Thanks for all the advise. The best advise has been to talk me out of the printer I thought I wanted. I am so amazed by my granddaughter that I thought bigger would be better but I can see where I was wrong. I have looked online for the HP DJ30...? I can't find it retail. Any suggestions?
I believe the Nikon D200 might be the camera for me. I like the price much better than the Canon and I believe it would be all the camera I would need. It seems the most recommended lens is the 18-200vr due out late this month?
I haven't heard any suggestions about classes to take in the North Atlanta area? Anybody?
David, love the pics of the kids.
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For the printer, I'd start with the HP web site. They should have a list of dealers in your area. The shop where I bought did not stock my 90. They took the order and it was delivered the day after, direct from HP. I was in shock, how they got it so fast to me.
[a href=\"http://h10010.www1.hp.com/wwpc/us/en/sm/WF25a/18972-236251-236266-12600-236266-352379.html]http://h10010.www1.hp.com/wwpc/us/en/sm/WF...266-352379.html[/url]
The HP30 is part of the pro lineup and are not in your local Fry's or equivalent. I found mine at a dealer who specializes in wide frame printers/paper/ink for the advertising industry. It's available direct from HP, often with deals and from many of the NYC mail order houses. Atlanta is a big city. There are dealers local for you.
Lesson/classes are often organized by a local Junior college, or camera club. The Jr college way is a very good way to get the basics down and have a lot of fun at the same time. I wanted to teach my wife photography. Well we all know that husbands can't teach wifes w/o much turmoil. I suggested she go to the local college which had night classes. She advanced very quickly and got a chance to spend time in a chemical darkroom. They're gone, (darkroom) but still an artform.
For the camera, pick a pro type dealer, stay away from the mass stores (ritz, wolf,etc). Their salesman are BS artists and are rarely well trained in photography. There are exceptions, of course, but its all about
making the sale. They will beat you up on insurance or extended warrenties. With the depreciation rates of electronics, its a huge rip off. The make far more money selling "warrenties" than they make off of the camera sale. A pro dealer rarely even brings it up.
The D200 is a fine camera and has one significant advantage over it's cheaper brothers and that is a superior finder to all other DX/APS-C cameras.
Wide FL (zoom) range lenses are by necessity compromises, though not as much as they used to be. I'd personally recommend two lenses.
On the inexpensive side but good quality I suggest the 18-70 ED matched up with the 70-300 ED. You can get both for $500 and they both are excellent image gathers especially the 18-70. I Often carry it on my D2x in leiu of an "uber lens". Very light and very sharp. The 70-300ED is good small, and lightweight. Good walkabout lens.
The other option is buying the best of the best. That would be a 17-55 Dx and the 70-200VR. Both rival any comparable lens made and are fast (F2.
compared to the lesser brothers. Downside is they are heavy, sizeable and expensive. Roughly $3000 for the pair.
I know too many choices.
I'd suggest starting with the 18-70ED and then adding as you see the need. If you have surplus cash the 17-55 makes a nice christmas present to go with your new equipment.
Good shooting
Bob