Could you use the Canon XSi to start photography business!

Is the Canon XSI a good quality camera to use to start a career in photography? Does anyone on here know someone who does photography & actually gets paid using this camera?? I am a 911 Dispatcher & Im just wanting to do this on the side! I have always had a passion for "taking pictures" & using different & creative approaches making the pictures standout! My XSI should be in on Friday & I just dont wanna be dissappointed!

Thanks in advance for all comments/replies!

You could use any camera. It's what you do with it that determines your success.

HaroldC3 wrote in post #5484180
You could use any camera. It's what you do with it that determines your success.

+1

A camera is a tool but if you do not know how to use it, you would be better off with a point and shoot camera. Having all the pro glass and body will also not make you be a better photographer if you don't know the basics.

My advise to you is if you want to start it as a business, try to research what you want to get into. If you want to do weddings, start as a secondary photographer so you know what to look for, how to go about it etc.

https://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthre​ad.php?t=419921

There's lots of helpful opinions there based on a similar camera.

take a look at this:

http://video.google.co​m …ei=_wQjSP6mL4GE​jQLKuN2_AQ

Basics explained.

You should be fine with the XSI. Technology is progressing quickly, and the XSI is as good as the best DSLR on the market a few years ago.

Sure, but having a second camera and a spare of everything is a smart idea.

With respect, if you have to ask this question you're probably a long way from the point where you can have a sustainable career from photography.

I'd keep the day job so to speak for now and work on your photography in the off time. Before I quit my job I would want to know for sure I'd be able to make a living at photography.

Kurt

The one thing I wish someone would have really stressed to me is that what makes the biggest difference in your photography (besides knowing how to use your camera) was that shooting with high-quality lenses on a lower-end DSLR body is better than shooting with crappy lenses on the best body out there.

papermoon wrote in post #5484842
The one thing I wish someone would have really stressed to me is that what makes the biggest difference in your photography (besides knowing how to use your camera) was that shooting with high-quality lenses on a lower-end DSLR body is better than shooting with crappy lenses on the best body out there.

Ive actually sold prints taken with my 18-55 kit lens. Maybe I had a good copy I think lenses HELP your photo but if the processing or composition is not there, still will be a snapshot IMO.

Consumer lenses for business can be a last resort and yes higher end glass would be worth investing BUT if I was planning to run a business, I would learn the limitations of supplied lenses so I have a better understanding of CA, focal lengths/reach, constant aperture lenses and primes. So I would say starting with a camera is to go for the crappy lenses. That way you know what you will want in the future.

You can use a P & S if you're really serious. . .

toneyw wrote in post #5484966
You can use a P & S if you're really serious. . .

quite true, especially landscapes and such. the only reasons to go for a better body are:
durability- your xsi is a chunk of plastic with a metal mount, a 1d is a solid piece of magnesium alloy
fps- in certain sports, fps does matter. while you can get away with just single shots, you'll get more sell-able photos with some spamming (and if you know your camera's timing well enough, you can get shots before, the shot you want, and shots after-i.e. tennis ball before, on impact, and after)
battery life- mkiii>40d>450d in terms of battery life. i can often get 4500 shots/charge on my mkiii
authority-for smaller gigs, having a big camera means people tend to be more respectful of your space and will likely help you get your job done. exceptions:NYC, where people will kick you out so their p&s can get a very blurry photo of an even blurrier subject. also, if everyone has X0D and up cameras, only your skill will matter. worst comes to worst get a vertical grip for your xsi

edit: some of my most profitable shots were taken with an xt and 17-85IS. no reason why an xsi would be worse.

If I had a pencil thin mustache, then I could solve a mystery too! =)

I agree with most everyone above, but just make sure you don't get in over your head. We'd hate to see you back here in a month saying you have to cover a tournament and do team/individual photos with nothing but the XSi and kit lens.

Kadath wrote in post #5485927
If I had a pencil thin mustache, then I could solve a mystery too! =)

Gotta love Jimmy

elysium wrote in post #5484885
Ive actually sold prints taken with my 18-55 kit lens. Maybe I had a good copy I think lenses HELP your photo but if the processing or composition is not there, still will be a snapshot IMO.

Consumer lenses for business can be a last resort and yes higher end glass would be worth investing BUT if I was planning to run a business, I would learn the limitations of supplied lenses so I have a better understanding of CA, focal lengths/reach, constant aperture lenses and primes. So I would say starting with a camera is to go for the crappy lenses. That way you know what you will want in the future.

Yep. Skill is still more important than anything. If your light and composition are good, you can make great images even with crappy glass.

Twitch1977 wrote in post #5484596
With respect, if you have to ask this question you're probably a long way from the point where you can have a sustainable career from photography.

I'd keep the day job so to speak for now and work on your photography in the off time. Before I quit my job I would want to know for sure I'd be able to make a living at photography.

Kurt

QFT. If you don't even know the capabilities of your camera, it's pretty safe to say you don't know enough about your capabilities as a photographer to be considering charging for your services yet. Get the camera, practice with it, have fun. Worry about money when you know you're good enough.