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7D for first DSLR

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FrankerZ
Posts: 223 - Karma: 1,129
Christmas is coming up and I've been really interested in video- and photography for the last couple years so I thought that it would be a good time to invest in a DSLR. I've been filming with just a gopro lately and I've taken a couple photography courses at school so I have a basic knowledge on the functions of a DSLR.

I started browsing some used dslr's and I found a deal on a new Canon EOS 7D with an EF 50mm f/1.8mm lens for just 600€ which seems to be a great deal for a new dslr, even though a 7D might be a bit "too good" for a beginner.

So... I'm wondering about the lens. I know a 50mm is a "must have" lens in your kit but will it be suitable for freeride and mountain photo- and videography? Will I need another lens with an adjustable zoom?
Any lens recommendations in the lower price range?

Should i go for it or look for better options?
Dec 8 2015 4:22PM
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HarkStudios
Posts: 243 - Karma: 121
7d is great. i have the mk2 and i love it to death. it is a crop sensor though. so 50mm is more like an 85mm which is a good b-roll/portrait lens. not much of a sports lens, i would look at an 18-55 or maybe a 24mm prime.
Dec 8 2015 4:40PM
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nutz.
Posts: 3150 - Karma: 6,712
EDolloStone7d is great. i have the mk2 and i love it to death. it is a crop sensor though. so 50mm is more like an 85mm which is a good b-roll/portrait lens. not much of a sports lens, i would look at an 18-55 or maybe a 24mm prime.


dunno about that. I shot all the Rails to Riches photos with an 85mm and it works great as a "sports" lens
Dec 8 2015 4:57PM
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HarkStudios
Posts: 243 - Karma: 121
nutz.dunno about that. I shot all the Rails to Riches photos with an 85mm and it works great as a "sports" lens


S/o to difference of opinion and style!

Some people like that nice wide style and get the action right in your face, like myself.

others, (like nutz.) have a different style.


There is no wrong way to do it, but identifying what look you like better, is going to give you an idea of what you like better..

Generally, unless you have a nice tripod, it is easier to get stable shots with a wider lens. that being said, everybody loves the tight long shots.
Dec 8 2015 5:18PM
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nutz.
Posts: 3150 - Karma: 6,712
EDolloStoneS/o to difference of opinion and style!

Some people like that nice wide style and get the action right in your face, like myself.

others, (like nutz.) have a different style.


There is no wrong way to do it, but identifying what look you like better, is going to give you an idea of what you like better..

Generally, unless you have a nice tripod, it is easier to get stable shots with a wider lens. that being said, everybody loves the tight long shots.


I mean not really? it's good to use both
Dec 8 2015 5:33PM
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cydwhit
Posts: 5070 - Karma: 43,008
nutz.I mean not really? it's good to use both


Yeah, it's fun to be a one trick pony for a while but it gets old fast.
Dec 8 2015 6:21PM
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eheath
Posts: 61603 - Karma: 123,089
If you have more than a 50% interest in video, get something else. The 7D is like 6 years old at this point, something like a gh3 would be 100 time better for video and its cheaper. I wouldnt just hop onto the canon train if you have zero equipment so far, there are so many other paths that are better for video and just fine for photo.

That being said, if you're most interested in photos, the 7d wouldnt be too bad.
Dec 8 2015 6:30PM
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PacificRimJob
Posts: 24725 - Karma: 29,944
the 7D is awesome as a sports stills camera that allows you to do some video. It's not a top tier video option like it may have been regarded as towards the end of the last decade when it was released.

when I was still shooting canon I was considering one for a long time just for sports stills and a 3rd video angle option if I ever needed it. Good camera, just know it's limitations as a video platform.
Dec 9 2015 3:44AM
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grantwhitty
Posts: 854 - Karma: 9,380
I use the 7D Mark II. Like eheath said, the 7D is a great camera body for a photographer. If you're more interested in video, look elsewhere. The 7D mk II is a great sports camera. Shoots 10fps and has a ton of AFP. It's a great camera for ski photogs.
Dec 9 2015 10:39AM
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grantwhitty
Posts: 854 - Karma: 9,380
That being said, if you are new to the photo/video world. I wouldn't suggest going all the way up to a 7D mk II for starters. I would suggest anything from the Canon Ti series. That's what I started with.
Dec 9 2015 10:41AM
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FrankerZ
Posts: 223 - Karma: 1,129
eheathIf you have more than a 50% interest in video, get something else. The 7D is like 6 years old at this point, something like a gh3 would be 100 time better for video and its cheaper. I wouldnt just hop onto the canon train if you have zero equipment so far, there are so many other paths that are better for video and just fine for photo.

That being said, if you're most interested in photos, the 7d wouldnt be too bad.


Thanks man, I'd definitely be focusing on video. I could get a deal on a year old, used gh3 body for 400€ What lenses should I get started with? Not looking to spend over 400€ on lenses currently, so I'd be looking for something in the lower price range. I'd be filming powder and freeride stuff and maybe some urban and followcams.
Dec 9 2015 10:43AM
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PacificRimJob
Posts: 24725 - Karma: 29,944
AltitudeFotoThat being said, if you are new to the photo/video world. I wouldn't suggest going all the way up to a 7D mk II for starters. I would suggest anything from the Canon Ti series. That's what I started with.


I disagree. If your'e serious about getting into photography then why not. The 7D is a way more intuitive layout for real use anyway... the Rebels are only a 'beginner' camera because they're cheap as shit.


If you're unsure, then get some cheap old Rebel XTi and save your money until you decide to make a bigger jump.
Dec 10 2015 2:13AM
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Dub_Digital
Posts: 2794 - Karma: 636
FrankerZThanks man, I'd definitely be focusing on video. I could get a deal on a year old, used gh3 body for 400€ What lenses should I get started with? Not looking to spend over 400€ on lenses currently, so I'd be looking for something in the lower price range. I'd be filming powder and freeride stuff and maybe some urban and followcams.


The panasonic pancake 20mm f1.7 is a great option, super affordable, small, and fast. its a great focal length for getting a variety of shots. Also the rokinon 12mm f2.0 is an amazing wide lens, I love mine ....rokinon makes great glass
Dec 10 2015 11:22PM
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FrankerZ
Posts: 223 - Karma: 1,129
Dub_DigitalThe panasonic pancake 20mm f1.7 is a great option, super affordable, small, and fast. its a great focal length for getting a variety of shots. Also the rokinon 12mm f2.0 is an amazing wide lens, I love mine ....rokinon makes great glass


I decided to bump up my budget and I'm probably going with a gh3 + a lumix g x vario 12-35mm
Dec 12 2015 11:54AM
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nutz.
Posts: 3150 - Karma: 6,712
FrankerZI decided to bump up my budget and I'm probably going with a gh3 + a lumix g x vario 12-35mm


yea thats a good setup. Personally I like the olympus 12-40 better but to each their own.


Honestly if I were you I'd look into maybe getting the canon or nikon version of the sigma 18-35 f/1.4 and slapping a metabones on that thing because then if you decide you wanna go a different route with the body , your glass will still be useful (not for full frame, but i mean any crop sensor)
Dec 12 2015 12:14PM
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PacificRimJob
Posts: 24725 - Karma: 29,944
FrankerZI decided to bump up my budget and I'm probably going with a gh3 + a lumix g x vario 12-35mm


add a canon FD 35-105 f3.5 and you'll be so set..
Dec 14 2015 2:37AM
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