Found these today down by the ocean:

That's awesome! What the hell is it? Baby jellyfish?

plankton ? With your macro setup, I wouldn't be suprise you can take pictures of it ^_^

I've photographed plankton before



But there actually was some in the photos today. That's what the hydromedusae were eating. At bottom:

Nice.

OK, seems like it has been a while since a basic "point me in the right DSLR direction" discussion from you enthusiasts. My wife has shown an interest in jumping to a DSLR, and basic wondering a on what to consider, any Nikon v Canon arguments, etc.

She is probably the primary camera user, so not sure if a smaller camera body is important for ease of use. Primary use is really just family stuff, candids, gatherings and vacations. I know she generally prefers something that offers a good low-light picture without using flash.

Any recommendations on brand, models to consider, Costco kits vs particular site to purchase from? Thanks for any tips...

Well, the call for help was a bit short lived. We ended up snagging a Nikon D5200 kit from Costco while out and about today. Came with the 18-55 and 55-300 VR lenses, and a few other extras. At least if the hasty purchase doesn't fit her needs, Costco has a great return policy.

Paul... that is a perfect starting kit, it is exactly what i would have recommended for you.
I highly recommend learning to use it and move into the more manual modes as soon as possible, if you stay in Auto you may as well have bought a point and shoot.
Go on-line learn about Aperture, and Shutter speed and depth of Field.... with that knowledge under yours and Laurels belt your on the way to great photos.

try this site for some great beginner tips : http://froknowsphoto.com

Hey Paul, your kit didn't come with any VR28 lenses??? LOL

General rule of thumb: 90% of the time, it will be in Aperture priority, then about 5%/5% in Shutter and Full Manual. Shutter really only for long exposures, and manual with flash or when there's too much contrast and the exposure settings keep jumping around.

Thanks all! We shall see how well Laurel adapts to the new camera, and whether having 2 lenses to swap around with becomes an issue. I may be a lost cause and just use all the auto settings myself. I rarely get put on camera duty. Who knows, though, maybe having some relatively decent equipment will inspire it as a new hobby.

I'm not sure how our Pacific Northwest bugs would stand up to the creepy stuff in Dann's neck of the woods.

Soon we'll be pushing you to get the 105mm macro.

Congrats on the new camera Paul, I'm glad you went the Nikon...

MACRO!!!!!!!!

Aw, no love for Canon these days.

No love for Canon what so ever.... your on your own Dann

*cries*, Rick, hold me

I just don't have the Agassi hair to pull off a Canon.

This will really get out of hand once someone bucks up and buys a Red.

I've been shooting a lot of sport this month.
Here are a few pictures I took for a friend for a friend who's actually a gymnastics trainer.
Globally, very bad lighting conditions, so I'm forced to push ISO over 1250 to get enough speed.

I made a lot of pictures (and some are good enough to make me happy :P )of really talented childs but can't post them in public on internet. So I'll only post pictures of more aged ones.













I also met a group of skaters praticing in a "skate park" as I was coming back home on bicycle. I stopped and asked if they would mind if I take some pics. Guys were very friendly so we talked a few minutes and then I shot some pics for almost an hour.

very nice pix Francois. What setup you using for those?

That jelly action is insane Dann. I can't even fathom taking pix like that. One day maybe haha.

I am damn determined to get me a freakin lens soon, but hell if I can't swing $2400 for the 70-200mm f/2.8l IS that I want. I want something faster than the f4 for sure. Grrrrr.

Thanks, Josh.
Nikon D7000 + Nikkor 50 AF-S 1.4G is the configuration I use the most.
I have a few other lens, but that the fastest.

nice!! makes me kick myself for not investing in more lenses when I started with my Canon and had a much greater income. It is something on my list for sure, have to invest in some "tools"

Great Shots Francios.... especially like the middle skateboard shots.

Josh... maybe have a look at the Sigma range, I've had some wonderful results with my 70-200mm f2.8 and it was only $1000 compared to $2800.
The pictures I've been able to get with it are awesome. And i doubt spending an extra $1800 would give shots worth the price increase

On side note, my damaged Nikon 24-70 f2.8 should be back from repair this week $1400 worth... luckily it was covered by insurance though i did forget to claim for the Hoya HD filter which last night i realised was also bashed up.

I was wondering about the Sigma, Tamron, and other brands. I was trying to sift through the reviews but nothing really jumped out at me..Then again, most of the times I find that people love to bring out the crap and less about the good. I will take a peek at those for sure. Thanks for the tip Mike