Recommended upgrade from 400D....

[wyocntry]

I am an advanced amateur photographer that has been getting along just fine with the XTi and consider it to be a wonderful camera that has served me well. I have read a few reviews to the contrary, which actually surprised me since I have talked with many pros that use this as a solid and dependable backup/starter camera.

However, I have recently had many requests to do weddings, senior portraits, family photos in addition to studio portraiture. I also have always taken equine photography as well as pets and scenics. My photos have done well in local, state and national photo exhibits so I think quality and imagery are okay. I have only been charging base rates for my work (ie: $150 for portrait sessions and $500 for weddings) because I think my equipment may not be the best for the services that I am offering. A few of the church images are too grainy for my liking and I was going to upgrade to the 24-70 lens to help alleviate that. Weddings are not my favorite but there seems to be demands for wedding photographers in my area.

I don't want to spend too much on the new camera but want to make sure that it helps represent the extra efforts that I put into my work. I live on a ranch and almost always carry my camera with me so I need something dependable and durable. Normally, I have the simple 18-55 kits lens attached just because it is expendable and it takes decent pictures. Also, for the portability because almost all of my outdoor shots are "in the moment" and not posed.

Now, for my main question...what would be some moderately priced, feature friendly recommendations that you would have for me? Camera body and lens information would be welcomed! Thank you...

[Max@Home]

Originally Posted by wyocntry

I am an advanced amateur photographer that has been getting along just fine with the ITi and consider it to be a wonderful camera that has served me well. I have read a few reviews to the contrary, which actually surprised me since I have talked with many pros that use this as a solid and dependable backup/starter camera.

However, I have recently had many requests to do weddings, senior portraits, family photos in addition to studio portraiture. I also have always taken equine photography as well as pets and scenics. My photos have done well in local, state and national photo exhibits so I think quality and imagery are okay. I have only been charging base rates for my work (ie: $150 for portrait sessions and $500 for weddings) because I think my equipment may not be the best for the services that I am offering. A few of the church images are too grainy for my liking and I was going to upgrade to the 24-70 lens to help alleviate that. Weddings are not my favorite but there seems to be demands for wedding photographers in my area.

I don't want to spend too much on the new camera but want to make sure that it helps represent the extra efforts that I put into my work. I live on a ranch and almost always carry my camera with me so I need something dependable and durable. Normally, I have the simple 18-55 kits lens attached just because it is expendable and it takes decent pictures. Also, for the portability because almost all of my outdoor shots are "in the moment" and not posed.

Now, for my main question...what would be some moderately priced, feature friendly recommendations that you would have for me? Camera body and lens information would be welcomed! Thank you...

Camera Body: new or refurbished 40D or 50D, both can shoot a higher cleaner ISO than your 400D, and are 'semi-pro' bodies - meaning you can access & change the main functions faster

Lens: the afore mentioned EF24-70F2.8L or - since you are familiar with that length - the EF-S 17-55F2.8 IS. Both are High Quality F2.8 lenses so will give better images in dark churches

...€0.02...

Kindest regards,

Max@Home

[wyocntry]

Hey, thanks! I will check into your recommendations. I have seen some good reviews on the camera bodies that you mentioned...

[keblerelf11]

I have just started shooting with the 50D and I think this camera is fantastic. I used to shoot Nikon, but had some issues and had to sell all my stuff. I have been comparing my Nikon D70s pictures to the 50D and I have to say the 50D does a much better job of straight out of the camera. The colors are better and sharper. Granted, they are different technologies and all, but they were the same level. I borrowed a 450xt from a friend to do some "theraputic" shooting, and I have to say, after shooting with it, and then having the 50D, there is no comparison. The autofocus alone on the 50D was worth it for me. As for lens, right now I have the 50mm f1.8 II lens, and the 70-200 f4 L is on the way. A friend I do shot with has a Canon 5D and he has the tamron 17-50 f2.8 lens, and he loves it. I have seen his work with it, and it is top notch. Clear, sharp, and fast. He has used it in churches and events, and come out with some great shots. Very reasonably priced too. My two cents worth.

[Mark1616]

I would agree with the 50D and as you are staying with an APS-C body then the 17-55 IS f2.8 from Canon is great. A cheaper option that is also very nice is the Tamron 17-50mm f2.8 (don't get the stabilised version).

I would keep you 400D as you need 2 bodies (minimum) for paid work and depending how you shoot you might find a 2nd lens like the 85mm f1.8 or 100mm f2 would be good on it for closer shots.

[Dirk]

Originally Posted by Mark1616

I would agree with the 50D and as you are staying with an APS-C body then the 17-55 IS f2.8 from Canon is great. A cheaper option that is also very nice is the Tamron 17-50mm f2.8 (don't get the stabilised version).

I would keep you 400D as you need 2 bodies (minimum) for paid work and depending how you shoot you might find a 2nd lens like the 85mm f1.8 or 100mm f2 would be good on it for closer shots.

Dear Mark

What is wrong with the VC version of the 17-50 ?
would you like to elborate that ?

[Mark1616]

Originally Posted by Dirk

Dear Mark

What is wrong with the VC version of the 17-50 ?
would you like to elborate that ?

Sure thing. Unfortunately the VC version isn't as sharp as the original, same problem with the Sigma 17-70 OS, it isn't as sharp as the non OS version.

The best IS lens in the wide to medium range is the Canon 17-55mm f2.8

[COBOB]

I bought the 300D when it came out, I bought the 500D when it came out, 6 months ago I bought the 15-85 mm, then 2 months ago I bought the 50D. The 50D with the 15-85 is as good as I have ever had it. I love the combination. I am sure there are better cameras but I have no desire for anything else. The 50d handles anything I have tried. I like natural light. I have a 430EX but it has never been on this camera. The 50D handles hi ISO, low light really nice.

[wyocntry]

Thanks for your input, everyone! Mark, thanks for elaborating on your comment...I was wondering the same question! I am not ready to spend the extra $ on the 5D/7D etc, nor do I feel they will boost my end result "that" much. In addition, I already have the basic lenses to fit this type of camera body, so it only makes sense to stick with that type. I think in the Wyoming wind, the extra $ for the IS versions are almost always validated. I am finding that I am way behind in the world of lenses and so will research the 15-85 and the 17-50. Thanks again VERY much for your input!!!!

[Canonian]

I have recently upgraded from the 400D to a 50D, though I now really want the 5D MKII, not for the video, just because it has a full frame sensor, not that I am going to sell the 50D

[stef@apl]

I've played with a 5Dm2 for a bit, but I'm loving my 7D (which is pretty close to the 50D). If I had a 5dm2 I'm sure I'd get used to it, but the 7D is almost as good of a sensor, just not a full frame. I like having my AF points shift when I change orientation. I like my 8fps when I need them. I like my built-in level. The 5dm2 doesn't have that.

I miss the light sensitivity and sensor quality of the 5dm2 which is slightly better, and yes, I wish I had full frame at times. But man, I don't miss it much. I'm thinking of getting a 5d2 as a second camera, and seeing which one actually comes out being used more! (5dm2 + 24-105 f/4 versus 7d + ef-s17-55 f/2.8 would be a serious test.)

[richardpcrowe]

Michelangelo did not paint the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel with a paint by numbers set! If you are shooting for pay, invest your profits back into your equipment until you have a professional setup.

This would be:

At least two cameras. Full framers are nice but you can do O.K. with 1.6x crop cameras. IMO a 40D or 50D should be your minimum camera with the 400D as a backup (until you can replace the 400D with another 40D or 50D). The difference in handling between the xxD and xxxD cameras is (IMO) quantum. BTW: It is also nice for both of your cameras to be the same so that the controls can be instinctive. Especially when you graduate to using a two camera setup.

Look into getting a refurbished 50D from Adorama. I have been shooting with refurbished 30D and 40D cameras for years with absolutely no problems. You can get a refurb 50D from Canon for $900.

Canon Direct Store- EOS 50D Refurbished (Body)

or new from B&H for $966

canon eos 50d

You may find one for less if you shop around but, be careful. If something seems too good to be true is probably is.

Two quality medium focal length zoom lenses with a constant f/2.8 aperture. The 17-55mm f/2.8 IS lens is the pick of the litter in this grouping. It is $1,080 from B&H

Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM Zoom Lens 1242B002AA - B&H Photo

Again, you might find one new or refurb for less with some careful shopping.

I personally have both the 17-55mm f/2.8 IS and the 24-70mm f/2.8L lenses. These are both great lenses. I have a hunch that the results from either the 17-55mm f/2.8 IS or 24-70mm f/2.8L lenses as measured against the results of your kit lens will blow your socks off. It's not that the kit is not a nice lens, it just isn't professional glass.

The 17-50mm Tamrons are O.K. but why not get the absolute best? Four or five hundred bucks extra for tools is not exhorbitant. Get the pick of the litter. My brother-in-law is a carpenter and he doesn't buy his tools at K-Mart even though some of the tools there might be "almost as good".

Two professional quality flashes such as the 580EX (series) or even the 550ex with at least one camera rotate bracket and a pair of off camera sync cords (redundancy is the name of the game).

canon 580ex ii

Two modifiers such as the Joe Demb Flash Diffuser Pro

www.dembflashproducts.com

After this set up has been attained, you can think of expanding - perhaps with a 70-200mm f/2.8L IS lens...

I know that it isn't fun to purchase duplicate equipment but, it is necessary for a professional to have back up gear and a professional is anyone who shoots and gets paid for the shooting.. If you have only one piece of any important photo equipment you are playing with fire. Murphy's Law of Professional Photography states: "The probability of a piece of photo gear failing is in a direct relationship to the importance of the shoot and in an indirect relationship to the availablilty of quality back-up equipment!"