cha-ching!

I decided to take the plunge and buy myself an early Christmas present. well, I guess I shouldn't call it that, because I'm asking for an accessory for it as a Christmas gift. I guess I should label it as a "I'm-an-awesome-wife-because-I-let-my-husband-buy-a-new-truck" present.

I've been using a point and shoot camera for years now, and while I love my camera and am mostly satisfied with the picture quality, I wanted something a little more professional that I can call my own. I wanted something that would be compatible to my beginner status, and something that I could learn quickly.

So, like the smart shopper that I am, I did some research, figured out what exactly I wanted (that was within the budget I set for myself), what features were important to me, and prepared a few options to present to my lovely husband... in hopes that he would agree with the one I secretly wanted that would work best for us.

I knew I wanted a digital SLR camera. I knew I wanted either a Nikon or a Canon, since those are the top two brands when it comes to professional cameras (especially for beginners). I used CNET to compare two different models, the Canon Rebel XS and the Nikon D3000 (both beginner cameras), and also browsed through extensive reviews at Digital SLR Guide, Sears, and Best Buy's websites. They are pretty much neck and neck when it comes to the specs, so the big aspect that won me over was the fact that Canon cameras are compatible to more lenses than just Canon, and Canon brand lenses tend to run cheaper than Nikon ones. Nikon cameras can only use Nikon brand lenses, which are quite expensive. this wasn't just a matter of price though. I had quite a few people tell me they recommended the Canon (thank youuuu, Lindsey!) over the Nikon just based on the fact that it's easier to use. and because my point & shoot is a Canon, it shouldn't be too difficult to learn the new camera and functions. 

So I sent Sean the links, and he agreed that the Canon would be the best option for what I was looking for. I don't want to become a professional photographer, I just want to take excellent pictures. I want to capture our lives in a clearer way that I've been able to do so with my old Canon for the past couple years. I wanted to make sure I invested in a great camera before our trip to the beach this August, before the cruise to the Western Caribbean in January, and before the baby fever develops into the non-birth control taking MandeeFoFandee, and before I get knocked up.

I looked at Sears, Best Buy, Amazon, and a few others places to purchase my new toy, and found that Amazon had the best price, as well as the best warranty for the lowest price, which covers the camera in case of spills or drops... which is something my clumsy ass will definitely make good use of. 

So. now I'm waiting. not so patiently. I want to PLAY WITH MY CAMERA. but not to worry. I went ahead and found myself a super cute camera bag to house the beaut when I'm not using it or if I need to take it somewhere. and of course, I found it on Etsy. it has lots of compartments to carry extra lenses or whatever else I may need to carry. 

oh, and for Christmas, I'm asking for the 55-250mm telephoto zoom lens from the hubs. or my dad. or whoever will buy it for me. it may be you.

UPDATE: she arrived yesterday (and she's GAWGEOUS!), and because I was so tired from the gym and my first personal training session (stay tuned for THAT story), I didn't take any pictures of her... with her. coming soon!

AND! I got an early anniversary present from the hubs, and it is divine. :)

by the way, this is my 69th post. 

::insert immature 12 year old boy giggles::