Upgrading from a 350D to what?

10 years ago I bought a 350D but it is now time to upgrade. The lens I use the most with it is a Canon Zoom lens EF 24-105mm which I love.

I would like to expand my interest and possibly also start making some money from it. My interest is event photography but until now, I have only really done so outdoors in natural light, and this includes a couple of weddings (though for free and as a second photographer) where people have ordered photographs after the event.

I would like to be able to photograph proms, black tie balls, music, festivals, weddings and possibly amateur sporting events. I have no desire to do studio photography, but would like to sort out a portable studio set for such events that is not too heavy to carry, and the equipment so that I could print out the photographs at the venue.

I would really welcome any advice on what camera to upgrade to, and what equipment to purchase in order to be able to do this.

Thanks in advance.

Without a proposed budget your question is pointless as only a 1Dx will do seriously though, how much can you invest and then we can help you craft the most bamg for the buck.

As Gonzo said budget is everything!
Without knowing we don't know where we are going.

£2000ish

Thanks

For low light from Canon, the 6D is a natural choice. When I've shot weddings, it's usually with a 5D3 and a crop-factor body during the day, and a 6D indoors and at night. The ability to nail focus by candlelight is something I've never seen another camera do.

If you're shooting weddings, you may want to budget enough for two bodies. Things can and will go wrong from time to time.

You need a lot more gear than your budget supports to do weddings, but the 6D is a great place to start. ,

Like everyone else said 6D. Having come from a 400D to the 5D2 years ago, the difference was immense, and that was a smaller generational gap than the 350D to 6D, so I expect you'll be blown away.

Of course you'll want a nice flash unit as well, and learn how to bounce flash if you don't already know how. Some event spaces can get quite dark and even fast glass and high ISO won't save you.
The 24-105 is only f/4, so indoors in a candle-lit hall it really won't be enough without flash.

Thank you for this much appreciated advice.

Is there a particular flash unit you would suggest ?

To be honest, I doubt that I will have much need to photograph candlelit anything, as appealing as that sounds , though low light and party lights is likely. In terms of daytime events, what lens would you suggest as being most needed in addition to my EF 24-105? e.g. this weekend, I am photographing a running event so will be hoping to get some good action and expressive shots.

Thanks

I know this may seem trivial, but can you tell me how loud the sound of the 'click' is with the 6D? The noise my 350D makes can be so intrusive especially as I like to take quite a lot of photographs.

Josilou wrote in post #17594690
I know this may seem trivial, but can you tell me how loud the sound of the 'click' is with the 6D? The noise my 350D makes can be so intrusive especially as I like to take quite a lot of photographs.

It is quieter then your Rebel.

I tend to disagree with the posters above on going with the 6D.
Please show me where or if i am wrong in my thoughts on the 6D.

With the wide variety of events that you use your camera for i think the camera falls short in anything but still or slow moving subjects.
The 6d is limited on AF points as well as all but the center AF point being a single assist focus point.
You can't choose group AF detection points, so you will have to be quick at changing AF points with a moving subject as with your current camera. (sports or wildlife)

You will have to ditch your current SD cards and go with CF cards. CF cards are better and faster, but are more expensive. Also keep in mind that the image file size of any newer camera will be noticeably larger, thus you will need more storage than you are currently used to using. But it is a one time investment.

The main reason to get the 6D is that you can use the ISO at a higher setting with a lot less noise especially in low light situations.

As far as black tie events and proms (low light). I don't know how the 6D does for low light focus. I assume that from Jonkline's remarks that it does well for focus in low light.
When i am shooting school dances (not the portrait session) i find the 7D and 70D lacking for how quickly they camera focuses in low light. I do get plenty of out of focus shots due to this. I shoot Canon, but this is where Nikon can do a better job at focusing in low light vs canon. The difference can be -5 stops for Nikon to -.5 stops for Canon (that is a 4.5 stop difference on certain cameras like the D7200). Nikon also has a focus assist beam for when you are not using a flash. It is only good for up to about 10' or 3 meters.

I find the ISO at 3200 to be acceptable on a Canon 70D or 7D mk2 in low light situations (for candids not portraiture). I don't find 3200 ISO acceptable on the Canon 60D nor the 7D. Anything newer than your current camera will be a nice upgrade in this respect.

I am saying that unless you need a full frame, or have grown to the point in your photography where you can handle it in all of your situations, i would go with the 7D mk2 if you can afford it, if you are looking for a nearly equal money saving alternative, i would go for the 70D. The main difference is the number of AF points, a couple FPS and storage media card.

Imho, you need to keep glass with a constant aperture. I assume that your EF 24-105 is an F/4? I usually come across two types of people with thoughts on what lenses to start out with. Some prefer mostly all primes. 24mm, 35mm, 85mm (primes being F/1.2 - F/1.8) and 70-200 F/2.8. The other people like the 24-70 F/2.8 and 70-200 F/2.8 with at least one prime of either 24mm or 35mm, or something along these lines. But the 70-200 F/2.8 seems to be the constant that everyone needs to get the reach and aperture needed for weddings, sports etc.

This is all my opinion I know some will disagree with me.

The 6D focuses better in low light than any of the other cameras in the price range. Except for sporfs the 6D is superior to the crop cameras for event work.

gonzogolf wrote in post #17594853
The 6D focuses better in low light than any of the other cameras in the price range. Except for sporfs the 6D is superior to the crop cameras for event work.

Thanks.

Thank you all for your suggestions and apologies for not replying before now. I bought the 70D and so far am really pleased with it.