SchnauzerBoy

I have to agree with these posts... one day someone will take responsibility, and only when they start to have to have financial drawbacks from their stupidity.

I'd make sure I ruined the life of the idiot who thought it good to let their dog ruin mine.

All sorts at our local park.... but a few 'oodles who are with owners who love their dogs, despite some obvious problems.

However, there are quite a few pure bred dogs there which is always good to see

I seem to say this more and more each day but "what on earth is wrong with some of the people in our society!"

I have no idea if this helps but the lens says 18-105mm 1:3.5-5.6??

Closest focus is about 45cm away from the object... so you might be too close.

It doesnt have a MACRO function, so you won't necessarily get a good crop shot at 1:1 ratio.

Ooh I forgot the HappyPaws Training Treats

As previous the 1200 IXUS is great, but don't forget the Lumix DMC TZ7 which is fantastic and has HD movie too

Go to somewhere like Camera House where you can play with many different models and get the feel of them in your hands and try basic functions.

With a budget of $1800 you are probably looking along the lines of a body and either an all in one kit lens, or a body with a fast zoom lens for what you want to do.

I'd start with the following (prices show import pricing for best example of what you can do)

Canon -

500D (Basic beginners) $850

50D (A little better) $960

7D (Best) $1600 ($1950 kit package with an 18-135 IS)

Nikon

D3000/D5000 (Basic Beginners) $600

D90 (A lot better) $830

D300s (Best) $1650

With those you can either go for the equivalent 18-200 (IS or VR) depending on manufacture, or go for a Sigma 70-200 f2.8 for fast zoom but no wide angle.

Shop around and don't be afraid to use places like DWI who import (don't listen to everyone going on about warranties, canon is International and you can get MACK warranty for both aswell!)

However, you won't know until you put it in your hands and see what is comfortable.

IMHO the Nikon D90 with the 18-200 VRII which you can get for around $1600 (http://www.dwidigitalcameras.com.au/store/product.asp?idProduct=2415) is going to be the best for focus speeds, zoom range, crisp shots and so on. Canon heads will claim the 50D with the similar 18-200 IS (http://www.dwidigitalcameras.com.au/store/product.asp?idProduct=1787) is going to be good too - the choice will come down to feel in your hands.

There are sooooooo many review sites out there too... so take a read of them. The body is also just a start of a system too, canon/nikon/pentax/sony etc etc

Well done and so deserved.... such a great series of photos

Wow where do I start?

Recommendations on vets, agility locations, obedience classes.....

Shampoo (Aloveen)

BARF information

Toys (Cuz and Busy Buddy)

Oh, and a lot of photography information (My 50mm 1.8 from all those threads!)

So sorry to hear about your loss.... wishing you and your family a long life.

What is your budget? What was your old camera?

Point and Shoot or a more complex dSLR?

Is that you squealing or just Clipsal out of my window?

Ness - can you send me the instructions for the jumps please?

The tunnel looks good... might wait to hear on that one before purchasing for Aubrey... need a birthday present for her and training starts again tonight!

Amazing photos and sounds like things are going great for you I hope you do well, you deserve it

Psychopath

Couldn't have said it better myself.

This kind of behaviour makes me wonder about human nature!

Save up for the 5DMkII and don't look back

Seriously, if I was to switch to canon, this would be the camera I would go for

Hmmm... I didnt know this and use Revolution / Canex for our 2.

Perhaps a time to change?

Just signed up with Medibank for our 2 with accident and illness protection.

Seems to be pretty good coverage... hope never to have to make a claim, but it is there just in case!

Ooohhhhh I must ask you SchnauzerBoy... what's the IQ of your Sigma 70-200 like? I'm thinking of getting the fourthirds version & I'm weighing it up against the Zuiko 50-200mm SWD.

I LOVE it

The 2x teleconverter has a bit of an impact on focus speeds and I don't think the D80 does it justice... bring on the D700

However, when researching I put it on a D300 and it better than the Nikon lens at AF speeds.... the HSM is brilliant! However, not sure how it compares to the SWD

Shame they are bringing out an OS version of it shortly for me.... probably good for you though

OK My turn!!!

Nikon D80, Sigma 2x Teleconverter, Sigma 70-200 f2.8 with hood :D

I have a Canon 300mm prime which is bigger than the 30D and stands out which I hate. I've ordered a khaki cover from wildlife watching supplies to try and hide it. If I hang it around my neck it reaches my belly button.

2.8 or 4.0?

RIP Bonnie... Run free of pain.

12-60 and 2.8 to f4 should give you some fantastic landscape shots

Will show you mine later

Oh dear... the world has gone mad!

Pro Plan for us... have gone through a few of them and this seems to be the best with their appetite, coats, poos etc etc.