I agree with the others, certainly 7D and new glass is a nice gift but for the problem you described there are less expensive options - a faster SD card! Have you thought about getting a gift card from B&H or Adorama and letting her decide?
Canon 7D
- Thread starter Chikabowa
- Start date
I agree with the others, certainly 7D and new glass is a nice gift but for the problem you described there are less expensive options - a faster SD card! Have you thought about getting a gift card from B&H or Adorama and letting her decide?
Frantasmic
*crickets* 2.0
- Joined
- Sep 5, 2005
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- 3,270
http://www.amazon.com/CowboyStudio-Studio-Umbrella-Continuous-Lighting/dp/B001NDYTKA
A pretty good beginning light kit on Amazon.
As for the lens question, I'd suggest the Tamron 17-50 f2.8 non-stabilized since it is in your price range or the Canon 85mm f1.8. Both of these lenses are under $500 and will provide good portrait lenses.
The 7D camera will last for years and represents a good gift in my estimation. The DIS forums does tend to over-suggest sometimes. The T2i would allow you to give a good camera, although less rugged in frame, for a much cheaper price.
A pretty good beginning light kit on Amazon.
As for the lens question, I'd suggest the Tamron 17-50 f2.8 non-stabilized since it is in your price range or the Canon 85mm f1.8. Both of these lenses are under $500 and will provide good portrait lenses.
The 7D camera will last for years and represents a good gift in my estimation. The DIS forums does tend to over-suggest sometimes. The T2i would allow you to give a good camera, although less rugged in frame, for a much cheaper price.
mom2rtk
Invented the term "Characterpalooza"
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- Aug 23, 2008
- Messages
- 62,639
I have the Xsi and shoot my kids playing sports a lot. I had the prior models of this camera, both the Xt and the Xti. I did have some problems getting the "busy" message, but never with the Xsi, and I shoot in burst mode a lot.
The problem I do have with the camera is the busy message I get with the flash quite a bit. It's very annoying, and I tend to just use my Speedlite when I anticipate needing a flash.
You will find many suggestions here, but really.... they are just trying to make sure your resolution will actually solve her problem.
Truth be told though.... a second body is not a bad thing. I sure wish I had one to avoid swapping out lenses so much.
Additionally, I do find myself drooling over the higher ISO capabilities those other cameras have!
Wanna adopt me?????
The problem I do have with the camera is the busy message I get with the flash quite a bit. It's very annoying, and I tend to just use my Speedlite when I anticipate needing a flash.
You will find many suggestions here, but really.... they are just trying to make sure your resolution will actually solve her problem.
Truth be told though.... a second body is not a bad thing. I sure wish I had one to avoid swapping out lenses so much.
Additionally, I do find myself drooling over the higher ISO capabilities those other cameras have!
Wanna adopt me?????
MarkBarbieri
Semi-retired
- Joined
- Aug 20, 2006
- Messages
- 6,172
I'm with the others in thinking that you'd be better served spending the money on lenses and other gear rather than a new body or buying a t2i instead of a 7D. I've got a 7D and I like it a lot, but the performance advantage over a t2i isn't that great. The difference in glass quality will be greater.
That said, the most general purpose lens is probably the 18-200. The image quality isn't the best, but the range is incredible. As a serious photographer (OK, I'm not really very serious), I'm not sure it's the lens I'd want, though. If you can narrow down your shooting style, you can get a specialized lens that significantly outperforms the 18-200. It just won't have the versatility.
The 70-200 f/4 is already a great portrait lens. It'd be nice to have something in that range that is faster (lower f-stop number) so that you can get shallower DOF (really sharp subject with everything else burry). I think that the 85mm f/1.8 would be a great lens for close-up portraits. It would really compliment that the 50mm f/1.8.
The 100mm f/2.8 macro is a reasonably nice portrait lens and also gives you the ability to do macro. If macro was important, I'd get it. It's not as good for portrait work as the 85mm f/1.8, though, so macro would have to be pretty important before I recommended it.
I've not used the 100mm f/2, but I would think it would be another good portrait lens. It's not nearly as popular as the 85mm f/1.8, so I'm guessing that the latter is probalby better.
As for studio lights, you need to pick one of two directions. You can use speedlights (flashes) and control them from the camera. You could also by dedicated studio lights. The dedicate lights are cheaper, take less time to recharge between shots, and don't need batteries. You can also use modeling lights, which give you some idea of how the light will look, which is very helpful when you are learning. The speedlights are much easier to take on locations or to use when you don't have a place to plug in. They are also easier to control from the camera. If she wants to always shoot in a studio setting (like a big room or your garage), I'd go with the studio lights. If she wants to shoot on locations, I'd go with the speedlights.
For the studio lights, it's hard to beat the price of Alien Bees. They aren't the very best, but they are extremely good for what they cost. For speedlights, my only experience is with the Canon and Nikon versions. I've heard of people having good experiences with Metz and other third party brands, but I don't know much about them.
Keep in mind that it isn't just the lights you'll need to buy. You also need to buy stands for holding up the lights, stands for holding up backgrounds, backgrounds, and light modifiers (umbrellas, softboxes, gels, etc). You don't need everything out there just to get started, but you'll at least need the basics. I would start with nothing less than a single light, either a shootthrough umbrella or softbox, a large reflector (which could just be a large white posterboard or a white painted section of foam board), a background (which could be a sheet), some way to hang the background, and some stands for the lights.
That said, the most general purpose lens is probably the 18-200. The image quality isn't the best, but the range is incredible. As a serious photographer (OK, I'm not really very serious), I'm not sure it's the lens I'd want, though. If you can narrow down your shooting style, you can get a specialized lens that significantly outperforms the 18-200. It just won't have the versatility.
The 70-200 f/4 is already a great portrait lens. It'd be nice to have something in that range that is faster (lower f-stop number) so that you can get shallower DOF (really sharp subject with everything else burry). I think that the 85mm f/1.8 would be a great lens for close-up portraits. It would really compliment that the 50mm f/1.8.
The 100mm f/2.8 macro is a reasonably nice portrait lens and also gives you the ability to do macro. If macro was important, I'd get it. It's not as good for portrait work as the 85mm f/1.8, though, so macro would have to be pretty important before I recommended it.
I've not used the 100mm f/2, but I would think it would be another good portrait lens. It's not nearly as popular as the 85mm f/1.8, so I'm guessing that the latter is probalby better.
As for studio lights, you need to pick one of two directions. You can use speedlights (flashes) and control them from the camera. You could also by dedicated studio lights. The dedicate lights are cheaper, take less time to recharge between shots, and don't need batteries. You can also use modeling lights, which give you some idea of how the light will look, which is very helpful when you are learning. The speedlights are much easier to take on locations or to use when you don't have a place to plug in. They are also easier to control from the camera. If she wants to always shoot in a studio setting (like a big room or your garage), I'd go with the studio lights. If she wants to shoot on locations, I'd go with the speedlights.
For the studio lights, it's hard to beat the price of Alien Bees. They aren't the very best, but they are extremely good for what they cost. For speedlights, my only experience is with the Canon and Nikon versions. I've heard of people having good experiences with Metz and other third party brands, but I don't know much about them.
Keep in mind that it isn't just the lights you'll need to buy. You also need to buy stands for holding up the lights, stands for holding up backgrounds, backgrounds, and light modifiers (umbrellas, softboxes, gels, etc). You don't need everything out there just to get started, but you'll at least need the basics. I would start with nothing less than a single light, either a shootthrough umbrella or softbox, a large reflector (which could just be a large white posterboard or a white painted section of foam board), a background (which could be a sheet), some way to hang the background, and some stands for the lights.
mabas9395
I may not have gone where I intended to go, but I
- Joined
- Mar 5, 2006
- Messages
- 1,264
I guess I'm one of the few that says go ahead and get the 7D. Its a surprise graduation gift, so give her what she really wants, not what this board says is more practical.
As for lenses, she has a wide range covered from 18mm to 200mm. You could go wider with the Sigma 10-20mm but if her interests are portraits and sports, that one won't help much. However, ultra-wide angles are so much fun to have. (about $479)
If she is really into portraits, I highly recommend the canon 85mm f/1.8. It does beautiful portraits and even works well as an indoor sports lens (basketball, volleyball, etc) (about $379). Doesn't work well as a general purpose lens though.
If she isn't happy with her kit lens, then something in the 18-50mm range would be very useful. I have the 28-135 and am not happy with it. I thought it was good when all I had was the kit lens, but after getting the 70-200 L, I got spoiled and want better quality. Sorry I don't have any good suggestions here.
If she is looking for lighting, as Mark said, she could go speedlites or studio lights. What flash does she currently have? If its something compatible with the Canon ETTL system, then maybe something like a canon 580ex II as a commander (about $421) or canon 430ex II as slave (about $279) would allow her to get her current her flash off camera and go semi-Strobist without having to go full manual. If she wanted studio lights, I agree that Alien Bee's are a good start. They have a beginner kit with flash, stand and umbrella for only $358. And there is also a beginner kit from Calumet photo with two flashes, stands and umbrellas for only $369. Both of them come highly recommended (for beginners) on another canon related photo board I read.
BTW, she is a lucky girl for you to be looking into this for her. For my graduation, I got a typewriter and some luggage and was told to "don't let the door hit you on the way out".
As for lenses, she has a wide range covered from 18mm to 200mm. You could go wider with the Sigma 10-20mm but if her interests are portraits and sports, that one won't help much. However, ultra-wide angles are so much fun to have. (about $479)
If she is really into portraits, I highly recommend the canon 85mm f/1.8. It does beautiful portraits and even works well as an indoor sports lens (basketball, volleyball, etc) (about $379). Doesn't work well as a general purpose lens though.
If she isn't happy with her kit lens, then something in the 18-50mm range would be very useful. I have the 28-135 and am not happy with it. I thought it was good when all I had was the kit lens, but after getting the 70-200 L, I got spoiled and want better quality. Sorry I don't have any good suggestions here.
If she is looking for lighting, as Mark said, she could go speedlites or studio lights. What flash does she currently have? If its something compatible with the Canon ETTL system, then maybe something like a canon 580ex II as a commander (about $421) or canon 430ex II as slave (about $279) would allow her to get her current her flash off camera and go semi-Strobist without having to go full manual. If she wanted studio lights, I agree that Alien Bee's are a good start. They have a beginner kit with flash, stand and umbrella for only $358. And there is also a beginner kit from Calumet photo with two flashes, stands and umbrellas for only $369. Both of them come highly recommended (for beginners) on another canon related photo board I read.
BTW, she is a lucky girl for you to be looking into this for her. For my graduation, I got a typewriter and some luggage and was told to "don't let the door hit you on the way out".
mom2rtk
Invented the term "Characterpalooza"
- Joined
- Aug 23, 2008
- Messages
- 62,639
I got a suitcase.... not even a typewriter!! That new 7D sure looks great to me!!!! Or any of the lenses mentioned.......
What nice parents!
scgalloways
Earning My Ears
- Joined
- Apr 6, 2010
- Messages
- 12
Hi might I make a suggestion. The Rebel t2i just came out a few weeks ago. It uses the same processor and sensor as the 7d. It shoots video. and the cost is around 799.00 with the lens. The 7d is around 1600.00. For the savings you could put more money in the lens. It is really the glass that makes the pictures. When you're talking 7d, 50d, ti2 they are all going to have the 1.6 multiplication factor for EF lenses you put on it, so it's not like you're paying more to go to a full frame like the 5d Mark I or II. I own the Canon 20d and 30d and shoot outdoor portraits as a side job. I just bought the ti2 over the 7d and picked up a canon 70-200 f4 with my savings. do a google search for canon ti2 reviews and you'll see some amazing stuff. you can also search 7d verses t2i.
If she shoots mainly portraits i'd suggest these lenses:
canon 85mm f1.8 (there is a 1.4 version also but much more costly) this lens gives amazing background blur so the subject pops.
the canon 100mm macro lens 2.8 is another good lens for portraits
canon 70-200 f4 L is a great lens it comes in an IS and non IS version. some people will argue for one or the other but you can get the non-IS for about 600.00 and unless she's got a shaky hand it is razor sharp, gives good blur in the background and if tripod mounted is even better.
I'd also like to point you to B&H photo because they have the best prices on cameras and lenses you can find anywhere. I have bought many times from them new and used and never had any issues. The beat places like Bestbuy usually by a couple of hundred dollars.
If she shoots mainly portraits i'd suggest these lenses:
canon 85mm f1.8 (there is a 1.4 version also but much more costly) this lens gives amazing background blur so the subject pops.
the canon 100mm macro lens 2.8 is another good lens for portraits
canon 70-200 f4 L is a great lens it comes in an IS and non IS version. some people will argue for one or the other but you can get the non-IS for about 600.00 and unless she's got a shaky hand it is razor sharp, gives good blur in the background and if tripod mounted is even better.
I'd also like to point you to B&H photo because they have the best prices on cameras and lenses you can find anywhere. I have bought many times from them new and used and never had any issues. The beat places like Bestbuy usually by a couple of hundred dollars.
BorisMD
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- Apr 27, 2002
- Messages
- 474
If you're going to get the 7D (I just got one) -- spend the extra $200 and get the 28-135 IS kit lens.
I got this lens, and it works very well on this camera. It'll be a nice complement to what she already has, and if, in time, she wants to move on, she can do so.
Regards,
Boris
I got this lens, and it works very well on this camera. It'll be a nice complement to what she already has, and if, in time, she wants to move on, she can do so.
Regards,
Boris
lucyanna girl
<font color=blue>My hair looks like Tigger spit ou
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- Jan 16, 2005
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Many thanks to everyone who took the time to offer suggestions. I really appreciate it.
I'm trying to process it all and decide what to do. I would very much like to surprise her with a graduation gift that will give her pleasure for years to come. Sadly, my husband is correct when he says we aren't made of money but we both feel photography will always play a big part in Sarah's life.
Thank you,
Penny
I'm trying to process it all and decide what to do. I would very much like to surprise her with a graduation gift that will give her pleasure for years to come. Sadly, my husband is correct when he says we aren't made of money but we both feel photography will always play a big part in Sarah's life.
Thank you,
Penny
photo_chick
Knows a little about a lot of things, a lot about
- Joined
- Mar 1, 2007
- Messages
- 5,123
The one thing to remember here.... digital cameras are not like film cameras. You really can't buy a DSLR and expect to be happy with it beyond five years like you could a 35mm SLR. Digital cameras are a lot like computers in that respect. They are outdated technology pretty fast in comparison to film cameras.
Again, just something to keep in mind.
Again, just something to keep in mind.
lucyanna girl
<font color=blue>My hair looks like Tigger spit ou
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We finally decided to pull the trigger and order the Canon 7D with 28-135 for Sarah's graduation gift. Thanks to everyone for their suggestions for lenses. I will have some great birthday and Christmas gift ideas. Some of those lenses look like they would be a good addition to her equipment.
I would like to order today and have been looking at different websites for the best price from a reliable dealer. Can anyone suggest a good place? I need the best price possible from a reputable store.
Thanks,
Penny
I would like to order today and have been looking at different websites for the best price from a reliable dealer. Can anyone suggest a good place? I need the best price possible from a reputable store.
Thanks,
Penny
disneyboy2003
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Nov 15, 2008
- Messages
- 805
Probably the 2 most used and most reputable online stores are B&H and Adorama.
Here's the link to the Canon 7D + lens from B&H: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/647503-REG/Canon_3814B010_EOS_7D_SLR_Digital.html
Here's the link to Adorama: http://www.adorama.com/Als/ProductPage/ICA7DK.html
Also, did you mention earlier that your daughter already had lenses that already covered a pretty good range? (I forgot which lenses you mentioned that your daughter already had) Just wondering if she really needs the extra lens. You might be able to get away with buying only the Canon 7D (body only) without the lens, and save $100.
On the other hand, for the extra $100 you really can't go wrong with this extra lens.
Either way, it should make a great graduation gift that'll last her for quite a while.
Here's the link to the Canon 7D + lens from B&H: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/647503-REG/Canon_3814B010_EOS_7D_SLR_Digital.html
Here's the link to Adorama: http://www.adorama.com/Als/ProductPage/ICA7DK.html
Also, did you mention earlier that your daughter already had lenses that already covered a pretty good range? (I forgot which lenses you mentioned that your daughter already had) Just wondering if she really needs the extra lens. You might be able to get away with buying only the Canon 7D (body only) without the lens, and save $100.
On the other hand, for the extra $100 you really can't go wrong with this extra lens.
Either way, it should make a great graduation gift that'll last her for quite a while.
lucyanna girl
<font color=blue>My hair looks like Tigger spit ou
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I know she is going to be thrilled, that girl lives with a camera in her hand. We decided that for the difference in price the extra lens was worth the money even if it isn't as nice as some of the ones recommended.
We are also going to need new memory as her XSI uses SD. Will a couple be enough to start with? How large and how fast will she need.
I'm sorry to be such a pain but I so want her gift to be right.
Penny
disneyboy2003
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Nov 15, 2008
- Messages
- 805
The Canon 7D shoots 18 megapixel photos. If she shoots using the best possible JPEG setting (ie. large fine JPEG), she should be able to get a little less than 1200 photos on an 8GB card. If she shoots in RAW, however, she should get a little less than 300 photos on an 8GB card.
If you don't know what she typically shoots in, you might wanna slip in a question during your conversation, "Say, what do you think of RAW vs. JPEG?" If she's adamant about shooting in RAW, you'll know right away to buy a larger memory card, like a 16GB card. If she's shooting JPEG, then an 8GB card should be fine.
I would personally recommend going with CF cards that are "UDMA" CF cards. UDMA CF cards are faster than the non-UDMA ones, which becomes very important when you're downloading 8 gigabytes of photos onto your computer. I remember the days (2 years ago?) when I was downloading 8GB of photos from a non-UDMA card, and it would take like 45-60 painful minutes.
Now, with my UDMA cards, I can download 8GB of photos in about 5-10 minutes. However, to take advantage of these download speeds, you'll also need to buy a UDMA-enabled card reader. You can see how this photography hobby can get more and more expensive.Anyway, if you do decide to go with UDMA CF cards, here are some options:
- Lexar 8GB UDMA 300x CompactFlash Card, $67.50 (link to B&H)
- Lexar 16GB UDMA 300x CompactFlash Card, $112.69 (link to B&H)
- Lexar Professional UDMA Dual-Slot USB Reader, $33.50 (link to B&H)
- if your daughter will be using a laptop to download photos and if her laptop has an ExpressCard slot, consider the Verbatim Expresscard UDMA CF Reader, $24.98 + shipping (link to Amazon)
Just a few options. Hope that helps.
lucyanna girl
<font color=blue>My hair looks like Tigger spit ou
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Oh thank you, that helps a lot! I knew she needed fast cards and larger cards but didn't know how much. She shoots jpeg. I know that much at least. She uses Adobe photoshop Elements and a site called Picnik to edit and Smugmug for storage and ordering pictures.
Penny
Penny
disneyboy2003
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Nov 15, 2008
- Messages
- 805
Actually, if she's shooting JPEG, then you might be able to get away with 4GB cards (about 600 JPEG photos), or you could go with two 4GB cards.
They're $44.99 at B&H: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/553941-REG/Lexar_CF4GB_300_381_4GB_UDMA_300x_CompactFlash.html Although, now that I see the price of the 4GB cards, looks like you can get the 8GB cards for just a little more.
Sounds like she's in for quite a pleasant surprise on graduation day.
lucyanna girl
<font color=blue>My hair looks like Tigger spit ou
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My biggest problem will be keeping it until then. She has so many pre-graduation events coming up that I know she would love to have the new camera for.
Thank you again,
Penny
Thank you again,
Penny
photo_chick
Knows a little about a lot of things, a lot about
- Joined
- Mar 1, 2007
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- 5,123
I order form Newegg, B&H, Adorama or Beach Camera. I'm leery of Amazon because I've had a couple of bad experiences when returning things to them.
And if it were me, I'd go for hte larger cards if you can afford it. You never know when she will decide to shoot RAW and 4GB doesn't hold many RAW files that large.
And if it were me, I'd go for hte larger cards if you can afford it. You never know when she will decide to shoot RAW and 4GB doesn't hold many RAW files that large.
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