Tails’ Blography

So my new camera finally arrived yesterday! I was on my way to the bank, and decided to check the PO Box for any mail (just in case, y’know) and wouldya believe it I found two collection notices for Speed Services Delivery! I almost missed it, as the 2nd one was a final notice to collect (would have been nice if the company had told me they’d sent it and sent my tracking number), but I didnt and that’s what mattered!

So I stood in line, and nervously collected my package (checking the contents before leaving). Everything arrived well packaged, the only thing missing was the tripod, but they emailed me about that already, so I that was fine. It’ll get sent when it arrives at their offices.

So after work, I got home and laid everything out on the floor and had a glorious hour of going through all the cool stuff that I got with the package (filters, lens, mini tripod, lens cleaning kit, screen guard and two lens adapters among other things). I put my 18-55mm f/3.5-f/5.6 IS lens on the body, added the UV filter, and applied a screen guard over the LCD screen (to prevent scratches – doesnt look that great, but ah well). I set the battery on charge while I got ready for a night out with some friends (might post pics later, if I find them on FB lol) and it just finished charging as we were leaving, so today is the first time I’ve had to play.

Spent a while setting different settings, just getting a feel for the menus and camera itself. Its a lot bigger than my Sony and certainly sounds different. Overall, its uber nice and I’m very, very pleased!

I have to give a shout out to Coza1Digital for their excellent service and absolute bargains! While they only deal via email, which made me nervous at first, they were quick and helpful every time I emailed or had a question. My order was sent promptly as expected and everything in good order, so a big “Thank You!” to them for their service! I found this to be an interesting read, something that a lot of businesses should apply – the world would be a much happier place in terms of service!

PS: While trying to figure out what to title this post, I realised it covered one of my 101 in 1001 items – in a big way! Score!!

So yesterday started out as a normal day. I went to work, looked forward to a friend’s birthday dinner that night, came home (a little early…maybe this was my ‘downfall’?), got ready for gym (see, even when I’m going out I still go to gym! *proud*), and while waiting to leave I saw an auction ad on Facebook for a camera. A Canon 40D. R1 reserve. Hmm.

I’d seen one of these before, for a Nikon D90, and it went for R12,500 or so. So I thought, “lets see what this one is sitting at…” and found (to my amazement) it was sitting on R7500. Before I could stop myself, or think about funds, I signed up and placed a bid for R7750 (has to go in R250 increments). I figured, if I get it for R7750 then I’ve saved almost 50% on the camera and lens alone, forget about all the extras it was coming with, and if I didnt, well then I’m not out of pocket for any moolah…whats the harm, right? Right??!?

Well, all through gym I found myself thinking about my bid…and I even had gone to far as to make a link to the auction on my cellphone to keep watch. Got home from gym, showered, washed my hair, and off we went to dinner. On the way, however, I checked my bid and saw a few other people had bid…so I upped mine to R8500. Yes, I can see you shaking your head…you can stop that! With all the pro bidders out there, not to mention snipers or even people that actually have the funds to pay for their purchase, I wasnt going to get it. The auction was set to end at 11.30pm.

Let me digress quickly and mention the dinner. Firstly, it was utterly fantastic, and probably deserves a post of its own, but seriously, Wang Thai at the V&A Waterfront is amazing! I had two really huge oysters for starters (I can hear you asking, “only two?? you cheapskate!” and my response is that I’m still getting into them, and dont want to eat too many to turn myself off them so I’m taking it slow…I want this love affair to last, m’kay!), a couple of pina coladas (also made to my satisfaction, since I make them from scratch for myself at home), and then the bf and I ordered honey chicken and honey duck to share. Large quantities of Jasmine Basmati rice (mmmmmm!) was ordered for the table and I must say the service and food we received was amaaaazing! Well and truly! Big ups to our waiter, Shepherd!

Throughout dinner I’m ashamed to admit my conversation at times was dominated by my bid. I kept checking my bid every half hour or so, and it was solidly on R8500. With less than an hour to go, I realised I might very well win this…and started to get all light headed. I didnt think this far…I dont really have this kind of cash to spend…I surely cant really win it…can I??

By the time 5 minutes was left, most of the table was interested in the results and I was a nervous wreck. I promptly ordered a tequila, as no matter the outcome, I was in need of a shot! I refreshed my phone browser a million times and with only a minute to go someone sniped in a bid jumping the total up by R500!! Quickly I whipped into action, and without thinking of the consequences I bid R9250…a couple of agonising seconds went by and then it was closed. I had won. I had WON! I promptly downed my tequila.

I confirmed my purchase as soon as I got home and am currently sorting out payment finalities and I will be the owner of a brand new Canon 40D body kit, EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Autofocus Lens, .50x Wide Angle Lens, 2X Telephoto Lens, 8GB Memory Card, USB Card Reader, Carrying Case, Velbon CX-460 Tripod, Table Top Tripod, Lens Pouch, 3 Piece Filter Kit, Universal Screen Protector, & 3 Pc. Lens Cleaning Kit. All for R9250 (almost half price!).

If you want to know more about the Canon 40D (or any other camera for that matter), check out the stats on DPreview.com (click the indepth review link for even more info) which is only the best site for camera reviews and stats…seriously.