can u go pro with a EOS 500D?

[suz_od]

hi everyone
im just wondering if anyone does professional photography with an EOS 500D thats what I have at the moment and am wondering if I should be up grading to a 50D or higher if it will be benefical to me or should I use my 500D and upgrade once I start to make profit from some shoots? what everyones thoughts? I know they say its the photographer who makes the shots as good as they are and I agree but if it will help make them shoots better then thats nice 2

[Woody]

Hello Suz_od and welcome.

If you can sell photos taken with your mobile phone, then you can class yoursef as a pro. If you want to be serious about earning a living, then you will want the best equipment that you can have for your trade.

A holden ute is not a b-double and a 500d is not a 5d11. What about lenses, flashes, lighting, filters, remotes and other bits and bobs?

Hang around here for a while and you'll soon get the picture, so to speak.

Cheers and good luck,

John W

[79oO9a]

i know a Photographer that has this camera .. and his shots are Really AWESOME
I have it too .. and i`ve known that lenses Make some differences in shooting like if you tried using the 18-55mm kit lens and the 50mm f/1.8 II, they`ll give you great differences,
the photographer I know used 18-55mm kit Lens and as I Mentioned before, he got v.nice shots, though some people hate this lens

Hope I was a bit helpful

[kuvahmagh]

I think it really comes down to what you will be shooting as a Pro, as was said before the only real definition of a Professional is one who makes the majority of his/her living doing something, Semi-Pro would be someone who parts a part of their living and an Amateur is someone who does not make money.

If you could make a living and be happy doing product shoots using a Soft Box than the 500 would no doubt be an excellent option however if you are getting into weddings it wouldn't be my first choice and besides, something like that you NEED at least two of everything (at the very least 2 bodies in case one fails), same with other events really. Whether or not the 500 should/could be one of those is a possibility but I personally wouldn't but it could be done.

I have one friend that does Racing photography professionally and he shoots with a 40D & 70-200 2.8 L as his primary, a 30D with a wide angle and Flash for Victory Lane stuff and a Rebel (350 I think) with a super wide angle for his pit stuff so it can be done. Another friend shoots with two 50Ds and would never think of touching a a xxxD series. Yet another one uses a Single Rebel with a basic Kit Lens (The lens is the main thing holding him back, that and the fact that I don't think he has made the full transition mentally to Digital from Film) for the same thing.

So like I said I think it comes down to your style, goals and intentions of going Pro (what you want to shoot, how much you want to make, general skill level etc.) what body/equipment you will need.

[Jim Bryant]

It's not the camera, but photographic schooling (formal or self taught) knowledge of the photography business and marketing. While the 500D is a basis entry level camera with kit lens, I have seen some outstanding work submitted by those that own the series. However, if you plan to go professional, the camera isn't built for constant usage and wear and tear, such as the pro models made for. Also think about what lenses (L series) portable flashes, studio flashes, and other stuff you'll need to purchase in order to compete with those pros already in the business. Good luck!

[Algernonep]

I see a camera as a photographer's tool. The better the tool the easier your job may seem. I think it's more critical to learn the business. Equipment matters to produce your pictures but to run your business it takes the person behind that equipment.

[suz_od]

Thanks everyone its all great advice im looking to get into mostly portraits, weddings, formals, baby portraits that kind of thing. Have been looking to upgrade to the 50D for a little while think I might go ahead with it :-) I like the explanation "a camera is a photographers tool, the better the tool the easier your job may seem" thats a great way to put it and everyday I try to learn something new or something more about photography a ever learning venture I think :-)

[Algernonep]

Originally Posted by suz_od

Thanks everyone its all great advice im looking to get into mostly portraits, weddings, formals, baby portraits that kind of thing. Have been looking to upgrade to the 50D for a little while think I might go ahead with it :-) I like the explanation "a camera is a photographers tool, the better the tool the easier your job may seem" thats a great way to put it and everyday I try to learn something new or something more about photography a ever learning venture I think :-)

Keep in mind that you should concentrate a lot of your energy in learning about the photography BUSINESS... I suggest reading as much as possible. And shoot as much as possible... Also, be mindful of what the other DPSers are saying about lenses, flash, etc. There are many tools in this business... The camera is just one of many!

[rosserx]

Originally Posted by suz_od

Thanks everyone its all great advice im looking to get into mostly portraits, weddings, formals, baby portraits that kind of thing. Have been looking to upgrade to the 50D for a little while think I might go ahead with it :-) I like the explanation "a camera is a photographers tool, the better the tool the easier your job may seem" thats a great way to put it and everyday I try to learn something new or something more about photography a ever learning venture I think :-)

I've heard rumors Canon is phasing out the 50D and will be coming out with a 60D.

[Indigo November]

I'd suggest getting some high quality lenses and not a new camera yet. Lenses matter a lot more than the camera does!