Professional Photography Questions

[okbirdman]

I am interested in opinions of those who are professional or quasi-professional photographers. Would you recommend a 20D with glass and other essentials (backdrops, lighting, etc.) over a 1DMkII and few extras (I have several good lenses already with a 10D)? It is a tough decision and want to see if you think a 20D is adequate for wedding and other event photography (I suspect it is, but am not sure of the gains I would see in similar situations with the MkII).

Thanks for your advice!

[TonyKInTexas]

Depending on your needs, a 20D with "good" glass can very well meet your needs. Remember it is how you use the tool and not always the tool that will make the difference.

But if you have a 10D, why do you believe you need a 20D? I have shot a wedding and a separate wedding reception with a 10D. I have also shot 2 concerts with the 10D. So I am not sure you would gain a lot more for the investment. Yet if you are looking at professional work, I would always say get a 2nd body so you have a backup. If that is a 20D, then it is a 20D. :)

Take care,

I am interested in opinions of those who are professional or quasi-professional photographers. Would you recommend a 20D with glass and other essentials (backdrops, lighting, etc.) over a 1DMkII and few extras (I have several good lenses already with a 10D)? It is a tough decision and want to see if you think a 20D is adequate for wedding and other event photography (I suspect it is, but am not sure of the gains I would see in similar situations with the MkII).

Thanks for your advice!

[Persian-Rice]

I depends on what you want to do.

The 1 series cameras are undoubtedly faster. If you shoot sports, the 1D mkII with a long usm zoom will be awesome. However, the 20D is quick and performs well as an all-around camera. It's not amazing at anything in particular, except noise performance, but its pretty good at everything it does.

I really don't know what to suggest. The 1D II is hands down the better camera and you will absolutely love it. The 20D is a great little camera and you will love that too, as long as you are not used to a 1D II. If you were an enthusiast, I would suggest the 20D + glass because having to compromise is not as important, pictures will always be pictures. But in a situation like this, I would consider every factor involved before I decide. If you want to make money and have a very consistent camera then you might need the better body that will also last you longer.

[DaveG]

I am interested in opinions of those who are professional or quasi-professional photographers. Would you recommend a 20D with glass and other essentials (backdrops, lighting, etc.) over a 1DMkII and few extras (I have several good lenses already with a 10D)? It is a tough decision and want to see if you think a 20D is adequate for wedding and other event photography (I suspect it is, but am not sure of the gains I would see in similar situations with the MkII).

Thanks for your advice!

I think that a 20D would be absolutely fine for shooting weddings, and plan on doing so myself.

I'm also looking at the situation like this: I paid $2500 (Cdn) for a 10D about 18 months ago. The 20D was $2000. I have every expectation that the camera bodies will continue to decrease in price. My feeling is that this isn't going to change and the smart place to put my money is into lenses. I'd love to have a Mark II or an S Mark II, but I can't rationalize the price. I know that the 20D is more than OK and the features of the Mark II's will be available and for a much lower cost in about three years.

[TonyKInTexas]

Actually as capital expenditures, all assets will decrease in value over time. Yes, some things can have a higher re-sale value but when buying equipment one should look at the needs and get the items that cover those needs.

Now a 1DMk2 is a fine camera (and I wish I had the money to buy one). okbirdman has a 10D at this time and does not indicate it is giving him any problems. And while there are differences between the 10D and 20D, I would suggest those differences are not enough to warrant leaving the 10D behind just yet. I would suggest getting good glass and possibly investing in a FAST and LOADED computer to process the images he plans on taking. I also suggest getting some form of flash system for the wedding shots, especially if he plans to do any formal shots which even with PJ style, are still a staple for wedding photographers.

I've owned a pair of Alien Bee lights (B400 and B800) for over year. And while I don't use them a lot, I am very glad for the times I need them.

Take care,

I am interested in opinions of those who are professional or quasi-professional photographers. Would you recommend a 20D with glass and other essentials (backdrops, lighting, etc.) over a 1DMkII and few extras (I have several good lenses already with a 10D)? It is a tough decision and want to see if you think a 20D is adequate for wedding and other event photography (I suspect it is, but am not sure of the gains I would see in similar situations with the MkII).

Thanks for your advice!

I think that a 20D would be absolutely fine for shooting weddings, and plan on doing so myself.

I'm also looking at the situation like this: I paid $2500 (Cdn) for a 10D about 18 months ago. The 20D was $2000. I have every expectation that the camera bodies will continue to decrease in price. My feeling is that this isn't going to change and the smart place to put my money is into lenses. I'd love to have a Mark II or an S Mark II, but I can't rationalize the price. I know that the 20D is more than OK and the features of the Mark II's will be available and for a much lower cost in about three years.

[Vegas Poboy]

The 20D & 10D is very good for weddings and event photography. That is what I use and has had no problems with them. I even use the 20D for Semi Pro sporting events. Of course since glass should be a one time buy I say invest in good glass.

[TonyKInTexas]

Agreed. There is a thread on DPR about wedding horror stories and one common theme is camera after camera failing.

2 is better than 1 and if they are the same body, so much the better. You don't have to learn 2 different bodies, maybe have different software, etc.

Cameras are expendables.

I agree with the comment that you should pay for the tool that meets your needs.

I have shot LOTS of weddings on film (EOS 650's-- slow focusers for sure), but none digitally. What I have experienced with my 10D leads me to believe that the 10D is a very capable camera. If you intend to work professionally, I recommend that you buy two cameras rather than putting a lot of money into one single camera.

[NILOLIGIST]

I am doing my third wedding in two weeks so I will give my .02...I think that if you have the money and plan on doing more than wedding that would require the 1DMKII I would say get it. Otherwise, you could get the 20D and more good glass. If business needs and permits you can always upgrade later.

Buy what you need not what you want...Take it from me...LOL

NiL,

[photography By Evangelos]

I have been shooting wedding since the D30 so the 20D is more than fine for pro work.





Angelo 8)

[E.C.Giorgio]

I've been shooting with the 10D for about a year, it was my first "adventure" in digital land! I've shot inside & outside pro work, for over 30 years! I was also tempted to switch to the 20d because of the outstanding reviews it's gotten. My advise is stick to what you've got and stay with the 10d! I've traded up alot of times thinking "this camera is better" and i've lost too much money in doing so. Camera's depreciate an awful lot. Spend the money you want to invest in the 20d on accessories!