What is that rectangular thing mounted on the lens of the 'forensic'
camera shown on the Miami-CSI show?

Is there adapter or way of using older Minolta X-700 camera lenses with new
Sony Alpha DSLR-A100?
It obviously will not use the focus and iris auto features, but I would like
to use them in manual mode.

I'm pondering whether I should sell my old Nikon F.  All original with a
motor drive -- works perfectly.
I have two thoughts on this.  1. Get rid of it while it still has some
value.  2. Hang onto it as it may become a collectible one day.  I still

Last year, as a new owner of a Rebel XT I posted a request for some lens
suggestions.  Many gave recommendations based on their experience and now
I'd like to throw in my two cents after living with my choices.  I shoot
family events, nature, sports and travel pics.  Most of them ...

...at least according to the horse's mouth.
When I wondered why a mediocre P&S with modest upgrades deserved a full
test I got...
"Tested because it was a Canon ? - well ------ yes is the obvious

Happen check out some reviews on the brand new Pentax Optio M20 which
is a  7.0 megapixel point and shoot digital camera from Pentax. The 7.0
effective megapixels permit beautiful, crisp prints even at
large-format sizes.

Today, in about 10 hours I will be going to pick up a D80 as a surprize
for Christmas.  I was thinking to get a UV and a polarizing filter to
go with it (I think they'd fit in a stocking).  Is there any type/brand
that I should be looking at in particular?  I know nothing about

Photographers,
I have got some trouble with F-number terminology.I would like to know
whether a particular number say F/4.5 means same(i.e it allows same
quantity of light) for ALL lenses at a particular focal length.

http://ricehigh.blogspot.com/2006/12/where-are-pentax-dslrs-and-lenses-made.html
RiceHigh
http://ricehigh.blogspot.com/

I recently purchased a 50mm 1.8 lens for my Canon 350 for use at low light
levels, and I am very happy with it.
I now need something with similar performance, but offering me some zoom as
well.

Can anyone tell me about a decent general-use tripod under $50 for an
armature photographer? Something fairly quick and easy to setup.  TIA

I could use some help in deciding which camera to get.
I currently use a Nikon D-1. I shoot almost exclusively sports as a
freelancer for a local weekly newspaper. The 2.74 megapixels is fine for the
paper, but I am looking to upgrade so I can use the camera for some other

I just noticed them - this is a supposedly new lens!  I can see them through the
objective, they are stuck on the next element...  (18-200)
This is the SECOND Sony lens, the first one was defective and the focus motor
jammed...  so I won't return it... who knows what will be screwed ...

Plastic has one use outside of cost-cutting:  Weight-savings.  This is
where and why (if it happens) that plastic will find its way into pro
digital gear, not to save money as is the case on entry-level DSLRs.
I'm waiting for the next evolution.  I dislike plastic-bodied cameras