kokakaste2 wrote in post #13150544
Why do you want to use DPP if you have LR3?
LR3 is a recent addition for me, LR2 was slow compared to DPP and i never liked the colors.
LR3 is interesting though, the camera profiles are pretty close, its much faster then LR2, however i'm so used to my workflow with DPP that i can go through hundreds of photos much faster, rate, batch edit then batch JPG. Its also more limiting in the number of things i can do so it speeds up the overall process.
When i did a comparison by taking the same raw shot and pushing it through DPP, then doing it afresh through LR2, the DPP JPG came out much better for me, with LR3 i did the same comparison and its much closer but i still prefer the DPP JPG at the end of the conversion.
Of course i do slip the jpgs through LR at some point for the web galleries, or to mess with split toning or other neat effects, but its not usually part of my developing workflow. Thats mostly for event photos, on the flip side if i need high-end results, its DPP->16bit tiffs with no sharpening straight into photoshop. Honestly, considering its free, DPP is amazing. One of the reasons ive stuck with canon when i sold my 5d1 and was thinking of going to the D700.
Lichtwerk wrote in post #13150602My used purchase experiences have been nothing but great. There can actually be a benefit to buying used sometimes (other than saving cash, of course) in that if what you're buying has worked well for the previous owner and he hasn't had issues with it, chances are it'll work for a long time.
Had plenty of new electronics shipped DOA or break within a few days of use
Exactly, plus i'm very anal when i buy used so i inspect everything very closely, there are risks but knowing about them can lead to safer purchases. Even with the horrible condition 1dsiis i got, i was able to minimize the loss by having taken the proper precautions like buying from a safer place and inspecting the items right away with no shame in asking for a refund if a problem is found. Plus, sometimes you can even turn a profit
One of the best deals i got so far was a modded 580EX1 for i think like 200$ and it functions exactly like new but Better! since it has an audio jack modded in.
I should mention at this point though that i prefer to make my purchases Locally, FM/Potn are decent places and i have purchased one thing off ebay without problems, but it never feels quite as safe even if most people on FM are good about offering refunds if its needed.
Personally, i think a rental shop is one of the best businesses, the equipment not only keeps its value so well but turns a longterm profit. I would love to be able to run one over here but there are already quite a few well established ones, so i'd have to offer things they don't.... oh... like maybe elinchroms
I find it interesting that some folks here are thinking of jumping ship. But hey - everyone's needs are different. I haven't a single issue with Elinchrom right now... everything works just as i could wish. Never had a bayonet issue or anything along those lines. The gear works and that's all i need, especially with weddings. 
