Choosing a DSLR for photographing dogs?

[jenny6165]

Hi everyone.

I am currently looking at purchasing a DSLR camera for my dog training business.

I need a camera that can photograph dogs when they are running around and freeze them in motion, both indoors and outdoors. I currently use a digital compact camera and the picture quality just isn't up to scratch.

I will also be using the camera for videoing purposes both indoors and outdoors in all weathers.

I have been recommended the following cameras:

Nikon d7000
Canon eos 7D
Sony a65

Can anyone please tell me which of these cameras will be best for what I need it for and which lens I should get it with? Or if there is a better camera on the market.

What are the pro's and cons of the cameras?

Don't really want to spend more than £1300 aka $2000

[inkista]

What type of picture quality do you need? Is this for technical purposes? Or for selling as large-sized prints?

The problem is that the kind of photography you're talking about, with a dSLR, is liable not only to require a body capable of fast-action shooting, but also a LENS that can do this as well, and a considerable amount of skill and good timing. The camera makes it possible; but does not guarantee it. And the lens alone could eat your entire budget. You can get away with lower-cost lenses, but they'll be more limited (i.e., won't zoom), and require an even better skillset.

If you just need small website/email type images for technical illustration purposes, you might want to consider something like the Nikon 1 cameras instead. While the image quality won't be on a par with dSLRs, the 1" sensor is still nicer than the majority of P&S cameras, and the operation, autofocus, and burst frame rate are much much nicer.

[jenny6165]

Would ideally like the camera to produce high quality photographs that can be printed up to A3 size. Most of the photographs I take are of dogs that are moving fast indoors and outdoors, so lighting is not always great. If the dogd are moving fast, I need something that can freeze the dog in motion.

I am not planning on selling prints, but I do produce a yearly calendar for clients to purchase at classes which is A4 size. I also use the photographs to put up on the website for advertising.

I know a little bit about using a camera in that I did part of an A level photography course and I am well up for going on a course to learn how to use a camera to its best ability.

I know my budget limits me somewhat, so really want to get the best for my money.

Thank you

[shipsflyover]

What are these dogs doing as you take their picture? Are they sitting, staying, performing tricks? Or are they running through an agility course or playing with each other?

I have a couple point and shoot digital cameras and a new DSLR. I am not fast enough to push the button to get decent photos of my border collies, even if I set it up (by having them stay, then run toward me a few times) and use a tripod. The moment comes and goes too fast for my finger to push the button. Even if I capture something and freeze the motion, that was only one moment. When dogs play, their expressions change so fast - I end up with Dork of the Year moments more often than not when I have the camera on manual.

I use the burst or sports mode on my point & shoot and my DSLR when I am taking pictures of my dogs. Burst mode gets me crazy dork expressions as well as happy normal expressions.

If my dogs are lounging around inside, it is easy to get a good photo using the DSLR on manual. But for the action shots, I am not ashamed to use the sports/burst mode.

[inkista]

A D7000 or a 7D are likely your best candidates, but given your budget and the need for a fast lens, I'd say pull in the horns a bit, and go down one tier. A used D90 or a 50D/60D can probably work just as well for what you need, and hopefully squeeze in enough budget for you to pick up a 3rd-party 70-200 f/2.8 lens. OEM 70-200/2.8s are probably out.

You could also look at fast primes, but you'll be losing framing capability to gain on the low-light / max. aperture front. On the Canon side of the fence, the $400-$500 EF 85mm f/1.8 USM, and EF 100 f/2 USM are likely candidates, as is the $1000 EF 135mm f2L USM.

Not sure what the Nikon equivalents would be, but I suspect the newly announced AF-S 85mm f/1.8G might be a decent equivalent, but it's not showing up until March, and it's likely the street price will be around MSRP (US$500) for a while.