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Home: Video University Forums: Digital Photography for Videographers:
Need help with Cam

achilles23
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Dec 11, 2006, 6:53 PM

Post #1 of 24 (1753 views)
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Need help with Cam	Can't Post

Has anyone used the Canon XTI to shoot weddings? I'd rather get the XTI over the 30D and invest in some good lenses, and was looking for any pro's thoughts on this. Would it be sufficient? I searched some of the past post on this, but couldn't find enough info. Thanks for the advice.

Scott Brooks
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Dec 11, 2006, 7:19 PM

Post #2 of 24 (1751 views)
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Re: [achilles23] Need help with Cam [In reply to]	Can't Post

Personally I would look for a used 20D before I would go with the XTi. From the reports I've seen from those that have used the XTi, it's a nice camera but it's a pretty poor performer at high iso settings ... which you'll need in a dark church with no flash.

I've shot with the 20D at ISO 3200 and it's been very useable with a little help cleaning up some noise.

achilles23
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Dec 11, 2006, 7:29 PM

Post #3 of 24 (1746 views)
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Re: [Sparky] Need help with Cam [In reply to]	Can't Post

Do you know of any sites that are selling the 20D still or where I can pick up a used one? Thanks!

RustyB
Veteran

Dec 11, 2006, 8:37 PM

Post #4 of 24 (1742 views)
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Re: [achilles23] Need help with Cam [In reply to]	Can't Post

In Reply To

Do you know of any sites that are selling the 20D still or where I can pick up a used one? Thanks!

I'm a little paranoid about buying used electronics, especially digital cameras, but I have complete faith in B&H. They have a pretty well stocked used camera store. I've picked up a used 35mm lens from them, and was extremely happy with the rating they gave it.

I've also heard good stuff on other forums about www.keh.com , but haven't bought from them. Might be worth doing some price comparisons between the two.

I'd feel better buying from them versus taking my chances on scamBay. Not that their aren't some great deals on eBay...god knows I've unloaded a lot of MINT DSLR and video gear there this year. Laugh

Good luck! Oh, and I agree with some of the others...if you're gonna buy a used camera and save a bunch of money, I'd spring for the 20D...I have no experience with them, but I have seen a lot of low-light comparisons, and the 20D level Canons did way better than the cheaper models, as well as every other brand of camera tested. That'd be worth spending a few extra bucks, IMHO.

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Scott Brooks
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Dec 11, 2006, 8:57 PM

Post #5 of 24 (1736 views)
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Re: [achilles23] Need help with Cam [In reply to]	Can't Post

Rusty beat me to it. http://www.bhphotovideo.com/...it.y=7&Submit=Go Fred Miranda and other places are possibilities. If you live in a larger city visit a camera store and see what they have.

achilles23
User

Dec 11, 2006, 9:45 PM

Post #6 of 24 (1724 views)
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Re: [Sparky] Need help with Cam [In reply to]	Can't Post

thanks...might sound like a dumb question but no warranty is offered with a used camera huh? what happens when 6 months from now it stops working. is that just the risk you take when buying used equipment?

Postal Boy
Veteran

Dec 11, 2006, 9:46 PM

Post #7 of 24 (1724 views)
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Re: [Sparky] Need help with Cam [In reply to]	Can't Post

The only other report I heard was that the menu system, although fairly easy to use, makes it so you can't access multiple settings very quickly. In other words, the 20D and 30D have a dial for shutter speed, aperature, and so forth, with a quick button to switch AF modes and so forth. The XTI has to go through a menu to get to each one, so it is more difficult to change settings on the fly.

-Postal

Shadow
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Dec 11, 2006, 11:13 PM

Post #8 of 24 (1712 views)
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Re: [achilles23] Need help with Cam [In reply to]	Can't Post

I know Henrys.com offers six months warranty on their stuff.
the site is www.henrys.com not sure if they are just Canadian but they do have a "shop in US" site. We purchased a used camera and lenses from them and never had a problem. Some stuff we purchased new but buying two full sets gets pretty pricey so some of it is used.

I've used the warranty on a used lens and there wasn't any trouble at all.

Scott Brooks
Veteran

Dec 12, 2006, 12:02 AM

Post #9 of 24 (1708 views)
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Re: [Postal Boy] Need help with Cam [In reply to]	Can't Post

In Reply To

Our third body this year was a Digital Reble 300. What a PIA!!! I had forgotten about that, (probably because I just put it on Program and gave it to my daughter) but going through a menu at a wedding is ridiculous.

videochicke
Veteran

Dec 12, 2006, 10:00 AM

Post #10 of 24 (1701 views)
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Re: [achilles23] Need help with Cam [In reply to]	Can't Post

I often shoot with a photographer that uses an xti. It works for him, but more than one person in the bridal party has commented on what he is shooting with. Makes you look like you cut corners and are not professional in the eyes of some. Especially when one of the guests has a 20D. I would be cautious about used. The shutters have a limited life. The repair is about $600. Most just buy a new camera when it goes. It seems to be happening around the 70,000 picture mark among my friends.
Julie

Brackish
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Dec 12, 2006, 11:38 AM

Post #11 of 24 (1696 views)
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videochicke
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Dec 13, 2006, 9:36 AM

Post #12 of 24 (1681 views)
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Re: [Brackish] Need help with Cam [In reply to]	Can't Post

In Reply To

I often shoot with a photographer that uses an xti. It works for him, but more than one person in the bridal party has commented on what he is shooting with.

A bridesmaid comment? What was said?

It has always been the ushers. Comments like "Is that a Rebel?" "Yes" ""Why aren't you using a real camera?" Around here, it gives the appearance of someone who doesn't take photography too seriously versus hiring a professional.
Julie

Postal Boy
Veteran

Dec 13, 2006, 9:41 AM

Post #13 of 24 (1678 views)
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Re: [videochicke] Need help with Cam [In reply to]	Can't Post

I find that kind of funny, though, since the RebelXTi is a 10+MPixel camera, and far from being a "not real" camera.

A lot of pro photographers still shoot actual film and you can watch them scramble to switch out a roll from time to time, and many many more use 6 MPixel cameras for professional work.

My understanding is that the imaging components on the Rebel are about the same as the 20D/30D as far as processing the image goes. Main differences are the menu system and feature set I think, as well as construction durability.

-Postal

Brackish
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Dec 17, 2006, 8:00 PM

Post #14 of 24 (1635 views)
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Postal Boy
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Dec 17, 2006, 8:24 PM

Post #15 of 24 (1631 views)
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Re: [Brackish] Need help with Cam [In reply to]	Can't Post

Strange. The 30D is almost brand new. Wonder what they will replace it with? It sure does a nice job.

-Postal

Scott Brooks
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Dec 18, 2006, 12:46 AM

Post #16 of 24 (1615 views)
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Re: [Postal Boy] Need help with Cam [In reply to]	Can't Post

Bottome line ... I've yet to hear a professional say that the XTi performs at an acceptable level in low light situations. If someone is not purchasing the rebel for weddings this might be a non-issue, but if a person is SERIOUS about using it for weddings then it's probably going to be a waste of money.

Brackish
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Dec 19, 2006, 7:14 AM

Post #17 of 24 (1575 views)
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Postal Boy
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Dec 19, 2006, 9:02 AM

Post #18 of 24 (1571 views)
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Re: [Brackish] Need help with Cam [In reply to]	Can't Post

Doesn't the lense you are using have something to do with focus as well? Mine tends to do quite well, but I have a 580EX flash with the "focus assist" on it for dark venus. Then again, I haven't tried the XTi to see how its focusing works.

If they come out with a new camera body to replace the 30D, I guess that I can take comfort in the fact that I just paid out the wazoo for a "backup" camera Crazy

-Postal

Toogy
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Dec 19, 2006, 9:36 AM

Post #19 of 24 (1568 views)
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Re: [Postal Boy] Need help with Cam [In reply to]	Can't Post

I'd like to see some real evidence the XTi focuses faster than the 30D/20D. What lenses where on both cameras when you did your test?
Have you tried more than one body? Maybe the demo 30D at the store had a problem?
As Sparky has mentioned I would never use a Digital Rebel to shoot weddings with unless I had to. You would be perceived as not professional. I barely feel adequate with the 30D/20D combo. I am thinking about stepping up to a 5D or ID Mark IIN just because of this. But I'd miss my EF-S 17-55 F2.8 IS too much, so I hesitate about upgrading.
------------------------->
Jeff Toogood
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Brackish
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Dec 19, 2006, 10:08 AM

Post #20 of 24 (1563 views)
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Postal Boy
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Dec 19, 2006, 11:01 AM

Post #21 of 24 (1557 views)
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Re: [Brackish] Need help with Cam [In reply to]	Can't Post

Heh...the soon-to-be-out-of-date 30D. Haven't shot anything "official" yet, but will be shooting a large family reunion on the 30th...more for experience than anything, but experience is worth a lot, too.

After our 2 week trip out west I will print up my business cards, distribute them here locally, and try to drum up some business. Then maybe I can purchase one of the "Real" DSLRs out there with a full frame sensor (or not!)

The 30D takes a nice shot that can be blown up to 30x20 just fine, so i don't need more than that. Besides, if a 40D or 35D comes out in march, that means the 30D bodies will drop in price and I can double up and get another one (when I actually start making money).

-Postal

Brackish
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Dec 20, 2006, 7:41 AM

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Toogy
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Dec 20, 2006, 8:03 AM

Post #23 of 24 (1531 views)
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Re: [Brackish] Need help with Cam [In reply to]	Can't Post

Clients don't inquire about cameras during booking, but during the day, I notice SO many people in the congregation that have 20Ds, 30Ds, Digital Rebels, D50s, D70s etc.
I once had the father of the bride shooting beside me with a ID Mark II and a 24-70 F2.8L and at that time I was shooting with a 20D with Tamron 28-75, he asked me what I was using, and I could tell he was thinking, we paid how much $$$ for someone with less professional equipment than I have? I know the final results speak for themselves, but sometimes those perceptions are hard to overcome.

And no, there is no full frame equivalent to the 17-55 F2.8 IS, the closest would be the 24-70 F2.8L, but it doesn't have IS, or the 24-105 F4L IS, but then it's and F4 lens.
------------------------->
Jeff Toogood
Digital ISO

http://www.digitaliso.ca/blog
http://www.pbase.com/toogy

Colvin ADTR
Enthusiast

Dec 20, 2006, 8:32 AM

Post #24 of 24 (1058 views)
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Re: [Toogy] Need help with Cam [In reply to]	Can't Post

There will always be the rich amateur who spends as much as they want on cameras. If it's a work tool, it should be judged on fitness for purpose and return on investment.