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Canon question: Camera for 16 year old "serious" photography student
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Sep 2, 2017 10:01:15   #
hj Loc: Florida
 
I strongly suggest the Canon 70D which would be quite a step up and includes the articulated TOUCH screen. I recently bought mine NEW from B&H body-only for $799. Many say it isn't worth the extra $400 to go to the next model 80D. I moved up from the T3i and really, really like the 70D. Touch screen is so efficient.

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Sep 2, 2017 10:11:50   #
Selene03
 
Canon refurbished has some good deals right now you might want to look into into. If you can afford it, I would agree with those recommending the 80D or a used 7D (either i or ii). These are really pretty terrific cameras. If you can find a good used 6D, that would be even better. In general, I don't care much for the rebels, but I have to say I have been enjoying the Sl/1 (which I recently upgraded to an Sl/2) as a camera to take with me kayaking or other adventures where I think one probably doesn't want to risk damage to a camera. [I think IQ even on the Sl/1 is better than the 6i I bought for work, but that could just be me--lenses are the same). Obviously, none of these are as good as my 5d mk iv, though I continue to be amazed at the quality of the images from my old 6d.

I would say you might want to think about the camera choice in two ways: 1) get the best you can get so he can explore photography without thinking about gear limitations--I would say the 80D, 7D or 6D, or 2) get him a camera that will deliver wonderful shots but doesn't have the features so you need to think about what you are doing and learn the camera that way (and Sl/2 at $569.00 new).

Glad your nephew is into photography.

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Sep 2, 2017 10:22:54   #
PGHphoto Loc: Pittsburgh, PA
 
hj wrote:
I strongly suggest the Canon 70D which would be quite a step up and includes the articulated TOUCH screen. I recently bought mine NEW from B&H body-only for $799. Many say it isn't worth the extra $400 to go to the next model 80D.


Completely agree - the 70D is the way to go. I own one along with a 5D2 and find that the 70D has everything you would want - including wifi for remote control and a high burst rate for serial shooting. I find there is a lot of high quality glass available at reasonable prices and both the Canon and non-Canon brand accessories are reliable and available. Being 16, I am sure the photographer will also love the video capabilities of the 70D as well. Picking up a refurbished camera from a reputable dealer or Canon themselves will get you a less expensive, but reliable camera body that will save cash for the higher end glass. (which I suggest the Sigma DC Art glass easily available). Short of going to a full frame camera, The 70D will not be lacking as your nephew develops his skill level.

Best of luck to him.

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Sep 2, 2017 10:24:08   #
Al Freeedman
 
It doesn't matter what camera your nephew gets, the only thing that matters is his ability.
I still say the canon T6i is the way to go. If he has talent he'll do great with it.

Captain Al

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Sep 2, 2017 10:32:13   #
Selene03
 
PGHphoto wrote:
Completely agree - the 70D is the way to go. I own one along with a 5D2 and find that the 70D has everything you would want - including wifi for remote control and a high burst rate for serial shooting. I find there is a lot of high quality glass available at reasonable prices and both the Canon and non-Canon brand accessories are reliable and available. Being 16, I am sure the photographer will also love the video capabilities of the 70D as well. Picking up a refurbished camera from a reputable dealer or Canon themselves will get you a less expensive, but reliable camera body that will save cash for the higher end glass. (which I suggest the Sigma DC Art glass easily available). Short of going to a full frame camera, The 70D will not be lacking as your nephew develops his skill level.

Best of luck to him.
Completely agree - the 70D is the way to go. I own... (show quote)


this is really a great suggestion!

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Sep 2, 2017 10:55:00   #
jeep_daddy Loc: Prescott AZ
 
You are right about the T6 being an entry level camera. I'd suggest an 80D. It's the top of the line consumer camera body. His current lenses will work on this body. No need to buy more kit lenses. Buy the body by itself and when Christmas or his birthday comes around get him a better than kit lens like perhaps the 24-105 "L" series F/4 lens.

lyndacast wrote:
My nephew, a high school sophomore, is a passionate photographer. He is taking courses at his high school and is ready and needs to upgrade his camera. Right now he is shooting with an old Canon Rebel (likely first generation) DSLR with two kit lenses. His camera choice is Canon (although he knows I am a Nikon person), and his teacher suggested the Canon EOS Rebel T6 as his next camera. I am okay with that choice, since the price is right (about $500.00) and he wants the two kits lenses that come with it.

I am his "go to" for these things and am happy to help him by purchasing the camera. My concern is that this camera might not be much of an upgrade from what he has currently using and it is still an entry level DSLR. He is especially good at perspective shots, product photos, and action/motion photos. He likes to shoot pictures after he "thinks outside the box."

Is there a bit more advanced Canon I should have him research? He is not interested in full frame and I want to keep this purchase under $800-900.

Any help from Canon users is appreciated.
My nephew, a high school sophomore, is a passionat... (show quote)

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Sep 2, 2017 11:28:40   #
dpullum Loc: Tampa Florida
 
Again... equipment does not make the photographer. Light weight, zoom, and small enough to fit in a pocket.

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Sep 2, 2017 11:37:33   #
elliott937 Loc: St. Louis
 
I agree with RRS, TriX, and I'm sure more on additional post. Seriously consider a top quality used camera body. I'll keep my fingers crossed when I suggest you and he go to a local (close ?) camera store. I own a Canon 5DII, but I wanted a second one for back up. Cost me $600 at my local camera store, and they offer 30 day bring back...no matter what, and 90 bring back for store credit. I've been using that second body with outstanding results. If he were to sell/trade in his current body and lenses, that could more than pay for a good lens for the used body.

We need to support our local camera stores, and they also give peace of mind when buying used camera and lenses.

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Sep 2, 2017 11:37:53   #
Vector
 
What lenses does he presently have? Folks on this board, are the new kit lenses much better than the old kit lenses? If your budget is pushing $1,000, I suspect getting a prime lens, and a good used body would be the way to go. Perhaps the 7D MK 1 or 70D along with the 50mm 1.4 or 85mm 1.8. The 50mm 1.8 is a quality lens, but since he shoots action, IMHO the auto focus is inaccurate. Whether you choose the 50mm or the 85mm depends on the length that he would need.

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Sep 2, 2017 11:42:52   #
Tet68survivor Loc: Pomfret Center CT
 
I have noticed most class structured Photography requires Canon, not sure why, but it's a good camera!

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Sep 2, 2017 11:43:10   #
JeffinMass Loc: MA
 
Since he already has two lenses he should be all set. His classes may require him to use the camera on manual so he can learn about shutter speeds and F-stops. A more advanced camera body would be all that you will need.
Perhaps a tripod too. Go to your local cameras store and ask them questions. Explain to them what your relative needs and is doing. Have him go with you so he can get a feel for the camera.

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Sep 2, 2017 11:45:36   #
PHRubin Loc: Nashville TN USA
 
The T6 is lower than most entry level models. The T6i, T6s, T7i, or T7s, however, are full entry level cameras. A step up from there staying in the APS-C group are the 70D or newest 80D which are considered "prosumer level".

DPAF (dual pixel auto focus) is a major improvement and should NOT be ignored. It is a recent advance, and not all the models I listed have it.

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Sep 2, 2017 12:04:48   #
Tet68survivor Loc: Pomfret Center CT
 
The problem here is, the school is "mandating" the type of camera! If you show up with "other" then you take a chance of being lost or left behind if the instructor only knows Canon! Sad because basically all cameras work the same way, only buttons are located in different spots! One should be able to grab a multitude of cameras and work them all!

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Sep 2, 2017 12:45:04   #
aellman Loc: Boston MA
 
CHG_CANON wrote:
A $800-$900 budget opens your choices (buying used) to a 5DII. Now, a full frame (older) professional camera might invalidate his existing lenses, but this would be the major step up and would still last years. Given your Nikon experience, Canon has "EF-S" lenses that correspond to Nikon's DX line, they're intended for crop sensor cameras. In the Canon line, the EF-S lenses (DX) cannot even be physically mounted to a full frame body.

Taking a full frame off the table, the advanced bodies to consider are the 70D (used only) or an 80D.

I went to KEH and used their filters for Canon, Digital, price range $600 - $799 to generate options. You might visit Calmeta too and checked their used and refurbished pricing.

The T6 is a good suggestion. What you're getting with a new body is more resolution and better performance in higher ISOs. But, you didn't mention the lenses. It's very possible simply upgrading lenses will have a larger impact, particularly on "artistic" results.
A $800-$900 budget opens your choices (buying used... (show quote)


Don't go to "Calmeta." Who knows where you'll end up. Go to Cameta !

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Sep 2, 2017 12:55:20   #
robertjerl Loc: Corona, California
 
No, the teacher is not mandating Canon.
The boy has an older Canon* and 2 lenses. So for an upgrade the teacher "suggested" a T6.
Being a retired teacher I will venture 2 guesses as to reason:
1. The boy has a Canon and lenses so he is familiar with Canon controls and can keep using those lenses.
2. The T6 is about the cheapest way to go and get current or near current production-my local Sam's club has a big display of them at discount.
The T6 is an upgrade from an older Rebel, but I believe the goal should be a T6i or higher because of the new sensor. The T6 basically has the same sensor that has been around since the T2i.

Those with suggestions of FF models (Aunt states he is not interested in FF) or more expensive APS-C cameras - this is a 10th grader with limited budget unless his family kicks in to help and even then it will be somewhat limited. Budget seems to be $800-$900. I kept my suggestions in that bracket.

*we don't know the exact model, or the exact lenses, the Aunt is a Nikon user and didn't know/post that information.

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