Camera Recommendations: Hi! I'm new to uglyhedgehog but it seems like a great place to share and learn. I've been taking pictures as a hobby since I was a kid. I really got interested...

carmenpmiller Loc: Longview, Texas

Hi! I'm new to uglyhedgehog but it seems like a great place to share and learn. I've been taking pictures as a hobby since I was a kid. I really got interested in photography in college (1992). I enjoy landscape/outdoor photograhy but I also do portraits- my son has recently signed two modeling contracts so I take pictures of him often, I take pictures for his events, parties, etc. I have done some family portaits and I also take pictures of clothing and jewelry for my online boutique. So, as you can see, I use my camera for a variety of things. I currently have a Canon EOS 60D but I'm ready to step it up a notch. I like the idea of some of the newer cameras that can upload directly as this saves a step. However, I'd love input as to whether or not that is all its cracked up to be. I do not care that the camera has video capabilities. I just want that crisp clarity that comes from a better camera...or perhaps possibly, just a better lens...or both?

Thanks in advance for your thoughts, preferences and recommendations.

DWU2 Loc: Phoenix Arizona area

More information will probably result in your getting recommendations specific to your needs.
- Do you want to stick with Canon, or are you open to considering other brands?
- You now have a DSLR - do you want to stick with using a DSLR?
- Do you have a lot invested in Canon lenses?
- What's your budget?
- What's your skill level as a photographer?

tommy e h

I would take a look at Sony

carmenpmiller Loc: Longview, Texas

Thank you for your prompt response! :)

- Do you want to stick with Canon, or are you open to considering other brands? Not married to Canon BUT it is all I have ever owned.
- You now have a DSLR - do you want to stick with using a DSLR? I like DSLR but I'm open.
- Do you have a lot invested in Canon lenses? No. I have one additional zoom lens.
- What's your budget? I don't really have a budget. I probably have about $1500 in my current camera/lens. I know a better camera will cost more.
- What's your skill level as a photographer? By no means a professional but a decent hobbyist.
- Is there a particular kind of photo you plan to primarily take? Landscapes? YES Birds in flight? LIKELY Portraits? YES Street photography? YES Macro? NO Family gatherings? YES Sports? LIKELY Travel? YES

I am a shutter bug- I take pictures daily of something, somewhere, in most cases. I am also interested in exploring real estate photography.

THANK YOU!!!

carmenpmiller Loc: Longview, Texas

I have had other Sony products but never their cameras. I'll have to look into that. Any recs on where to start?
THANK YOU!!

SteveLew Loc: Sugar Land, TX

It may be a good time to move up to mirrorless camera since that where many of the professional are ending up. I would suggest the Fuji X-T20 that has a 24.3 sensor and shoots 4K videos for up to 10 minutes. This camera retails for $899 and has even B & W film simulation setting similar to film cameras. This camera would be perfect for your sons events since the focus is extremely fast. There is something about a Fuji (resolution of pixels) that shoots higher tones than most DSLR and other mirrorless cameras. Finally, Fuji lenses are priced less than DSLR lenses and are outstanding optically. The Fuji X-T20 coupled with a 35/F2 lens will weigh one third of a DSLR with a similar lens. Go to youtube video and check it out.

TriX Loc: Raleigh, NC

Canon 80D and 24-105L f4.0 IS MKII to start. Alternative: Canon 7D MK II or used 5D MkIII body. Later add wider and longer lenses.

carmenpmiller Loc: Longview, Texas

Never considered Fuji. Will definitely check it out. Thank you so much!

carmenpmiller Loc: Longview, Texas

I have always had great luck with Canon so I appreciate the Canon recs! Thank You!!

Jakebrake Loc: Broomfield, Colorado

TriX wrote:

Canon 80D and 24-105L f4.0 IS MKII to start. Alternative: Canon 7D MK II or used 5D MkIII body. Later add wider and longer lenses.

Spot on TriX! I upgraded from the 60D to a 7D MKII and have never looked back. I purchase my 7D MKII with a kit lens, EF-S 18-135 and find this combination the one I use most often. The lens is wonderful for me, for what I do, with the only draw back is I can't use it on my FF 5D MKII. However I also have the EF 24-105L which also stays pretty much on that body. The 7D MKII is absolutely awesome, and the OP should consider it because all lenses he/she now has will work on that body.

DWU2 Loc: Phoenix Arizona area

TriX wrote:

Canon 80D and 24-105L f4.0 IS MKII to start. Alternative: Canon 7D MK II or used 5D MkIII body. Later add wider and longer lenses.

TriX's recommendations make sense to me. You know Canon, and are comfortable sticking with a DSLR. However, the cost of the 80D plus the recommended lens is a little beyond your stated budget, unless you buy the lense used, which isn't a terrible idea. Another lens alternative: Tamron 18-270mm f/3.5-6.3 ($449).

carmenpmiller Loc: Longview, Texas

Jakebrake wrote:

Spot on TriX! I upgraded from the 60D to a 7D MKII and have never looked back. I purchase my 7D MKII with a kit lens, EF-S 18-135 and find this combination the one I use most often. The lens is wonderful for me, for what I do, with the only draw back is I can't use it on my FF 5D MKII. However I also have the EF 24-105L which also stays pretty much on that body. The 7D MKII is absolutely awesome, and the OP should consider it because all lenses he/she now has will work on that body.

Thank you so much for your feedback. VERY helpful and great news, too, that I could use the lenses I already have, if need be. This makes for a great argument to the hubby when breaking the news that I already want a new camera! ;)

carmenpmiller Loc: Longview, Texas

DWU2 wrote:

TriX's recommendations make sense to me. You know Canon, and are comfortable sticking with a DSLR. However, the cost of the 80D plus the recommended lens is a little beyond your stated budget, unless you buy the lense used, which isn't a terrible idea. Another lens alternative: Tamron 18-270mm f/3.5-6.3 ($449).

Thank you so much for your help and input- I sincerely appreciate the alternative lens suggestion. I've considered Tamron a few times but never purchased one. Thank you so much for your time!!

DWU2 Loc: Phoenix Arizona area

carmenpmiller wrote:

Thank you so much for your help and input- I sincerely appreciate the alternative lens suggestion. I've considered Tamron a few times but never purchased one. Thank you so much for your time!!

I have a Tamron 18/270, and took it to Italy in order to travel a little lighter. It was the only lens I needed.

carmenpmiller Loc: Longview, Texas

DWU2 wrote:

I have a Tamron 18/270, and took it to Italy in order to travel a little lighter. It was the only lens I needed.

Excellent! Thank You!