next!

Here's a comparison chart for the noise performance of the F100fd compared to various point-n-shoot and DSLRs I've recently owned:

(Click on the chart to go to Flickr, where you can see the full size.)

With the Fuji F100fd settled on (crossing my fingers it keeps working for a while), I'll be getting back to the DSLR business. My first Canon Digital Rebel XSi is in transit back to B&H for a refund, while my second XSi is also in transit, with an expected delivery date of May 8. Meanwhile, I just ordered a Tokina ATX 116 Pro 11-16mm f/2.8 for my currently non-existent Canon DSLR. It should get here about a week after the XSi, which means I should be able to test both together before either of their return periods elapse.

There are still a few accessories on my shopping list:

Three Sandisk Extreme III 8GB SDHC cards

I don't need this kind of capacity for everyday shooting, but, combined with my three 4GB cards, the total of 36GB, yielding roughly 2000-2200 RAW frames, should be adequate to last an entire vacation without resort to a laptop.

77mm Hoya HD Circular Polarizer

While I already have a 77mm Sunpak DHG Circular Polarizer, it degrades the image quality of my EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS (strong lateral chromatic aberration, purple color cast) enough that I don't like to use it. The new Hoya HD, due out this month, at over twice the price ($201 at Filter Connection) is supposed to be the top of the line, with better light transmission, hardened glass, and a water-repellent coating. Plus, the new Tokina 11-16mm f/2.8 also uses 77mm filters, so I have even more incentive to upgrade. So I think I'll give polarizers another shot.

Spare LP-E5 battery for XSi

I'm used to having a spare around for my DSLR, but since this battery is brand new, it's not easy to find third-party knockoffs. I may just wait until they show up, rather than drop $50 on a Canon original.

Lowepro Flipside 300 backpack

While I still plan to use my excellent Lowepro Nova 2 AW whenever possible, the new Tokina lens means it's time to get a larger camera bag. Having tried the Flipside 200 at Looking Glass Photo, I think the Flipside 300 can just fit all my camera gear, possibly with room leftover for my 12" Toshiba notebook. But I don't think that will be necessary. Rather, I need room for the Digital Rebel XSi, three mid-size lenses (EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS, EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS, and ATX 11-16mm f/2.8), one smaller lens (one of: EF 50mm f/1.4, EF 85mm f/1.8, ATX 10-17mm f/3.5-4.5), a Canon 430EX Speedlite, Sto-fen Omnibounce, spare batteries, SD cards, two polarizers, bubble level, compact tripod (Slik Pro 614CF w/Acratech V2 Ballhead), 750ml water bottle, Fuji F100fd, and maybe a Panosaurus. Sounds like a lot, but it's more compact than it sounds, and the Flipside 300 looks up to the task. Not counting the backpack itself, that's about 6080g, or about three half-gallon cartons of milk, which is what I usually haul in my backpack coming back from Trader Joe's. Definitely doable, as long as the straps are comfortable.

Let's see, did I forget anything?