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jatrax · Joined: 07 May 2011 Posts: 242 Location: Pacific Northwest

Camera bodies come and go; glass is forever. Assuming you don't change brands of course. And if well cared for the glass usually does not depreciate much while the bodies do.

I have purchased almost all of my glass used and could re-sell at a profit if I wanted to. It is a matter of knowing what you want, knowing the value and being patient. If you decide you want a particular lens, NOW, then you will pay a premium. If you just have a list and watch for a deal then you can pay much less.

So figure out what glass you will want and start watching for it. When you see a good price, add a lens. By the time you have your lens lineup assembled they will have a new and better camera out anyway.

rinder99 · Posted: Wed Aug 08, 2012 12:03 am

mnsanthoshkumar · Joined: 25 Oct 2010 Posts: 459

Agreed good lenses are necessary. But even a OK lens like the 18-55 kit lens will do most of the jobs for stock as you can downsize the image to 6mp and still get that accepted in most sites. With that size, almost any image can be made enough sharp.

But with a body which will help shoot at 3-4 stops more than the normal DSLRs, that's a huge advantage. When I go to, for example, a marriage event, I can't shoot there anything for stock with the usual lighting with the usual 550Ds or 60Ds. And I dont like using flash. But with 5D, its possible. Same happens in a restaurant or fashion show.. Anything indoor is difficult in other cameras. Even macro shots too get difficult with normal cameras if the sky is cloudy or shooting in shadows, late evenings, etc. There are so many more instances.. Finally it boils down to what one shoots. If we shoot only studio shots with strobes, then 550Ds will do the job most of the time. But for a non-studio shooter, I think 5D presents a huge advantage.

gtranquillity · Joined: 01 May 2010 Posts: 745

semmickphoto · Posted: Wed Aug 08, 2012 1:59 am

semmickphoto · Posted: Wed Aug 08, 2012 1:59 am

I would like to thank each and everyone for their input, it has been most helpful and I know what to do now.

Great forum, great people.

rixie · Joined: 29 Dec 2007 Posts: 3428 Location: Hampshire, UK

When I was wanting to upgrade from my 40D, it took me a year of reading reviews and forums, etc. before finally investing in the 5D mkII and the 24-105 1:4 L IS USM lens.

Like you, I was rather put off the 7D, due to many reporting noise problems but I was having a hard time justifying the additional expense of the 5D MkII and the fact that I was making 2 of my 3 lenses redundant.

I went to my local camera shop and tried both bodies with the above lens, and was mightily impressed with the results from both, which caused me further anguish, as I thought one would come out as a clear winner. I also tried the 7D with the kit lens from my 40D, and the results were pretty grim!

Looking back, I knew in my heart that the 5D was the camera for me but I just couldn't justify it without agonising for several months! Go with your instincts (or budget) as I don't think you will be disappointed with either, provided you have the right lenses attached.

nadger · Joined: 13 Sep 2009 Posts: 259 Location: God only knows

I Have the 400d and bought the 5DII (with 24-70L) a couple of years back. I planned to sell the 400d but I was very underwhelmed by the 5D and had noise issues (even at 100 iso) particularly with blue skies - and the 9-point focus system is no better than that of the 400d! After all sorts of suggestions I still wasnt happy with the IQ and sent the 5D back. Luckily, I kept the 400d and have coninued to use that since while I waited for the 5DIII to emerge. But blow me - the III is overpriced and I'm still stuck with the 400d!

gtranquillity · Joined: 01 May 2010 Posts: 745

chinchoi · Posted: Wed Aug 08, 2012 6:32 am

+100, very well said.

In challenging lighting condition and demanding quality output, even the best L glass can't save crop sensor user's ass, that's why professional willing to pay premium for Full Frame camera.

If making money is your purpose of doing photography, then it is very unproductive (aka time wasting) if you buy tools that are troublesome to use and limiting your creativity.

As wise man said time IS money, especially nowadays.

cpaulfell · Joined: 07 Dec 2011 Posts: 2395

copidosoma · Joined: 17 Nov 2009 Posts: 3765 Location: Canada

I've sort of stopped giving suggestions on what camera body people should buy as everyone has their own opinions and they tend to be very unyielding about it.

Having said that, think about what you are going to be using the camera for primarily (studio, wildlife, portraits, action etc) and get the best body for the job. That way when people tell you that your camera is garbage (as a 7D owner, I get alot of this) you can ignore them and go take awesome photos. There is no magic camera that does everything perfectly (although some come close if you are willing to spend the money).

Take the advice you get with a healthy grain of salt and, as above, invest in lenses.