Woot! for "Olywood" ;)

[RacingHistorian]

Olympus E-3 receives DIWA Gold Award : The year 2007 was a big step ahead for Olympus, strongly establishing the Four Thirds system and bringing the Olympus E-3 on the market as a highly upgraded successor to the legendary E-1. The Olympus E-3's unique technological advances are found in four key areas: Speed, Live View, image quality and versatility, making it a worthy winner of a DIWA Gold Award. DIWA (Digital Imaging Websites Association), a world-wide organisation of collaborating websites, announces a DIWA Gold Award to the Olympus E-3 professional digital single-lens-reflex (DSLR) camera for its excellent technological advances and high performance. The DIWA members’ reviews are published at the new DIWA-Labs website.

[jefg99]

Hmmm...I'm wondering if I can get a royalty for coining the term "Olywood". I may give my photos away free, but never anything literary. 

[RacingHistorian]

Hmmm...I'm wondering if I can get a royalty for coining the term "Olywood".

Don't be trying to steal my copyright! 

[RacingHistorian]

Here's another one I just came across from Adorama:

10 Photo Industry Predictions for 2008
Resnick prognosticates the year ahead, again.
How will he do this time?

By Mason Resnick

2008's sleeper pro cam? The Olympus E-3!
Sure, Nikon and Canon have unveiled some amazing digital SLRs in the last year, and we’re sure to see more in ’08. But the Olympus E-3, thanks to its extensive system of lenses and accessories, full pro feature set, durable build, fast and reliable autofocus, stellar low-light performance, and, most importantly, affordable price, is going to be a surprise sales success story. I predict it will siphon some sales off the Big Two flagship cameras. It will become the camera of choice for many studio, event, and sports shooters, and will also appeal to many serious hobbyists.

[Yammer77]

The E-3 is on my list after
a tripod
an 11-22
12-60

[RacingHistorian]

The E-3 is on my list after
a tripod
an 11-22
12-60

I'm trying to purge my budget for spending this year - in general, not just photography equipment.   But in terms of photography equipment, tripod is next on my list followed by a lens I can use for macro.   Then, either an E-3 or the E-510 replacement pending on the specs, costs, etc.   

[Yammer77]

Bogen has a 25.00 rebate until july.
I am going to get Lee's tripod legs the 190xprob or whatever, that has the horizontal column, but the upgraded ball head that allows for panning. after rebate its 225 from BH or amazon.

[RacingHistorian]

This was what I was looking at:  Bogen / Manfrotto  055XPROB (Black) Tripod Kit, with 322RC2 Grip-Action Ballhead & MBAG80P Bag

Here's my Monopod and head:

Bogen / Manfrotto 685B NeoTec Monopod Deluxe



Bogen Manfrotto 3265 Grip Action Ballhead

[Yammer77]

250 For a monopod are you nuts??!!!!  I have seen gimbal sp? for 500.00 on a monopod.

the setup i want...... for 225.....

[RacingHistorian]

250 For a monopod are you nuts??!!!! 

It came highly recommended by several people and I didn't want to skimp on the monopod figuring I'd use it much more than a tripod - of course I rarely use it!