photo equipment

This is the photo equipment what I have and currently use. I also try to give some comments on it. What I love, what I dislike or even hate and workarounds.

Cameras

Canon 20D

My first DSLR and I really loved it and it was a very good idea starting with this model and not falling for the predecessor the 10D. It had a better sensor (8.2 MP), the new Digic II processor, the multicontroler joystick (which I still like) and introduced the new EFs mount which I thought was a great idea. That's why I bought the kit with the new EFs 17-85mm lens which was also great for the price and the time back then.

Canon 40D

In 2008 I upgraded to the 40D. First I thought about selling my old 20D but after looking up the auctions at ebay I thought it would be more value to me as a second camera (turned out to be a good idea for event and concert photography). I primarily bought the 40D because of the bigger display (the 20D has a really stamp sized one), the better COMOS sensor (10 MP and 14bit) and the better and more informative in screen display. I also bought the battery grip BG-E2 for a better grip and handling. Very useful.

Update:
Since I wasn't using the camera only once or twice a year I sold it in 2013.

Canon 7D

Actually I didn't wanted to buy this one. The movie functionality sounded interesting but didn't justify a new camera. But when I read about the use of the popup flash as a remote it changed my mind. I never understood why Canon didn't had that feature every Nikon user was used to. And I always was jealous reading Joe McNally's comments and usage of this feature (damn you Nikon-users I thought!). So I upgraded again my equipment. Up till now I think it's the biggest improvement since my 20D. It has all the features I missed before:
  • popup Flash as Master
  • much better Display (but still not flexible. Bummer!)
  • movie functionality
  • no creative programs (never saw the benefit anyhow)
  • three custom menus
The downside was that Canon changed the batteries and so I wasn't able to reuse my battery grip and I had to get the new BG-E7.

Speedlites

Canon Speedlite 420 EX
Canon Speedlite 580 EX II

CF Memory cards

Two 1 GB Sandisk Ultra II
Two 4 GB Sandisk Ultra IV Extreme
One 32 GB Kingston Elite Pro 133x

Other Stuff

Manfrotto 055XProB tripod
Calumet Compact light stand (A cheap light stand and actually a total waste. I keep it till it breaks)
Selfmade Justin Clamp
Two foldable disc reflectors
Two umbrellas
Lumiquest Softbox and ProMax System
Some colourful gels from LEE filters (thank you Joe McNally for that tip)
Sun Sniper Pro (very comfortable)