First pics with the new 40D...comments please

Hey Folks,
Well, the new 40D came in this last week (an upgrade from my Rebel XT) and while it has been a busy week, I did manage to get some shooting time in with the new camera. I'm still learning here, but I think I've managed to capture a few nice shots in the process.

Please note that aside from the new camera, I also upgraded the crap out on my PC as well including Windows XP and Photoshop CS3 so in addition to learning the new camera, I'm also learning some new software too. While as always I would like honest feedback and opinions, please bear this all in mind.

All of these were taken with my Tamron 70-300mm lens and all were poked, prodded and beaten into submission in CS3. Feel free to read the EXIF data for any other relevant details.

With no further ado, here's a few of the first shots off the new camera from over the past couple of days...

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You always leave such insightful comments about everybody else's pictures so it's sad to see that nobody has commented on yours yet! The first two pictures are nice, the third one's ok but like you said not as sharp as you'd like it, and the last one just looks a little odd to me, like the bird doesn't fit with the background. Maybe it's the PP you're doing? I'm not really sure, it might just be that way. You'll get used to the 40D. It's a fantastic camera. Reading the manual and learning how to change all the settings helps. After having the camera for a month I sometimes still find new settings to play with. Also, CS3 is great...but CS4 is coming soon!

I really enjoy the composure on the second photo. It seems as if the GBH is very deep in thought. They are all very nice.

I'm guessing it's probably just the angle I shot this at. I was up above the bird in this shot looking down a bit from a pier where as most of my herons shots are usually pretty level with the bird. Might just be a bit of a funky perspective but thank you for pointing it out...I will certainly keep it in mind next time I'm out at the marina.

Actually I pretty much had the manual read before the camera even got here (dl'd it from Canon's website). At this point it's simply going to be a matter of repetition more than anything I think. I was out shooting with it all afternoon today and while I'm getting pretty comfortable with the location of the controls and working thru the menus and such (more or less), I still find the size of the body quite awkward. Even though at 6'2" 230 lbs, I'm a pretty big guy, I have rather small hands. The physical size of the camera is just a bit uncomfortable for me (and that bloody power switch is really freaking annoying!). The images are coming out great though so it's worth a few minor inconveniences.

It's kind of funny to hear that because after having watched these birds now for a couple of weeks, I really think they could teach some Buddhists a thing or two about Zen Meditation! LOL!!! It really amazes me how "still" the can be and actually stay that way for hours on end. Sometimes they really do seem like they are very deep in thought indeed.

Thank you .

Peace,
Jim