Hello fellow 365ers, i need some advice on what camera body i should upgrade to.
I currently have a 1000D canon dslr that ive had for a few years and want something with a higher quality that is a little more of a challenge but not something that doesnt have any auto shooting modes. Im not confident enough to get a brand new model Canon as i dont think im ready for it. As you can tell im after a Canon, not anything else haha so any advice would be appreciated! ( i mainly shoot portrait photography)
ALSO on another note, im looking at buying some lighting to advance my portrait shoots. Im completely un educated with this kind of information. How does it work, what should i invest in? Any cheap ways that people have used lightning before that theyd like to share?
The cheapest way to sort out lighting is with a good window & reflectors.
If you don't want to leave auto modes, are you really sure you need to spend on a new camera?
Why not spend the money on a good lens instead?
If you're set on a new camera body, move up a level & have a look at the 550D or 600D, they'll be good for you.
@sburbidge thanks very much for your advice, i appreciate it as im a little lost at the moment!
i was thinking about going up a level to the 550D but i wanted it to be a little higher grade than that. but ill definitely take your suggestion into consideration, perhaps a new lens is the best way to go!
I'd check out this link for a few lighting kits that include all of the basics. MPEX also has some off-brand equipment that is comparable in quality to name brand stuff, but much more inexpensive. Great for beginners.
http://mpex.com/strobist/strobist-kits.html
So, in short, a good start would be...
...One or two cheap flashes.
Don't go for broke with expensive Canon flashes (immediately). Sure, they have their advantages, but wait until you're experienced enough to realize that you could use or actually need those advantages. There are many cheaper brands that offer decent build quality and equal results, like the LP160 that MPEX sells/includes in their kits. I have one, and I use it more often than my Canon flashes. Another that comes to mind is the Yonguo YN-560. Heard great things, but never used one personally. Score it on Amazon. Can't beat 70 bucks.
...Some equipment to mount your flashes.
Light stands, clamps, etc., plus some swivels and hot shoe adapters. This stuff can be a little intimidating at first (it sure was for me when I got into this), but the kits will definitely include everything you need. Outside of the kits, I've found the Manfrotto Justin Clamp to be one of the most useful and versatile pieces of equipment in my bag when it comes to mounting a flash. Link below.
Things like a bounce/shoot-through umbrella, maybe a mini softbox, and some gels. You can make things like snoots on your own, and, actually, light modification is a do-it-yourselfer's paradise. The options are endless, so long as you have some cardboard, a roll of tape, a pair of scissors, and some free time. Combine all that with the internet, and you're set for life. I was told at the outset of my flash adventure that one well-modded flash would produce better results than however many bare flashes. I've certainly found this to be true.
Of course, you can skip all of this by getting just one flash, a roll of duct tape, and approaching this guerrilla style. It's definitely possible. My first umbrella was a rain umbrella, and it worked like a charm. Really, anything is possible. You just need to experiment.
And... I guess that's just about all I've got for now. Holla back if you have any other questions.
As for a camera recommendation, I'm useless. All I ever think about is the Canon 1DX.
The sensor is the same size in your 1000d and in the 550/600D, 60D or even the 7D. So you won't notice a discernable difference. You will notice the difference if you invest in a good quality lens however. So that's where I'd spend my money first, and in lighting, before a new body.
I agree with vikdaddy that lenses are the best investment unless you're ready to spring for a 5D Mark II, which is the next decent step up. I have a 60D and until I can afford a 5D I'm just going to focus on collecting some good glass!
@dweezie@vikdaddy@gurry@alk1991 all amazingly helpful suggestions and advice. thanks very much guys! decided to put a list of lenses on the chrissie list instead of a new body, cheers!
You're probably using the 18-55 kit lens, right? And you want to shoot more portraits? I'd suggest going with the 50mm f/1.8. This lens has a bunch of characteristics that have basically made it the first step in the natural progression away from the kit lens.
First, it's a prime lens. No zoom, so it makes you think a little differently when using it.
Second, its aperture opens way up, all the way to f/1.8, whereas the kit lens opens to f/3.5 at best. This gives you a bit more control and flexibility with lighting, especially in low-light situations. It also opens up the amazing world of bokeh, which inevitably leads to endless experimentation.
Third, it produces great pictures. Nice and sharp, with charming bokeh.
Fourth, it's dirt cheap. About $100 usd, which is infinitely cheaper than almost all other lens options. Can't beat that with a bat, as they say.
Sure, it's made of plastic, feels like a toy, and has a kind of noisy autofocus motor, but these are petty issues, and shouldn't deter you. Despite these, it's still a great lens, and considered by many a "must have."
I used mine constantly, until I dropped it. Now, even though it's technically broken, I still manage to use it quite often because I like it that much.
I second the 50mm prime. It's on my list. If you're still attached to the zoom option (I am), I think the best general purpose lens you can get is a good 18-135. This lens will do everything from let you get a great macro of a raindrop to get you a decent shot of Steven Tyler from the 35th row of an Aerosmith concert. It still has a f/3.5 limit, but I can attest that it's highly versatile and better quality than the kit lens and it's pretty affordable in the $400 range.
I want a good 70-300 - or, better yet, 80-400 - for shooting certain events and, honestly, the moon. But it'll be out of my price range for quite a while.
Also on my list is a 14mm prime, just because I have an affinity for wide angle. :o)
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If you don't want to leave auto modes, are you really sure you need to spend on a new camera?
Why not spend the money on a good lens instead?
If you're set on a new camera body, move up a level & have a look at the 550D or 600D, they'll be good for you.
i was thinking about going up a level to the 550D but i wanted it to be a little higher grade than that. but ill definitely take your suggestion into consideration, perhaps a new lens is the best way to go!
http://mpex.com/strobist/strobist-kits.html
So, in short, a good start would be...
...One or two cheap flashes.
Don't go for broke with expensive Canon flashes (immediately). Sure, they have their advantages, but wait until you're experienced enough to realize that you could use or actually need those advantages. There are many cheaper brands that offer decent build quality and equal results, like the LP160 that MPEX sells/includes in their kits. I have one, and I use it more often than my Canon flashes. Another that comes to mind is the Yonguo YN-560. Heard great things, but never used one personally. Score it on Amazon. Can't beat 70 bucks.
...Some equipment to mount your flashes.
Light stands, clamps, etc., plus some swivels and hot shoe adapters. This stuff can be a little intimidating at first (it sure was for me when I got into this), but the kits will definitely include everything you need. Outside of the kits, I've found the Manfrotto Justin Clamp to be one of the most useful and versatile pieces of equipment in my bag when it comes to mounting a flash. Link below.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/349147-REG/Manfrotto_175F_1_175F_Justin_Spring_Clamp.html
...Some light modifiers.
Things like a bounce/shoot-through umbrella, maybe a mini softbox, and some gels. You can make things like snoots on your own, and, actually, light modification is a do-it-yourselfer's paradise. The options are endless, so long as you have some cardboard, a roll of tape, a pair of scissors, and some free time. Combine all that with the internet, and you're set for life. I was told at the outset of my flash adventure that one well-modded flash would produce better results than however many bare flashes. I've certainly found this to be true.
Of course, you can skip all of this by getting just one flash, a roll of duct tape, and approaching this guerrilla style. It's definitely possible. My first umbrella was a rain umbrella, and it worked like a charm. Really, anything is possible. You just need to experiment.
And... I guess that's just about all I've got for now. Holla back if you have any other questions.
As for a camera recommendation, I'm useless. All I ever think about is the Canon 1DX.
http://usa.canon.com/cusa/consumer/products/cameras/slr_cameras/eos_1d_x
Droooool.
on that note, any lens suggestions :P
Okay, seriously...
You're probably using the 18-55 kit lens, right? And you want to shoot more portraits? I'd suggest going with the 50mm f/1.8. This lens has a bunch of characteristics that have basically made it the first step in the natural progression away from the kit lens.
First, it's a prime lens. No zoom, so it makes you think a little differently when using it.
Second, its aperture opens way up, all the way to f/1.8, whereas the kit lens opens to f/3.5 at best. This gives you a bit more control and flexibility with lighting, especially in low-light situations. It also opens up the amazing world of bokeh, which inevitably leads to endless experimentation.
Third, it produces great pictures. Nice and sharp, with charming bokeh.
Fourth, it's dirt cheap. About $100 usd, which is infinitely cheaper than almost all other lens options. Can't beat that with a bat, as they say.
Sure, it's made of plastic, feels like a toy, and has a kind of noisy autofocus motor, but these are petty issues, and shouldn't deter you. Despite these, it's still a great lens, and considered by many a "must have."
I used mine constantly, until I dropped it. Now, even though it's technically broken, I still manage to use it quite often because I like it that much.
Hope that helped.
I want a good 70-300 - or, better yet, 80-400 - for shooting certain events and, honestly, the moon. But it'll be out of my price range for quite a while.
Also on my list is a 14mm prime, just because I have an affinity for wide angle. :o)