Next Camera Recommendations

[Ickdeep]

Hey guys,

I've been doing "photography" publicly for about a year and I think its time for me to upgrade. I've mainly do car photo-shoots (rollers and static) and sometimes portraits (here is my IG for more reference: https://www.instagram.com/isinghstudio/). I've been using a Canon T3i Rebel with a 18-55 mm lens. This camera has been an awesome camera for me to learn on and build my photography page.

What would you recommend for a new camera? The budget is around $1k.

Thank you,

[HyeWarrior]

It’s been a while since I’ve been in the camera game, but I’m sure you can get a great deal on a 60D or 70D. Probably around $400-$600. Id spend the rest on some nice glass. Depends entirely on your style and how you like to shoot. You can get some great lenses under $500.

[b4hand]

I picked up a Nikon d7600 a few months back and just recently got a cheaper wide angle lense. The hard part is spending big bucks on the glass not the body. I'd suggest at least an 80D or d7600. I am not sure if there are many mirror-less cameras around your budget though.

[P1]

The 6D Mark II was recently on sale for just a little over $1K.

[Radmobile]

Glass, glass, glass. With $1,000 to spend you won't be able to get a camera body that won't be limited by your 18-55mm. I'd suggest getting the best piece of glass you can, in the focal range you're seeking. New or refurbished (be careful buying used if you don't know how to properly analyze the condition of a lens such as mold growth), here are a couple thoughts:

35mm F1.4 or F1.8 (50mm full frame equivalent)
24mm F1.4 or F1.8 (35mm full frame equivalent)
24-70mm F2.8
70-200mm F2.8

All of which, assuming you get the FF version, will allow you to take your photos to the next level. If you decide to upgrade to a FF body then these lenses will be with you to make the transition.

If you decide to get a FF body now, you're going to spend all your money on the body and won't have the glass to match it.

[CLABRO]

Originally Posted by Radmobile

Glass, glass, glass. With $1,000 to spend you won't be able to get a camera body that won't be limited by your 18-55mm. I'd suggest getting the best piece of glass you can, in the focal range you're seeking. New or refurbished (be careful buying used if you don't know how to properly analyze the condition of a lens such as mold growth), here are a couple thoughts:

35mm F1.4 or F1.8 (50mm full frame equivalent)
24mm F1.4 or F1.8 (35mm full frame equivalent)
24-70mm F2.8
70-200mm F2.8

All of which, assuming you get the FF version, will allow you to take your photos to the next level. If you decide to upgrade to a FF body then these lenses will be with you to make the transition.

If you decide to get a FF body now, you're going to spend all your money on the body and won't have the glass to match it.

I agree that glass is just as important and arguably more important than the body. However, with a budget around $1,000, you're knocking on the door of a Canon 6D. The Canon 6D can be had brand new for $1,299 and slightly pre-owned and refurbished for a considerable amount less (well within $1,000). It can be a very good upgrade from the current T3i Rebel that he has.

I did this very thing, once I used the hell out of my T3i, I upgraded to the 6D and couldn't be happier. You get to a point where the camera starts to hold you back and doesn't allow you to continually evolve, improve, and take your shots to the next level when you're wanting just more features, function, or bigger sensor out of the camera.

IMO, if you aren't going to be taking video or shooting sports often then the 6D is the best bang for your buck full frame camera you can buy from Canon. Especially if you're main thing is shooting photography and/or shooting in low light, the capability in the 6D, for the price, is incredible.

With that being said, I'd save up the amount you need to allow you to upgrade the camera as well as getting a versatile lens for it that you can use for awhile until you get enough money to add a second one to your line up.

[Radmobile]

Originally Posted by CLABRO

I agree that glass is just as important and arguably more important than the body. However, with a budget around $1,000, you're knocking on the door of a Canon 6D. The Canon 6D can be had brand new for $1,299 and slightly pre-owned and refurbished for a considerable amount less (well within $1,000). It can be a very good upgrade from the current T3i Rebel that he has.

I did this very thing, once I used the hell out of my T3i, I upgraded to the 6D and couldn't be happier. You get to a point where the camera starts to hold you back and doesn't allow you to continually evolve, improve, and take your shots to the next level when you're wanting just more features, function, or bigger sensor out of the camera.

IMO, if you aren't going to be taking video or shooting sports often then the 6D is the best bang for your buck full frame camera you can buy from Canon. Especially if you're main thing is shooting photography and/or shooting in low light, the capability in the 6D, for the price, is incredible.

I totally agree that at some point a body's capabilities restricts you and the need to upgrade is necessary. Hell I use a Nikon D5100 and desperately want to upgrade. Focal points, processor, AF in-camera speed and recognition, ISO performance, and many more features have greatly advanced since the D5100. Not just stats on paper, several of these hinder shots on a daily basis.

My primary reason for the lens upgrade is that the OP is using an 18-55mm lens, which I assume is the basic kit F3.5-5.6 lens. Hardly the fastest or sharpest option out there. I'd rather get 2-3 great lenses that will pair well with the 6D (at a later date) and last for as long as the user is on a Canon system. Not to mention it gives greater capabilities in focal lengths and artistic creativity in shots.

[ajfb004]

Ive been into photography now for a few years. You need to get on Canon forums( Photography on the net) and hit up the classifieds. Its goanna boil down to what your shooting. When I was heavy into sports I used a Canon 70d and 1dmkiii. There are some forum members with 6ds and a lens right on your price range. Hell look at B and H too I've ordered from them in the past fast shipping and always good quality even the used stuff. My current 5DmkIII came from there

Are you doing portrait , sports or a mix of stuff ?

[Ickdeep]

Originally Posted by ajfb004

Ive been into photography now for a few years. You need to get on Canon forums( Photography on the net) and hit up the classifieds. Its goanna boil down to what your shooting. When I was heavy into sports I used a Canon 70d and 1dmkiii. There are some forum members with 6ds and a lens right on your price range. Hell look at B and H too I've ordered from them in the past fast shipping and always good quality even the used stuff. My current 5DmkIII came from there

Are you doing portrait , sports or a mix of stuff ?

I've been looking at a 80D but kind up on the price range.

Its mainly car photography. I do a lot of rollers. https://www.instagram.com/isinghstudio/

[ajfb004]

That's an art form man capturing your subject on motion with the blurred background takes some practice. 6D is gonna be full frame and will change things for you. Hell private sale you may come across a 7Dmkii or 5Dmkii that fits your budget.

For what your doing I would definitely look at 7dmkii first.

[AlpineWhite_SJ]

Go back through your shots. What focal length are you shooting predominately? If it’s in a consistent range, consider getting a good prime lens in that focal length. Better investment short term that you could still benefit from with a newer body if you keep the same sensor size. If you’re considering move to full frame it’s a bit tougher as you have to factor in the change in effective focal length moving sensor sizes.

Personally, I shoot my 50mm 1.4 and 24mm 1.4L more than my zooms on a 7d. If I moved to FF, the 24mm would probably get less use.

[torrque]

Originally Posted by AlpineWhite_SJ

Go back through your shots. What focal length are you shooting predominately? If it’s in a consistent range, consider getting a good prime lens in that focal length. Better investment short term that you could still benefit from with a newer body if you keep the same sensor size. If you’re considering move to full frame it’s a bit tougher as you have to factor in the change in effective focal length moving sensor sizes.

Personally, I shoot my 50mm 1.4 and 24mm 1.4L more than my zooms on a 7d. If I moved to FF, the 24mm would probably get less use.

If you shoot primes only, move to FF; nicer DOF.

[tcphoto]

Rather than replacing the camera, I'd recommend upgrading the glass. An older version of a 16-35/2.8 would be a good choice then a used 5D2 later on. I've never used a Rebel and would check on compatibility with EF mount lenses.

[OUGrad05]

I would consider upgrading glass vs the body at your budget but if you really want a new body I'd go 80D.
I'm also planning to upgrade from my older T2i later this year but I'm waiting for the 7D3 or the Fuji X-T3. I would stay away from the 6D and 6DII unless you're just doing stills and have no use for video. I had originally planned to buy a 6DII but it was just too much of a compromise, focusing system isn't great, especially for moving subjects. For many of us that aren't pro's it's simply not enough bang for the buck especially in the company of the 80D and soon to be 7D3.

When it comes to crop bodies, I'd go for an 80D and skip the 60 or 70D. With the 80D you get Canon's new sensor which adds considerably to the dynamic range, especially if you need to pull back or push exposures, shadows, etc.