Camera Recommendation?
by Cameron
on
Dec 5, 2006 at 3:08:16 pm
Hi
I'm in the UK and want to buy a good quality pro or semi-pro digital camera to take shots for a mail order catalogue and or flyers but don't really know where to start, can anyone help with some advice?
I've been looking at the Canon EOS400D which is 10.1 megapixel, but does it have to be as high as this, and is this a professional camera or nowhere near? I'm looking at still life shots so shutter speed doesn't need to be super fast. High quality printed photos up to 15 inches high and clear colours are most important. I also want to be able to take good close-up shots without loss of quality.
Any recommendations will be greatly appreciated. Does anyone else do photography work for mail order companies and could recommend what other equipment I'll need? I'm just starting out with this and the only other thing I have so far is a tripod so any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Re: Camera Recommendation? by tony salgado on Dec 5, 2006 at 3:43:36 pm
I have the american version of that camera which is called the Rebel XTi.
The most important factor is to stay away from the cheap a@# plastic lenses which are sold as part of the camera kit. They are the horrible in terms of image quality, focus etc.
Get the L series lenses.
That all said there is a major difference in terms of image quality, style, feel, and operation of the higher end semi pro and pro cameras in the Canon line.
I just conducted a test recently between the EOS 1Ds Mk II (top of the line pro camera), 5D (semi pro) and Xti (consumer) and after the test completely hate the Xti. The viewfinder in the 1Ds is so big and bright making it easier to do manual focus etc.
You clearly get what you pay or don't pay for in either of the cameras.
Re: Camera Recommendation? by John Hartney on Dec 21, 2006 at 7:45:45 am
I'd recommend you take a look at the Panasonic lx2 and fz30. The lx2 has a native 16:9 chip and an excellent Leica lens, in fact Leica sells the same camera, except with a titanium frame for more money, but the electronics and lens are the same. This camera is capable of producing prints of fine art quality.
The fz30 is more like a standard slr, but has a fixed leica lens, but what a lens!! 12x optical zoom (35mm equivalent: 35 to 420mm)...
Re: Camera Recommendation? by Ian on Jan 3, 2007 at 8:26:21 pm
Cameron,
The Canon 30D would be a very good camera for what you are doing. You don't need "L" lenses but some of them are fairly priced and will give you very good results. It really depends on how much you want to spend and what system (e.g. Canon, Nikon, etc...) you prefer.
Re: Camera Recommendation? by peterd on Feb 9, 2007 at 7:36:12 pm
I have an XTi. Not overly fond of the kit lens either but otherwise it's an excellent prosumer level camera. It should be noted the more expensive 5D is bascially the same camera with some more bells and whistles.
Re: Camera Recommendation? by Ian Schmoel on Feb 9, 2007 at 8:11:07 pm
The 5D is not the same as the XTI. The 5D is Full frame and a much better camera than the XTI. There really is little comparison. You may be referring to the 30D which is somewhat similar to the XTi but has more features and a better build.
