Looking for a little advice

[mkoop]

Hi all!

I'm about to delve back into photography.

While I was in the military I used a cannon 20D ( I was a scout sniper) to take battle field pictures. That is where my roots in photography were planted. Now it has been a few years and I am looking to buy my own set up to enjoy life a bit more as I travel.

I need some advice on what kind of gear would be the best for me. I want overall versatility, I will take pictures at sporting events from time to time, lots of nature pictures but what really peaks my interest is micro photography.

Now I am not stuck on Cannon, that is just what I have used. I'm hoping someone can give me some sort of recommendations on what gear to use. I have budgeted $1000 for this so that is my limit. Though I dont *need* to use all of that if I dont need to, but would like to get the best set up I can.

Thanks much!

 

[thingsIsee]

Well $1000 isn’t much more than a new camera, unless you go used.
If you know and like the 20D I would start there. Not sure what you mean by “what gear to use”
the 7D has 8 FPS, for sports and is a great all around camera, but $1500 body only

If you are looking for new maybe go with a canon sxi /kit lens and a 55-250mm.
Used the 20D and whatever else you can get with $$ left over.

 

[mkoop]

I don't really mind buying things used as long as I can see them first and make sure they are in good working order.

As far as gear I guess I am just looking for what the best set up would be for me lenses / body etc for $1000 <. I'm currently looking at a t2i or a D5000, any recommendations between those two? I'm really just looking to get an intermediate set up as this will be a hobby for me nothing professional. I guess where I am getting lost is what lenses to pair with it.

 

[mkoop]

Looking into it more I don't think I care much about the video recording features. Looking into a 30D,40D or 50D now.

 

[PJL]

Looking into it more I don't think I care much about the video recording features. Looking into a 30D,40D or 50D now.

For me, I'm trying to decide between the 40D and 50D. The 30D is just too old at this point. Check out the reviews at dpreview.com, which also includes comparison shots between the 50D and 40D. Their tests show that while the 50D has more megapixels, their ultimate conclusion is that Canon tried to stuff too many onto a crop sensor with that particular technology -- you'll only reach that kind of per-pixel resolution with high-end glass and the higher ISO performance is worse than the 40D. For most people, though, the practical results won't be notably different and the 50D has a much better LCD screen and also has a few other features that surpass the 40D.

The review, which offers direct specification and picture comparisons between the 50D and the 40D:

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/canoneos50d/

If you're considering an entry-level camera, go spend some time fiddling around with it. I've been using "advanced amateur" film gear, so I'm used to cameras that are a bit bigger. I just didn't like the smaller size of the Canon Rebel line or the D5000.

 

[mkoop]

Yeah I actually have been researching exactly this. I've called 5 camera stores in my state (WI) in Madison and Milwaukee. No one has a 40D so my only option would be to purchase online (which isn't bad but eliminates the option of fiddling with it prior and making sure the used quality is good). They do have 50d's but I agree with you, after reading several reviews I'm leaning toward the 40d.

 

[PJL]

Yeah I actually have been researching exactly this. I've called 5 camera stores in my state (WI) in Madison and Milwaukee. No one has a 40D so my only option would be to purchase online (which isn't bad but eliminates the option of fiddling with it prior and making sure the used quality is good). They do have 50d's but I agree with you, after reading several reviews I'm leaning toward the 40d.

Check out keh.com and adorama.com if you're looking online. Both have good used gear sections and both are known for being very nitpicky and reliable in their used gear ratings. I've been contemplating getting my 40D through keh, myself.

Disclaimer: I have no financial or other interest in either site.

 

[mkoop]

I actually found a D200 on sale at a local shop and really liked the feel so I picked up that (as they said it was very comparable to the 40d), a 18-55 and a really nice Tamron SP AF 60mm f/2 1:1 macro lens. I also grabbed a remote, mini portable tripod, Lowpro portable bike bag (for biking trips) and an 8GB card. Spent slightly over (~30) what I had budgeted for it all, so a success in my mind!

All set! Time to go take some pictures of my dog running through 4 feet of snow.

 

[mwcfarms]

Excellent, have fun with your new purchase. New gear is always exciting.

 

[PJL]

I actually found a D200 on sale at a local shop and really liked the feel so I picked up that (as they said it was very comparable to the 40d), a 18-55 and a really nice Tamron SP AF 60mm f/2 1:1 macro lens. I also grabbed a remote, mini portable tripod, Lowpro portable bike bag (for biking trips) and an 8GB card. Spent slightly over (~30) what I had budgeted for it all, so a success in my mind!

All set! Time to go take some pictures of my dog running through 4 feet of snow.

Congratulations. I'm officially jealous as I wait for my tax return...