Which Canon to buy??

[LindseyLaughlin]

Hi everyone!

I'm considering starting up a small photography business but I need to update my gear. I am currently shooting with a Canon EOS xti. I need a beefier DSLR that can meet the demands of low portrait lighting and wedding circumstances. I'm a little nervous about the large financial investment so I'd like some advice on what model and lenses to buy first.
Does anyone have any advice??

Thanks so much!
Lindsey

[Rentham]

Originally Posted by LindseyLaughlin

low portrait lighting and wedding circumstances.

You'll want one with superb AF performance. In other words, get a Nikon.

If you're set on staying with Canon, I can tell you that while the 5DmkII is a great body, the well known AF issues can be torturous at times for weddings. I've heard the 7D has improved AF, but I don't have any direct experience with it. I prefer full frame either way.

[dlambert]

It might make sense to think about this as short-term and long-term plans. At some point, low-light portraits, including weddings, will probably drive you toward a full-frame camera like the 5D, and you're going to want an assortment of L lenses, as well. As you indicated, this is going to turn into a pretty sizable investment, and you may not be able to (or be comfortable with) making that investment all at once.

If that's the case, think about what sort of setup you eventually want to end up with then think about incremental purchases that move you in that direction. If you're shopping for a new camera body, you're probably going to want to hold on to your XTi as a backup body, and whatever you buy next might end up being a backup for you later. As you buy lenses, look for lenses that you'll be able to keep for a while, which probably means EF lenses rather than EF-S lenses, for the most part.

[PeaceFire]

Hrm... I use my 5DII at weddings all the time and have never experienced an AF issues. My 7D on the other hand... I want to strangle that thing half the time, which is why it's not a back-up camera only.

Anywho, I agree with dlambert, your emphasis shouldn't be on the body but on good quality lenses. Get a used 5D for about $1,000 and then pick up an 85L. The investment will be about the same as getting just a new 5DII but it'll suit your needs a little better. Remember, always buy better glass before a better body. I didn't get my 5DII until I had my full line of L lenses and was happy with that.

[ceremus]

Agreed with the above, it's important to know which lenses you're currently shooting with more than the current body. Especially with low light, it's a huge difference between a kit lens and a f/2.8 zoom or fast prime.

[Jim Bryant]

what you really need to do is get those f2.8 lenses.

[bhursey]

LOL your camera is newer than mine I have a Canon 20d I had an xt.. Main investment would be the lenses as said above. However low light I have been looking at the 7d and 60d raw files and the 60d raw files at 1600 are close to a 400-800 range noise wize probably on your xti. I think the xti sensor has very close to the same performance as my 20d.

Im broke and I have been saving for a new body for a year but just ran into financial hard times so I had to dump my whole body savings into our family checking account. :/ So when I look I look for the most bang for the buck and so far its a tie between the 60d and the 7d. Although I would actually hold off because it is getting close to refresh time again for canon..

BTW
I actually got to use a nikon d7000 at a shoot on Thursday and im surprised to say the iso performance and dynamic range was awesome for inside low light. I was sitting at 2000+ iso with not bad noticeable noise zoomed all the way in on preview. Now I don't own any nikon glass or bodys other than 35mm manual or dont want to switch to nikon but I was stunned.

Anyways as for canon read the reviews at dpreview.com
Canon EOS 60D: Digital Photography Review

Canon EOS 7D: Digital Photography Review

[LindseyLaughlin]

Thanks everyone - this is good information!

[funcrunch]

I specialize in low-light shooting of events, including weddings, and my kit consists of a Canon 5D MK II, 24-70 f/2.8L, 85 f/1.8, and 50 f/1.4. If I had the money I'd add the 70-200 f/2.8L IS; for now I rent it as needed (can rent it from Calumet locally for $40 for a whole weekend). Renting is a great way to try out good glass before you invest; my first L lens cost more than my first dSLR (Canon 40D, which is now my backup body).

[3bayjunkie]

This is what I am doing for my first wedding shoot. I am renting the 70-200mm VRII lens for the Nikon, but there are also Canon lenses on here. this way you don't have to throw down a ton of money if you aren't using the lens every day, once you start getting paid you can buy a good one.

Canon Lens Rental - Rent Canon Lens, Speedlight, Camera Body and Accessories