enJOY it

an archived personal and craft blog from Elise Blaha Cripe.

Septfaves

Video chat. We both downloaded video chat for gmail and it's been pretty fantastic. The time difference really works in our favor because he gets up so early to get to the hospital and I go to sleep to late watching reality TV marathons. We are actually video chatting right now and the only way it could be cooler is if he could make coffee in San Diego and then teleport it to me. Sadly, no button yet for that in gmail.

New Fall Book. I'll share more soon, but I decided to remake the book I shared yesterday. I liked it, but I didn't LOVE IT and if I don't love it, there's no way I would make an effort to fill it for three months. Might as well just toss it in the garbage. So I started from scratch and am much happier.

GLEE. Oh jeez. I watched this online last May after the folks on twitter nearly exploded with excitement over the first episode. It's funny. And terribly awkward. And the songs make you want to dance and sing.

It's a 10. It's a hair product. (Kristen, I bought it!) This is the best leave in conditioner I have ever found and over the past few weeks has made my hair STOP being a rat's nest and start being … well, maybe a mouse nest? Definitely softer and healthier. Can't say enough good stuff. I bought it on Amazon because I couldn't find it in any local stores.

+++

I am hoping to add another favorite to the list this month : A new camera. A big one. I am going to go Canon but I am at a loss for which model to buy. I really do not have oodles of funds and I know that I will be investing in a 50mm lens in addition to the camera. Any recommendations? Favorites? Has anyone bought through amazon? That seems to be where the lowest prices are… I would love to hear what you think.

Have a great Thursday. We've got sunshine here.

Posted in

40 responses to “”

  1. Chels Avatar
    Chels

    I bought my current camera off of Amazon. It’s just a point&shoot but I got it pretty quick and for a great price. It was brand new just like described. Good luck!
    Aren’t video chats so fun? In college nearly all my classmates had MacBooks so we would use the built in iChat video chat quite a bit

    Like

    Reply
  2. melissa kaye Avatar
    melissa kaye

    So are you looking into an SLR camera, I assume? I would recommend the Nikon D90. That’s the camera I have and I’m completely and utterly obsessed with it! It’s not too pricey (I think it’s even gone down a little) and is pretty easy to use. I think you would love it. 🙂

    Like

    Reply
  3. Diana Avatar
    Diana

    I bought my Canon Rebel via Amazon. It doesn’t matter what body you have (I’ve experienced everything from the basic to the T1) and it’s all about the lenses. I just have an older model of the Canon Rebel but invest in lenses and they make the world of a difference.

    Like

    Reply
  4. Katie Avatar
    Katie

    If you are already thinking Canon, I suggest the EOS Digital Rebel XSi. My boyfriend and I got this joint gift for Christmas last year and it’s been an awesome camera.

    Like

    Reply
  5. Sara Avatar
    Sara

    I agree with above! I have a Canon Rebel that is the 2008 basic model, but the lens makes all the difference. Great camera – Nikon’s are wonderful if you have the money but the Rebel is truly all you will need unless you start to shoot professionally and even then…you can just get a different lens. I used mine in all of my travel photos and you have seen how they turn out…love love.

    Like

    Reply
  6. summer Avatar
    summer

    glee! yay. my husband and i also bought the canon rebel xsi and are loving it. seems like other people do, too! happy camera buying!

    Like

    Reply
  7. Jessica Avatar
    Jessica

    I bought the Rebel XT off Amazon 2 years ago new and love it! I purchased just the body and my lenses separately. I have a 50mm and find it to be amazing. I will suggest also investing in an 18-55, as it is a great everyday lens. The 50mm just can’t cut it as my only lens when I am traveling. After using the XT and the XTi, I think the menus on the XT are easier to use, but maybe it’s just me 🙂 Good luck!

    Like

    Reply
  8. jennifer Avatar
    jennifer

    I have the Canon Rebel xsi as well, affordable, works great & is easy to use.

    Like

    Reply
  9. alison holcomb Avatar
    alison holcomb

    canon rebel is the camera i started out on 4 years ago. that camera has seen its way around 3 countries- and it is still in awesome condition. i recently upgraded to a 5D, but the rebel is a great investment. i would go with amazon or b&h photo- both are really great. they also have used sections if you aren’t scared to try that- you can always check out the sellers ratings. my 5D was used- and the guy selling it even gave me an L series lens (which is just as much as the camera)- for way less than it would have been if i had just bought the camera body. hope you find a good deal!

    Like

    Reply
  10. julie Avatar
    julie

    before i bought my canon rebel xti i got sorta obsessive over finding THE best deal. i figured out the range that a camera cost, and then searched sites like http://www.techbargains.com, http://dealoco.com/, and http://slickdeals.net daily for about a week to find discounts. i ended up getting my camera from zipzoomfly.com (it’s a google subsidiary?) for about $200 less than i had seen it priced on amazon.
    good luck. can’t wait to see what you get and the amazing pictures that will follow!

    Like

    Reply
  11. deborah Avatar
    deborah

    Lot’s of good suggestions here. I’ve been dreaming of a canon rebel and I’ve been looking at Costco. They have some good deals sometimes w/ add-on stuff (none right now). And they have that great return policy. Also looking for one that has HD video but haven’t taken the plunge. Let us know what you decide!

    Like

    Reply
  12. Allison Avatar
    Allison

    my husband has a canon digital rebel xti. we both love it.
    he has a few different lenses (i’m not the camera expert, so i don’t know all the names…) i know he has the 50mm which is the one i use all the time. he is really into technical photography, whereas i just like to take pictures, and it’s a perfect camera for both of us. it’s so user friendly, but there’s so much stuff to do with it, if you want really learn the details.

    Like

    Reply
  13. DawnS Avatar
    DawnS

    I just got the Rebel xsi this past Christmas and I love it! I have 2 kit lenses, but the lens that’s on my camera 90% of the time is the 50mm f/1.8. You can’t go wrong with B&H, but I actually got mine from Costco.
    If you want to look at some photos taken with the xsi, here’s a link to my blog: http://everyday-glimpses.blogspot.com/

    Like

    Reply
  14. Toshi Avatar
    Toshi

    I watched the new episode of glee last night, and yes, it does make you want to dance and sing!

    Like

    Reply
  15. Tanya Gilmartin Avatar
    Tanya Gilmartin

    check out http://www.kenRockwell.com for some great unbiased reviews of cameras. His site made my decision for me to purchase my Nikkon DSLR
    thanks
    http://scrapbits.typepad.com

    Like

    Reply
  16. Colleen Avatar
    Colleen

    I’m a Nikon girl myself, but I will put in my 2 cents 😛
    1 – Buy the body only. Skip the kits if you can. You’re going to end up loving your 50mm (it was the only lens I used for nearly a year before I got my Tamron 28-70 f/2.8) and the kit lens will have been a waste. If you can afford the 50mm f/1.4 instead of the f/1.8, get the 1.4.
    2 – Buy the best body you can afford. It might seem scary at first, but they have “auto” modes and other program modes that you can use before you take the jump to manual. You’ll suffer a smidge less camera envy later on if you get the best body you can afford right now. Yes, it’s the lenses that are the important part, but the body itself is important too. A better body wil better serve awesome lenses down the line.
    3 – Amazon is good, but also check out B&H Photo and Video, and Adorama. They are usually all pretty competitive with each other.

    Like

    Reply
  17. Sara Avatar
    Sara

    Over two years ago I bought the Rebel XT. Just the body. Bought the nifty fifty lens (55mm 1.8), and then splurged on this lens http://www.google.com/products/catalog?q=canon+17+lens&rls=com.microsoft:*:IE-SearchBox&oe=UTF-8&sourceid=ie7&rlz=1I7DKUS_en&um=1&ie=UTF-8&cid=11416228467438345030&ei=zRqpSpjJI4uQMYvNnLAG&sa=X&oi=product_catalog_result&ct=result&resnum=5#ps-sellers
    Wide angle was very important to me because I shoot landscapes a lot, and this one has a big zoom range. If you’re shooting mainly indoors, or upclose of your crafts, this might not be the best one for you, but I’ve loved it.
    It’s all served me well for a couple years. Now I’m getting itchy for new everything, especially the better 50mm lens 1.4 (around $350) because mine feels a little cheap and has trouble focusing, especially in auto focus (sand? – not sure). You might be good with the body and the 50mm 1.4 because it’ll do really well in low light.
    It’s such a bummer old Canon lens are not compatible with the digital camera because I have a bunch of very nice ones from my grandpa. 😦 I think there may be some converters available for Nikkon if you have old lenses.
    Good luck and have fun!

    Like

    Reply
  18. Stacey Avatar
    Stacey

    I have bought all of my camera stuff off of Amazon and haven’t had any issues at all. Currently have a Canon 40D and love it. Had a rebel before and think the step up was worth it. Agree with others with buying the body separate and getting the best lense you can afford.

    Like

    Reply
  19. Michelle Avatar
    Michelle

    B&H Photo Video is really the place to buy because they have been around for so many years. My grandparents bought from them over 20 years ago. I would say go with a higher end body because there is room for you to grow into it. The cheaper (new) T1i rebel is cool. It shoots video and its super light. The Canon 50D is awesome, and the 5d Mark II is even more insane! It also shoots video. I’m more than willing to answer your questions since I work for a camera rental company. It may not be a bad idea to rent first before you purchase.

    Like

    Reply
  20. Laura Avatar
    Laura

    I’m on the Nikon side of things, I had the choice between the Rebel and the Nikon D70, and I love my Nikon much more than the Rebels I’ve used, it’s much more sturdy and made from better materials (metal instead of plastic). My professional photographer long time friend actually switched to all Nikon, liking the reliability, cost effectiveness and construction. The D90 is a great beginner camera, and I love my D70, the D50 is a less expensive, less pro version, that you would enjoy as well. I got my entire package from a company in CA on Ebay, and really enjoyed the experience. So I’d keep an eye out on ebay as well.

    Like

    Reply
  21. kristen Avatar
    kristen

    Yay! You got ‘It’s a 10’! Isn’t it seriously a miracle worker? Plus it smells ridiculously good, so it’s a win-win 🙂 And Glee is amazing – definitely my favorite show right now.
    CAN’T WAIT to see you in a few days!!

    Like

    Reply
  22. KateinCleveland Avatar
    KateinCleveland

    Love my Canon Rebel xTi … got it right before the xSi came out and got a great price.

    Like

    Reply
  23. Brittany Avatar
    Brittany

    If you can afford it, get the 50d. If you’re a fast learner, the rebels will be great for a while and then you will want to upgrade. That’s a lot of money to spend to want something better in just a few weeks!

    Like

    Reply
  24. Elizabeth Avatar
    Elizabeth

    I had to weigh in on the camera thing too. I just watched an instructional how-to-use-your-camera DVD and then found the photog’s blog. This post answers some of your questions, and has links to other posts that will too: http://www.merakohblog.com/2009/08/17/what-is-in-a-camera-bag-for-beginners/.
    I bought a Pentax back in April and really do like it. The only reason I went with Pentax is because we had a film SLR and all the fancy lenses that went with it, and it saved us money to go with the digital Pentax. So far, I’ve been very happy with it – especially after watching the DVD “Beyond the Green Box.” It explains aperture, shutter speed and ISO so well!
    Also, my neighbor just bought a Canon Rebel off Amazon and I got a few minutes to check it out. It is really nice – very light weight, a quiet shutter sound (which is a plus when you have kids or animals or anything you are trying to sneak up on!), and you can shoot by using the video display screen. (As opposed to having to look through the viewfinder hole thingy – can’t you tell I’m so experienced? Ha!)
    Anyway, good luck and have fun shopping!

    Like

    Reply
  25. elizabetht Avatar
    elizabetht

    I have a Canon Digital Rebel XTi, which I bought from B&H a few years ago; the 50mm f/1.8 lens is FANTASTIC and so, so cheap you can’t argue with it at all. We got my dad a Rebel XSi for Father’s Day and found the best prices (and shipping and everything) at Amazon. The XSi is a great camera, and totally worth every penny. You could go two ways – just buy the body and the 50mm lens (way less expensive) but because the 50mm lens is fixed (aka no zooming; you have to move yourself) it takes a bit of getting used to. So with that in mind, it might not be a bad idea to get the body+kit lens (which is an 18-55mm). This way you’d have the 50mm for artsy closeups, portraits, and bokeh fantasticness, and the 18-55mm lens for walking around, more wide angle stuff, arm’s length self portraits… all of that good stuff.
    I’m so excited for you! (And I’m totally going to have to check out glee now, too)

    Like

    Reply
  26. Nadia Avatar
    Nadia

    canon rebel xti – simple, love the pics it takes and you can buy more bells and whistles as time goes on. they are pretty reasonable too. ciao!

    Like

    Reply
  27. Amanda Avatar
    Amanda

    Love Glee!!!

    Like

    Reply
  28. Tanya Avatar
    Tanya

    Canon DSLR Rebel XT or XTi – the best camera on the planet, and reasonable too! You’ll love the 50mm lens on that camera! These 2 cameras are very versatile and user friendly!

    Like

    Reply
  29. Krystal Avatar
    Krystal

    I purchased the XSI and love it 🙂 Good luck!

    Like

    Reply
  30. Bluebelle Avatar
    Bluebelle

    I bought a Canon 1000D recently (I think it’s called the Canon Rebel in the US) and it’s fantastic. It’s the first DSLR I’ve had, it’s simple enough to not overwhelm you but complex enough that two months down the line I feel like I’ve just touched the surface of what it can do. Would totally recommend it.

    Like

    Reply
  31. Jennifer Avatar
    Jennifer

    Yay Canon! Canons are better than Nikons at reducing the noise/grain, but Nikons have better color SOOC. You can’t compare the Rebel line to Nikon’s higher level cameras like the D70, D80, D90, etc. Canon’s equivalent to those is the 10D, 20D, 30D, 40D, 50D. I do agree about skipping the kit lens and only getting the 50mm. If you can afford it, get the 50D. If you want to save a bit, get a Rebel. Either would last you a good long time. Ken Rockwell’s reviews lean towards Nikons since that’s what he uses but he doesn’t rag on Canon too much…. Slickdeals is an awesome idea.

    Like

    Reply
  32. Abigail Avatar
    Abigail

    I went with B&H in april when I bought mine because I felt like they had the best warranty! But, I am sure Amazon is fine!!

    Like

    Reply
  33. yvette Avatar
    yvette

    I agree with Colleen above. Just get the body. The kit lenses aren’t usually that great. I haven’t tried Amazon but have been totally happy with B & H Photo. My brother got a great deal at Costco for his Nikon 90. I don’t know about Canon but I’d look there too. I fluctuate about which lens is my favorite. If you aren’t sure about which ones to buy, I think you can rent cameras and lenses at a local photo store to get an idea about how you like them.

    Like

    Reply
  34. Elaine Avatar
    Elaine

    I’m a little disappointed you’re going to Canon. I shot Canon first and then switched to Nikon and will NEVER go back. Nikon is like the Mac of the camera world. haha
    I shot a Canon rebel and it was….ok. I REALLY feel like I get a better DOF and color quality on the Nikon though.
    Just something to think about.

    Like

    Reply
  35. Elaine Avatar
    Elaine

    also, Hint: Nikon generally run cheaper than Canons too.
    again, something to think about.

    Like

    Reply
  36. lindsey Avatar
    lindsey

    I have the first digital canon. Like it (I’m sure they have updated/upgraded many things in 5 years, but with a different type of lens it’s like a new camera.
    Curious what the font is for “september favorites”-thanks!

    Like

    Reply
  37. Nicole Cooper Avatar
    Nicole Cooper

    I just wanted to add to the heaps of camera advice. I purchased a Rebel XSi body only and the 50mm lens from Adorama refurbished.. it was the best price I could find.. Its refurbished from Canon (so its like “certified pre-owned” haha) I’ve had it for a few weeks and no problems at all. A friend purchased hers refurbished as well months ago and no problems.
    Also a book recommended to me by tons of people is Understanding Exposure by Bryan Peterson!!

    Like

    Reply
  38. grungedandy Avatar
    grungedandy

    hi i know I’m late with this comment but i will put my 2 pence worth in
    I have ordered 3 cameras with amazon over the years, my first one was a point & shoot pentax that broke with in 3 months Amazon had no problem refunding me my money as they didn’t have any of that model left (I would have been happy with a swap) so i bought another hirer spec pentax point & shoot from them and i’ve had it for over 5 years now & it’s been in my bag everyday & only now is it starting show it’s age!
    This last month I finally took the plunge & got my first digital SLR Canon EOS 450D ( think you guys call it the rebel) which is the beginner level one, £450 plus free crumpler bag serious deal over here! I’m still playing with it, I got the standard lens that it comes with that is ok but I will be purchasing 3 more lenses over time – macro, 50-mm & telephoto of some sort but i would buy from amazon again as i have had really good service & we don’t have any good ( that i feel i can trust) camera shops near me.
    anyway i know it’s all very confusing, it took me almost a year to decide which one i wanted! good luck seeya hugya G

    Like

    Reply
  39. Elise Blaha Avatar
    Elise Blaha

    the font is “honey script” – just google it, it’s free!!

    Like

    Reply
  40. Michelle Giaimo Avatar
    Michelle Giaimo

    Check out Pioneerwoman blog

    Like

    Reply

Leave a reply to deborah Cancel reply