New glass or better body?
Oct 16, 2013 10:16:19 #
Hi! I'm new here, and I hope this group can help me with a major purchasing decision. I've been shooting portraits for about four years with a Canon Rebel xsi with the standard 58mm lens. I shoot in raw, manual mode, and lately my camera has been glitching. It's slow. Sometimes I have to turn it off and wait or remove and replace the battery before I can review the photos I just shot. Very frustrating! In addition, the images are just not as sharp as I'd like. So I'm camera shopping. But...
Is it a camera body I need, or a better lens? My budget is very limited, so a brand new camera with a super awesome lens just isn't possible. Any suggestions?
Is it a camera body I need, or a better lens? My budget is very limited, so a brand new camera with a super awesome lens just isn't possible. Any suggestions?
Oct 16, 2013 10:19:37 #
Have you tried a different battery? Possible that you have boarderline low voltage.
Just a thought.
Regis
Just a thought.
Regis
Oct 16, 2013 10:22:23 #
Lizah wrote:
Hi! I'm new here, and I hope this group can help m... (show quote)
It sounds like you do not have much choice in changing your camera as it's playing up. Have you considered a reconditioned better camera?
I'm sure those on the Forum who are portrait photographers will offer advice.
Oct 16, 2013 10:31:15 #
Getting a sharp photo has nothing to do with the camera, everything to do with the lens. Get a better lens and battery.
Oct 16, 2013 10:44:34 #
It seems like the way to go is a new body. You have an Xsi which is what I had. When you upgrade you will move from 10 to 18 mp. I moved to a 7D. It was a huge jump but worth it. My daughter has a T4i and the improvement of the T4i over my Xsi was also incredible. If you get it from a place like KEH ( http://www.keh.com/ )a used one is a great deal.The T3i is $400 range the T4i is in the $500 range for body only (your current glass will work). Then start saving for the glass you need for what you photograph.
If I may anticipate the next question the difference between EFs glass and L glass is dramatic (I have the 24-105 f4.0 L and 100 f2.8 L). But there are incredible non-canon lenses that are much cheaper.(i have the Big Sig (sigma 150-500)
If I may anticipate the next question the difference between EFs glass and L glass is dramatic (I have the 24-105 f4.0 L and 100 f2.8 L). But there are incredible non-canon lenses that are much cheaper.(i have the Big Sig (sigma 150-500)
Oct 16, 2013 10:50:38 #
Lizah wrote:
Hi! I'm new here, and I hope this group can help m... (show quote)
Generally I would suggest better glass. Always get the best glass you can afford. You can always use your glass on a new camera body. However, if your camera body is messing up you may not have a choice but to replace your camera body.
I would replace the battery for starters, it is your cheapest option. Good luck in your decision.
Another suggestion, use the software that came with your camera to view your photos. Your view will be better on the larger screen and it will be much easier on your battery!
Jim D
Oct 16, 2013 11:39:15 #
I can't help you make your decision but if you upgrade your camera take the time to check out the Canon 60D.
I love mine.
Pappy
I love mine.
Pappy
Oct 16, 2013 18:26:36 #
Oct 16, 2013 18:27:10 #
Oct 16, 2013 18:29:23 #
A reconditioned camera would be my first choice. I'm looking for a Canon D60. I'd like a 24/70 lens to go with it, but that's out of my price range at the moment.
Oct 16, 2013 18:43:44 #
Lizah, welcome to the Hog.
Lizah, if the body is falling apart, no amount of glass will fix that.
The 60D is a fine body.
Much cheaper than a 24-70 is the 24-105. Not quite the bokeh, but still good for portraits.
Also look at the 85, 1.8 prime. About $300 and an excellent portrait lens with great OOF and decent bokeh.
Good luck, and again, welcome.
SS
Lizah, if the body is falling apart, no amount of glass will fix that.
The 60D is a fine body.
Much cheaper than a 24-70 is the 24-105. Not quite the bokeh, but still good for portraits.
Also look at the 85, 1.8 prime. About $300 and an excellent portrait lens with great OOF and decent bokeh.
Good luck, and again, welcome.
SS
Oct 16, 2013 21:02:17 #
Can you have someone locally check out the camera to figure out what the problem might be and then, determine if it can be rescued?
It would be a shame to spend money chasing what appears to be the likely problem only to end up both disappointed AND broke.
It would be a shame to spend money chasing what appears to be the likely problem only to end up both disappointed AND broke.
Oct 16, 2013 21:18:02 #
Lizah wrote:
Hi! I'm new here, and I hope this group can help m... (show quote)
That camera has a few years on it, and it's acting up. Time to let it go. Decide what you want and then get a refurb. Canon now gives their refurbs a one-year warranty. When you have more money to spend, look into getting a lens - also refurb or used.
Oct 16, 2013 22:27:37 #
I took it to a local camera shop and they couldn't determine exactly what the problem was. It worked fine there for some reason. Of course, it was set on Auto at the time, which might make a difference.
Oct 16, 2013 22:29:08 #
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