Advice on what to buy next?

[David Charles]

Hello everyone, I'm dying for a little advice from fellow photographers. Unfortunately, I don't know too many personally to pick their brains. That will have to change, but for now I'm coming to you guys. I'm in need of some advice on what gear to buy next. I'm starting out, shot a few weddings and potrait/engagement sessions so far, two more weddings planned and a few more projects coming up the pike as well. My gear currently is a Digital Rebel XT, 18-55 kit lens, Canon 50mm 1.8 and a Sigma 55-200. Not the greatest, but it's gotten me this far.

My question now is...what do I buy next? I've run up against the ISO performance of my camera body and I definitely want to upgrade that. But I'm not sure what to upgrade to. I've been looking at the T2i mainly because I can afford it, but I've also been told by a friend who is also just starting out, that I should save up for a professional camera (He just got a 7D). This intrigues me, but I have a wedding in July and am on a tight budget, so I don't have a lot of time to save up and I need another camera body.


At this point I have $700 to spend, plus another $500 or so in the next month. I'm not against renting for the wedding, though I've never done it before. I'm just wondering what the best course of action is. I know I need a second camera body for the wedding, but not sure if I should buy or rent. I was planning on buying the T2i for now and using some of the money from the wedding to save up for a nice lens. Any advice would be great!

- Dave

[inkista]

I'd consider a used/refurbed 40/50/60D if you can find one and HAVE to purchase. The Canon US website has refurbed 50D bodies for $700. And Adorama or B&H can probably match that.

[David Charles]

Thanks for the reply! That sounds like a good idea. I tried out the 60D in a store today and the clickwheel inbetween the other clickwheel was a bit annoying. Will definitely look into the 50D though, I've used one before.

[OsmosisStudios]

Inkista: I really have to disagree with you. The sensor/processor package in the T2i/T3i/60D/7D really is far superior. I'd definitely opt for a 60D at the least.