I looked into buying a full-frame DSLR camera. Holy mother of dog! They are expensive! Even the prices on refurbished ones had me reaching for a paper bag to breathe into. I had no idea. This is what I really want, a Canon EOS 5D Mark II.
Last week I was asked to take photos of dogs for an organization called Stray from the Heart. They place dogs in foster care and try to find them “forever homes”. Most folks don’t have good, clear photos of the dogs they’re fostering and don’t know how to take them. But good photos go a long way to make a good first impression on potential adoptive owners, so they’re pretty important, and since I take pretty good photos of my own dogs they reached out to me for help, and I was thrilled that they did.
My first session was Sunday in a dimly lit apartment. I did the best I could and managed to get some good shots, but I got frustrated at the noise in the photos and the lack of rapid-focusing I needed. The experience hammered home the point that I’ve maxed out what I can do and learn on my Rebel Xti, and I’m ready to take on something beefier. The research begins.
In other pet photography news, Sarah from Things are Better with a Parrot exchanged some of her printed note cards for a photography session with pet photographer Li of Fat Orange Cat Studio. I spent an hour today pouring over Li’s website. She’s just started her business a year ago, and my favorite parts of her site were reading the “learning” parts of her blog. It’s so inspiring!
If you want better low light performance, full frame isn’t exactly what you’re looking for. First, I assume you’re using a fast lens wide open, such as the extremely cheap (usually less than $100 used) 50 mm f/1.8. This will give you three stops more than a generic f/4.0 zoom lens.
Second, a simple bounce flash mounted on camera will give you several stops of light plus it will emit a red grid to give you some auto-focus assist. (Though you can always manually focus the lens, AF isn’t the answer to everything.) I’m also assuming you already have a hot shoe flash. If you’re still looking to spend money you can always upgrade your lighting kit to allow off the camera flash. Strobist is the place to go to find out more about off camera flash and the multitude of things you can do with it. Remember, photography is all about light!
Third, if you want better low light performance you don’t necessarily want full frame (though the 5D Mark II has wonderful low light performance). You can get something like the 50D for *half the price* of the 5Dii and still get better high ISO performance than your Rebel.
But if you’re doing this as a business venture, yes, the money comes out of your own pocket and it hurts. Business or not, you had to work for that money somehow and spending it always stings a bit. But you’ll be able to write it off for taxes as a business expense and you’ll make it back and then some, right?
On the other hand, if this is just a hobby that you’re trying to make pay for itself *in part* then you really need to ask yourself not “can I afford this expense this month with the economy the way it is?” but you instead need to ask “can I justify to myself spending this much money on myself, have I worked hard for this and think I deserve it for a job well done or should I spend this money differently or save it even?” if you know what I mean.
Brad
6 May 09 at 1:35 am
I seriously thought about the 5d II but i couldnt justify – even to a pregnant me, and pregnant me wasn’t always rational! – the cost at the time. And you can’t go around with a camera of that caliber with just an ordinary lens. The cost add up and i got intimidated – yeah, the economy sucking the way it does played a role in the decision (the “what if i lose my job” always come up these days when i try to rationalize my purchases). Maybe when I fill my piggy bank again I’ll get it… For now, I’ll just drool when I see others shooting with it.
You know, the 40d with a very good lens is a nice alternative.
G.
6 May 09 at 7:20 am
This doggie pic is adorable!! I’d love to see more if you wanted to link to them?
Kristan
6 May 09 at 9:09 am
I’m considering an upgrade too. The price of the 5D II definitely scared me away, at least until I learn more about photography and can justify owning that type of camera. I was all hyped up for the 50D, but since we appear to be close to the release of the next version of that line of camera (with HD video) I think I’m going to wait until the fall to make the leap.
I’ve made 2 equipment purchases for my Rebel in the past year that have been nothing short of awesome. That 70-200mm EF f/4 L IS USM lens is incredible for both action shots and portraits. And I also bought the 580EX II flash that Brad mentioned in his comment. Being able to bounce the flash indoors has made a world of difference.
Be sure to keep us in the loop if you find any good resources during your research! I mostly rely on the Canon Rumors blog (http://www.canonrumors.com/2009/05/canon-60d-cr2/) and this site: http://www.the-digital-picture.com/
Chad Northrup
6 May 09 at 9:10 am