I am beginner .... 5D mark ii or 7D ??

If you have the money for the 5D then go for it, but remember, it can only use EF lenses not EF-S. With the 7D, you can get EF-S and EF lenses. And if you are not sure the difference between EF and EF-S, you might not want to shoot weddings yet.

As a previous user of a Rebel (series) camera, IMO the cameras like the x0D, 7D or 5D (series) are actually easier to use due to to their better control systems.

A pair of 5DC or a pair of 40D cameras will actually put you in the ballpark if you have a selection (remember duplication of equipment is a safety factor) of appropriate lenses. Add a pair of decent used hotshoe flashes (550EX or 430EX will do) plus a pair of diffuser reflectors like the Joe Demb Flash Difuser Pro and you will be set up with the MINIMUM KIT for weddings.

However, I would strongly suggest that you begin shooting events of any kind. After all; weddings are just events with a lady wearing a fancy white gown! American Legion or VFW banquets, or almost any kind of civic event would be great training as would awards ceremonies of any kind. Do this as a volunteer until you are absolutely confident that you can nail focus and exposure on every shot. Also you will learn how to handle crowds and pose groups. Managing people is a VERY IMPORTANT facet of wedding photography.

As you are doing this, read everything you can find on weddings. Wedding magazines are great training aids as are the websites of established wedding photographers. Note what you like and don't like. Note what is in vogue and what isn't. Keep a notebook of everything related to weddings.

Visit every church wedding you can find. Usually, the churches allow guests, even uninvited guests, in the church during ceremonies. Learn the sequence of events and watch the photographer. See how the photographer does things right and see if you could suggest other ways to shoot. Please don't actually suggest them to the photographer. That is obviously what happened at this Russian Wedding: http://www.youtube.com​/watch?v=WZgD5sWoW4w (LOL)!

Getting a portfolio together is one of the hardest things to do. You can't shoot a wedding without one but, you can't get one without shooting a wedding. Catch-22 all over again!

There are several camera groups in my area that stage mock weddings as training for the members and to help members accumulate a portfolio. These are usually fairly pricey because the church normally has to be rented, costumes rented or bought and actors reimbursed. However it is a great way for a newby to both gain confidence and knowledge and to build up a portfolio. The neat part of these mock weddings is that the brides are usually answers to the Wedding Photographer's Prayer which goes as follows,

"Lord, please provide me a handsome groom and a beautiful bride to shoot today. But, if that is asking too much, just a beautiful bride will do!"

Finally learn the basics of improving portraits using a PP program or purchase a program like Portrait Professional. This will allow you to spruce up the bride's pictures and make everyone happy.

BTW: if you are acumulating a portfolio, don't use any shots of a buffarilla bride in an off the shoulder gown. Each prospective bride, expects that she will be lovely in her wedding dress and that you will MAKE HER LOVELY. Showing her the buffarilla bride's pictures will make her think you are not capable of making her lovely.

Wikipedia definition of a buffarilla: "A buffarilla is a cross between a gorilla and a buffalo and is fond of being displayed in off the shoulder gowns!

One advantage of event photography is that you will meet numeous people as an event volunteer photographer. AND... if you do well... and if you have some business cards to hand out... you might just gain a wedding or two from the exposure (pun intentional). IF YOU DON'T DO WELL; what can I say? It will tell you that you either need more practice or perhaps are unsuited to be an event photographer. In any event, it is better to flunk out as an unpaid volunteer than to blow a wedding!

A weddings is not that difficult, nor that horrible, to shoot. However if you are unsure of your gear or cannot handle people in a polite but asertive manner, it can turn into your worst nightmare. Additionally, if you have only one camera or lens and it goes down, it will be the last time you will ever shoot a wedding with a single anything. On the other hand, it may be the last wedding you shoot!

As a beginner, skip both and get a 5D. It costs less than both and will give more room for growth than the 7D and the essential features of the 5D2.

CatchingUp wrote in post #14267163
Perhaps I am just getting cynical as I get older...but am I the only one who suspects this OP might be pulling some legs here? a.k.a.- not a serious poster?

I think we're all a bit skeptical, but trying to give the OP the benefit of the doubt.

If Ihad the money today and I would be starting wnoing what I know now Id get a 5D2, a 24-105IS, a 50 1.4 and 85 1.8.

I won't pass judgement on what your goals are. I will just give you my opinion ...

First digital camera? Wondering what to buy? I (we) have no idea what your budget for now or the future might be but ...

5DMKII or 7D ... I would recommend the 7D and GOOD lenses, learn to shoot EVERYTHING to the best of your ability and learn, learn, learn what you do wrong. Everyone gets a lucky shot that is breathtaking but it's getting the ability to repeat it for everything until YOU feel you have the ability.

I say 7D because it's a great camera! It's not a 5DMKII but you'll have a great learning experience and in the future it will make a great 2nd and/or backup to a future 5DMKII or MKIII and if you plan on shooting weddings and stuff, you will really need a 2nd/backup camera.

Peronally, I consider my 5DMKII as my "serious" camera and my 7D as the fun camera because while it produces excellent photos, it is a little more versatile for everyday type shots (I have a bunch of Labs that don't settle down often and get more keepers from the 7D ... makes shooting active dogs much easier!)

For me, no matter which body I had (originally the 10D) I read once that the lens quality was an important part of getting better photos. I do believe this to be true so would just recommend you consider it and get a body to learn on.

BTW ... I am not a pro but have shot a number of weddings and done some other stuff that would/should possibly be "paid for events" when I am asked to do so ... dog shows, portraits, parties ... Get your skills improved (from whereever you are now) and then make yourself available!

Good Luck!!!

brokensocial wrote in post #14267242
As a beginner, skip both and get a 5D. It costs less than both and will give more room for growth than the 7D and the essential features of the 5D2.

I wouldn't get a 5Dc as new photographer. The lcd is just crap along with the menu system will just make someone new to photography frustrated more easily and give it up faster. That being said my main camera is a 5Dc but I wouldn't recommend it to someone just starting out.

Get the one you want if you can afford it. It's the best way to completely enjoy your new gear IMHO.

1. Do the research

2. 5d2

5Dmk2

NavyShrink wrote in post #14267135
Why? For most people, best way to learn is by picking up a camera and start shooting. I imagine most people here on POTN never took a photography course.

I started out with a Rebel, but that's because we were poor when we started. If someone has the money, why not start with a 7D or 5D or something similar (most people end up upgrading anyway).

Back to the 'take a course' recommendation: these days, there's almost nothing you can't learn on the internet. The stickies on POTN, alone, are probably worth more than some community college photography course!

I say buy the camera and learn as you go!

I agree with you NavyShrink. especially I learn more in field and learn fast. And also I watch a course and think try in field plus watch courses I will do a good work.

CatchingUp wrote in post #14267163
Perhaps I am just getting cynical as I get older...but am I the only one who suspects this OP might be pulling some legs here? a.k.a.- not a serious poster?

No. I am series.

I'm a beginner as well. I went from 40D -> 7D -> 5D II. I opted 5D II over 7D because I prefer image quality for portraits and landscapes over all the features of the 7D (best for sports and wildlife shooting).
Also, I prefer the easy 9 AF vs confusing 19 AF.

NavyShrink wrote in post #14267379
I think we're all a bit skeptical, but trying to give the OP the benefit of the doubt.

Thanks for your opinions.
And I think I will have 5D Mark II. EF 24-70mm. 580 EX II. for now and later I think will have another lenses.

2Live4 wrote in post #14270230
I'm a beginner as well. I went from 40D -> 7D -> 5D II. I opted 5D II over 7D because I prefer image quality for portraits and landscapes over all the features of the 7D (best for sports and wildlife shooting).
Also, I prefer the easy 9 AF vs confusing 19 AF.

Lol, seriously? 7D AF is FAR FAR better than 5DII. and it’s not confusing. haha this is funny... first time I hear someone like 5DII’s AF system better than 7D