Can you guide me which digital camera best for my profession?

[mpmarkpeterson59]

Hey guys, this is my fist time in this forum, and I am really exited. I'm a beginner photographer and I'm thinking in buying my first canon camera. Most of what I do is portrait, Wedding and fashion photography and I'm still confused which canon camera should i buy. My options are EOS 40D, EOS 450D. Please let me know which one do you think is the best camera for me? Also, what kind of lenses you recommend would be better to get for this camera?

[big bill]

Hello and firstly welcome to the site,as to your problem to camera ifits for the Wedding and Portraiture side only the lens you should be looking at are a wide angle for the Wedding group shots some where around 17-85mm and for the close ups around 70-300mm .
For the camera body there has been so much conflicting news about the shutter jamming on the 40D that I would go for the 450D ,but you now also have the 50D just released and it has a larger Mp count which would give you better detail.
But its upto you in the end you would be better going into the shops and handleing them to see which suits you best and which you are happy with,hope this has been of some help,for weddings you need to be thinking of spare body as well just incase something goes wrong as you only get one chance ,best of luck

[Jim Ford]

Originally Posted by mpmarkpeterson59

Hey guys, this is my fist time in this forum, and I am really exited. I'm a beginner photographer and I'm thinking in buying my first canon camera. Most of what I do is portrait, Wedding and fashion photography

I wouldn't get too excited about wedding photography - it's very stressful! You don't get a second chance to photograph one of the seemingly endless permutations of bride, groom, parents, relations, friends etc.!

Jim

[galanthus]

Don't forget the 400d is a cracking good camera too, I have one Seriously tho it's good value at the mo. I agree with bill that a wide angle is essential, a 10mm-22mm is good with a cropped sensor camera. I'd go for a nice prime portrait lens too, something around 60-100mm maybe ?

Either choice of camera you'll enjoy it and ultimately if you're passionate you'll make good pics

[Geoff F]

For me, being a wedding photographer would be one stage worse than prostitution. Almost as bad as baby photography. But some people appear to really like that type of photography.

Anyway, if you want to do 'fashion' photography and use Canon equipment I would recommend the Canon 5D. But the 40D or 450D are far more achieveable (cost wise) for most of us who are struggling to justify what we spend.

Which of those 2 would be best for you is really just a matter of personal taste. Pick up both cameras and see which one 'fits your hand'. Personally, I like a heavy chunky camera which I can grip firmly. Something with easy to see displays and adjustments which I can get hold of. So I use the 40D. But some people find it too heavy and cumbersome, especially to carry around all day.

Either way, your choice of lenses is the most important decission. Rather than recommend a lens for a subject about which I know very little I will point you to some real experts in this field. Photography community, including forums, reviews, and galleries from Photo.net

This is a US based, but worldwide membership, on line association of dedicated photographers with many professional wedding experts. If you go to the Canon Forum and ask for advice you will get some really professional help.

Just one word of warning. They are a mostly friendly and helpful bunch but many are truly professionals so don't say something like 'I am a total photography novice and have to photography my first wedding tomorrow; what equipment should I purchase'. That really gets them going. 'I would like to learn the art of wedding photography, where would you advise me to start' will get a much more favourable reply.

And when you get fed up with that branch of photography ask again here and we will be able to advise about bird and insect lenses.

ps. Check out several online outlets to compare prices, there is a lot of variation and don't forget to look for one of the Canon Cashback deals.

[eeyore]

The short version is neither - a 450d is only one step above entry level and the 40D one step above that - both are good cameras but not meant for proffesional level use. (if you must chose between them get the 40D as its build quality is better)

for wedding and lifestyle I would say that you definitely need full frame - which means either the 5D or the IDS -

for serious fashion work this is even more the case as most pro fashion photographers use digital medium format such as the Mamiya Z22 or the hasselblad H3 ( you are getting into second mortgage teritory here tho)

[NickCantle]

There's absolutely no reason why you can't produce professional quality Wedding images with an entry level camera Pete

I've seen professional images taken with worse cameras than a 400D.

[Deer Hunter]

I must agree with Big Bill on this one - If you are into Wedding Photography then you MUST have a second body.

I do a lot of wedding photography both still and video - its money for old rope and this is what finances my wildlife filming trips to exotic parts.

You can go out photographing and filming wildlife and drop you camera many a time - it still works! Photograph a wedding and by some mysterious reason it will jam! - I know I've been that soldier.

I would suggest if you are serious about wedding photography then you go for a 1D Mkllll or the 5D with a 40D as a back up. Lens for wedding
24-105mm and 16-35mm

[Dae]

I don't think it's necessary to go splashing out on serious cameras when just starting out with wedding photography. If you're excited about it, that's great - but give yourself a chance to try it before you go splashing out. I'd start with one of the two cameras you've chosen. If you get on well with one of those cameras, and still find yourself wanting a more "serious" edge to your photography - or wanting to take it up professionally, then look up the serious cameras that have been mentioned like the 5D, etc. and keep the first camera as a spare 2nd camera when the need arises.

Either of the cameras you chose will do you well, though I have heard a lot of flack towards the 40D having the shutter jamming. I can't say anything about that, but just be aware. I think you've already gotten the best advice, go and see these cameras in person and get your hands on them. See which one suits your style best, and fits your hand. I hear good things about both so you shouldn't be disappointed with whichever you choose.

I won't advise on lenses, as I'm into bird photography so I only do huge telephoto lenses

Best of Luck!

[eeyore]

Originally Posted by NickCantle

There's absolutely no reason why you can't produce professional quality Wedding images with an entry level camera Pete

I've seen professional images taken with worse cameras than a 400D.

that may be true nick but amateur level cameras arent built to take proffesional abuse - if you are an amateur or semi pro who makes a bit of money on the side then either the 450 or the 40 will be fine - however if you are a day in day out full time proffesional then you need a camera with a better build quality (which in canon terms means the 1D or 1DS series)

there is also the issue that particularly for weddings it is useful if your wide angle lens is actually wide angle - the 1.6 crop which is so valuable in wildlife photography by turning your 300mm into a 480mm effective acts against you here by making your 20mm into an effective 32mm and your 50mm portrait lens into an effective 80mm

that in turn means that you need a full frame sensor which means (in canon terms) either the 5D or the 1DS

if you only do weddings occasionally then you can get by but if you do a lot it helps to have the right kit.

(and all this applies to fashion too, in spades ... tho the realistic chance of breaking into fashion as a begginer is efectively nil)

as to the price angle the difference between a 40D and a 5Dmk1 (particularly with the 5Dmk 2 begining to be available) is only a couple of hundred quid or less.

Therefore I would say get a 5D now and if your wedding buisness is succeful get a 1DS or 1D later and down grade the 5 to a second body

You do however need a second body now (if you dont already have one - tho i'd be very doubtful about the realism of starting out as a wedding pro without several years amateur exp behind you) and as this is for emergencies this can be an amateur series - i'd tend to suggest getting a s/h 20 or 30D for this.