GFY Photography Experts - DSLR Camera Advice Needed

[CamDoughCat]

Decided to move up to the prosumer class of DSLR and try to learn the basics of shooting my own content. Just a quick couple of questions that I hope 'experts' with a shit load more knowledge about it than me can help with...

I've narrowed it down to a choice between the Canon T3i/600d or the Canon 60d for just starting out. But I would like to just get the body only while investing my cash in a better quality lens. I guess it depends what and where I would be shooting mostly so let's say what's the best lens choice shooting models indoors in a room about same size as a standard hotel room? I did a search here and many shooters said the Canon EF28-70 f/2.8 L USM is a good quality lens to use. Those were some old posts tho so I'm wondering if something better has come out recently. Anything you guys would recommend or use most of the time?

Also portable lighting rigs. What type of setup do you guys use mostly shooting models indoors? Basic 3 light setups with a few umbrellas, softboxes, remote flashes? I just want to make sure when I go shopping I don't miss anything.

I've been taking pictures since I was in high school but always with crappy little point/shoot cameras and honestly just want to see if I can learn to do more. I also enrolled at a local college here to gain more advanced instruction.

What do you guys think - am I going about this the right way? Thanks much for the advice, in advance......

[xsabn]

i am not an expert but everyone usually buy Nikon D90

[JFK]

Originally Posted by xsabn

i am not an expert but everyone usually buy Nikon D90

[SDA CASH - Banned for Life AGAIN]

Canon 5D MkII

[TheDA]

Canon 1Ds MkIII

Just kidding. Both the cameras you're looking at get good write-ups and I am guessing that for what you are shooting will do you more than adequately.

Lens is a good choice too, nice and fast, but I'm no expert on close quarters stuff like that. If anything, I'd say you would probably find you are using the lens closer to the 28mm end a lot of the time so you could probably get away with smaller, unless you are really getting in close for the cervix shots

[CamDoughCat]

Originally Posted by xsabn

i am not an expert but everyone usually buy Nikon D90

Thanks for the suggestion. Although I could be wrong, I think the Canon 60D is a step up from the Nikon D90, not only in image quality but in being able to shoot in HD video mode as well; something the D90 doesn't do. But hey....I'm no expert either so what do I know.

[CamDoughCat]

Originally Posted by SDA CASH

Canon 5D MkII

I'll graduate to this when I'm a bit more experienced and can eat ramon noodles for 6 months to be able to afford it. I do like it tho....

[Grapesoda]

Originally Posted by CamDoughCat

Decided to move up to the prosumer class of DSLR and try to learn the basics of shooting my own content. Just a quick couple of questions that I hope 'experts' with a shit load more knowledge about it than me can help with...

I've narrowed it down to a choice between the Canon T3i/600d or the Canon 60d for just starting out. But I would like to just get the body only while investing my cash in a better quality lens. I guess it depends what and where I would be shooting mostly so let's say what's the best lens choice shooting models indoors in a room about same size as a standard hotel room? I did a search here and many shooters said the Canon EF28-70 f/2.8 L USM is a good quality lens to use. Those were some old posts tho so I'm wondering if something better has come out recently. Anything you guys would recommend or use most of the time?

Also portable lighting rigs. What type of setup do you guys use mostly shooting models indoors? Basic 3 light setups with a few umbrellas, softboxes, remote flashes? I just want to make sure when I go shopping I don't miss anything.

I've been taking pictures since I was in high school but always with crappy little point/shoot cameras and honestly just want to see if I can learn to do more. I also enrolled at a local college here to gain more advanced instruction.

What do you guys think - am I going about this the right way? Thanks much for the advice, in advance......

prolly the 24-120 f4 be a good choice for content production

[marcop]

Originally Posted by CamDoughCat

I've narrowed it down to a choice between the Canon T3i/600d or the Canon 60d for just starting out. But I would like to just get the body only while investing my cash in a better quality lens. I guess it depends what and where I would be shooting mostly so let's say what's the best lens choice shooting models indoors in a room about same size as a standard hotel room? I did a search here and many shooters said the Canon EF28-70 f/2.8 L USM is a good quality lens to use. Those were some old posts tho so I'm wondering if something better has come out recently. Anything you guys would recommend or use most of the time?

I use the 60D to shoot a lot of web content, and it takes great photos that are plenty big for website use. You really don't need a full frame sensor like on a 5D Mk II, etc. The ergonomics are better on the 60D than on the Rebel, and so is faster and easier to use.

If you're going to go for an L series lens--which is very smart--I'd recommend the 24-105mm IS lens, which is about $1050-1100, and an awesome piece of glass. It's wider than the lens you mentioned (better for video) and more telephoto too (useful for stills), and also has image stabilization.

[CamDoughCat]

Originally Posted by marcop

I use the 60D to shoot a lot of web content, and it takes great photos that are plenty big for website use. You really don't need a full frame sensor like on a 5D Mk II, etc. The ergonomics are better on the 60D than on the Rebel, and so is faster and easier to use.

If you're going to go for an L series lens--which is very smart--I'd recommend the 24-105mm IS lens, which is about $1050-1100, and an awesome piece of glass. It's wider than the lens you mentioned (better for video) and more telephoto too (useful for stills), and also has image stabilization.

Thanks for the advice. The 24-105 f/4 IS L USM will probably be the one I will get then. I spent the last few hours reading reviews of it and I like it better than the 24-70 which as of now still does not have any image stabalization. Although I had planned on doing some tripod shooting but it seems a good starting lens. Price about the same here where I am from.

How about lighting setups? Anyone with some advice? 2 Off camera strobes plus 1 key light? Alien Bees? Umbrellas? Bare minimum needed for learning/practicing shooting models indoors?

[SDA CASH - Banned for Life AGAIN]

The best all around zoom lens hands down. 24 to 70mm 2.8

Doesnt matter if it is Nikon or Canon the 24-70mm 2.8L or DX is the best for everyday use.

I go for the 2.8 to be able to shoot in lower light, dont need IS for this focal length

[TCLGirls]

Unless you can easily afford the more expensive gear right away, I would start out on the cheap if I were you.

For example, I took this content image in a small hotel room:

camera: Sony a330 ($270 refurbished from Sony Direct)
lens: Minolta 35-70mm ($45 ebay)
lights: Cowboy Studio 110 watt strobes x2 ($55 each)
light modification: Cowboy Studio brolly boxes x2 ($25 each)
light stands: Cowboy Studio 7feet x2 ($15 each)

Total for all equipment: $505

The lights never failed to flash for the entire 3 hour shoot, constant regular firing. And I was using a sync cable too. I'm cheap like that lol. Now I know this image doesn't blow anyone away...but its not meant to, its just typical mass content production quality IMHO.



So basically I would start out with a two light system, then buy more lights as you progress. As you buy more lights of increasing quality (Alien Bees, Profoto etc), the current cheapo Cowboy Studio lights can serve as backup lights or positioned in other areas so you don't always have to move the lights around when shooting different scenes. Also, as for the camera/lens investment, even if you go with Canon or Nikon down the road (like I plan to do), the Sony can still serve as a backup camera.

Hope that helps

But like I said, if the more expensive gear is easily within your budget, you might as well buy it right away. I just feel that if you are just starting out in content production, some of the "pro gear" is a bit overkill.

[charlie g]

Originally Posted by CamDoughCat

Thanks for the suggestion. Although I could be wrong, I think the Canon 60D is a step up from the Nikon D90, not only in image quality but in being able to shoot in HD video mode as well; something the D90 doesn't do. But hey....I'm no expert either so what do I know.

I believe the d-90 does shoot in HD as I use it for a 4th perspective when shooting video. Maybe the 60d shoots better video...idk.

[CamDoughCat]

Originally Posted by TCLGirls

But like I said, if the more expensive gear is easily within your budget, you might as well buy it right away. I just feel that if you are just starting out in content production, some of the "pro gear" is a bit overkill.

Budgeting about $3,500 to start as I would like to just go for quality equipment. I always believed you have to spend money to make money and regardless of the outcome I'll have some awesome equipment to take great shots even if the shooting content thing never fully pans out. It's a learning experience first and foremost.

So far I'm going to go with the Canon 60D body and the 24-105 f/4 L USM but thinking of just getting both that and the 24-70 f/2.8 L USM if I can't decide which is better indoors. The 24-70 f/2.8 has no stabilization but is a faster lens. The 24-105 f/4 has the IS which should allow you to shoot in less light anyways with longer exposures - am I correct in that? Throw in some strobes and what really is the all around best choice?

[CamDoughCat]

Originally Posted by TCLGirls

So basically I would start out with a two light system, then buy more lights as you progress. As you buy more lights of increasing quality (Alien Bees, Profoto etc), the current cheapo Cowboy Studio lights can serve as backup lights or positioned in other areas so you don't always have to move the lights around when shooting different scenes.

Thanks much for the advice. So basically 2 strobes with the brolly umbrella setups would be ok to start? You shoot using a sync cable. Anything against wireless?

Brings up another question. Who shoots 'tethered' to their laptop in live mode? Advantages/Disadvantages (other than the obvious cord to trip on) ?

Thanks everyone for taking the time to reply. Much appreciated.

[TCLGirls]

Originally Posted by CamDoughCat

Budgeting about $3,500 to start as I would like to just go for quality equipment. I always believed you have to spend money to make money and regardless of the outcome I'll have some awesome equipment to take great shots even if the shooting content thing never fully pans out. It's a learning experience first and foremost.

So far I'm going to go with the Canon 60D body and the 24-105 f/4 L USM but thinking of just getting both that and the 24-70 f/2.8 L USM if I can't decide which is better indoors. The 24-70 f/2.8 has no stabilization but is a faster lens. The 24-105 f/4 has the IS which should allow you to shoot in less light anyways with longer exposures - am I correct in that? Throw in some strobes and what really is the all around best choice?

Yes IS will allow you to shoot in lower light and longer exposure hand held.

But in a controlled environment, using strobes, I do not think IS is all that important. But outdoors, in changing conditions, IS can be quite helpful.

[TCLGirls]

Originally Posted by CamDoughCat

Thanks much for the advice. So basically 2 strobes with the brolly umbrella setups would be ok to start? You shoot using a sync cable. Anything against wireless?

Brings up another question. Who shoots 'tethered' to their laptop in live mode? Advantages/Disadvantages (other than the obvious cord to trip on) ?

Thanks everyone for taking the time to reply. Much appreciated.

Yes, IMHO 2 strobes and your choice of light modifier (soft box, brolly box, umbrella) is sufficient to start for churning out content. You can also go with simply one strobe, and couple that with a reflector for the fill light. But IMHO going with 2 strobes to start really helps to produce content quickly.

I have nothing against wireless, the only reason I am using a sync cable is because it works fine for me in small hotel room environments. When I shoot in bigger studios I just rent a pocket wizard for $5. I am thinking of getting the Cactus v5 though.

[CamDoughCat]

Originally Posted by TCLGirls

Yes, IMHO 2 strobes and your choice of light modifier (soft box, brolly box, umbrella) is sufficient to start for churning out content. You can also go with simply one strobe, and couple that with a reflector for the fill light. But IMHO going with 2 strobes to start really helps to produce content quickly.

I have nothing against wireless, the only reason I am using a sync cable is because it works fine for me in small hotel room environments. When I shoot in bigger studios I just rent a pocket wizard for $5. I am thinking of getting the Cactus v5 though.

Talking strobes - do you think dedicated strobes like the Cowboys setup or Alien Bees is better to use than say just getting a couple of the high-end Canon Speedlites?

[theloller]

lenses make difference, spend more money for lenses then for the body.
i have a canon 7D with a canon 10/22 and 70/300 (the white one)

[CamDoughCat]

Originally Posted by theloller

lenses make difference, spend more money for lenses then for the body.
i have a canon 7D with a canon 10/22 and 70/300 (the white one)

Agree 100%. I'm just a novice so planned to start with the Canon 60D body and ditch the kit lens. The question is for basic practicing how to shoot web content only (indoors only - small room with strobe setup) is the Canon 24-70 f/2.8 L USM or the Canon 24-105 f/4 L USM the better lens to get ? I'll get both if I can't get any real consensus tho...

Plan is to practice, practice, practice with the 60D then move up to a 5D Mark II eventually. But I would like to get good glass now that I can use later as well regardless of whatever camera body I choose in the Canon line.

[swedguy]

Before you decide on a camera, decide what lenses you want today and in the future. You will most likely upgrade your body in a while anyway.

Does anyone you know have Canon, Nikon, whatevear lenses that you can borrow?
Which brand has the lenses you want today and in the future and within your price range?

I have a Canon 1D mkIII. Great camera if you shoot action, but i probably wouldn't use it for studio work.
My standard lens is the 24-105. It's friggin amazing, "light weight", and sturdy as every L-lens is. But if i would shoot mostly in a studio or in a way that i would not need to move on a dime, I'd go with the 24-70 because the 2.8.
My two best lenses are the 70-200/2.8 and 16-35/2.8.

If you are going to shoot solely for the web, you will do well with the 60D. Don't forget to feel it in your hand Before you buy it though. I tried some Nikons and Canons before I went with Canon. The Nikon just didn't work for me, that's much pretty much why i went with Canon.

When you decide on lenses, don't forget to factor in the crop factor of 1.6 if you go with the 60D.

Good luck!

[CamDoughCat]

Originally Posted by swedguy

Before you decide on a camera, decide what lenses you want today and in the future. You will most likely upgrade your body in a while anyway.

Does anyone you know have Canon, Nikon, whatevear lenses that you can borrow?
Which brand has the lenses you want today and in the future and within your price range?

I have a Canon 1D mkIII. Great camera if you shoot action, but i probably wouldn't use it for studio work.
My standard lens is the 24-105. It's friggin amazing, "light weight", and sturdy as every L-lens is. But if i would shoot mostly in a studio or in a way that i would not need to move on a dime, I'd go with the 24-70 because the 2.8.
My two best lenses are the 70-200/2.8 and 16-35/2.8.

If you are going to shoot solely for the web, you will do well with the 60D. Don't forget to feel it in your hand Before you buy it though. I tried some Nikons and Canons before I went with Canon. The Nikon just didn't work for me, that's much pretty much why i went with Canon.

When you decide on lenses, don't forget to factor in the crop factor of 1.6 if you go with the 60D.

Good luck!

Thanks for the advice. Actually my boyfriend recommended Canon over Nikon as he grew up using an old film Canon A-1 for a long time and said it was great for him. I tried holding a Canon T3i/600D in my hand and it felt a little small so decided on the larger 60D. Yeah I understand about the crop factor of the 60D. I'm practicing shooting web content not DVD box covers tho so full frame I don't think I need right now. Lenses tho.....as I said I would like to stick with 'L' series lenses based on reviews I have read and will be able to use on a better body when I can afford/need it.

[TCLGirls]

Originally Posted by CamDoughCat

Talking strobes - do you think dedicated strobes like the Cowboys setup or Alien Bees is better to use than say just getting a couple of the high-end Canon Speedlites?

I personally would go with the dedicated strobes because I find them easier to adjust.

[Grapesoda]

Originally Posted by CamDoughCat

Budgeting about $3,500 to start as I would like to just go for quality equipment. I always believed you have to spend money to make money and regardless of the outcome I'll have some awesome equipment to take great shots even if the shooting content thing never fully pans out. It's a learning experience first and foremost.

So far I'm going to go with the Canon 60D body and the 24-105 f/4 L USM but thinking of just getting both that and the 24-70 f/2.8 L USM if I can't decide which is better indoors. The 24-70 f/2.8 has no stabilization but is a faster lens. The 24-105 f/4 has the IS which should allow you to shoot in less light anyways with longer exposures - am I correct in that? Throw in some strobes and what really is the all around best choice?

selling a 300r profoto kit with pockewizard for $900

[dyna mo]

Originally Posted by CamDoughCat

Thanks for the suggestion. Although I could be wrong, I think the Canon 60D is a step up from the Nikon D90, not only in image quality but in being able to shoot in HD video mode as well; something the D90 doesn't do. But hey....I'm no expert either so what do I know.

how are you going to light your studio for when you shoot in video?

[marcop]

Originally Posted by bm bradley

selling a 300r profoto kit with pockewizard for $900

That sounds like a good deal.

[CamDoughCat]

Originally Posted by dyna mo

how are you going to light your studio for when you shoot in video?

Was thinking of picking up a dedicated video light or 2 in addition to the regular strobes.

[HomerSimpson]

go with Nikon...
you won't regret it...

[Lint]

Originally Posted by HomerSimpson

go with Nikon...
you won't regret it...

[dyna mo]

Originally Posted by CamDoughCat

Was thinking of picking up a dedicated video light or 2 in addition to the regular strobes.

why not just go with nicer video lighting initially then? instead of lesser quality strobes + video lights?

[Cherry7]

If you want to understand photography read a book...

Most cameras and lenses are very good, and that is not the real problem in being a photographer. But the more you understand photography the more creative you will be...

And the more you will know when it comes to buying the right gear


http://www.amazon.co.uk/Basic-Photog...der_0240515927

Amazing how few working photographers do not have the knowledge in this book....