which camera should I rent??

[brennasg]

Okay, doing an outdoor wedding for a friend in October. With a few other jobs that same week. I am renting a camera for the whole week. Everything will be done in natural light. I was going to try to rent a 50D but I am going to have to go a bit cheaper. SO... either a 40D or go for the Nikon D90? I was debating doing the nikon cause I am unfamiliar with it and I have been asked to be a second shooter for a wedding in November, and they will be having me use one of their Nikons.

What do you think?? Thanks:)

[Dorman]

Okay, doing an outdoor wedding for a friend in October. With a few other jobs that same week. I am renting a camera for the whole week. Everything will be done in natural light. I was going to try to rent a 50D but I am going to have to go a bit cheaper. SO... either a 40D or go for the Nikon D90? I was debating doing the nikon cause I am unfamiliar with it and I have been asked to be a second shooter for a wedding in November, and they will be having me use one of their Nikons.

What do you think?? Thanks:)

Honestly if you aren't using any glass from your own arsenal then it doesn't really matter. Rent whichever one will feel the best to you on the day off. I would encourage you to rent a flash as well in case there is insufficient natural light. Take a look at the wedding FAQ for gear & first time advice, and good luck.

[tim]

What camera(s) and lens(s) do you have right now? A wedding isn't a good place to have to stop to read a manual.

[brennasg]

What camera(s) and lens(s) do you have right now? A wedding isn't a good place to have to stop to read a manual.


Well, I have always used Canon(but only 35mm SLR). Plus this past week I borrowed a friends 50D, so I got used to it...BUT I am the second shooter for a wedding in November and will be using a Nikon, so I thought I could get used to it before I did that one. Which ever one I rent I will have a day or so before the wedding to get used to it.

[jonwhite]

Even if I was very experienced with shooting film SLRs I wouldn't fancy doing a wedding after only having a camera for a day, or even a week which is what it sounds like your plan is.

Besides the camera you plan to rent do you have enough memory cards, batteries, flash gun, spare lenses etc?

[brennasg]

Even if I was very experienced with shooting film SLRs I wouldn't fancy doing a wedding after only having a camera for a day, or even a week which is what it sounds like your plan is.

Besides the camera you plan to rent do you have enough memory cards, batteries, flash gun, spare lenses etc?


I hear ya..if it was different circumstances I would feel that way, but its a wedding present to a friend of mine:) Did I mention Im the maid of honor and the cake baker!! YIKES! I am confident in my abilities.. and I know as long as I can spend some solid time getting used to it..I'll be good to go. Now the wedding I am second shooting for is NOT for a friend..so I am more nervous about it. I will for sure have to use a Nikon then..and that is something I have never used.

[bnlearle]

If you're spending anywhere close to $100 on renting, I'd suggest buying a used camera. You can keep it as long as you like, and as long as you sell it you can get the same price for it - possibly make more - but definitely you won't lose out more than $40 bucks (or so) for shipping.

Renting bodies (if you're in the states, at least) is a terrible way to spend money, imo. So many cheap bodies that you can turn around and sell for the same price ;)

Bobby

[brennasg]

If you're spending anywhere close to $100 on renting, I'd suggest buying a used camera. You can keep it as long as you like, and as long as you sell it you can get the same price for it - possibly make more - but definitely you won't lose out more than $40 bucks (or so) for shipping.

Renting bodies (if you're in the states, at least) is a terrible way to spend money, imo. So many cheap bodies that you can turn around and sell for the same price ;)

Bobby

I feel that way too about wasting money.. the good thing is the bride is paying for it...and I have some other jobs to use it with as well. I only have 4 more months and will have enough to buy the camera I want. You see I(actually my husband) refuses to go into debt on the camera and we have just been strapped for cash:( So I have been saving. Thats why I am okay with it. This will most likely be the only time I have to rent.

[Lightworks Imaging]

Seriously, I mentioned this in your other posting. If you are not COMPLETELY familiar with a particular body, you are going to experience problems shooting a wedding. Trust me, I know, I've done that. If you are serious about shooting weddings, get a refurb 40D NOW. $699 at Adorama, and get familiar with it. You can always rent glass, but the learning curve with OOF issues with wide open fast lenses is another issue. Good luck. What is the plan for a speedlight, a tele zoom, CF cards, (with a 50D I fill at least 16GB at a typical wedding)? That stuff is the "forgotten" part of the expense of getting set up for a wedding. There's alot of other equipment necessary, but there is a beginning. 10,000 clicks and I feel confident that I'm able to set my bodies, I use a 40D and a 50D for what ever circumstances that come up under pressure. In the dark. Against time, and the stress of NEEDING the shot. Like THE kiss. Or the intro, ring exchange. LIke I said, good luck, the first wedding sounds like a low buck affair, and you probably can't go South with that, and being a second, well that's what seconds are for. Good luck, again. Let us know how it goes, and what the final outcome is. Now I'm invested...

[bnlearle]

Not invalidating your experiences, Lightworks, but I personally have a different story.

I shot for a couple years with 1 series. I got a 40D the day before I shot a wedding and never practiced with it. Shot just fine. Then I got a 5D - same thing. No practice, first go at a wedding. No problem. Same deal with the 5DII.

I shoot manual - so I just need to know where to change the ISO, aperture, and shutter. That's sort of clear from a rebel up to a 1Ds, I think ;) But I know there are photographers who do custom functions and all that - that could VERY well screw someone up with camera switching :) So again, just saying the shooting manual part is pretty easy from camera to camera, I think :D

Bobby

[brennasg]

Seriously, I mentioned this in your other posting. If you are not COMPLETELY familiar with a particular body, you are going to experience problems shooting a wedding. Trust me, I know, I've done that. If you are serious about shooting weddings, get a refurb 40D NOW. $699 at Adorama, and get familiar with it. You can always rent glass, but the learning curve with OOF issues with wide open fast lenses is another issue. Good luck. What is the plan for a speedlight, a tele zoom, CF cards, (with a 50D I fill at least 16GB at a typical wedding)? That stuff is the "forgotten" part of the expense of getting set up for a wedding. There's alot of other equipment necessary, but there is a beginning. 10,000 clicks and I feel confident that I'm able to set my bodies, I use a 40D and a 50D for what ever circumstances that come up under pressure. In the dark. Against time, and the stress of NEEDING the shot. Like THE kiss. Or the intro, ring exchange. LIke I said, good luck, the first wedding sounds like a low buck affair, and you probably can't go South with that, and being a second, well that's what seconds are for. Good luck, again. Let us know how it goes, and what the final outcome is. Now I'm invested...

haha.. you are invested! haha.. I will post pics for sure! Well like I said in the other thread Im not too worried about it. No ceremony shots and very laid back. Also I guess I should state that I have no intention of being a wedding photographer, I am going to specialize in children and pets;) I am strictly doing both of these wedding as a favor to a bride on the first and a photographer on the second. So that is why I am okay with waiting on any gear. I think weddings are beautiful and I know there can be great money in it, but not my scene:) I really appreciate all the advice though!


edit: just saw what Bobby wrote.. yeah I am kinda feeling that I wont have any problems like that. I used a 50D last week for the first time in awhile and the only issue I had was getting so excited I forgot to change when the light changed! hahaha.. So I wont let that happen again cause I felt dumb! haha

oh and sidenote... I am investigating maybe renting from an aquaintance of mine for cheaper!

[tim]

Not invalidating your experiences, Lightworks, but I personally have a different story.

I shot for a couple years with 1 series. I got a 40D the day before I shot a wedding and never practiced with it. Shot just fine. Then I got a 5D - same thing. No practice, first go at a wedding. No problem. Same deal with the 5DII.

I shoot manual - so I just need to know where to change the ISO, aperture, and shutter. That's sort of clear from a rebel up to a 1Ds, I think ;) But I know there are photographers who do custom functions and all that - that could VERY well screw someone up with camera switching :) So again, just saying the shooting manual part is pretty easy from camera to camera, I think :D

Bobby

As someone who shoots manual, and mostly available light, i'd say you're pretty unique Bobby - and not just beacuse of the way you use your camera :p

Setting up things like master/slave and other flash settings, image quality settings, setting the date on the cameras so they're synchronized, that does take time to learn. If the control layouts change that's a pain too, if you use the facilities your camera provides, which is why when I upgrade I get two new bodies not just one - I need to be able to use the camera in total darkness without delay or thought.

[bnlearle]

You're right - I'm sure there are parts of the camera I completely ignore... but don't tell everyone here that!!! :p

Setting dates and image quality settings aren't really things anyone should be doing on the wedding day though, are they? But I'm sure some people could have problems with slave flashes. Although I don't because I'm lame and shoot with the ettl - so I only play with flash power and my normal manual settings - just changing the ISO, shutter, and aperture. And I know nothing of custom functions, but like I said earlier, wouldn't surprise me if that is significantly different camera to camera...

Anyways, like I said, I'm sure there are a million things on the camera I don't use. Let's just assume that's because I'm so experienced I don't need them - and not because I am completely ignorant of them, okay? ;)

Bobby

[tim]

Nope, but if you pick it up the morning of the wedding you should do it some time! I mostly use the camera the same as you, I do tweak a few things to make life easier, but I could shoot manual all day if I wanted to. I just don't want to :)

[mariusz]

I am shooting with canon bodies but heard nikon has an edge now.

[brennasg]

I am shooting with canon bodies but heard nikon has an edge now.

Thanks for the response:) I think unless I can rent from a friend then I am leaning toward the nikon D90. I am more nervous about the second shooter wedding and using their Nikon. EEK!

[Lightworks Imaging]

Bobby,
I'm only trying to say that the day of a wedding is pretty stressful for most photographers and I sure wouldn't want to be getting familiar with a new body. That said, I got little to say. Your images speak for themselves.
Maybe it's the former soldier in me that thinks like that, but it's a "sweat on the training field saves blood on the battle field" mentality. I'd sure hate to miss a shot, say, THE kiss due to a dark church and not knowing EXACTLY how to change a setting.
My 50D exposes about 1/3 to 2/3 of a stop different than my 40D. I'd hate to find that out on a wedding day, but agreed that can be fixed. If you're shooting RAW!
I guess that I really feel that there are too many things that can go South on a shoot to be learning a new body.

I pretty much shoot like you,(well, technically, anyway:oops:) manual 90% of the time, Av occasionally. But, I still need to know exactly which way to turn the wheel, dial, etc. In the dark. Every time.

I'm just a beginner, and the images you make are some of my inspiration, sooooo...Just my $.02.

[bnlearle]

Thanks! But no former soldier needs to pay me any respect... You've got all of mine! Seriously, can't say thanks enough for your service ;)

[Lightworks Imaging]

Thank you for giving me a country worth serving.

[Lightworks Imaging]

I am shooting with canon bodies but heard nikon has an edge now.

Nikon edge? Is that anywhere near the edge of wuss cliff?:lol:

Seriously, the camera is not the part of the equation that makes great images. There's two guys active in this thread that could most likely take a P&S and make me look like I'm using a pinhole camera. It's all in the eye, and the determination to MAKE a great image.

[brennasg]

Okay I have another question. So for this wedding that I am second shooting. They are letting me use their Nikon D40 with a kit lens. The ceremony is indoors. Should I rent a different lens?? Here is http://hallsales-design.com/Bahai%20Semi-wide%20Rear.jpga photo of the room

[Lightworks Imaging]

A different lens is going to be dependent on a number of things.

#1 - Will you have a flash? Will you be able to use it? If so, you can GET AWAY with a kit lens.

#2 - Where will you be located? Do you have enough reach to shoot with a 55mm lens? Is that going to provide a close enough shot from where you will be standing?

#3 - As a second, will you be required to get close shots at all? Or just general venue shots?

I personally wouldn't shoot anything slower than a f/2.8 lens, but that's just my style. All depends on your style, what's expected of you, and whether you can use flash.

In my world the kit lens is NOT suitable to produce the kinds of results that paying customers desire, CONSISTENTLY. As a second, that might not be a consideration, but I wouldn't do it.

[bnlearle]

If you can rent a f/2.8 lens (24-70 range), DO IT! Seriously, the kit lens is going to be very limiting.

Bobby

[brennasg]

A different lens is going to be dependent on a number of things.

#1 - Will you have a flash? Will you be able to use it? If so, you can GET AWAY with a kit lens. no flash here:)

#2 - Where will you be located? Do you have enough reach to shoot with a 55mm lens? Is that going to provide a close enough shot from where you will be standing? nope I will need more reach..

#3 - As a second, will you be required to get close shots at all? Or just general venue shots? I have no idea, but I have a feeling they want me to do whatever I want. So I will want to try to get some close shots.

I personally wouldn't shoot anything slower than a f/2.8 lens, but that's just my style. All depends on your style, what's expected of you, and whether you can use flash.

In my world the kit lens is NOT suitable to produce the kinds of results that paying customers desire, CONSISTENTLY. As a second, that might not be a consideration, but I wouldn't do it.

Thanks Eric, I really really appreciate you trying to help me out. Its nice to get some advice on here. A lot of the time people don't take the time.:)

If you can rent a f/2.8 lens (24-70 range), DO IT! Seriously, the kit lens is going to be very limiting.

Bobby

Bobby, thanks for taking the time too. You are always very helpful. Is it bad that the main reason I trust your opinion is because you love The Pixies too??? hahaha..

So I guess I am gonna try to rent that lens. the 24-70 is gonna run $120(7days) the 28-74 is gonna be about $100(7 days) both insured for the 7 days. The sigma 24-70 would run about $80(insured for 7 days) but the review says its works best at f4..so I don't really want to do that I guess.

What would be a second choice lens?? I know if I rented it it would be all on me or maybe split the price.

[brennasg]

okay... so I finally rented that camera and had a week full of jobs! So awesome. I was booked everyday! Anyway.. okay I promised to share.. so if you wouldnt mind checking them out...

the wedding- http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=766008 and http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?p=8813870#post8813870
first baby shoot of the week(more my scene)- http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=765996