Looking for a new camera body 2K budget

[DanielTylerFL]

My budget is approx 2,000.00 USD for a new camera body. I’m in search for a camera for kids sports, wildlife and some portraits. What camera has a quicker focus and higher MP than my canon T3i. I love the photos I’ve been taking but i want to find a camera body that I can upgrade to. I’ve been learning more about the 5D Mark IV. What are your thoughts?

[Waddizzle]

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@DanielTylerFL wrote:

Thanks so much for the knowledge.  Really, I had this kit setup in a box in storage in the house for awhile, and just have started doing some exploring with the T3i.  I figured the same...work with this to imporve my shots then find a deal when they come out for the 90D.  I'll keep all that in mind when I do decide to upgrade...I just don't want to get really good at photography and sacriface quality in a better body in that time.  I have no problem spending more for a body if it's really going to up my game, but I suppose whats the next tier up from the 90D?  say 2-4k?

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I suppose so!  I really have no idea about camera bodies seeing that I'm brand new to photography.  I really don't mind spending the money as I would love to do this professionally one day.  I will definitely look into the 5D3 or 4 --- what are the main differences?

I'm just looking for the next tier of camera to suit my needs.  I dont mind even spending up to 3-4K on a camera....or should I stick with a cheaper camera and spend the extra money in glass?  My gut tells me to spend less on the camera and more in the glass...

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Well that puts things in perspective.  I think the best advice is to do nothing.  Do not buy a new body at this time.  I think it would be best to learn how to use your T3i, and learn about photography, in general.  Discover why people are making the recommendations that they are, so that you can evaluate the advice for yourself.

Take a look at this recent thread that I created.

https://community.usa.canon.com/t5/General-Camera-Discussion/Canon-YouTube-Video-Series/m-p/269237#M... 

Take a look at the links to the CanonUSA YouTube channel in the first two posts.  They are links to two excellent series of video tutorials that teach you the basics of photography, camera bodies, and lenses.  The EOS 101 series in the first link is very good.

Do a web search for articles and videos about two topics, "Exposure Triangle" and "Depth of Field".  Another good topic to research is "The Rule of Thirds".  Those topics just scratch the surface of the basics of photography.

Next, take your T3i out for test drive and photograph things as you take what you have learned and put it into practice.  Outdoor shooting will give you better results than indoor shooting, because of the strong light source called the Sun. 

What do you photograph?  Anything that gets your attention.  When I do not know what to do, I will spend a weekend shooting just as single shape, or color.  For example, I would go out shoot nothing but round stuff, or square stuff.  I have spent a weekend shooting just subjects that are all red, green, or blue. Shoot as many photos as you can of JUST the one topic.   My favorite subject is "stone stuff".  My avatar is the the God of the Sea, Poseidon.   The head is about 4 feet in diameter.

[RobertTheFat]

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@Waddizzle wrote:

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@DanielTylerFL wrote:

Thanks so much for the knowledge.  Really, I had this kit setup in a box in storage in the house for awhile, and just have started doing some exploring with the T3i.  I figured the same...work with this to imporve my shots then find a deal when they come out for the 90D.  I'll keep all that in mind when I do decide to upgrade...I just don't want to get really good at photography and sacriface quality in a better body in that time.  I have no problem spending more for a body if it's really going to up my game, but I suppose whats the next tier up from the 90D?  say 2-4k?

-------------------------------------

I suppose so!  I really have no idea about camera bodies seeing that I'm brand new to photography.  I really don't mind spending the money as I would love to do this professionally one day.  I will definitely look into the 5D3 or 4 --- what are the main differences?

I'm just looking for the next tier of camera to suit my needs.  I dont mind even spending up to 3-4K on a camera....or should I stick with a cheaper camera and spend the extra money in glass?  My gut tells me to spend less on the camera and more in the glass...

---

Well that puts things in perspective.  I think the best advice is to do nothing.  Do not buy a new body at this time.  I think it would be best to learn how to use your T3i, and learn about photography, in general.  Discover why people are making the recommendations that they are, so that you can evaluate the advice for yourself.

Take a look at this recent thread that I created.

https://community.usa.canon.com/t5/General-Camera-Discussion/Canon-YouTube-Video-Series/m-p/269237#M... 

Take a look at the links to the CanonUSA YouTube channel in the first two posts.  They are links to two excellent series of video tutorials that teach you the basics of photography, camera bodies, and lenses.  The EOS 101 series in the first link is very good.

Do a web search for articles and videos about two topics, "Exposure Triangle" and "Depth of Field".  Another good topic to research is "The Rule of Thirds".  Those topics just scratch the surface of the basics of photography.

Next, take your T3i out for test drive and photograph things as you take what you have learned and put it into practice.  Outdoor shooting will give you better results than indoor shooting, because of the strong light source called the Sun. 

What do you photograph?  Anything that gets your attention.  When I do not know what to do, I will spend a weekend shooting just as single shape, or color.  For example, I would go out shoot nothing but round stuff, or square stuff.  I have spent a weekend shooting just subjects that are all red, green, or blue. Shoot as many photos as you can of JUST the one topic.   My favorite subject is "stone stuff".  My avatar is the the God of the Sea, Poseidon.   The head is about 4 feet in diameter.

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The way I like to put it is this: Better equipment will always make you better, but how much better depends on how good you already are. The better you are, the more difference better equipment makes.

You really can't go wrong by taking Waddizzle's advice. After a period of getting familiar with your current equipment, you'll be in a much better position to spend your money wisely. You'll be better able to assess what new equipment will do you the most good, given your type of photography and level of experience.

[Waddizzle]

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@RobertTheFat wrote:

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@Waddizzle wrote:

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@DanielTylerFL wrote:

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The way I like to put it is this: Better equipment will always make you better, but how much better depends on how good you already are. The better you are, the more difference better equipment makes.

You really can't go wrong by taking Waddizzle's advice. After a period of getting familiar with your current equipment, you'll be in a much better position to spend your money wisely. You'll be better able to assess what new equipment will do you the most good, given your type of photography and level of experience.

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Thanks, Bob.

I used to love to go fishing.  The key to fishing was knowing your fish, knowing when it fed, where it fed, what it liked to eat.  You had to get out early.  Being quiet and patient would frequently be rewarded by good catches.  But, fishing was a messy, stinky hobby.  

I point this out because shooting wildlife reminds me of fishing, except it is not as stinky and messy.  You have to understand your subject wildlife just like you had to understand your targeted fish.  Patience and silence are often rewarded with good captures in the camera.  Try it!