Recommendations on Camera

R

Reefjunky24

Member
Well looks like its that time and my Canon XTi finally went down hill on me. I have been looking for a new DSLR to get, i have been looking at Sony or Canon, Nikons are nice don't get me wrong just have used them and i prefer the Canon over Nikon. But i have seen the Sony's have not used one personally. I am looking to use it to take pictures of my tank and also for everyday use as well. I have been looking around everywhere from low end DLSR to high end. So my question is anyone have any recommendations? more on the Camera body vs the lenses right now, cause i know that i am going to get a Macro lens, zoom lens and standard lens. Thanks in advance just looking to see what people are using and how they like the newer DSLR's.

Thanks
 
Get the Canon 6D if your budget is good or the Nikon D800 but since you have Canon Xti and lens then Canon is way to go.
 
maidia said:
Get the Canon 6D if your budget is good or the Nikon D800 but since you have Canon Xti and lens then Canon is way to go.
Click to expand...

I have looked at that camera and it is very nice it is one that i have in mind for awhile now, the only thing i wish is that Canon offered the in-body stabilizer like Sony does cause then you don't need to buy the IS lenses
 
The majority of professionals use Canon for a reason. You can't beat their lens line up. 98% of the people on this forum have no use for a 6D. There has come a point in camera technology where more just becomes more, unnecessary add ons. An Xti can produce the same image as a 1DX. A better camera isn't going to produce a better image. Invest in better lenses, a fast writing memory card and some basic knowledge of aperture, shutter speed and iso. Any Canon camera that's 10mp or better, will get the job done. P.S. Rule of thumb, never shoot over 800iso if you are expecting a quality photo. Good luck.
 
Joe,

Thanks for the info, i will look into that i was actually looking at a used 40D for 299 off B&h website, I have been looking at the lenses and i do like the lens lineup they have that was the hard thing i was finding when looking at Sony is they just don't offer enough even with the Carl Zeiss lenses they don't offer a wide variety at all. My issue with my camera right now is i have a feeling that one of my family member knocked it really hard or dropped it cause i can't get it to auto focus anymore, and even the manual focus doesn't do it either, and the cost to fix it i can almost get a new camera at the end of it.
 
maidia said:
Xti is not full frame but 6D is.
Click to expand...

I do like the full frame on those and that is the one reason i wanted to get to a camera at the level was because i do try and travel a lot want to take pictures of where i am, i was in Germany and France a couple years ago and had the ability to use a Mark II and loved it for many reasons
 
maidia said:
Xti is not full frame but 6D is.
Click to expand...

Like I said, 98% of users here have no need for a 6D. I'm willing to bet there isn't one person on the forum who could look at a photo and tell me it was shot with a full frame or crop frame sensor. Personally, I like the extra reach from a crop sensor and the ef-s 10-22mm is more than wide enough for me if I need something on the low end matching the sharpness on an L series lens with an equivalent focal length, and it's half the price. I mean, if you need 104,000iso for night vision, 8497 autofocus points to frame your shot and 115fps 1080p video capabilities, by all means, buy it!

People believe a better camera is going to make their photos better, but it won't. Learning how to use the camera will..

Also, considering he was using an Xti, his lenses most likely won't work on a full frame body. ef-s are crop sensor lenses, the elements are shifted towards the body for better optics and will hit the sensor on a full frame.
 
Reefjunky24 said:
Joe,

Thanks for the info, i will look into that i was actually looking at a used 40D for 299 off B&h website, I have been looking at the lenses and i do like the lens lineup they have that was the hard thing i was finding when looking at Sony is they just don't offer enough even with the Carl Zeiss lenses they don't offer a wide variety at all. My issue with my camera right now is i have a feeling that one of my family member knocked it really hard or dropped it cause i can't get it to auto focus anymore, and even the manual focus doesn't do it either, and the cost to fix it i can almost get a new camera at the end of it.
Click to expand...

Anytime, Buddy. I just wanted to chime in and mention there is no need for a "new" model and state that an Xti replacement would suffice. Do you shoot in auto or full manual? Do you know what focal lengths you're interested in? There really is no "one size fits all", and a lot of people become frustrated when their camera doesn't respond how they would like. "Ughhh, why is it so blurry?!" "Why is the shutter fast sometimes, but take forever others. It made me miss the shot.". Once you learn the basics of aperture, shutter speed and iso, all of that frustration disappears and you can take greater photos with any camera. Having that basic knowledge will also help you in selecting your gear, because you will know exactly why you are buying that 70-200mm f/2.8 IS L series lense and you'll know why that lens on a 1.6x crop sensor will change the focal length to 112-320mm.
 
joe hit it dead-on. unless you are a professional, a canon xti or any of the 2ti or 3ti will be just fine. i have friends and family that have the sony dslr, canon markII, and 2Ti. They all take great pics. I personally also have an old xti.
Just get a tripod and spend the money on a nice lens and practice. Can't go wrong with canon though. my brother has a 2Ti and he loves it. I don't think I could justify spending over $1000 for just a camera body.
 
Sorry for the slight derail of this thread. When you decide on a camera may I suggest checking Fry's for prices also. It's usually with the drive. BTW, I also have a Canon but wouldn't mind trying a Nikon next time.
 
I agree, once you get to a megapixel level with a real CMOS sensor on DSLR cameras, there is no benefit beyond that point for most practical uses. My ancient D70, not even the X model is still more than adequate for my uses. It probably could use a maintenance cleaning and inspection after all these years now but still works perfectly. You most definitely don't need the latest and greatest. Find a good condition used camera body online or at a camera shop and spend the difference on high quality lenses for it.
 
fredfish13 said:
joe hit it dead-on. unless you are a professional, a canon xti or any of the 2ti or 3ti will be just fine. i have friends and family that have the sony dslr, canon markII, and 2Ti. They all take great pics. I personally also have an old xti.
Just get a tripod and spend the money on a nice lens and practice. Can't go wrong with canon though. my brother has a 2Ti and he loves it. I don't think I could justify spending over $1000 for just a camera body.
Click to expand...

I agree. Im still using a 8mp digital rebel xti from 2003/4 and let's just say that I have not yet been limited by my equipment. (HD video would be pretty sweet though)
 
Joe, can you start a thread teaching us the basics how use a camera with aperture, shutter speeds and ISO showing pictures as examples?

Also will be great to know how to select a lense for your camera..
 
I disagree with the highlighted statement. I've spent many, many years in photography, both film and digital and though I agree that if someone is just going to use a camera for shooting photos of their tank, then the higher end full frame cameras would be a waste of money. With that being said, if one is wanting to pursue photography at an amateur level; landscapes, portraits, actions, macro, then it would be wise to purchase a high end camera now rather than later. I personally am waiting a couple years before I buy a new camera. Full frame allows one to have a larger aspect ratio and a more room to work with. I personally don't like my smaller sensor because I do a lot of macro photography and would prefer having my photos emulate 35mm size. The smaller sensors are much less than 35mm which is what I've been used to.

Edit: I do agree with everything you are saying Joe. Not trying to discount anything you've said. You can give two people unfamiliar with photography two different cameras, one an iphone, one a 5D. I guarantee the iphone person will be able to instantly take better photos than the person with the 5D assuming neither has photographic experience. Learning is the key with photography. Learning how to shoot only adjusting the aperature, then learn just using shutter speed. Once those two are mastered, you can start messing around with manual mode. I typically start with either adjusting the aperture, then the shutter speed, if I am unable to get the shot how I want it, I then switch to manual. Joe you've given some great advice. Number one thing that helps take better photos is learning the camera.

Joe Lydon said:
Like I said, 98% of users here have no need for a 6D. I'm willing to bet there isn't one person on the forum who could look at a photo and tell me it was shot with a full frame or crop frame sensor. Personally, I like the extra reach from a crop sensor and the ef-s 10-22mm is more than wide enough for me if I need something on the low end matching the sharpness on an L series lens with an equivalent focal length, and it's half the price. I mean, if you need 104,000iso for night vision, 8497 autofocus points to frame your shot and 115fps 1080p video capabilities, by all means, buy it!

People believe a better camera is going to make their photos better, but it won't. Learning how to use the camera will..

Also, considering he was using an Xti, his lenses most likely won't work on a full frame body. ef-s are crop sensor lenses, the elements are shifted towards the body for better optics and will hit the sensor on a full frame.
Click to expand...
 
Joe Lydon said:
Anytime, Buddy. I just wanted to chime in and mention there is no need for a "new" model and state that an Xti replacement would suffice. Do you shoot in auto or full manual? Do you know what focal lengths you're interested in? There really is no "one size fits all", and a lot of people become frustrated when their camera doesn't respond how they would like. "Ughhh, why is it so blurry?!" "Why is the shutter fast sometimes, but take forever others. It made me miss the shot.". Once you learn the basics of aperture, shutter speed and iso, all of that frustration disappears and you can take greater photos with any camera. Having that basic knowledge will also help you in selecting your gear, because you will know exactly why you are buying that 70-200mm f/2.8 IS L series lense and you'll know why that lens on a 1.6x crop sensor will change the focal length to 112-320mm.
Click to expand...

Joe,

Let me answer these for you in order

Do i shoot in auto or full manual - depends on what i am shooting, so i do use both auto and full man

on the Focal lengths i am looking for 2 different things, i will be doing macro shots for the most part but like i said before i do like to travel and take pictures so some things could be very far from me, so i do realize that i will need different lenses for different shots.

I do a lot of night shots as well, or early morning or dusk as well for when i am shooting for personal

I know that the camera doesn't make the picture the person makes the pictures, because of there knowledge of shutter speeds, iso, aperture as well. i am still learning which i feel you always learn something new, if it was so easy then everyone would sell million dollar pictures.....lol

I also know that having a very good memory card helps with processing the pictures to take more pictures at a quicker pace.

I know that i want a 90mm-100mm macro, for close up shots specifically, i will also be looking at getting a good zoom lens for shooting distance shots, then as normal just a general lens for everyday shooting.

Either way I am still learning and by no means will i go spend 1500 on a camera body only right now maybe in the future but the biggest thing is making sure i have the right lenses for what i am shooting cause i do feel that my XTI can take a great shot (when it was working)
 
ddiomede said:
I disagree with the highlighted statement. I've spent many, many years in photography, both film and digital and though I agree that if someone is just going to use a camera for shooting photos of their tank, then the higher end full frame cameras would be a waste of money. With that being said, if one is wanting to pursue photography at an amateur level; landscapes, portraits, actions, macro, then it would be wise to purchase a high end camera now rather than later. I personally am waiting a couple years before I buy a new camera. Full frame allows one to have a larger aspect ratio and a more room to work with. I personally don't like my smaller sensor because I do a lot of macro photography and would prefer having my photos emulate 35mm size. The smaller sensors are much less than 35mm which is what I've been used to.

Edit: I do agree with everything you are saying Joe. Not trying to discount anything you've said. You can give two people unfamiliar with photography two different cameras, one an iphone, one a 5D. I guarantee the iphone person will be able to instantly take better photos than the person with the 5D assuming neither has photographic experience. Learning is the key with photography. Learning how to shoot only adjusting the aperature, then learn just using shutter speed. Once those two are mastered, you can start messing around with manual mode. I typically start with either adjusting the aperture, then the shutter speed, if I am unable to get the shot how I want it, I then switch to manual. Joe you've given some great advice. Number one thing that helps take better photos is learning the camera.
Click to expand...

Full frame is decieving, yes, it is relative to the popular 35mm film cameras. What is full frame? It's certainly not the largest sensor available. Pentax makes a handheld medium format camera that is much "fuller" than a full frame. I disagree that a better camera (beyond the level I suggested) will produce better images for anyone pursuing amateur photography. New cameras are only new for 6 months, but there are still lenses from the early 90's with a place in many photographer's bags. I'm still willing to bet that nobody on the forum has a system to accurately distinguish between a crop sensor and full frame image, without looking at the meta data.
 
Joe,

The other option i found was a canon 60D with a EF-S 18-135mm IS Lens, then would just add on the macro lens all in for both the body and the lense is 850
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top