Upgrade Suggestions from EOS Rebel

[Jriffle3]

I started out with a Rebel camera, I am now looking to get a better camera and lens.  I mostly take photos of sporting events and my family. Looking for recommendations. I am wanting to get into photography more so its needs to be user friendly.

[ebiggs1 · Accepted solution]

You know before you buy a new camera get a post editor. Learn it. Use it.  See what you may need in a new rig.

Canon offers DPP4 and it is free. Perhaps not the equal to Photoshop but it is a capable editor and as I mentioned it is free. I guess you have the Rebel with the kit lens? This ia a good beginning outfit and can teach you a lot. Great photos are made in post, not in the camera. All the great photos you see and love have gone through post editing usually Photoshop.

At any rate if you are in the new camera mood go with something in the R series and get RF lenses. Don't adapt older EF or EF-S lenses. The EOS R10 Mirrorless Camera with 18-45mm Lens could be a good choice. But DPP4 will only make it better, too.

[Tronhard · Accepted solution]

Hi and welcome to the forum:
It's hard to give advice when we don't know what Rebel and lens you actually have.  However, Rebel cameras are made to be great learning tools, so the question I have for you is what is it about your current gear that is holding you back from learning?
Perhaps take a look at the following and consider it: Considerations in choosing camera gear 

[Tronhard · Accepted solution]

To encourage folks to use this tool, you can mark that as a solution too, if you think it is appropriate

[Tintype_18]

Budget?

[Jriffle3]

I'm looking to spend anywhere from 2,000 to 3,000 for a camera and lens.  Also, looking for lens suggestions, willing to wait and save up for the right lens. 

[ebiggs1]

"You did mention a good editor (which is essential)."

Yes sir, Gary. A good editor is far more important than the gear. Great shots are made in post not in the camera. Well probably 90% of the time they are!

And have a great 2024, 😁

[justadude]

It's funny you say that about great shots being made in post.  When I'm hired for marathon finish line photography, I shoot jpeg (which goes against my usual judgement) simply because a typical job involves 5,000 shots of the runners crossing the line... and editing is usually zero except for crop to straighten. However my regular RAW images always require post editing (obviously).

But what made me laugh is your comment about editing being more important than the gear (because it is so true).  I was given an old Kodak DC210 camera last year that has a 1MP sensor (yes, ONE).  It is fun to use for random unimportant shots.  Throwing some of those files into Lightroom, it is actually impressive how you can turn a horrible shot into something not too shabby (nothing worth selling of course).  Bottom line, even old cheap gear can make decent photos if you know what you are doing.  

You have a great 2024 as well!

[ebiggs1]

Gary,

I have a lifetime of photography behind me both as my job and now my hobby. What that has taught me, if given the choice of the top of the line best gear and no Photoshop or a bottom of the line outfit and full access to Photoshop,  I would choose the latter 100% of the time.

[justadude]

Sounds like you and I have similar experience.  I've been heavily into photography since the mid 1970's, both professionally, and as a hobby.  ...and I agree with your choice!