Rodent Regatta

Start with an aside: Dr. Michael A. Covington writes an online notebook almost every day. He’s a prof at the Artificial Intelligence Center at the University of Georgia. He photographs the skies among other things. He also has wisdom to share. While I haven’t found a syndication feed, I’ve got his site bookmarked and enjoy his work.

I need any reader’s advice. Within the next thirty days or so, I’m going to dive into digital photography. There’s a photography show coming up in February which gives me some pause. New product announcements are frequently made there. That’s the only thing that may delay my decisions.

Otherwise, my dilemma is one of too many choices. Here are four cameras I’m thinking about:

1. Canon EOS 20Da
2. Canon EOS 350D Digital Rebel XT
3. Canon PowerShot S80
4. Canon PowerShot SD550

The other piece of this puzzle involves printing photographs. Two printers caught my eye:

1. Epson Stylus Photo R1800—or R2400?
2. Canon i9900

I’ll be photographing everything from travel sites to family gatherings to items to list on eBay. Some of those cameras are reach-in-the-pocket-and-shoot. Some are semi-pro SLR’s.

Now for the questions:

• What do you use and like?
• What are the must-have accessories to go with these?
• Where do you like to buy this stuff?
• What are the good rumors about new equipment?
• What can I buy now that offers pleasing and broadly flexible photographic options for the next thirty six months?

I’ll hang up and listen to your answers.