A New member

When I'm doing a wedding or other social event, I use a rolling bag called the "Thinktank Airport Security. It's pretty much like airline carryon luggage but better built with more padding. It holds both camera bodies, all the lenses, accessories etc.

When I'm out street shooting or doing urban landscapes, I just use a small cheap padded holster that carries the 5D w/24-105, filter, and some memory; very compact and light. I think it was Focal brand, and I paid $24.95 six years ago.

jbcohen wrote in post #5745983
I am doing most of it with Picasa. Although since I got my DSLR I probably should look for a more sophisticated software package.

How do you carry around your camera gear?

Hey JB and welcome to POTN. I use , like most here, many different bags for different situations. I have a "top load" bag I use to carry my camera when I just take along one lens, my walk around lens. I also use a Lowe Pro Off Trail Gadget bag which will accomodate a couple of extra lenses when I know I'll need more. And I have a back pack that carries pretty much everything if I'm in need of a lot of gear.
I suggest you go to your local Ritz Camera store and take a look at what they have there. I bought all my bags I use there since I can lay my hands on them and know that what I have will fit into it. Don't be afraid to "buy up" and anticipate possible addidions in the future.
All the assistance you've received so far on shooting is spot on. The best way to learn is shoot, shoot and then shoot some more. Digital is cheap and processing is FREE!
You may want to download Gimp and try it for post processing your shots. The layout is similar to Photoshop, oh yeah, and it's FREE too!
Check out this thread for more info-->> https://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthre​ad.php?t=464298
Welcome to POTN!
Have a question, ask it! Good people are here ready to help you get yourself completely immersed in digital photography!

Lowepro, Domke, Tamrac and Crumpler also make excellent bags and storage systems. I wouldn't rush into. Evaluate your shooting habits and let the "function" of your photography determiny the size and "form" of the bag you will need.

Thanks for all of the great advice I have a local Atlantic Photo shop and they no doubt will have the gear. Since this is my first foray into DSLR cameras I no doubt have a lot to learn and I will keep asking questions here until I have all of my questions answered.

I previously had another Canon camera which impressed me in its performance, a canon powershot a70.

How similar do you think the a70 is to the digital rebel XT?

Anyone own a compact camera?

I have only one and its great for quick and dirty shots, but it lacks in terms of quality of the shot. It's also much cheaper then the XT so it will continue to take 85% of the photos.

If you do in what cases will you use the compact and what case will use the DSLR?

What do you use for pohtographing kids?

I understand that since kids do not sit still its hard to get the DSLR set right in order to get the shot. Compacts are better at getting the kids shots fast.

What software do you work with?

Well JB, right now I use CS3, but started out some years back with Photoshop LE, and then moved up to one of the Photoshop Elements versions. The latter is quite powerful in it's own right and often has more capability than what most folks will use. You can usually get it on sale for around $79 if not cheaper, which is a lot better than $599 for its big brother.

Bundled with it is ACR (Adobe Camera RAW) for processing RAW files, and Bridge which is a type of visual file viewer.

jbcohen wrote in post #5751340
What software do you work with?

Excellent info, any more suggestions in terms of software? I am currently working with Picasa becuase it is simple to use, not necessarily powerful.

As long as you are comfortable with Picassa and it does all you want, then there is nothing at all wrong with it. Some people suggest Gimp although I have no experience with it myself, but I believe it is free.

But you can't go wrong with Photoshop Elements. It gets discussed a lot here and there are always useful tips and hints.

jbcohen wrote in post #5752947
Excellent info, any more suggestions in terms of software? I am currently working with Picasa becuase it is simple to use, not necessarily powerful.

I use Capture One Pro to process my RAW files and Photoshop CS3 for PP( post processing) touch ups. I started with Photoshop Elements 2 that came with my camera.
Was it not included with your camera software package? The reason I ask is that I got PSE 2 with my Digital Rebel and got the version 4 with my 30D. If they don't bundle it any more with the cameras that's a bummer. I would offer up my version 2 to you but I sent it to my sister when I sold her my Rebel for her to use.
I've read up on Gimp and have heard many sing its praises here on the forums although i don't have any personal experience with it. The interface is similar to Photoshop in design so possibly making the switch to Photoshop later on might come easier after using it.
I've never used Picasa either but as sapearl said, as long as it makes you comfortable keep using it. AND as long as you're pleased with the results you see.
As for P&S cameras, I have no experience with them outside the limited time I used an HP Photosmart 315 (3MP) I used for a couple of years. Not the best camera but with the macros lens it was great!
I've seriously thought of buying one for the glove box but I keep spending my cash on stuff for my DSLR!

On a side note, I use my DSLR to shoot everything now, even my GRAND kids...lol
Just use whatever feels more comfortable with you around the kids for now but I guarantee after time learning your XT you'll find the P&S camera laying around more and more as the XT becomes a more permanent extension of your hand.