New lens or new DSLR?

[nov4]

A few years ago I got my first DSLR a Sony A200, which came with two kit lenses. I knew nothing about DSLRs at the time and the salesman assured me that the camera would be fine to take surfing shots from the beach. I discovered over time that the kit lens is not up to taking surfing shots hence my dilemma, should I invest in a fantastic fast lens for my Sony or get a new camera body and lens?

I have researched and researched and people say you should be able to take good photos with any type of camera, ie it is not the camera but the photographer that is the problem. I have been disappointed with the colours in my photos. I don't know whether it is my lack of skill, or the camera and lens. I have a friend who has an entry level Canon DSLR and the colours are much more intense and clearer in her photos, than those taken with my Sony. She is taking surfing shots of her sons and husband from the beach, like I am.

I know that something like a Canon Mark 111 would be ideal but that is out of my price range. Any advice would be much appreciated.

[OsmosisStudios]

Okay, first thing's first: There's no such thing as a Canon Mark 111. There is the 1DmkIII, which is a per-series photojournalism and sports body. It costs well over $5000.

As for your images: do you do any work on your images after shooting them?

[nov4]

Sorry I meant the Canon EOS-1D Mark III which is out of my price range.
No I don't work on my images. I shoot in JPG. Obviously I need more practise and experience but even so from what I have read the Sony kit lens is not up to taking good action shots??

[prabbit237]

Originally Posted by nov4

No I don't work on my images. I shoot in JPG.

Just about ALL pictures can benefit from some post-processing (some more so than others) however it may be helpful if you posted an example picture so we can see where the issue with them is.

[dlambert]

The A200 is roughly comparable in specs to the Canon Rebel XS / 1000D, which is Canon's entry-level DSLR. While a better camera body is bound to improve *something*, it's pretty hard to tell whether this is the right next step for you without some more information.

As mentioned above, how about if we start with a real example and see what sort of problem you're trying to solve? There are probably some steps you can take to get more out of the equipment you've got right now, and if there's new piece of equipment that'll help you, I'm sure someone here can help point you in the right direction.

[RLucas]

Some lenses render color differently than others. That may be part of the issue. I am a Nikon shooter, and a high majority of people love the nifty fifty. I hate my copy, just for that reason. I have shot with it at different times of the day, and all that jazz, and the colors just aren't very satisfactory in my book. They always look plastic and flat. You may want to try out some different glass before you start juggling bodies.

I would suggest looking at some pp techniques too. Water, sun, and reflections can do weird things with color that some post work may be able to help you with.

[dlambert]

@Luke - right on. In fact, one of the things that might help here is a circular polarizing filter, but hopefully we'll get to see an example to work from. Filters are a lot less expensive than lenses, but a good one can still set you back quite a few bucks, and if the OP is going to end up replacing the lens anyway, it would be sort of a waste to get a CPL in a size that won't work on the new lens.

[nov4]

Thank you for all the advice. I appreciate it very much.
Looking back through some old photos, I think, after listening to everyone and researching a bit more that I need to work on white balance (I have been leaving it on auto), exposure and focus.( The wave, board and usually the body are in focus but not the face.)
I will upload a photo but they are all on my other computer which is being fixed at the moment.