NewB Starting out - Am I good or should I???

Hello,

I am VERY New to all this & am completely hooked/addicted/obsess​ed with everything digital photo related. I haven't felt this way about a skill set/hobby in a Very Long Time. I have become a junkie & will not seek help.

On the Clock - My main needs are: Product photos for work
* Mounted with a Sigma 17-50mm f2.8 EX DC OS HSM
* Will be using a soft/light box

Off the Clock - My wants are: - Learning to set up/compose shots
* Love urban/city shots. Such as Downtown LA Day & Night
* Will use a Sigma 17-50mm f2.8 EX DC OS HSM
* Next purchase, saving up, in the future will be a Sigma 30mm f1.4 EX DC HSM

I recently acquired a re-freshed Canon 30D, shutter was just replaced, & after reading this/that I have some questions. I have looked at most of the comparison threads & 20D/30D photo threads here on POTN. I am am seeking advice from more experienced/seasoned photographers regarding:

- Would you still consider this a solid platform to work up from or is this outdated?
- Is it worth it at this time to get a 40D/50D with the upgraded features or Am I just getting wrapped up in tech?

- When do you know its time to upgrade? . . . [Besides $$$]

As with most skills I understand its the Archer more so than the bow/arrow. But like most I like to have nice bows & arrows

Any feedback would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

Is it old tech... of course it is it's years old

-> Is it good enough for you to do what you do? If you get the shot, yes.

It's a question only you can answer.
There was a guy who posted here recently who got a shop published in national geographic, taken with a 30D.
I think it's best you start off with what you have - consider upgrading only if you feel you are lacking something and that the camera keeps you from getting the shot you want.

If you really love cityscapes the 5D MK II or it's successor might be the best choice in the future - so maybe you could focus on EF lenses, but then the crop bodies are getting close to the FF sensor in terms of high ISO performance (close, not quite there yet).

Considering though that you say you are very new to this - stick with what you have, until you feel your kit is holding you back. Then come back here and ask about the aspect where it's holding you back, although I have a feeling that by then you will know the answer for yourself

I've a feeling that you're going to spend a lot of money

David

1xSHOT wrote in post #11862843
- Would you still consider this a solid platform to work up from or is this outdated?

Image quality from the 30D can be very very good with the right lens. It doesn't do nearly as well at high ISOs as Canon's latest models but its still a solid camera. I used a 30D until the 7D was released.

That depends entirely on whether you NEED the newer features and performance.

Its time to upgrade when your camera (or lens or flash) can't easily do what you need it to. If you're missing shots or having to spend extra time processing images and another camera can help then its time.

I was shooting low light electronic art shows with the 30D and had to carry around a tripod because I couldn't handhold the camera without blurring even with a wide aperture IS lens. The 7D let me use a high enough ISO to ditch the tripod.

get a 7D.. or 5Dc.. you will appreciate the high ISO capability for your nightshots..
better yet, get a 5d2..

Thank you for all the feedback, Greatly appreciate it. I will learn as much as I can with the 30D so when I do step up I will appreciate it that much more.

Spoke with my friend as well that has a 7D & he too said = DO IT !

I still sell 1600 iso shots from a 20d.
So the answer to 'is it good enough' would appear to be a yes.

However, the 40d is so much better a camera to use, and the 7d better still. Why don't I have 3 7d's? Because I don't make enough money to justify the purchase to ME.

Only you can answer if the justification is there for you, I suspect that you're well aware of the differences in camera technology, you know what the 30d is capable of but you want a new toy, you're here hoping the gearheads will help you justify that decision.

The answer is that they will do that every time, gear forums are mostly full of living versions of the glossy product brochures.

Focus on the photography, grow your art and when the balance sheet says spend some money - buy a new camera.