Upgrade camera or get studio?? - DPChallenge Forums

Canon EF 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 DO IS USM

06/14/2006 08:36:50 AM · #1

I was going to upgrade to the 20D (and keep the 300D as a backup, but then I started thinking that I could get a small studio for the same amount.... What do you think is best? and also whats a good studio setup?
My budget is $1,300

Thanks ;)

cpanaioti

Canon EOS-40D

06/14/2006 08:39:58 AM · #2

Both. j/k - that might be down the road

That is quite a personal decision. It would depend on where you want to take your photography in the short and long run.

Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM

06/14/2006 09:31:58 AM · #3

bump ^.^

idnic

Canon EOS-60D

06/14/2006 09:33:00 AM · #4

I'd say go for the 20D body and a roll of white paper..... then save save save till your piggy bank will get you a set of lights.

hopper

Canon EOS-80D

Canon EF 35mm f/2 IS USM

06/14/2006 09:39:09 AM · #5

the 300D isn't exactly a "studio camera". It can be done, obviously, but I'd upgrade first (to a camera with a PC connector at least), then go for the studio second.

For 1300, you could almost get the 20D, 430ex flash, st-e2 wireless trigger, and an umbrella.

but that's just me

Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6

06/14/2006 09:50:54 AM · #6

Originally posted by hopper:

thats not a bad idea, i would have get the 20D, wireless trigger, and an umbrella (I have the 550ex flash). mmmm

General

Kodak Z7590

06/14/2006 09:54:16 AM · #7

Does 300d have a hot shoe? cannot you attach your studio strobes using some adapter to hot shoe?

I would go for lights.

I had lights even when i had a camera like canon A40, lights are fun to work with.

300d is way to advance than a canon A40

fotomann_forever

06/14/2006 09:55:55 AM · #8

Go with the 20D and for what it's worth, working with eTTL flash units is a lot simpler than studio strobes and a great way to learn lighting before taking the plunge.

You can pull off "studio" shots with a couple of flashes.

wavelength

Nikon D300

Nikon AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.8D

06/14/2006 09:59:43 AM · #9

You could always see if you can find a used 20d on Fredmiranda.com, usually go for about $800-850 or so. A light set would cost about $500 or so right? Haven't checked in a bit.

idnic

Canon EOS-60D

Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM

06/14/2006 10:02:31 AM · #10

OK OK I got it! Spend your money on the 5D, give that to me, I'll give you my 20D and you can use my studio!! Problem solved. :D

bvoi

Canon EOS-350D Rebel XT

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM

06/14/2006 10:02:32 AM · #11

You are about $500 away from a full frame sensor.
5D

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM

06/14/2006 10:07:46 AM · #12

Originally posted by bvoi:

You are about $500 away from a full frame sensor.
5D

that site isn't trust worthy resellerrating, the 5D runs for $2700+

Telehubbie

Canon EOS-40D

06/14/2006 10:23:22 AM · #13

Originally posted by bvoi:

You are about $500 away from a full frame sensor.
5D

Before anybody checks out that store, look at their ratings and reviews on Resellerratings.com first. The first thing I noticed on ccicameracity's page was "body only" and "Order 3 or more Accessories and get 10% OFF." These "accessories" most likely are the battery, charger, all the necessities for the camera. It's the usual bait and switch site.

Also, if/when you get the studio stuff, take a look at Amvona on Ebay for cheap stands, backgrounds, etc. Great prices there and lot's of good feedback.

Edit: you beat me to it!

Message edited by author 2006-06-14 10:23:44.

kosmikkreeper

Nikon D300s

Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR II

06/14/2006 10:35:26 AM · #14

Well, not sure about the 20D or 300D but for good cheep TEMPORARY lighting, what I've used with good results is my external flash on a tripod with the Lightsphere II to act as a softbox. The D70 and D200 can trigger the external flash in comander mode (not sure if the 300D or 20D can).

TrynityRose

Nikon D100

Nikon AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.8

06/14/2006 11:36:24 AM · #15

I had the same decision recently and I opted for the studio setup but now wish I went with the upgrade :( You can get a two-studio strobe for about 700-800 dollars with lightmeter and backgrounds. Depending on what you plan to use the studio for you could use it as an investment to make the money for the upgrade eventually. Of course you do it the other way around too. What would you get more use out of? The camera or the studio?

wavelength

Nikon D300

Nikon AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.8D

06/14/2006 12:04:44 PM · #16

Originally posted by TrynityRose:

Oh yeah, D200 for sure. We kept joking with my father in law that if he'd not brought us out to Montana, he could have had a new D200 and a 18-200VR that he's been jonesin for. ;-)