Oh yeah, I almost forgot to tell you…
I spent countless hours last week researching which model DSLR I wanted to purchase with my Camera Fund. I had been saving up for almost a year, including all the money I got as Christmas gifts and birthday gifts. I’ve been a total cheapskate, foregoing dining out, shopping and even a Spring Break trip. All in anticipation of buying a brand new cammie.
After extensive research and consulting a techie friend, I finally chose the Canon EOS 550D/Rebel T2i. I debated long and hard between this model and the 50D. In the end, the T2i won because it has HD video recording! You know, for when I want to record videos of jumping lemurs ‘n’ all.
The T2i was just recently released in March 2010 with many of the features of the impressive Canon 7D (but at practically half the cost!). However, because it is still a brand new model, it was backordered/unavailable almost everywhere. Finally, after fiercely stalking over 20 websites, I found ONE at Best Buy and even called in to put it on hold. I nagged my dad approximately 6,500 times about going with me to get it, but he kept avoiding it saying things like ‘don’t worry about it’ and ‘we’ll go later.’
It was then that I had a hankering the camera was already purchased and hidden in the house! I’m a smart cookie 
. I was fully ready to purchase the camera on my own but I guess now I can use my savings to buy an equally expensive lens or two! Lenses are not chump change–I saw one with a $4,000 price tag the other day!!!
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My Camera History
My very first digital camera was a Nikon Coolpix 4100. I got it as a Christmas present in 2004 (my junior year of high school). It was a step up from the disposable camera.
Then in November 2006 (my freshman year of college), I got a great deal on a Canon PowerShot SD 600 on Black Friday. This camera has served me well the last 3 1/2 years and because of it, I developed a strong preference for Canon cameras.
And now, I present to you my brand new Canon DSLR (it still needs a name!).
My life will never be the same.
Thank you, Momma and Poppa!
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I’ve been playing around with it the last few days but boy do I have A LOT to learn. The settings are so foreign to me!
Look how bright this photo is despite it being pitch dark outside. No flash!
Shot with my point and shoot. With flash!
Yes, this is where we live.
The pool.
What a difference!! I can’t believe I waited this long to get it. I think this goes without saying, but I am mesmerized.
Completely enamored.
{ 45 comments… read them below or add one }
YAY! Wow, I knew they had some awesome features, but the difference in pics is incredible- have fun playing with it and getting to ‘know’ it
You are going to have so much fun with your new camera. I love my DSLR and it still makes me smile after owning it for over 5 months!
So exciting, and the pics look GREAT!
congrats on the camera and graduating! the pictures are awesome
Congrats on the camera–what a fun graduation present. College grads definitely get some good gifts. My mom gave me a gorgeous set of pearls that I adore.
Yay Allie!!!!!! So happy for ya! What a great gift from your ‘rents. That must be the newer model of the one Joe gave me for Christmas-I have the T1i. I STILL have so much to learn, and love playing around with it, but a class would be really nice. I can’t just read about it, I want to practice with it with a pro, you know what I mean? You could use some of that money for your future business?! I know you’ll enjoy your gift!
How exciting! I love it when my parents surprise me with things I was planning on getting myself. You’ll have so much fun with it I’m sure. I can’t believe the difference in the pictures outside when it’s dark!
CONGRATS! girl you deserve this camera so so so much!! i love it and love the way it takes pictures, this is such a great gift!
I love that olive tower
Congratulations!!! My dad just bought this camera and he loves it so far. Great choice!
What wonderful pictures!!! Where/what state do you live in? It looks as if you’re at a beautiful resort spa! hahah
beautiful pictures!
way to go saving up for this – looks like it paid off!
Ahhh, you are going to take so many awesome pictures with this camera!!! Your photography was already so good– I can’t wait to see what you do with this camera!
awe its like ur little camera grew up over time hehe. its so important tho to get a good one- thats for sure! camera shopping is fun.. the price tags on those things tho.. well not so fun…
xoxo
Awwww you have the best mommy and daddy! How thoughtful of them! You’re one lucky girl! But I secretly love that they waited until you had enough $ to get it yourself and then snuck and got it! Such an extra bonus!
I have a Canon Powershot DS790 that looks almost like your powershot!! Very cool pics and playing around! Amazing what a difference it makes!
Aww your parents are awesome for buying that camera for you! It looks so fancy-schmancy! And it takes great pics.
Oh wow, congrats on your new camera, your pictures look gorgeous! Seems like everyone’s getting new cameras lately
Oh, that is SO COOL! I totally want a dSLR. They’re crazy expensive, though… as you very well know!
Congratulations! Looking forward to some even more delicious looking food. 
Wei-Wei
So exciting! The pics look fantastic! Have fun with it!
Congrats on the new camera! I’m already swooning over it, too. What lovely pictures it takes!
Have a lovely day!
xox
So jealous, what a great camera.
SO JEALOUS of your new purchase, the new pics look absolutely great! Congrats on such an awesome camera!
3 hoots for a great, new toy!!! YAY!
Love the camera! Great pics!
YAY! So fun! I can’t wait to hear what all you learn…and to see your learning in process ; )
WOW those comparison pictures are wild! That new camera is amazing! Seriously.
So pretty!! Those pictures are nothing short of amazing.
oH MY GOSH how jealous am I!!?? What an amazing camera!! I want a good one so badly…
love the new camera!! what a great grad gift. my camera history is actually identical to yours, minus the latest addition, and hopefully that is coming soon! can’t wait to see more new pics!
OMG I want one
Hi Allie, I have a rebel also, and actually went to school for four years for photography, so if you have any questions about settings or anything like that that you can’t figure out, just let me know!
I want a nice new model like you though! totally jeal.
Wow, congratulations!!! i can’t get over the difference between your new camera and the point and shoot – amazing.
Just stumbled upon yor blog. I recently bough a new camera – the latest version of the canon powershot. I hope it shoots low light better than your old one! I am so jealous of your new camera (and where you live!). brilliant pictures
Wonderful graduation gift!! You so deserve it!!
I’m still rocking the Powershot ELPH, but i loves it!! (Same one as you!!)
and LOVEDDDDDDDDDDD YOUR GRAD PHOTOS! you are soo cute!!
CONGRATS CONGRATS CONGRATS!! wish I could celebrate with you!!!
awww I’m SOOO excited for you Allie. You’re such a natural born photographer and have a way with capturing the essence of food beauty (is there such a thing?) I can’t wait to see what this camera will do for you.
P.s. I bought my first batch of kefir last weekend thanks to your lovely influence. I can’t wait to try it!!!
Love the new camera, awesome pictures!
I want a DSLR so badly- I’m just afraid I won’t be as careful with it as I should- I have quite an extensive camera history as well (& I have a canon now too which I love!). Your pictures are BEAUTIFUL, though and you have an awesome mom and dad for getting you that baby!!
Wow, what a gorgeous camera! Enjoy it! I got to play with my aunt’s DSLR this weekend and it was fun fun fun!
Yay for the new camera! I do think that mine is about to fall apart so I feel you
Have fun with your camera!! Canons are the bestttt
I love the olive bottle
so cute! and I totally envy you for the pool, I wish we had one too but since it’s only warm for like 4 weeks in this far away country it wouldn’t be in much use, haha.
I am so jealous, you will enjoy it sooo much!
Wow, what a great present from your Momma and Papa! Jealous – I still have a small point and shoot
Wow you live in a great place. It looks beautiful. Yay on getting your camera, it too looks beautiful. I think I might have to steal my bf’s Fuji camera to improve my pictures!
!!!!!! OMG you finally got your camera!!!!!!!
Your parents are so cool 
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