Camera advice

[Ms_Tex]

I agree with Ido. Go with something inexpensive while you learn the basics. Take the time to decide what you like and don't like about the camera body and lenses and research what you really want - and actually need.

I started with a Canon Rebel XTi, Canon 50mm f/1.8 and Canon 28-135 f/3.5-5.6 IS USM almost 8 years ago. They've performed well while I've learned the the basics of digital photography, now that I have the money, I'm ready to upgrade my to a full frame body and better lenses. The important thing is that I've gotten a feel for what I like to shoot, and I've done my research.

Have you looked into renting? Some camera shops let customers rent both bodies and lenses. That might give you a better idea of what you want and need.

 

[DzReal]

I agree with Ido. Go with something inexpensive while you learn the basics. Take the time to decide what you like and don't like about the camera body and lenses and research what you really want - and actually need.

I started with a Canon Rebel XTi, Canon 50mm f/1.8 and Canon 28-135 f/3.5-5.6 IS USM almost 8 years ago. They've performed well while I've learned the the basics of digital photography, now that I have the money, I'm ready to upgrade my to a full frame body and better lenses. The important thing is that I've gotten a feel for what I like to shoot, and I've done my research.

Have you looked into renting? Some camera shops let customers rent both bodies and lenses. That might give you a better idea of what you want and need.

Thanks for your advice. But unfortunately there is no renting service around. So I guess I will start with the cheaper ones

 

[Ms_Tex]

A Google search for "online camera rental" will give you some options.

Also, if you're looking at Canon equipment, The-Digital-Picture.com features Canon DSLR Camera and Lens Reviews News Deals and Tips has reviews of Canon camera and lenses, as well as some other lenses.

 

[silentnick]

My first camera was a canon 600d and the standard lens that came with it has done me since then, I've only recently upgraded. As a rookie, I feel, the default equipment is perfect, unless you have a special task in mind for the camera there isn't any need to buy a new lens within the first few months to a year.


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[weepete]

If you can afford it go for it. The 5D mkiii is a fantastic bit of kit, one of the best cameras on the market.

The difference between the 24-105mm and the 24-70mm is the maximum aperture with the former being an f4 and the latter an f2.8. This really comes into play when your are shooting in low light (think indoors) without a flash as it means you can let more light into the sensor so can get a faster shutter speed.

So if you want to do low light shots get the 24-70mm f2.8 if not the 24-105mm f4 is still a really nice lens.

 

[Solarflare]

There really is no way ever that we can possibly know what camera system you will prefer once you are skilled in photography. That will completely depend upon your priorities.

Maybe you'll prefer the increased dynamic range of Nikon cameras, over the Canons. Maybe you'll prefer more telephoto range and go to smaller sensors like a Canon 7D Mark II. Maybe you'll want more compactness and go for mirrorless, for example the Sony A7r II that just got out is pretty good already (but as a young system still comes with many issues). Maybe you'll got for more "sufficient" than "maximum" image quality and thus for Micro Four Thirds. Maybe you'll go all compact and stealthy with a Ricoh GR or a Sony RX100. Maybe you'll want the most extreme image quality ever and go for large format film. And so on.

But yes, the Canon 5D Mk III is an excellent alround camera. Just be aware that full frame means the lenses are expensive, too. On the other hand, you'll get a LOT more options with full frame lenses.

Just to give you an impression on how a professional will choose their gear, Ming Thein just now posted another nice article about how to choose gear: How to choose equipment Ming Thein Photographer

Mind that Ming Thein is always trying to get maximum image quality. So he doesnt talk, for example, about Micro Four Thirds, which have a fairly small sensor, but also correspondingly small lenses. Otherwise his article is fairly balanced.

He had more of this in the past, for example:
Defining the shooting envelope Ming Thein Photographer
Points of sufficiency do you really know how much is enough Ming Thein Photographer
What makes a good lens part I Ming Thein Photographer
What makes a good lens part II Ming Thein Photographer
The Four Things Ming Thein Photographer
What makes a good photographer Ming Thein Photographer
What makes an outstanding image part 1 Ming Thein Photographer
What makes an outstanding image part 2 Ming Thein Photographer

As I said, I'm a rookie now. So I just use it for more fun when traveling alone. The most common subjects are just daily objects like plants, animals, my family and some beautiful scenery.

Hmm.

- Plants need a macro lens
- Wildlife needs telephoto range, LOTS AND LOTS of telephoto range
- Family well thats probably something midrange
- Beautiful scenery, well that sounds kind of wide angle

So you would really need everything for this.