kja

Short answer, no, the extra isn't really worth it for your needs, I don't think. Yes, it's a fabulous camera and the 1D series is just a joy to use. But they are expensive, big and bulky. They are not cameras you are going to take here and there just in case, imho. I almost always grab my ungripped 40D for that kind of thing. I would go the 7D. As for shutter life, you said you shot 250,000 on the 20D whose shutter life was 50,000 - so that's what? five times what they predict? You'll likely find that the shutter on the 7D lasts far longer than predicted, too. And shutters can be replaced for less than a new body usually ;) Yup, I'd head to the 7D and spend the money on a holiday (or a new lens if you really really need one).

Happy beach doggie!

I don't know about being like a whippet :D Vet said that she's pretty happy with her weight now and isn't sure she wants Dora to lose any more. We're going to keep an eye on it. One of Dora's favourite things to do is hunt and chase stuff at low tide. She gets so intense about stalking whatever is underwater and then will take off like a rocket after it as it tries to get away. So cute!

Try this one

At BH Photo - awesome deal, I reckon

Longer might be better if you have it. A little space between you and your subject can let you be a bit stealthier. Either either - any lens will work, of course! Have fun! Looking forward to seeing the results.

Have a quick look through the threads here as there have been several recent threads that have a lot of answers to your question and inside you'll also find links to help you shop. I'd probably be leaning towards one of the entry level dslrs by Canon (they are xxxD series) myself. Nikon is also a popular choice but make sure you know if you need to buy lenses with the motors in the lenses or not, a DOLer got caught out a bit on that with her Nikon if I remember rightly (you do not need to think about this for Canon as all of their lenses will work just fine with the xxxD series cameras). Happy shopping!

I think your idea of street photography is a good one. If it's a story you feel you are missing, then you need to go try to capture shots that will tell a story. IMHO a good place to start is don't try to capture the story - try to capture a moment that you create a story for. Like, you don't need to be at an event - there are minisagas happening everywhere you look in the city. Stories with people are usually all about their faces so it's important to take multiple shots, I think, as a fraction of a second can make a world of difference. Some people have a natural ability on timing and seeing a story, others have to work it, some fall in the middle somewhere. But just like anything, being brave and getting out and doing it, then really considering your results is the only way to get there. That first shot certainly does tell a story so you can do it

I apologise in advance but I am so spectacularly happy about how super terrific my darling Dora is doing for the past however many months. Every time I see her spring into action and play and run and get crazy like a little pup again my heart simply SWELLS with joy. She was so overweight for so long and I let my ex get away with overfeeding and under exercising her as it always seemed to be a losing battle. It was one of the first things I addressed when I chose to be on my own. And Dora is so much better for it. She turns nine this November and she often acts like she's 9 months instead! Anyhoo, I always have photos of her that I want to share, but I try not to start too many threads, so might just have this one. And if you have a doggie that's come through pain & suffering and is doing great now, please feel free to join in! Here's her outrunning Tilly today on the beach (at least momentarily!) and rushing back to give me a cuddle after doing a little puppy snorkeling

OK, I guess the longer I put it off, the more catching up I have to do! 39/52 Lobo btw this lens is for sale now (as much as I hate to sell it...)

The 7D is a great value right now, sitting around $1300. last time I looked, the price was actually better here in Australia than on the overseas sites. There's not much chance of people upgrading from the 7D right now as there's no where to go but a pro body at multiple times the cost. You won't save much on a second hand 7D even if you can find one, imho.

Perfection! Clearly I have fallen slightly (ahem 9+ weeks?) behind...

I think the xD series is overkill for your needs, though the 7D is at a nice price point right now. The xxD series is excellent and will stand you for years. I still use and adore my 40Ds and they are getting pretty old now - but they still rock. If you can find one of these 2nd hand in good shape, go for it. Unfortunately, a lot of us who have them aren't parting with them and those who do part with them are finding that they can get a pretty good sum for them still so you might be better off with the newer 60D. The xxxD series is Canon's entry level series and they are still great cameras. There's no reason you will outgrow this, with your stated needs, in a couple of years. They are fully capable cameras. I'd probably suggest heading to something like the 60D as I think you'll probably get a bit more time out of it vs one of the entry level models BUT by the time you are thinking you've reached the end of what you can get out of an entry level model, several new bodies will be out to choose from. Things are always changing so the best you can do is buy the body that best suits your needs and budget NOW - don't worry about the future too much...

Oh Lordy, don't let a few days or a week stop ya! Just do what you can do and keep participating Feel better!

That's nuts! knock wood I haven't had a single issue with my Canon 50 1.4 or any other lens ever

Terra - what do you do to your gear??

For those that have lightroom, head to Library and metadata - you don't have to guess then as it lists all the lenses

That's a tough one! According to Lightroom and tossing out the three I use most for work plus the two I used most for underwater over the past year, the top lens is my 135L f2.0, which surprised me though I do adore it (just had no idea I actually used it so often!) Followed closely by the 24L 1.4 II and my 100-400L.

Running behind ... again! Went diving today and intended to pop up an uw one but had a problem with one of my strobes so when I got home I was trouble-shooting and Lobo kindly volunteered to be my model as I variously fried him with too much light and barely lit him up. Stupid gear. 200/365 Might be popping an uw one up for tomorrow - hey, if I EDIT it on the day, I'm counting it :D

I've had my 40Ds since about 2007, I think. And I adore them. Haven't been tempted to upgrade to any of the new models. Dreading the day when they finally give out and I have to buy something new Unless you have totally outgrown your camera body and/or it will simply not do what you need it to do, there's no reason to upgrade. Get better glass first, imho, then worry about the body. Most people upgrade out of a feeling of missing out or not being cool enough with the entry level rather than because they have truly reached the potential of a body. imho most people need to spend far more time getting to know their cameras and perfecting their shooting skills & styles. New gear won't instantly and magically improve your photography so it's important to identify what you are not getting with your current setup to see if it's a gear issue or if it's a technique issue.

Cute mini! Harry is doing great The vet is so surprised and so happy that he's going along happy, healthy and hefty...perhaps a little too hefty, but she's cool with it as long as it doesn't get out of control. I am going to try to take more of him this week before I head out, but he rather likes not being in front of the camera LOL

Happy dogs! And it looks like you're having fun with your camera

mtd - nice shot frodo's - too cute!! anniek - what a cute face LMLL - hehehe I see them laughing! 28/52 - Harry catching some z's on the back patio

Yikes! We have gone from stupidly cold to glorious the last few days. I'm hoping it lasts until I leave next Saturday coz I am very much enjoying not freezing bits off when I roll out of bed!

Looking good huga - I've never had a toe problem with 10/11mm except with my fisheye :D