Fiance wanting to purchase new camera, but...

S33 · Post by **S33** » Wed Jun 19, 2013 5:21 pm

she's not exactly a "professional" photographer (and I hope she doesn't see this, or I will become a born again virgin) . Anyway, she's good at what she does; small weddings, senior pictures, and other personal stuff, but I think she's wanting to purchase a camera which far exceeds her capability as a photographer, at this point. She's more of a novice, and does this as a hobby, and I just want to make sure she buys a camera which matches her level of expertise, and without being overwhelmed with extra gadgets and settings, etc. (I obviously know nothing about photography)

Any recommendations on a good starter camera (keep in mind, she is used to using a cannon with various sizes of lens). Also, are private sales of used cameras a good idea, or is it best to buy new so it comes with a warrantee?

thanks in advance

Post by **nebugeater** » Wed Jun 19, 2013 8:45 pm

It would be good to know what she is using now. If she wanted to go full frame then look hard at the fairly new 6D. It is getting good reviews. It is not the 5D III but it is not at that price either. I would think it would be wise to stay with Canon if she has lenses that are more than the kit lens. If crop is what she wants then look at the 7D. It is a solid camera. It is rumored to having the next version out shortly so if there is an opertunity to wait you may want to. The 60D is also supposed to be updated. I personally do not care for this camera. In some ways the build was a step back from the 50D before it. I use a 50D but am looking to move to full frame in the next few months.

Another approach is a good used 5D II. But if you are not real sure with what you are looking at it can be a bit risky. I will probably buy direct from Canon on there refurbished gear. If not there, then from Amazon.com. There is a canon loyalty program where if you have any old Canon canon camera, working or not you can get a discount on many of the referbs by having the serial number, calling a special number, and then sending it to them after the buy. I do not have the detail in front of me but if you need it let me know.

Again, if you can provide some detail on camera body and lens she has now it would be great.

S33 · Post by **S33** » Wed Jun 19, 2013 10:30 pm

Thanks for the info! I'll find out what model she has been using.

Post by **Brad** » Thu Jun 20, 2013 11:13 am

I would echo what Nebugeater said. Â I have the Canon 5D3 and love it, but you can do a lot with a lot less camera too.

jessep28 · Post by **jessep28** » Fri Jun 21, 2013 1:39 am

I know you're looking to upgrade her current setup, but just in case, maybe an advanced point and shoot would be a good gift. A photographer friend of mine uses a Canon S95 or an updated model when he's not doing serious stuff.

S33 · Post by **S33** » Fri Jun 21, 2013 2:17 pm

The camera she has experience using is the EOS 60D (but it's her mother's camera). I guess I was under the impression that was somewhat of an advanced camera for someone simply taking portraits? Again, I'm sure I'm way off.

Anyway, I gave her a 2,000 dollar limit, but it's starting to seem like you can't get a whole lot when it comes to cameras? (when you factor in lenses and tripods, etc)

Post by **Brad** » Fri Jun 21, 2013 2:29 pm

S33 wrote:The camera she has experience using is the EOS 60D (but it's her mother's camera). I guess I was under the impression that was somewhat of an advanced camera for someone simply taking portraits? Again, I'm sure I'm way off.

Anyway, I gave her a 2,000 dollar limit, but it's starting to seem like you can't get a whole lot when it comes to cameras? (when you factor in lenses and tripods, etc)

$2000? Â That's a decent limit...

S33 · Post by **S33** » Fri Jun 21, 2013 2:37 pm

Brad wrote:
S33 wrote:The camera she has experience using is the EOS 60D (but it's her mother's camera). I guess I was under the impression that was somewhat of an advanced camera for someone simply taking portraits? Again, I'm sure I'm way off.

Anyway, I gave her a 2,000 dollar limit, but it's starting to seem like you can't get a whole lot when it comes to cameras? (when you factor in lenses and tripods, etc)
$2000? That's a decent limit...

Yeah, that's what I thought. That's why I am asking, is this type a camera a bit overkill for portraits, family pics, etc? I think she's trying to over-spend, and buy something way above her level of expertise.

Post by **nebugeater** » Fri Jun 21, 2013 3:15 pm

S33 wrote:The camera she has experience using is the EOS 60D (but it's her mother's camera). I guess I was under the impression that was somewhat of an advanced camera for someone simply taking portraits? Again, I'm sure I'm way off.

Anyway, I gave her a 2,000 dollar limit, but it's starting to seem like you can't get a whole lot when it comes to cameras? (when you factor in lenses and tripods, etc)

The 60D Â is a sold camera. Just don't get confused by my earler comment that it was a step down from the 50D It is IMO but in build quality and not in picture taking capability. It is plenty of camera.

Does she own any lenses now or are they needed too at the same time as the camera?

If she is shooting with a 60D now, and taking what I like into the equasion, I would try and streach the budget if at all possible and get a Canon 6D kited with the 24 - 105 lens. It is much better than a typicl kit lens and very versital. Right now on Amazon it sells for 2399.00 IT is not on the Canon Refeb site right now

An option if you do not what to push the budget and if you are ok with a Crop sensor would be the current offering on the Canon Referb site for the 7D with a 28 135 lens for 1155.32 That would leave some room for another lens or a flash if you want.

You could duplciate the 60D right now with an 18 200 lens for 883.00 on Refeb.. Many people do not like that lens but I have one and it is a decent lens for the cost. The price would leave room for other items and get her the camera that she is used to. It will also hold much of it's value if you decided to sell it in a year and go the the next body. If staying under 2K is a must than this would probably be my reconmendation. Buy this, Invest in a sold Pro type lens that will work for the long haul and with a full frame in the future ( the 18-200 will not) and start building a system.

Canon Referbs

http://shop.usa.canon.com/shop/en/catal ... lr-cameras

Hope it helps figure out all the options

S33 · Post by **S33** » Fri Jun 21, 2013 4:15 pm

Awesome. Thanks for the info. I think that last option sounds best on the pocket book, and will still get her all the camera she needs.

She does not currently have any lenses, so she does need the entire setup, tripod and all.

S33 · Post by **S33** » Tue Jun 25, 2013 10:39 pm

She ended up getting the EOS T3 (wheew). Apparently got a steal of a deal, and it came with a couple lenses. Thanks for all the suggestions.