Purchase help Pls

GhostRed7 · Jan 2, 2014

After attempting to shoot with my ancient Canon 300D (on 1000x CF), it was an eye-opener to how badly I need to upgrade and get new. I've been doing videography for so many years, I've neglected my still equipment

.

That being said, I'd like to help my wife out by shooting some of her test models (fashion makeup). I have 3pt lighting, chromakey backdrops, etc...but need new body and glass. My current is Canon Digital Rebel (300D) with the kit 18-55 lens. I do have the Canon 430 speedlite too.

My conundrum is the limited budget and purchasing place. I have $1500 budget on a store-specific credit.

I'm not married to a specific brand but only have access to Canon or Nikon. I don't think my old lens is worth sticking with Canon if there is a better Nikon in budget.

Here's what I'm seeing in budget:

Canon 60D, 70D
Nikon D5300, D7100, D5200

I've never used either and will be digging up threads on here, but wanted to ask the collective. Thanks.

ronlane · Jan 2, 2014

GhostRed7,

I saw in your introduction that you were did video as well. Of the cameras that you listed above and since you have Canon, I would look and research the Canon 70D. It is the newest of Canon's cameras and is said to be very good for video with it's focusing system. It may well be something that could serve you in dual roles.

GhostRed7 · Jan 2, 2014

Thanks. Ya, I just stumbled on the D7100 v 70D shootout video. That and learning more about the wi-fi stuff right now.

Kruegs · Jan 2, 2014

I am just a hobbyist and still have a lot to learn but I was recently in a similar situation (upgrading from a Rebel XS) with a similar budget. The majority of people I spoke with recommended stepping down a little on the body in order to buy better glass and pass on the kit lens. I do not do any video so I'm not sure if that changes things. I was originally looking at a Canon 7D or 70D and ended up with a 60D for $599 with a Canon 50mm f/1.4 and Tamron 17-50 f/2.8. I've been a little disappointed with the low light performance on the 60D but otherwise have been very pleased as the performance and features blew the dated XS out of the water. I have been able to do so much more with these lenses than I ever could have with the kit lens so I have no regrets! Good luck!

Designer · Jan 2, 2014

While you're doing your research, try going at it "backwards", i.e.: Start with the model, the room, then the lights, then the lens. Getting to the lens you want will tell you what camera body to get.

Kind of like fishing; if it's fish you want, begin at the fish, then the lure or bait, then the line, then the rod. Most people start with a rod and reel combination, then wonder why they are not catching fish.

Most likely any lens that is packaged with a new body will not be the one you want for portraiture. So even if you switch brands, you still need a good portrait lens to fit.

GhostRed7 · Jan 2, 2014

Designer said:
Kind of like fishing; if it's fish you want, begin at the fish, then the lure or bait, then the line, then the rod. Most people start with a rod and reel combination, then wonder why they are not catching fish.

Most likely any lens that is packaged with a new body will not be the one you want for portraiture. So even if you switch brands, you still need a good portrait lens to fit.

The fishing analogy I actually understood lol. I don't even know what a good portrait lens is. I just know right now, what I have isn't cutting it.

Designer · Jan 2, 2014

Well, even if you start at the body end, be sure to budget enough to get a good lens to go with it.

Depending on how much physical space there is in the room, you would be using anywhere from 50mm to 100mm or thereabouts. A good lens, good lights, a simple backdrop, and you're good to go.

GhostRed7 · Jan 2, 2014

One of the 'kits' I'm looking into has the 18-135mm 3.5-5.6 IS STM one in it. Unfortunately their lens selection is limited or I would get it separately. The only other lens I could get that'd keep me in budget is the 50mm 1.8 II standard telephoto. I have the standard 18-55mm IS (old) now.

JacaRanda · Jan 2, 2014

GhostRed7 said:
Thanks. Ya, I just stumbled on the D7100 v 70D shootout video. That and learning more about the wi-fi stuff right now.

Not the shootout, but comparison.

Kruegs · Jan 2, 2014

When I purchased my 60D this summer it was part of a kit but the dealer agreed take out the kit lens and credited me $300 to put toward the other lenses and to get the body to match the online price of $599. It was the last kit they had in stock and since the 70D had been announced I think they were looking to move it so they were willing to negotiate. They also then gave me 40-50% off most of the accessories I purchased that day (tripod, SD cards, filters, etc).

Derrel · Jan 2, 2014

I saw a post recently from TPF's sponsoring camera sales promoter, brunerw, and he stated that the Nikon D5300 shoots higher-spec'd video than the D7100. Less rolling shutter I think he said, and one's 1080p, the other is somewhat lower spec'd.

As far as lenses...I dunno...an 85mm f/1.8 prime lens is very sharp, but usually focuses down to only around 3 feet; if you want to show makeup from closer than that, a telephoto macro lens, like a 90mm Tamron AF-SP macro would be a good choice.