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Good camera options to buy? mid budget dream setup?

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StevenH24
Posts: 64 - Karma: 288
Hey guys, so turns out I'm going to have a good 5-6 months off this summer to go full swing into photography and making videos. I like to mess around with my go pro and do sequence shots and videos and such but other then that I'm a beginner / intermediate I guess. I've got a great computer set up and a touch pad for editing and such so I'm pretty stoked to learn.

Im just wondering what your mid budget dream setup would be for video / photography, can you mix the 2 together good? I do about 50/50 of them. Maybe more photography some days such as 70/30. Video is mainly for skiing and photography for things like Surfing, taking shots from the beach of someone surfing, rock climbing, things like that.

Anyways here goes!

1) What is your budget? I can get more money in the future to invest but I would start a initial budget of around maybe $3000 to get full swing into it and have a lot of fun. Maybe a bit more if it was a vast upgrade of some sort.

2) What experience do you already have with cameras? Mainly just go pro, but have 6 months off this summer to go full board into it and learn as much as I can!

2) What gear, if any, do you currently have? I would get a glide cam, and a tripod for sure.

4) What are you planning to shoot and how do you want to use your camera? mainly sporty type stuff / maybe some hiking pictures and such. Out doorsy stuff basicly.

5) Do you want a camera that you can hand to your friends, that could or could not have film experience, and let them shoot you? or will you be doing all the filming? Unless I get a gf that likes to film and do photography then I doubt I would ever let any of my friends touch my camera.

6) When filming skiing, how do you tend to shoot? (follow cams, leave it on record on a tripod and hike, film from a tripod, etc) All of the above. But mainly will be tripod and hiking. So to get myself would need some kind of a burst mode that I can activate while skiing towards a feature or something?? is this possible??

7) What computer do you currently have/use to edit (if not currently editing, what would you most likely use)? If you can provide specifics, such as hard drive space, RAM, processor size, that would be great. Um its a year old MacBook pro i7 and such. I think its still their top model unless they brought something else out I'm not sure?

7) What program do you currently edit on? How familiar are you with it (1- just learning; 10- I can make tutorials and know the keyboard layout) I do my sequence pics on photoshop. CC and lightroom I guess. For video editing I have been just using the go pro editor, Id love if someone had suggestions of a better editor to get into this summer and really learn.

---------------------------Optional Section, for those seeking a more intensive upgrade/purchase------------------------
1) Do you think you might consider using a DSLR? I would definitely consider. As i would consider anything :D

2) Do you have any knowledge about the HDSLRS? no :(

3) Do you know the limitations to using HDSLRS? no :(

4) Are you willing to take the time to learn about a DSLR, and how to shoot with manual lenses? Yup! absolutely!

5) Again, do you want a camera that you can hand to your friends, that could or could not have film experience, and let them shoot you? or will you be doing all the filming? Sadly as I don't have any friends that ski I'll 90% of the time have to film myself. Is this possible?



Thanks a ton for all the help guys, and any suggestions I'll definitely be taking a look at and hollering back some questions at you guys! Im not rushing into this, just want to do a lot of camera studying and figure out my options over the next 2 months before I have all the time off.

Thanks again!!!
Mar 5 2015 8:23AM
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RandomHeroes
Posts: 14 - Karma: 41
For your budget I would def go with a Canon 70D. It has a really good RAW buffer so you can shoot high speed continuous shots and there are tons of video features like touch screen focusing which is badass. Its a canon crop sensor so you have hundreds of lens options as well.
Mar 5 2015 9:38AM
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Lou.
Posts: 1787 - Karma: 3,876
Used sony a7r - 1600
Used tokina 11-16 - 400
Used Glidecam HD2000 - 300
28-70 kit lens
Rode videomic pro - 220

Just a potential. If you've only had a gopro you could also go the route of buying an entry level dslr and really investing in glass but if you really are committed to learning this is an option.
Mar 5 2015 9:57AM
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StevenH24
Posts: 64 - Karma: 288
Thanks so much for responses guys I'll look Into those! Plus karma! Woop woop.

Some cameras I have been looking at are

Canon EOS 5D Mark III and Nikon D810 both around that $3000 mark.

And also would it be a stupid idea to spree on cameras like this as a non professional photographer?

Canon EOS 1DX or Nikon D4S being they are in the $6000 range? Are they incredibly amazing cameras and way better then ones such as the ones for $3000 just above?
Mar 5 2015 10:05AM
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Lou.
Posts: 1787 - Karma: 3,876
StevenH24Thanks so much for responses guys I'll look Into those! Plus karma! Woop woop.

Some cameras I have been looking at are

Canon EOS 5D Mark III and Nikon D810 both around that $3000 mark.

And also would it be a stupid idea to spree on cameras like this as a non professional photographer?

Canon EOS 1DX or Nikon D4S being they are in the $6000 range? Are they incredibly amazing cameras and way better then ones such as the ones for $3000 just above?



Check out the 5d mark ii rather than iii, you can save a bunch of money and to be honest as a beginner with a GoPro you won't be able to tell the difference between the ii and iii. My aswell take that money and put it towards glass and mics and a nice tripod and a nice glidecam.
Mar 5 2015 10:10AM
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Laurent.
Posts: 10056 - Karma: 25,313
RandomHeroesFor your budget I would def go with a Canon 70D. It has a really good RAW buffer so you can shoot high speed continuous shots and there are tons of video features like touch screen focusing which is badass. Its a canon crop sensor so you have hundreds of lens options as well.


Do you get a boner from mentioning Canon's RAW buffer's? Second thread you mention it.

Also the 70D doesn't have a good raw buffer.
Mar 5 2015 10:30AM
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StevenH24
Posts: 64 - Karma: 288
No idea how to edit posts on my phone, sorry for all the posts guys.

I should also mention I'm looking for a really "tough" camera as I will be taking it rock climbing and all over with me. So Im guessing it will need a metal frame and not a plastic one so It can take a small beating once in awhile as can be expected. (Although hopefully never had to)
Mar 5 2015 10:33AM
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Laurent.
Posts: 10056 - Karma: 25,313
StevenH24I should also mention I'm looking for a really "tough" camera


Then you'll be looking at either those funky shaped little compacts with rubber and skittle coloured anodised bits or at the great hulking grotesque beasts coughed forth from the bowels of Canon and Nikon's Pro line-up that individually weigh more then the combined weight of an entire page of Tumblr tagged "fatshion" (don't google, save yourself) or Pentax in general, but hey that's Pentax who wants that?

In reality, toughness is a grey field, If seen a 1DX fall from the height of a Starbucks Venti cup completely bricking itself and a paltry D3100 abseil half a mountain without rope or human supervision. It's mostly based an anecdotal evidence, However in general the more Pro-gear will be tougher but a wrong hit from a granny can knock-out Mohammed Ali.

With the budget you set, you have many options, you do start from zero, take some time to google and collect the information yourself as well, take things with a pinch of salt, cross-reference and separate genuine reviews from payed advertisements really, I can't stress that enough.

I would be leaning towards the A7 route if I were you, but that's just me.
Mar 5 2015 10:52AM
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Lou.
Posts: 1787 - Karma: 3,876
omnidataThen you'll be looking at either those funky shaped little compacts with rubber and skittle coloured anodised bits or at the great hulking grotesque beasts coughed forth from the bowels of Canon and Nikon's Pro line-up that individually weigh more then the combined weight of an entire page of Tumblr tagged "fatshion" (don't google, save yourself) or Pentax in general, but hey that's Pentax who wants that?

In reality, toughness is a grey field, If seen a 1DX fall from the height of a Starbucks Venti cup completely bricking itself and a paltry D3100 abseil half a mountain without rope or human supervision. It's mostly based an anecdotal evidence, However in general the more Pro-gear will be tougher but a wrong hit from a granny can knock-out Mohammed Ali.

With the budget you set, you have many options, you do start from zero, take some time to google and collect the information yourself as well, take things with a pinch of salt, cross-reference and separate genuine reviews from payed advertisements really, I can't stress that enough.

I would be leaning towards the A7 route if I were you, but that's just me.


Tried containing my laughter several times in the middle of class. Got lots of weird looks
Mar 5 2015 11:11AM
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rudedog41
Posts: 605 - Karma: 135
Maybe a 7D mkii? The crop factor would work well in your favor for long telephoto work for surfing and rock climbing. I've never tried it but as it's one of Canon's newer releases and has the most up to date technology, especially in terms of Canon video for the price. I'd give it a look.

Or you could wait till NAB and watch all the prices drop on old stuff..
Mar 5 2015 12:50PM
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nutz.
Posts: 3150 - Karma: 6,717
StevenH24Thanks so much for responses guys I'll look Into those! Plus karma! Woop woop.

Some cameras I have been looking at are

Canon EOS 5D Mark III and Nikon D810 both around that $3000 mark.

And also would it be a stupid idea to spree on cameras like this as a non professional photographer?

Canon EOS 1DX or Nikon D4S being they are in the $6000 range? Are they incredibly amazing cameras and way better then ones such as the ones for $3000 just above?


don't blow all your money on the camera body. Sure, having a good camera body is nice, but you want to save some money too for some quality glass
Mar 5 2015 12:57PM
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eheath
Posts: 61733 - Karma: 124,585
The problem is if you want to do more photos than video, you're really going to sacrifice some video features buying a better photo camera.

You said your budget it $3k so obviously you can't buy a 5d mk3.. 7dmk2 might be your best choice.
Mar 5 2015 1:59PM
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StevenH24
Posts: 64 - Karma: 288
pussyfooterYou said your budget it $3k so obviously you can't buy a 5d mk3.. 7dmk2 might be your best choice.


I don't nessacarly have a budget I just tend to go way overboard on things (which I honestly love doing). So I want to try to stay in a okay range.
Mar 5 2015 2:45PM
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eheath
Posts: 61733 - Karma: 124,585
StevenH24I don't nessacarly have a budget I just tend to go way overboard on things (which I honestly love doing). So I want to try to stay in a okay range.


Word I feel ya. Don't buy a 5dmk3.
Mar 5 2015 2:58PM
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PacificRimJob
Posts: 24730 - Karma: 29,998
For 3 grand? I'll limit myself to like 2000$

T3i/60D/7D/whatever
Tokina 12-24 f4
24-105 f4L
50mm f1.8 (maybe some vintage primes, too

Glidecam HD2000
Some filters and whatever
Yongnuo 565ex flash setup
Takstar Video Mic
Manfrotto 3001 Legs
Some basic video head
Whatever decent ball head available
Memory cards
batteries

Shouldn't cost too much more than 2000$. Would cover everything you'd need to get started in photography and video, and with plenty of room to upgrade.
Mar 6 2015 5:29AM
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HarkStudios
Posts: 243 - Karma: 121
DingoSeanFor 3 grand? I'll limit myself to like 2000$

T3i/60D/7D/whatever
Tokina 12-24 f4
24-105 f4L
50mm f1.8 (maybe some vintage primes, too

Glidecam HD2000
Some filters and whatever
Yongnuo 565ex flash setup
Takstar Video Mic
Manfrotto 3001 Legs
Some basic video head
Whatever decent ball head available
Memory cards
batteries

Shouldn't cost too much more than 2000$. Would cover everything you'd need to get started in photography and video, and with plenty of room to upgrade.


I would agree with this, but if you want to be ahead of the game, buy the 7d Mark 2, Better processor=better buffer. Not to mention, I have a 60D and it is great, but having the better buffer lets your burst rate get nasty and makes for all around more fun.
Mar 6 2015 9:22AM
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PacificRimJob
Posts: 24730 - Karma: 29,998
EDolloStoneI would agree with this, but if you want to be ahead of the game, buy the 7d Mark 2, Better processor=better buffer. Not to mention, I have a 60D and it is great, but having the better buffer lets your burst rate get nasty and makes for all around more fun.


Yeah, but then you're adding a whole other 1000$ to the budget with the 7D2

Start out with the more basic body, invest in the stuff that will be more "future proof" and go from there.
Mar 6 2015 8:12PM
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