I’m not typically one to hype online contests, because usually the odds of winning are pretty terrible. But I ran across LuckySearch last week and have earned $25 in Amazon gift certificates already.

Here’s how it works. LuckySearch uses the same search results as Google. Every search gives you a shot at winning points which can be redeemed on the site. There’s a lot of garbage in their rewards catalog, but points can be redeemed for Amazon.com gift certificates in $5 increments. Five hundred points is good for $5 in credit. I redeemed a few thousand points I had accumulated, and received my gift certificates the next day.

Amazon’s a great site for photographers. While Amazon itself carries an ample supplies of photo goods, Adorama also sells their products through the site. While you’re not likely to pay for a new Digital SLR using LuckySearch, it is a good way to earn some money toward memory cards or other photo accessories for doing something you’re probably doing already.

In case you’re wondering, LuckySearch makes money through the ads placed at the top of the search results. While I don’t know if the business model is sustainable for the long hall, there’s no harm in hitting them now while they are paying out.

Click here to check it out.

Everyone wants to save money on photography equipment, and there’s a lot of good deals on the market for some quality pieces of good kit. But how can you find a really great deal? Here are the five places I frequent when I’m on the hunt for a new product, and one group to stay away from at all costs.

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What is it:With the upcoming release of the Canon 40D, prices are falling on both the Rebel XTi and the on the older Rebel XT.

What are they good for: Both cameras are still an excellent introduction to the digital SLR world and are a huge upgrade over most point-and-shoot offerings. If you are finding yourself getting more and more into photography, I can’t recommend either of these cameras highly enough as a way to start taking your hobby to the next level. I have had my Rebel XT for three years now and it’s still a competitive camera on today’s market.

What’s the setback: Amazon has the Canon Rebel XTi with kit lens in stock for $707. They also are selling the Rebel XT and kit lens for $558.

What is it: Pentax K10D Digital SLR

What it’s good for: The Pentax K10D is a nice alternative to the Canon or Nikon lines of digital SLRs. This camera has some nice features, like in-camera vibration reduction, sensor cleaning mode, and a shutter rated to 100,000 actuations.

What’s the deal?: The camera is 20 percent off from Dell.com. After an additional 10 percent off if you pay through Paypal and a $50 mail-in-rebate from Pentax, this becomes a pretty nice deal.

Where to find it: Here, from Dell. The mail-in-rebate is here.

What is it: Continuing our tour of places to get cheap end-of-summer prints, Adorama is running a deal for 16×20 poster prints for just $4.95.

What’s it good for: Getting a really, really big pic.

Bonus: 11×14 prints are just $1.99 each.

How long does it last? Until September 6.

Where to find it: Here.