What camera setup to use for full time/commercial use?

In short - Yes, you can get by with that cam and better glass. Should you though? That's up to you. Read on....




People will repeat over and over and over "It's not the gear that makes the photographer" or some similar mantra. That's totally true, but that's missing the point of professional grade gear.

If you get the gear with all the bells and whistles, and you REALLY learn how to use it, and develop a workflow, it can save you a TON of time and worry.

Wifi cards can get photos to a client from a live event before anyone else, which stoked out the client and makes sure you get repeat work, which is why people pay so much for them.

Huge file sizes allow you to crop down to a third of the original size photo and still have a print-worthy image, which is why people love these 24+ MP files.

Large buffers ensure you don't fill the damn thing up, and high FPS ensure you get the shot you're being paid to get. Better quality RAW files or video files ensure that even if you fuck up, you still get the shot - which let's get real here, we all fuck up our exposure at times, which is why people buy external recorders/monitors that they put on rails and haul around with their video cameras.

My weather sealed gear ensures that I don't have to worry about my camera getting smoked if I get it wet, and I can keep shooting (keep shooting = getting the shot = making money) rather than having to go into the lodge and slowly warm up my gear so I can dry it out.

Hell, even having a good computer saves you SOOO MUCH DAMN TIME. I'm super frugal and generally wait until I have to to upgrade gear. About two years ago I bough a new desktop with a Retina Display, SSD, and upgraded to 32 gig of RAM. It takes about 5-10 seconds to open up huge 2-4 gig ski design files. Even in the boot time of turning ON the computer, booting Photoshop, scanning through large photo files and design files, I've probably saved days worth of time in the last couple years compared to my old computer.

Ultimately, it's up to you. But usually when I upgrade I do my research and get the gear I need, I ALWAYS think to myself: "Why didn't I do this earlier????"

Sorta depends on the work you're doing. The t5i is worthless as a video camera in 2017, thats just my opinion. As a photo camera its okay, but 1080p30 at 800 lines of resolution looks like shit.

I'm assuming you're going mostly online uploading? Realistically, if they want super quality content, they should provide you with gear. If not, maybe just upgrade your stablization (tripod mainly for video) and maybe a couple lenses. You could look into getting a gh3/gh4 for video, but you'd be changing everything in your kit.

Adding to what twoods said, i think it depends on how comfortable the user is with their gear. You might not have the best quality video, but if you're familiar with your gear it will show in the product. This sort of depends on your overall experience and what you're creating, but if its for a tourism bureau, its probably pretty mellow.

Is this job like 50/50 photos video? the only reason to keep your canon is for photos. A nice wide lens and tele would add alot to what you have now for both. It all comes down to the body for video, like i said the t5i is basically worthless in 2017, the comparable video dslr/mirrorless cameras blow it out of the water. If you really need a 50/50 camera, consider a sony a6300? really my best advice for now, i'm a straight video guy so maybe others can help you with the photo side.

TWoodsUltimately, it's up to you. But usually when I upgrade I do my research and get the gear I need, I ALWAYS think to myself: "Why didn't I do this earlier????"

eheathRealistically, if they want super quality content, they should provide you with gear. If not, maybe just upgrade your stablization (tripod mainly for video) and maybe a couple lenses. You could look into getting a gh3/gh4 for video, but you'd be changing everything in your kit.

Thanks for the advice guys, I really appreciate it.

What are your thoughts on the Sony a7ii series?

I would think about what you need this new camera to do that your t5i can't do well.

as eheath said the t5i is not good for pro video work in 2017 and any canon dslr you upgrade to will also lack in the video department.

I would probably get more quality glass first or a new camera body that is made for video and keep the t5i for photo work.

if you want to upgrade to a new body that does photo and video well the best options are:
sony a6300
sony a6500
sony a7s or a7r (mark I or mark II)
you can use your current lenses with an adapter however they will not cover a full frame senor so you can only shot in crop mode on the a7 cameras

or pick up used fs100 or fs700 for the video work and use the t5i for photo
or if you budget is bigger get a new/used fs5 or fs7

I dont recommend upgrading to a canon if you plan to shoot video, the video quality will be the same as the t5i, all you get is a larger senor with full frame (shallower Dof), better autofocus, wifi, and mostly features for photo work.

the gh3/4/5 are all great for video but you'll have to get all new glass to fit the m4/3 sensor and i dont think thats a great long term investment.

you could consider a used c100 mark I if most of the video will be commercial and travel, they go for pretty cheap now, have great color and skin tones and solid 1080p but wont work well for action sports, since they dont have higher frame rates

whenever im upgrading gear I always ask myself how long it could take for that item to be outdated.
camera bodies can become outdated quickly and you dont always need the newest camera to make great content, but glass, tripods, and support accessories will last much longer and be a better investment.

dan_swagnerwhenever im upgrading gear I always ask myself how long it could take for that item to be outdated.
camera bodies can become outdated quickly and you dont always need the newest camera to make great content, but glass, tripods, and support accessories will last much longer and be a better investment.

this^^

i am in the same upgrading limbo at the moment. while most of my current paid gigs are weddings, i am looking for something that shoots high res, can shoot at variable frame rates, decent low light, and record for long uninterrupted runs.

you just gotta ask yourself what are you going to be shooting in the most and will your current setup be able to handle that. for special occasions you can always rent a camera body. glass is definitely a better long term investment and nowadays with adapters its even better. but think of all your possible video and shooting scenarios and see what is going to get the job done the best. lots of good cameras on the market, its more about choosing the right tool for the job.

Unfortunately for myself, I'm getting out of the video scene due to some unforeseen bills I have. So I have a GH4 with 2 Rokinon lens'. Super nice for what I've used them for. Along with a Ronin M, Rode Mic, Manfrotto tripod and whatever else I'm forgetting. If interested, just shoot me a PM. Used mainly for weddings and a little bit of skiing.