I’m way too poor to want what I want, but I do! I do want these!

April 22 2009.

Hello all :) As I wrote in my last post, I’m spending the next few months trying to save up money to pay for a bunch of things I want/need.

Here are 3 gadgets on that list that will add to my video blogging and photography arsenal, in more detail:

1. Flip MinoHD (customized for my pink-loving dorkiness ;))

Flip MinoHD: The World's Smallest HD Camcorder (CUSTOMIZED!)

What: The world’s smallest HD camcorder
Some Specs: Weighs only 3.3 ounces, convenient flip-out USB arm plugs directly into your computer, records high-quality H.264 videos that work with iTunes, iMovie, and iPhoto, silent mode for recording in sensitive situations, more specs @ official website.
Why I want this: I’ve wanted the Flip Video before the “MinoHD” version was even developed. Now this HD one, well… It’s portable. It’s convenient. It’s high quality. It’s customizable and it’s therefore adorable. And it uploads quick and easy to a computer. It’s perfect for video blogging, capturing random but awesome shots, and amateur film making, and this is why I want it!
Cost: $229.99 USD.
I say USD because the customizable option is only available for ordering online and shipping to the United States. Therefore I plan on getting it shipped to my cousin and having him bringing it over to me when he comes to Edmonton for my brother’s wedding in July! :D
Official Website: www.theflip.com/store/MinoHD

2. Canon Speedlite 430EX II Flash

Canon Speedlite 430EX II Flash

What: A flash to attach to my Canon EOS Rebel XTi
Some Specs: Superior build quality, including a metal foot for added strength, virtually silent flash recycle, Full swivel, 180° in either direction, zoom flash head covers range of 24-105mm; maximum guide number 141 ft./43m at ISO 100, more specs @ official website.
Why I want this: I need a flash. The built-in flash on my Canon XTi is really bad and does ridiculous crazy blippy flash things during its recycle time. My friend and I have determined that we think all XTi built-in flashes do that because she has the Canon XSi which is one-up from the XTi and her built-in flash is fine and does not do weird blippy things. Anyway, I basically fear taking photographs in darkly or dimly lit areas with my DSLR because I don’t use flash (because of said blippy thingy) and I’d like to. Therefore, I need a flash! And this one will be fairly cheap!
Cost: Regular (new) cost is $369 but I’m buying a used version from my photojournalist teacher for $225!
Official Website: www.mcbaincamera.com

3. Canon EF 15mm F2.8 Fisheye Lens

Canon EF 15mm F2.8 Fisheye Lens

What: A fisheye lens for my Canon EOS Rebel XTi
Some Specs: 180° Diagonal Angle of View, Rear Gel Holder (accepts up to 3 pre-cut gel filters), short minimum focusing distance of 8 in. (20 cm) gives new meaning to close-up shots, more specs @ official website.
Why I want this: Ever since I saw super wide-angle pictures posted by James Hill (a Best Job in the World candidate), I have fallen in love with the fisheye lens. I am so attracted to the effect that the fisheye lens has on images. Visually fantastic. Examples: 1 | 2 | 3 (All credit: James Hill) I knew that he had been using a fisheye lens, but I didn’t know the exact lens name and well, to be honest I didn’t try too hard to search for it. But then a few days ago on Jame’s blog, he wrote a post about the equipment he’s been using ( here ) and since then I’ve added this very expensive fisheye lens to my list of things to save up for! I want it hopefully before my trip to Los Angeles at the end of July.
Cost: Regular (new) cost is $949 but if I buy it through my photojournalist teacher he’ll get a discount!
Official Website: www.mcbaincamera.com

So there you go! (:

It is a shame because I’m way too poor to want what I want, but I do… I really do want these and I think they’ll all be quite an asset for me in terms of my filming and photography interests! :)

Linda