In the market for a new camera...

[team2jnd]

I have been into photography for a couple of years now. I started out with a Panasonic Lumix fz-8. I bought it in highschool when money was tight because I was able to get it for $100. I will be getting my bonus from the Army soon and would really like to start getting into photography more. I am living in Hawaii for the next couple of years and would like to get the best system possible. I am still very much new to photography and have already signed up for classes. I just don't want to buy a camera and then find out I could have gotten a better one. My limit for the entire system is about $5000. I will mostly be using it for nature shots but I will also be taking pictures in the city of people/surroundings. I have done alot of research and I know that the body isn't as important as the lenses but, again, I want to get as much advice as I can before I throw away my money. This is really a one time opportunity for me to get a new system and I don't want to mess it up. I have already read dozens of posts from other people asking which cameras are best and the general consensus is that it depends upon the use. So, essentially, I want a high quality camera that I can upgrade as I come into more money. I am not worried about weight or size. My price limit, again, is 5000. (this is not just for the camera but also for lenses, tripod etc.) Also, any recommendations for good photography books for amateurs like myself would also be much appreciated. Thank you for the advice in advance.

[jcpoulin]

7D
17-55
70-200 2.8II then stuff...tripod, cards,

with money left over...if any....50 1.4 ( sigma v canon), 100 macro ( sigma 105/canon 100/tamron 90 all good choices)

[Saint728]

This is a tough question. First off do you want to buy new or used? Also is video on the list on things you need the body to do? Finally, on your "nature shots" are you talking about landscapes or macro?

Take Care,
Cheers, Patrick

[Gregg.Siam]

Since you are shooting people and surroundings, I would skip the 7d.

I think if I had that kind of money I would get a 5D MKII with the 24-105mm f/4 L IS kit from B&H for $3,299. You would have great IQ, perfect for people and surroundings.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/583987-REG/Canon_2764B004_EOS_5D_Mark_II.html

You have a great full frame camera that has video if you like. Combined with some L glass, you have a sweet spot most don't start with. You have enough cash to get another lens, or maybe spend it on accessories. Maybe get a nice tele, EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 L IS ($1,500).

[Spaniard]

You can get a 5DMK2 with kit lens 24-105. If not get a 5DMK2 body with 1. 35L & 70-200 f4 IS or 24L & 50L.

[Gregg.Siam]

I'm a retard...I would skip my second lens suggestion and get this
Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L USM (http://www.amazon.com/Canon-70-200mm-Telephoto-Zoom-Cameras/dp/B000053HH5)

$636 is an amazing deal, and it's very sharp, maybe one of the sharpest from Canon.

[team2jnd]

Thank you everybdy for the quick responses. I will definitely look into the 5d. It looks like I can get itt for around 2500 which is right where I wanted to be. Any suggestions for good photography books?

[Gregg.Siam]

Thank you everybdy for the quick responses. I will definitely look into the 5d. It looks like I can get itt for around 2500 which is right where I wanted to be. Any suggestions for good photography books?

Understanding Exposure 3rd edition (http://www.amazon.com/Understanding-Exposure-3rd-Photographs-Paperbac/dp/B00408DWLM/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1289403087&sr=1-4)

He also has a field guide book (http://www.amazon.com/Understanding-Exposure-3rd-Photographs-Paperbac/dp/B00408DWLM/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1289403087&sr=1-4) which brings over a lot from the Understanding Exposure book, plus some practical things like how to approach people, techniques, etc..

[Riveredger]

Exposure Digital Field Guide, by Alan Hess - great book for under $15 http://www.amazon.com/Exposure-Digital-Field-Guide-Alan/dp/0470534907/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1289403696&sr=1-1

[team2jnd]

I'm a marine biology major so whichever camera I get, I plan to buy the underwater housing for. Has anybody used the 5d IIfor underwater shots?

[bohdank]

A proper housing is not "cheap".

[Saint728]

I'm a marine biology major so whichever camera I get, I plan to buy the underwater housing for. Has anybody used the 5d IIfor underwater shots?

The underwater housing and strobes will cost more then the camera. A Sea & Sea housing will set you back $3,500.00 for the housing, lens ports $650.00, lens port extension depending on which lens you buy around $200.00, strobe $1,100.00 for one. http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/628784-REG/Sea_Sea_SS_06149_MDX_5D_MKII_Housing_f.html

Aquatica housing is another good brand that will set you back $3,000.00. The port is between $295.00-1,600.00 plus extension depending on which lens you choose and $1,100.00 for a strobe. http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/601047-REG/Aquatica_20062_Underwater_Housing_w_Double.html

Either choice will be around $6,000.00 for the housing and 1 strobe plus another $5,000.00 for the camera and lens. I'm sure you can buy a cheaper brand, but you know the saying, you get what you pay for. I know a couple of underwater photographers that use the 5D Mark II and the 2 housings I listed above and their shots are amazing.

Take Care,
Cheers, Patrick

[AntonLargiader]

If you look at the amazing pictures that can be taken with Rebels, I'd be careful how high you go in the line without knowing more about what you really want.

Mostly, I would say don't spend your $5000 budget at once. Knowing what I've learned only in the last month, I would (in your shoes) get a $900 T2i kit, a decent bag, maybe a flash, and maybe one nice zoom after REALLY considering the focal lengths I wanted, and then sit on the remaining $3000 until I'd shot for a month or two.

And I'd only start off with a nice zoom because lenses have good resale values. After immersing yourself in this for a few months you will have a better appreciation for Craigslist, eBay, and the online camera stores. Then you'll be in a better position to spend the remaining money wisely.

You can burn through $5000 pretty quickly. Don't spend it all before you learn what you really want.

[Phil_0816]

7D
17-55
70-200 2.8II then stuff...tripod, cards,

with money left over...if any....50 1.4 ( sigma v canon), 100 macro ( sigma 105/canon 100/tamron 90 all good choices)

Certainly a helluva start.

[team2jnd]

I hear what you are saying about waiting. However, Im not getting my bonus until august so that is why Im starting to do my research now. As for the housing etc, I know exactly how much they cost and the money really isnt the issue I just want to make sure that after I spend the money, I will get the kind of quality I am looking for. I actually want to have a career as a research diver in a few years and underwater photography will be a great tool in that. All I want to make sure is that after I invest the 5+ thousand dollars, I will have a top of the line product that I can use for many years and never need to worry about needing a higher quality product. Thank you so much to everybody who has posted responses, I appreciate the time and consideration. Every bit of knowledge is extremely helpful.

[team2jnd]

A proper housing is not "cheap".

again... i never said i wanted cheap. I want quality and im willing to pay for it. Not sure where you got the idea I wanted a "cheap" anything. I am well aware of the cost of underwater housing. If you are under the impression I came upon this website without ever having done any research, that is not the case.