Any suggestions on a new camera!

[jmarie-photography]

I'm looking at buying a new camera, but not sure which one to get. I'm still new to photography and feel that I have outgrown the Rebel xti. I was thinking about the canon 5d or 7d. I know that there is quite a price difference in the two. Do I get the more expensive one or am I not ready for it?

[lputman]

I would ask, what makes you feel you've outgrown the XTi already?

[jmarie-photography]

I've been told that the camera I'm using really isn't a camera for professional photography. I purchased it beacuse at the time it was all I could afford, and I thought it would be a good camera to start with. I would hope that with a higher quality camera my pictures would be more crisp. The higher end camera's that I've played around with at the stores seem to have a better autofocus, and I would really love this since my problem lies with focusing.

[LoveDSLR]

Originally Posted by jmarie-photography

The higher end camera's that I've played around with at the stores seem to have a better autofocus, and I would really love this since my problem lies with focusing.

I played with the 7D last week and its AF system is a joy to use. BTW, you can forget about 5D and 5D Mk II poor AF system.

[jmarie-photography]

That's great to know.

[Samanax]

Originally Posted by jmarie-photography

I've been told that the camera I'm using really isn't a camera for professional photography.

That's true...it's an entry level DSLR that you use to learn with. But it's still a good camera.

Originally Posted by jmarie-photography

I purchased it beacuse at the time it was all I could afford, and I thought it would be a good camera to start with.

It is a good camera to learn with...and there is a lot to learn before you start to take really good images.

Originally Posted by jmarie-photography

I would hope that with a higher quality camera my pictures would be more crisp.

Okay, that isn't always the case. You should be able to get very good quality, crisp images with the XTi as long as the lens is decent and your techniques are sound.

Originally Posted by jmarie-photography

The higher end camera's that I've played around with at the stores seem to have a better autofocus, and I would really love this since my problem lies with focusing.

A lot of questions come to mind...are you selecting the focus point or is the camera choosing? Are you shooting in JPEG or RAW? Are you holding your camera properly? Do you understand the exposure triangle? Do you have sample images we can look at?

[lputman]

Do you want to go full frame (5D/DII) or not (7D). You will obtain better auto-focusing than the XTi however I caution that you understand why you are having so many issues with focusing. Are you relying completely on the focus system to pick the focus points or are you selecting it yourself. I've got an XTi and I upgraded because of the need for better quality shooting at high ISO. I still use my XTi for shooting football during the day when I don't need the high ISO capability.

Please don't take this like I'm trying to discourage you from purchasing a new camera. The XTi is quite a capable camera. Many people start very successful businesses with their XTi's coupled with superior glass before they upgrade camera bodies.

[jmarie-photography]

Are you selecting the focus point or is the camera choosing?
If I'm photographing only one person I choose the point of focus, but if it's a group I let the camera choose. This is where I'm having trouble especially with my 50mm lens, I can't get it to focus on both people or the group. Is there a better way to do this.

Are you shooting in JPEG or RAW?
I'm currently using JPEG. I would like to use RAW but I don't know much about it yet.

Are you holding your camera properly?
I think I'm holding it correctly. I purchased a video on photography and it showed how to properly hold the camera.

Do you understand the exposure triangle?
Somewhat!

Do you have sample images we can look at?
I do have a website
J Marie Photography
I need to do a lot of work to it yet, and there will be a way to mute the music soon. I've put most of my best pictures on the site!

[lputman]

Originally Posted by jmarie-photography

Are you selecting the focus point or is the camera choosing?
If I'm photographing only one person I choose the point of focus, but if it's a group I let the camera choose. This is where I'm having trouble especially with my 50mm lens, I can't get it to focus on both people or the group. Is there a better way to do this.

You should continue to select the focus point even when shooting a group. What aperture are you shooting at and how far from the subject are you? Are they on the same focal plane. As I previously posted a link for the DOF calculator, I think you a good review of that would be helpful to you.

[CanonRebelz]

Before you waste your money and get a camera you can't understand, consider some things.
Don't take this personal! But judging by your past threads, you don't seem to know enough to be ready for the full frame camera. So many settings may confuse you if your XTi has already confused you somewhat. The 7D would be too much as well, learn and master your XTi, get some good lenses and save your money while you learn aswell. Read LOTS about photography. Lot's and lot's and lot's. The XTi is a good camera, it should be fine for a starter business of portaits/senior pics etc.
You should try selecting the focus point yourself, you say your photo's are blurry, that is either a few things: your hands, slow shutter speed, or the focal point.

REMEMBER: the camera is only part of what makes the good images, it's the tool, it's the person using the "tool" that does the most part.
Now, I'm not saying you aren't a good photographer, I looked at your website, and they are some good images.