SLR cameras so I would best know what I really should get. This is not to say the XT would not suit my needs, it would. Having bought it for $950 (kit lens) at McBain’s, I figured paying the same amount for a body only XTi was worth the upgrade.
www.cameracanada.com is a great site for buying SLRs in Canada. So far, it is the cheapest I have found. In fact, for fun, I went to McBain’s and asked about price matching lenses. They would match the canon 100mm macro, from $800 to $720, but as soon as I mentioned the 17–85mm IS was $600 (they were asking $800) the salesman pretty much was done with me, saying there was no way they could even come close to that price. Hopefully the purchase with cameracanada.com goes smoothly.
For the record, I got the following:
Canon – Digital Rebel XTi w/ 17-85mm IS lens BONUS (Black) ITEM PRICE: $1,549.00
SPEEDLITE 430EX with Soft Case ITEM PRICE: $330.05
Canon – RC1 Wireless Remote ITEM PRICE: $29.25
Canon – Digital Rebel XT Accessory Kit ITEM PRICE: $247.84
Canon – 70-300mm f4-5.6 IS USM EF Lens ITEM PRICE: $736.84
I have an eye on the 100mm MACRO, but I will have to wait a while to afford that. What I did buy should do me well over the winter (not a whole lot of macro opportunities during an Edmonton winter I reckon). I think I would also like a wider lens, but I will see how well the 17–85mm captures scenes during our Christmas trip.
What made me pick the XTi and the lenses? It was actually tough, I very highly considered the Sony A100, as it had the built in image stabilization. However, lack of accessories (no flash readily available) cooled me on that idea. Plus, while the IS of the Sony seemed like it did a decent job, most of the opinions I found said in lens IS was even more effective. Thus, I ended up back with Canon (I did not really consider Nikon at all).
The general consensus was that the kit lens of the Canon was crying for an upgrade, so that led me to the 17–85mm with IS. While I think it was the 17–55mm got better reviews, it was just too much money. I definitely wanted the reach of 300mm, so I went with the IS lens (the DO version, while apparently smaller, again was too much extra cash to be worth it at this point). The remote may be nice for self portraits with Merissa, and it was relatively inexpensive, so I figured why not. Everywhere I looked, using on board flash was frowned upon, so I went with the 430EX. There were no compelling reasons I could find to go to the 580EX, since I do not plan on using multiple flashes any time soon, and shouldn’t need the extra light it offers. The accessory kit seemed like a decent buy, getting the battery grip (many positive comments found online), and the extra battery, with basically a bag thrown in for free (as opposed to buying the grip/battery on their own).
Aside from the lenses I previously mentioned, future purchases will likely include another bag, depending how much of the gear I can fit into the Canon one. As well, a sturdy, light tripod would be nice. I do have a $20, basic one, but already found it frustrating to use with the XT, as it does not allow smooth adjustments, and it wobbles when pressing the shutter. UV filters to protect the lenses may be nice, and polarizing filters may also be a useful addition, but again, wanted to keep the initial purchase price down. Besides, those are great gift ideas for others, what with Christmas coming up (hint hint).
Once everything arrives, I will surely post my thoughts on the XTi as compared to my brief time with the XT. Cameracanada.com states the XTi will be available Friday, but Best Buy/Future Shop are saying the 21st, so we’ll see when it comes.
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Since I am torn about returning my new Rebel XT and getting the XTi (if same price) or at least getting a price break on the XT, I thought I would check out what people were saying about this new camera.
Camera Labs — The Canon EOS 400D / Rebel XTi is a much more significant upgrade than anyone expected. Many believed it would simply follow in the same footsteps as the EOS 30D by sporting a bigger screen and Picture Styles, but keeping the same sensor as its predecessor. But while we did get the screen and Picture Styles, it was a surprise to also find a higher resolution sensor and a new active dust removal system.
Flickr Canon Group — I’m not interested in it, as it’s just another consumer level DSLR. Canon is catering to the entry level market with this one in response to Nikon’s new D80. Another plastic camera with a bigger chimp screen, picture styles that I won’t use, and all those freaking buttons instead of a command dial isn’t something I would want. I’m much more interested in upgrades to the 1 series bodies.
DPReview Forum 1 — Moved up from the original 300D to the 400D. The 300D has been a workhorse for me, and has really been a reliable cameras through thick and thin… but I felt that the jump from 6 MPix to 10 MPix (along with some newer features) was worth the effort.
DPReview Forum 2 — The dust shaker does appear to work. Somehow early in the day a large dust spot appeared in the sky of some of my pictures (I was quite surprised since I hadn’t even done a lens change yet!!).
DPReview Forum 3 — I can’t believe the buffer. My old camera is a 300D. I had a shoot this week where I was photographing a bus that was being exploded.
DPReview Forum 4 — I previously had an XT, and I absolutely love the upgrade. The screen is AMAZING; the extra space is fantastic and the display itself is gorgeous.
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Over the weekend I have joined the world of DSLR photography. Well, at least I bought some equipment, that is not to say I know what I am doing yet. Costco had a Pentax *ist-D for $550, which got me thinking. After doing some research, I ended up instead going with the Canon Rebel XT w/ 18-55mm lens. In addition I got a Sigma 70-300mm lens, and a Canon 430ex flash. I checked out a couple of stores, and found McBain’s in Southgate Mall to be the best. I had a young chap by the name of Nick help me out. We probably spent a good hour or more talking about options, and he took his time to explain things to me.
Having used numerous digital point and shoots, I was taken back when I started snapping shots with the Canon. Boy is it fast! Even if I was to never take it out of auto mode, I would love using it. So many times in the past, I have missed a shot either because my camera was starting up, or the lag between shots. Mind you, speed alone does not justify this purchase, so hopefully, as I learn, I will start taking advantage of some of the manual modes.
Speaking of learning, there are certainly some well done sites that have been helping me out thus far. Jodie Coston’s site and All Things Photography both are well written in such a way that a newbie such as myself can begin to make sense of apertures and f-stops. It is nice having guides where I can actually practice what they are teaching. It is definitely is the way I learn best.
To be honest, I may actually exercise a stores return policy (only 1 week with McBain, grr) due to the new Rebel XTi being released. It is already out in the States, so it should not be long before it is on Canadian shelves. If it sells at the price point of the XT, then I’ll have the newest technology, and even if it is a bit more, I fully expect the XT to drop in price, so I can re-buy it at a savings. But until that week is up, I plan on getting much use from the gear.
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My new wife and I stayed at the Kantenah Palladium for our honeymoon. When we were researching possible destinations (using sites like tripadvisor.com), we tried our best to filter out the reviews that really did not represent the true nature of the resorts. In doing so, this resort came out on top. So we booked and waited anxiously.
Note: this may be a bit of a long review. Hope some find it useful.
We made a great choice.
I doubt any resort, for any price, is perfect for every person. That said, this resort was certainly near perfect for us, and I would estimate that most people will love it here.
We booked with Transat Holidays, and upon arriving at the Cancun airport, were a little unsure where to go next. Basically, we just followed the crowd outside, where we met up with our bus to the resort. It only stopped at 4 resorts, with ours being the first. While the bus ride was on the long side (over an hour), it was a comfortable ride. A note: the guide on the bus got everyone excited for beer/water, taking orders, and then asking people for money as he handed them the beer. It seemed that most people on the bus thought these drinks were included, and were a little upset about having to pay. We simply waited the hour until the resort.
Check-in was quick and we were greated by a nice and friendly lady. We received the proper honeymoon package that I requested when booking (this includes a room upgrade, a king bed, a fruit basket, and a couples dinner). They did not ask to see any proof of a recent wedding, so you may be able to take advantage of them and get that package at any time. We heard from many many people that they only got double beds, not king, and it seems there is only a few kings in the resort, and they are given to honeymooners as a priority.
My wife knows Italian, and thus can recognize many spanish words. She kept asking the staff how to say various things in spanish, and you could see them perk up with our interest in their language. The staff was usually pleasent or better, but there were a few that seemed to just do there job. No matter, did not affect us in any way.
We arrived late, and in the dark this large resort is next to impossible to navigate. But it was nice just walking around, getting lost, and just taking it easy. The size of this resort is certainly a pro/con. You will like it best if you like walking. It also means that things like the salt water pool and the spa, which are not located in central areas, are not very busy, which for us was a nice plus. If you want crowds and energy (music, noise, activities), stay near the main pools and the main beach. If you want to slow down and relax, there are also many places to do that.
We did not partake in any of the activities offered, but always saw a volleyball game running, as well as people playing soccer and basketball, so it would seem to be a good place to take kids, or if you yourself wanted such activities.
We simply relaxed by the beach or a pool. Getting a chair was not difficult, even finding shade was usally not a problem, no matter the time. Sometimes the staff would take drink orders and bring them to you, but this was the exception, and was most likely near the adult pools. The main pools are deep, as other reviews mention. I saw many a person trying to transport drinks to thru the water, and I can only imagine how they would taste after getting all the pool water splashed in!
All the pools were nice, the grounds spectacular, and everything was clean and maintained. Staff was always visible landscaping or cleaning or picking up garbage.
My wife had just learned to swim, and the salt water pool made for a perfect spot to get comfortable snorkling (there are a few fish and some crabs to look for, nothing to amazing, but for a first time snorkler, still pretty neat). The reef area of the beach was a nice step up for snorkling, with many more varied fish. There were a few spots with hundreds of fish clustered together, definately worth a look.
We did two excursions during our stay, both booked with our Transat rep. As he was often quite busy, we decided to sit and wait for him as he was doing a presentation one day. When done, he came over to his desk, and we got our trips booked. Xel-ha and a dolphin swim, and a swim with whale sharks. Both were very busy, and it took some planning to get both on days we wanted to take them. We then paid and left. I want to point out that he did NOT book either activity while we sat with him, mearly confirmed what times would work, and took our money. I realized this after, and it had me worried that he would forget, as the moment we got up, he started in on the next people in line (and the line was very big).
The whale shark excursion was first. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! But only for certain people. We were picked up at 4am. Rather early!!! And then we had to drive 3 hours. And this was not a fun 3 hours. The roads in mexico, when off the main highways, are horrible. It was a very very rough drive. There was coffee offered, but neither my wife nor I drink it, and there was no water or juice. We were then put on a boat, where then went 2 hours out into the ocean. Yes thats right, about 5 hours of travel!! The boat ride at least was fun and enjoyable. The boat guide we had was great. Very friendly and talkative. He took the time to speak to each group in their language (french, english, italian, spanish). Enroute, he gave information and just chatted, helping to kill the time. We stopped and watched some dolphins, which was an extra bonus. Then we go to the whale sharks. The first one we saw was a baby, which was pretty neat. It did not take long to find MANY full grown whale sharks. For those that do not know, a whale shark is basically a harmless, but HUGE shark that eats plankton (sp). In groups of two (plus a guide) you get in the water and swim with it as long as you can. Once it swims away, the next group gets a turn. I made sure they new my wife was a very weak swimmer. She got a life jacket, and once in the water, the guide actually dragged her along, so she did not have to swim or do anything other then watch the shark. We got about a minute side by side with the animal, then it moved along. Upon getting back on the boat, she told me it was the most exciting, and the scariest thing she ever did. I had a blast. When we got our second turn in the water, we actually landed on top of the shark from the boat. This was super neat. I got hit by the tail, but it only increased the fun. We were guaranteed two swims, but were good on time, so I got a third swim. I stayed out with the shark for a long time, until I got tired from keeping up to it. They offered a forth swim, but we were all tired and passed. We then went to lunch at a mexician fishing village. Food was good, but the bathroom was, well lets just say not up to tourist standards. Then it was off back to our van. We were told it was a straight drive back, no bathroom stops, so most of us went to the nearest bathroom… only to find they charged money. None of us had change, so the tour guide actually paid for us. Had it been on the checklist of things for us to bring, I wouldn’t have mentioned it. So, summing up, it is an expensive trip, lots of travel, much of it uncomfortable, and you are only promised 2 dives in the water, equalling most likely less then 10 minutes with the shark. Yet it was totally worth it for us. Others might well find it a waste of time.
Next day was Xel-ha. Much has been written about it already, so I won’t repeat, other then to say we loved it. However, our dolphin booking almost was lost. You see, our Transat rep at the hotel wrote down 11am on our ticket, but booked it for 10am. So when we got to the dolphins at 11, they told us we were not booked. It took some time, and some kind words to them, to find out that we had been booked at the wrong time. They were happy to rebook us, but all the shows were booked up for the day. I very kindly kept talking to them, and found out that the show we were booked for, with the dolphin foot push where they life you out of the water, was all taken, but there was another type of show, without the foot push, that they could squeeze us into. Since the mistake was not theirs, and since we wanted to swim with dolphins and not go home without it, I accepted that. It was still great, but we were a little upset at our Transat rep.
Excusions aside, the only complaint we had was that the wooden walkways and bridges, with just a little moisture, get crazy slippery. My wife actually fell down the bridge one day, significantly injuring her arms. We let the hotel know about this (they said they were aware of it), so hopefully something gets done to fix the problem down the road.
Food was good, resort was good. We saw lots of animals and creatures during the week, including an ant eater (YAY!), lots of lizards, and some neat blue crabs. I did over hear a number of different Americans complaining about the resort. Comments like it takes too long to walk to the beach, or they did not have king beds, or the service for drinks took too long. But I did not think these were problem areas, so I leave it up to you. If you do NOT want to walk, and if you want INSTANT service getting drinks/food, perhaps this resort is not where you should stay. But for everyone else, I hope you enjoy it as much as we did!
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