newbie wants to buy a canon 5D, is this a starter camera?

H

huge1day

New member
Title says it all. I got between 2000 and 2500 to spend on a camera. I looked at all of your "favorite" pictures and realized I have traveled around the world and have a really cheap small digital camera, and as you might expect I have a bunch of pictures that are only average. I am ready to learn to take better pictures.

I have been reading what I can find, but thought I would ask for some suggestions. Be kind to a newbie. If the 5D is too much camera for me to start with can you give your opinion on what a good starter camera is?

I also understand enough to be dangerous when it comes to lenses. If I am to buy a walk around lens, a lens to shoot my tank and a fast "sports" lens, what would you suggest?

I know I am a newbie, if you don't want to give out any of your secrets, can you point me to a website(s) that I can learn what to buy and how to use the camera? Not scared to read and learn.

Thanks in advance.
Bart
 
The 5D is a fantastic camera; I love mine. It's taken Nikon 3 years to release a body that competes with it. That said, it is a 3 year old camera. It's expected that a replacement for it will be released that this year. Because of that, it's a real bargain right now.

Caveats:
In the DSLR realm, lenses are more important than the body for image quality. Something like a 40D would give you more money left over for good glass. The 5D isn't a "consumer" camera. While it does have a full-auto setting it doesn't have all of the "creative" settings like the lower end does; i.e. landscape, portrait, macro, night shot..... The average 5D shooter rarely strays from manual mode.

While not a drawback, the 5D has a "full frame" sensor so lenses have the same magnification that they would on a 35mm body. The XT*, and *0D lines are all a 1.6x crop. That means that a 100mm lens gives you the apparent magnification of a 160mm lens. For sports, or birding, that extra reach can save you money.

I'm not trying to scare you but this is a solid, professional level, camera and the best camera I've ever owned.

A good walking around lens, on that body, is the 24-105 or 24-70. The 24-70 is what I use but it's a tank. It's advantage is that it's a fast f/2.8 vs the f/4 of the 24-105. The 70-200 f/2.8 is a nice medium tele sport lens.
 
thanks beerguy, would I as a newbie shoot just as good pics with a 40D as the 5D? I think I will have to start shooting in auto mode, not manual.
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12744891#post12744891 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by huge1day
thanks beerguy, would I as a newbie shoot just as good pics with a 40D as the 5D?
Click to expand...

Yes, maybe even better because the 40D is a little more forgiving. It's also smaller and lighter. Where the 5D shines is in print clarity and high ISO performance.
 
:)

A good walking around lens, on that body, is the 24-105 or 24-70. The 24-70 is what I use but it's a tank. It's advantage is that it's a fast f/2.8 vs the f/4 of the 24-105. The 70-200 f/2.8L (or f/4L if money is an issue) is a nice medium tele sport lens.
Click to expand...

I also like the Tokina 12-24 if you're looking get get wider.
 
The 70-200 is leaps and bounds better than the 70-300.

You also don't want to shop there:

http://www.resellerratings.com/store/Photo_Dynasty


There a LOT of sleazy camera resellers. Buy from someone reputable. B&H Photo Video, Adorama, Calumet....

B&H will be quite close to the lowest legitimate price that you can find online. If money is a problem buy the camera body new and the lenses used. B&H, Adorama and KEH are all good resources for used gear. You can also do pretty well in the used gear section on FredMiranda.com
 
Amazing the difference in prices at B&H compared to Photo Dynasty. But $$ savings doesn't matter if you don't get a camera...
 
That's the problem. You can't buy if from Photo Dynasty for that price. If you refuse the "extras" that they try to sell you it magically become "out of stock" forever.
 
Can you tell me what the difference between these two lenses? The only difference in the description is the "IS". What does it mean other than the "IS" app. $400 more??

CanonZoom Telephoto EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM Autofocus Lens
CanonZoom Telephoto EF 70-200mm f/2.8L USM Autofocus Lens

Thanks for all the help
Bart
 
It's up to you and your shooting style. It helps with camera shake, from your hands.

I rarely shoot without a tripod so even though I've have it on a couple lenses, it's usually off.


The 70-200 f/4L (non-IS) is a real bargain. Just not quite as fast as the 2.8
 
Wait wait wait wait, you can buy a 40D with a 24-70 for $1,019.00?!?!?!?! Not to mention you get a bag, the 70-300, and lots of other stuff. Hu?
 
TitusvileSurfer: I have read alot of other threads, so I know you have an opinion. Can you share with me your opinion about the 40d and different lenses?

Bart
 
Me and my GF took up photography so we would have a hobby to do together. She started with a Rebel XT and I with a 30D. Last Christmas I bought her a 40D and in April I bought a 5D.

I love my 5D, but I think I would recommend a 40D and lenses if your going to stick closely to your budget. Not because you can't handle the 5d, thats rediculous. But because you can get so much more with 40D. 40D kit, 100mm macro, and a 400 5.6.

Mike

Mike
 
I would also recommend the 40D. If you are OK with a smaller, lighter body with a more plastic (but nice) style build, the XSi is an amazing deal. If you would like to go up in quality on a crop body, the Nikon D300 has superior high ISO performance and some other advantages like a high res screen. I personally did not like the ergonomics.

As a relatively new photographer, I expect you will appreciate image stabalization on your lenses. The canon 55-250 IS is no "L" lens, but an amazing deal that may cover the longer end of your focal length needs. The $80 nifty-fifty leads the pack though in value. As a reefer, you will probably enjoy a macro lens. Best to look at the canon 100mm, Sigma 105, and Tamron 90mm. No need for IS on these since you'll be tripod mounted. SPeaking of which, you'll want to get a decent tripod - manfrotto is very popular. A set of Kenko extension tubes could also be added for extra magnification.

Hope this helps...

jeff
 
thanks for all the responses. I have to do some more homework, been looking online most of the day trying to learn more.

Bart
 
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