Getting back into Photography, need advice

Hi All,

I was very active member of the forum about 5 years ago, I had a 7d with 70-200 2.8, and 24-70. Since selling my gear, I have been pretty separated from the photography world. I started on a 40d think it was the latest and greatest, now they have an 80d!

I wanted to get some input on what would be a good fit for me. I am sure the advances in cameras have closed the gaps somewhat.


I am in the process of starting a clothing brand so I will be using the set-up for product shots as well as in the outdoors. It would be an outdoor type brand (think Patagonia) on a much smaller scale. So I would need to capture fishing shots, landscapes etc.

I would like to stay with Canon, since that is what I am familiar with. Other than that, does anyone have any words of wisdom? I would like to start around $1000 for body and lens. I don't mind purchasing used on the classifieds here.

Thanks!

Mark

Put the money (probably not enough anyway) into the business and find a marketing and product oriented photographer in some small town around Charlotte to help out with your photography needs. You can buy relatively cheep outside the city limits.

I just happen to know one that fits that description and is very much into the outdoor lifestyle.

<<< Hint hint.

Thanks for the advice, right now I need to purchase a camera for other uses as well, so I am mainly looking for options on that.

Best,
Mark

Used 70-200 f4 L should cover what you're shooting.

Now spend the difference on the best used body you can get. 6D would be great, but probably too expensive. A used 650D would give you similar IQ as a 7D, 60D, etc., but could probably be had for less than those.

Large piece of foam core on a calm day to reflect that natural light.

The camera is the answer, but to what question? We should really start with more of the question.

With product and/or environment pictures do you have a need for low-light (and low noise)? Do you have weather-sealing or durability needs? How about a range of options with (external) lighting? Action, and frames-per-second?

Fishing shots sounds like needing to reach from the shore. And the best direction may not be the closest shore. Long reach gets expensive.

For example, someone who is hiking and around water would probably want the Samsung Galaxy Active 7 or the Apple iPhone 7. Of course, the response would be: "no, I need a real camera." Well, a camera phone and training/education can produce better pictures than someone without the same training.

The things that really make a camera system stand apart of compacts, camera phones, etc. is the wide range of options. Those options quickly add up in price. When buying into a camera *system*, you should plan on spending at least 2.5 or 3 times the cost of the body alone before the features and capabilities really start to shine. You mentioned *starting* at around $1000, but is that also your limit? If so, for how long? (Buying more in a year? Two years?) When spending less than that, you're often buying the same features that can be found on a smaller (and cheaper) solution.

A camera *system* (DSLR or mirrorless) is not just a better camera solution, it's a *different* camera solution.

6D and 50mm 1.4. Just looked them up locally for a friend on craigslist and both could be had for $1050. 50 is a go to focal length for ecommerce and can handle your lookbooks and other marketing materials outdoors as well.

We have no idea of your photography skills.. I don't see a gallery of your work.
You may be an awesome sport photog, or birder, or even a senior portrait sensation.. but those are really different than shooting fashion/commercial or for ad copy

An 80D should meet your needs you would have shooting clothing. For that matter, a used good 7D would be just fine. 6D if you want lots of bg blur and know how to do that effectively. Spending money on a great lens makes more sense.

But you could use a 10D or an Iphone, as pointed out, the photographer makes the picture, not the camera.

It all depends on your level of skill with lighting, composition and understanding of advertising images.

Take some pictures, post them for critique in the appropriate forum, if you want to improve on those skills.

Its also not a bad thought to hire an experienced photog, and learn from them.


I mean, if you are going to spend $$$ in magazine advertising for your new line, why not spend some on some really great images by an experienced pro, at least initially. Always floors me when I see people spend $1000 on a full page advert in one of my horse journals and you can tell it is a poor lit cell phone snap, photoshopped. (advertising their stallion for a $$$ stud fee no less. )