Which camera would you buy?

Hi Everyone, I am not sure if this comparison has been listed in a thread here or not, and I hate to start a new thread if one already exists. Sorry in advance if I missed it

For the last three years I have been a garment printer and graphic artist. I have been doing garment printing on a big machine called a Direct to Garment printer, which basically prints photo quality prints onto fabric. I will try to not make this to long but I need to include certain info haha. Anyways my business was based on doing childrens clothing but there has been a new law passed called the CSPIA law, which makes it mandatory to test and childrens items for sale, for lead and phalates.

So anyways during the last year as this law has been going into effect, I have decided to change my business model to printing on not only fabrics but also printing on stretched canvases. I was not sure at all it would work with my machine, but found they came out awesome. Also during this time I have been learning to shoot better photos. Sooooooo my goal now is to get a better camera and try to incorporate my photography into my printing as well.

Now to my point What camera would you buy to do more professional photos with, the 5D mark I or the 50D? It is more worth the money on the 5D? I really dont want to buy a new camera and then find I need a better one for professional photos. Can the 50D take work for professional photos without having the full frame? The forum has been a life saver thus far for information, and your help is much appreciated. Also is it more worth buying the 50D and then buying a couple of really great lenses, or buying the 5D and one really great lens? I know that it probably a question that is going to be based on what type of photos I am taking right? hehe.

Most of my photos will be geared towards of course childrens photography of candid shots more so then studio type shots. Also do you think the 70-200 would be a good lens for this? right now I have a few lenses but not one in particular that is really great. My best lens right now is the Canon 100 mm 1.2.8 ultrasonic Macro. The others I have are basic kit lenses such as the 18-55 and 75-300, neither one is IS. I am currently shooting with a rebel xt.

Ok I think that is it for now I thank you so much if you made it all the way through this post, but I wanted to give a full picture of what I am trying to accomplish I appreciate all feedback.

If you need higher framerate or shooting at such a long distance that you' have to do a lot of cropping with a 5D MKI then go with a 40D or 50D. If you're able to "zoom with your feet" or can fill the frame at 200mm and frame rate isn't a concern get the 5D.

If you want zoom lenses you can't go wrong with the 70-200 f/2.8L IS. To cover the shorter range the 24-70 f/2.8L or 24-105 f/4L IS are both excellent. Go with the 24-70 if you don't mind the weight and need the fast lens or thinner DOF. The 24-105 is a good choice if you need lighter, IS and don't need a faster lens or thin DOF.

I would think either camera would be great, but I like the images straight out of the 5d of any of the cameras I've owned (see below). Paired with a 70-200 2.8IS you would have top notch gear in anyone's book.

Do you have any idea what kind of resolution your machine works at?

My suspicion is that any kind of clothing inking machine is going to be very low resolution. I would bet that you will be very happy with an older Canon dSLR that has a very good feature set and very low resolution. Something like the 1D classic comes to mind if you can live with the batteries.

A high MP camera like the 50D which doesn't even make sense relative to the best photo paper printers will probably give you nothing printing on cloth.

I have done prints on canvas with both and I'd bet you couldn't tell them apart. Like Jeff said, you'd probably be happy with something older and less MP. With regard to the 5D and 50D, I think if portraiture is your aim then the 5D is perfectly suited to this task. The 50D is more versatile and will give you very nice images as well. I don't think you can go wrong, but to sate your curiosity, you may want to download a few images from each camera and do a test print for yourself.

My machine actually prints at 5760 x 2880 dpi, so it does have quite alot of details. You would be amazed at the clarity it prints My prints will not only printed on canvas and cloth, but that is one of the options I plan to use (since I spent $18,000 on my printer) along with also having images printed on photo stock as well. Thanks so much for the feedback, it really is appreciated.

Here are a couple of the images I printed on canvas to give you an idea though of how they come out even with pics from my rebel xt. These are printed on 12" x 18" canvas.

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5d HANDS DOWN.

sunnydayz1 wrote in post #8149748
Now to my point What camera would you buy to do more professional photos with

Quick and dirty answer, NONE

Professional looking photographs are achieved by a photographer, not a camera. You could have the best equipment out there, but if you don't know how to use it, or don't know how to set up the shot, your photographs are going to be second rate. If you need photographs for your business model, work out something with a good photographer in your area, and use those photos. Don't assume that you can do it alone and be successful (sometimes works, often people can tell the difference between equipment and cameras though)

That said, get the cheapest body and best glass, your described use is that of still life type stuff, in which case even an XS will do.

basroil wrote in post #8150787
Quick and dirty answer, NONE

Professional looking photographs are achieved by a photographer, not a camera. You could have the best equipment out there, but if you don't know how to use it, or don't know how to set up the shot, your photographs are going to be second rate. If you need photographs for your business model, work out something with a good photographer in your area, and use those photos. Don't assume that you can do it alone and be successful (sometimes works, often people can tell the difference between equipment and cameras though)

That said, get the cheapest body and best glass, your described use is that of still life type stuff, in which case even an XS will do.

I understand that the camera is not the only thing that is going to make my photos good, but I also believe that having a good camera is important. I guess I really did not make clear that my main reason for buying a new camera is that photography is something that I am passionate about. I do believe you have to have a good eye, and either you do or you don't. That is not something you can get just from buying a new camera, and I believe in myself.

The only reason for this post was to get more of a technical opinion, but I also am very excited to do something I love. I have been very busy learning about using my equipment better, and have signed up for classes to improve my technical skills. I have loved photography since I took it in high school over 25 years ago. So yes I do agree that it takes more then a camera to make a good photographer, but everyone has to start somewhere. After doing many things in my life for money alone, I have decided to do something because it is a passion, instead of simply being a financial end. Hopefully that clears up why I am doing this. It is not so much the printing end that I am interested in, as much as the printing is something I can incorporate with something I enjoy.

I have done a ton of research since I posted this, and have decided that I am going to look into getting the 5D used. It seems this camera will be a good one, and is good for low light conditions which I run into often where I shoot images.

Thanks everyone for your input on my question, and this great forum with all of its valuable information. It has truly helped me a ton

I think you'll be quite happy with the 5D.

sunnydayz1 wrote in post #8161636
I understand that the camera is not the only thing that is going to make my photos good, but I also believe that having a good camera is important. I guess I really did not make clear that my main reason for buying a new camera is that photography is something that I am passionate about. I do believe you have to have a good eye, and either you do or you don't. That is not something you can get just from buying a new camera, and I believe in myself.

The only reason for this post was to get more of a technical opinion, but I also am very excited to do something I love. I have been very busy learning about using my equipment better, and have signed up for classes to improve my technical skills. I have loved photography since I took it in high school over 25 years ago. So yes I do agree that it takes more then a camera to make a good photographer, but everyone has to start somewhere. After doing many things in my life for money alone, I have decided to do something because it is a passion, instead of simply being a financial end. Hopefully that clears up why I am doing this. It is not so much the printing end that I am interested in, as much as the printing is something I can incorporate with something I enjoy.

I have done a ton of research since I posted this, and have decided that I am going to look into getting the 5D used. It seems this camera will be a good one, and is good for low light conditions which I run into often where I shoot images.

Thanks everyone for your input on my question, and this great forum with all of its valuable information. It has truly helped me a ton

Looks like you have everything straight at least, should do well enough. Most people believe a good camera will make you better, but as long as you realize the camera is only as good as you are (and that you can be limited by the camera if you are good enough to master it), should do quite well in no time.

Definitely check out the sell forum for some pretty decent kits there, some fantastic lenses are there too.

I have the 50D. As mentioned before, quite versatile. If you feel the need for speed it's there and if you want MP it is there also. Low light, high light no problem