Looking to bring my phtotgraphy to the next level

[bethanyanna]

I have always enjoyed photography. I can't remember a time in my life when I didn't have a camera!
I currently have a point and shoot Sony Cybershot. It does good, for what it is. But now that I have children, I really want to hone my skills. I can take decent stills and landscapes all day long, but I want to get nice portraits without having to pay a photographer.

So I've been doing some research, and I think I've narrowed my search to the Canon EOS 7D. It seems to have gotten pretty good reviews, and it looks like it would be a nice middle of the road camera to get my feet wet with.

I think I read that it shoots in RAW, but I honestly am not going to even pretend that I know what that means. lol

So before I go drop a grand on a camera, I would love some feedback!

Thanks for the help!!

[ebiggs1]

High ISO peformance is largely controlled by the amount of light.  If there is pretty good light, you get pretty good results.  When light is seriously poor, the results also will be.  The place it shows mostly is in lab tests but the average user may not see a real world of difference between the 7D Mk II and the 6D.  Althoug, granted, there may be a slight advantage.  It would not be the driving factor for me, however, between the two bodies.

[ebiggs1]

"Has anybody encountered any problems in regards to the flip screens?"

You don't have to flip it out to use the camera.

A word about weight and it is a prime consideration, but if you are a real portrait photographer wann-be, I suggest you get the battery grip acessary.  It makes verticals much easier.  But it does add weight.  Verticals are extremely important to portraits.

All Canon full on pro models have a vertical shooting position standard equipment.

You are correct about build.  The 6D and 70D are pretty much equal.  The 7D Mk II is a better more robust build.

In this case and what you are considering, mega-pickles do not matter.  If the T5i or T6i fits your requirement, go for it.  You will never miss them.

[jazzman1]

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The only thing that I don't care for on either model (70D & T5i) is the flip-out/ rotate in almost any direction screen that just seems like it's just one more moving parts that could eventually lead to costly repairs. It almost screams "Break me now".

Has anybody encountered any problems in regards to the flip screens?

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I have a flip/rotating screen on (2) Camera's and (2) Camcorders.  Only my pocket P & S screen does'nt flip.  I think it a plus and have never had one break.   In fact, I think they're better protected when you turn the screen facing toward the camera, rather than the none flip screens that are always exposed.  I keep my screen closed most times and use the viewfinder, because my nose touches the screen and puts oil smudges on it.  I'm not much of a video user and only use my screen to look at my pics and check settings in the menu.  When I do use video I like the flip screen better for better viewing angles.   I will not buy a non rotating LCD screen camera unless I absolutely have to, that's caused me to rule out a couple very good cameras because of it.....as possible upgrades   And I'm not fond of the newer touch screen LCD's at all.  I rather have the older menu system.

[bethanyanna]

Well... I finally took the plunge a few weeks ago. At the end of the day, after handling all the cameras, talking with the folks at the camera store, and listening to everything y'all had to say, I ended up with 70D, and I absolutley LOVE it!!! It's a phenomanal peice of equipment and I'm enjoying learning how to use it. I've already taken some great photos, as well as some fairly decent portraits/candids of people! I still have a lot to learn, but with this in my arsenal, I have no doubt I'll get where I wanted to go with my photography! 🙂

Canon was running a promotion, so it came with a 32M SD card, a 18-135mm lens (a great range for me to start with), and a bag (which is probably larger than I would have purchased, but it will work).

And with it... if you purchased the camera, you got a $350 rebate if you got either the pro-100 ($349) or pro-10 printer ($379), (you also had to purchase a $50 pack of 11"x13" photo paper to complete the bundle). It kinda seemed like a no brainer to me! So I went for broke and got the pro-10. It's large, and as I have no idea where I'm going to set it up yet, it's still in the box... but it's been calling my name everytime I walk by it, so I might just have to set it up this weekend.

Anyway... thanks and happy shooting! 😄

[jazzman1]

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@bethanyanna wrote:

Well... I finally took the plunge a few weeks ago. At the end of the day, after handling all the cameras, talking with the folks at the camera store, and listening to everything y'all had to say, I ended up with 70D, and I absolutley LOVE it!!! It's a phenomanal peice of equipment and I'm enjoying learning how to use it.

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Good to hear you found a camera you like.  Good choice.  Have fun and come back if you need help.  

[ebiggs1]

Great to hear.  Beware, the Pro-10 has a steep learning curve and is best controled with Lightroom or PS.  It is a very fine printer but like anything in this class, it will need some commitment.

[bethanyanna]

oooo.... they didn't tell me that! hmmm.... that worries me a little. I've already got quite a steep learning curve ahead of me! lol

[jazzman1]

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@bethanyanna wrote:

oooo.... they didn't tell me that! hmmm.... that worries me a little. I've already got quite a steep learning curve ahead of me! lol

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Depending on where you got your gear you should have a 30 day return policy.  If you test it out and don't think it's for you don't hesitate to return it for exchange or full refund.  I deal with B&H and have had no problems with returns and refunds.  I get most of my gear there and think they're tops in customer service.   There's other places that rate well also, but B&H have served me so well I have'nt had to go anywhere else.

[TTMartin]

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@bethanyanna wrote:

oooo.... they didn't tell me that! hmmm.... that worries me a little. I've already got quite a steep learning curve ahead of me! lol

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Canon printers also work well using Canon's provided Digital Photo Professional. I wouldn't get too worried about it.

[ebiggs1]

While the printer can print from any software you wish, I have found PS or LR are the best.  But that is up to you.

I have had three of these type printers.  Starting way back and I have the Pro-100 right now.  One advantage with the Pro-100 over the Pro-10 is the ink can sit unused for a longer time period.  Since I am retired now I don't print as often as I used to.  For instance I get busy right now with Senior photos but less when that is over.

A plus for the Pro-10 is its B&W ability.  The Pro-100 can not print true B&W.

I have had so many rquests from people not being able to get a good print from these printers, I made a document I copy and paste each time somebody asked me.  Here it is.  You may want to print this out a refer to it when you start. 

You can not set the printer to match the monitor.  You must set the monitor to match the printer.  

First, you must not let the printer set anything.  Turn off every bit off control it has.  You can do this with the Canon My Printer under the Printer Settings tab.  Do you know how?  I will guess, yes, for now but if you don't get back to me.

Second, you need to have your photo editor (like Photoshop) handle all the print settings and color matching.  You know how to do this? I prefer Photoshop and I use AdobeRGB color space.

And lastly, it is essential you get some settings on your monitor that somewhat matches what the printer is printing.  Your printer may be doing exactly what you are telling it to do and you have no idea it is, because your monitor is so far off.  If you don't do this step, you can forget the other steps.  However, there are only a few things that you need to be concerned with. You don't need any fancy extra add-on to do this.  No additional software or gadgets, etc.  No monkeys, no spiders, nothing!

Most people set their monitors too bright.

You must get the gray-scale very close.  You need to get the brightness very close and you need the contrast very close.

After you do these things you can make adjustments to your prints by just looking at your screen.  Because you know the monitor and printer are on the same level.  One more point, you can NOT get a printer to print every color exactly the way you see it.  It isn't possible as all colors and adjustments effect all others.  My goal is to get the skin tones right.  That is what people notice most. Remember you are dealing with two different disciplines here.  One is colored light and the other is colored dyes.  They are not the same thing.

For instance, I know my Pro-100 tends to print slightly darker than what I see on the monitor (typical).  So, I automatically know to set it's prints 1/2 to one stop brighter in Photoshop, in my case.  It also prints with a slightly warn tone.  Most of the time, with portraits especially, this if OK but sometimes it is not.  In that case I adjust the "temp" setting slightly cooler in PS.

All the Canon photo printers I have ever seen have this warm/magenta cast.  Canon engineers must prefer this look.  It can not be changed.  You need to "fix" it in post.

Make sure you have the correct ICC profiles and you are using Canon brand ink and paper until you get good with the printer.  Very, very important, otherwise you don't know if the printer is doing exactly what you are telling it to or not.

Important is, use the USB connection until everything is right.  You are just adding another issue when you try to set up the printing and the wireless all at the same time.  Just like using Canon branded products until it is a go.  Use a real printer USB cable.  Not just any old USB cable. Get everything right before you explore.