I'm Finally Giving In...

I've wrestled with this decision for a long time, but I've finally decided to get a new camera. It's certainly not an impulse buy; I've wanted a digital SLR for over a year now. My shopping has been at a low grade simmer for a while now, but I was always deterred by the price.

Well, no longer.

Tempted by the amazing photos from James, Clarence and Gaz, I finally decided it was time to get a camera that could take the photos I want to take. I'm particularly hopeful that all my low-light situations will be nicely captured now with minimal CCD noise. I can't tell you how many times I take photos of the boys indoors (school plays, Cub Scouts, church, etc.), and the photos come out just awful. And if you turn on the flash, well, everything is harsh and white with severe shadows. Very frustrating stuff.

I'll still keep the compact Lumix camera. It's amazingly convenient, and still the only video camera I use. But for trips like the upcoming Sedona and Ireland, it will be very nice to have a real camera.

So, here's what I got: I've already ordered it, so please don't leave me any posts saying, "Oh, you shouldn't have gotten that, really should have gotten X!" I don't want to know!!

• Canon Digital Rebel XTi 10.1MP with the kit lens
• Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM Medium Telephoto lens
• 4GB Ultra II Compact Flash
• Extra batteries, UV haze filter, and a case

I did a little research, and it seems the low f/1.4 lens will be superb for low light situations. I'll have to monkey around with it a while before I decide if I need a macro lens, a super-wide angle lens, a telephoto lens, or external flash gear. I'm sure I will eventually, and it's nice knowing I have a camera that can grow into this stuff.

The camera should arrive by St. Valentine's day. Amazon had really amazingly competitive prices (better than Target and Costco, among others), and the free shipping made it a done deal.

I can't wait!