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KTBoom2006-E510 · July 21, 2008

My camera just broke on me, and I have a wedding in 3 weeks. The BestBuy store said that it will take 4 weeks at the least to get it repaired, which means I won't have a camera. I just convinced my husband to purchase another camera and have no clue what to get... Should I get another Olympus so my flash can interchange, or should I get a Canon like I wanted to try?

shatch · July 21, 2008

I don't know your finances, which should be a consideration as well. But if you truly want a Canon, get one. Sell your Oly flash online and pick up a flash that works with your Canon. You may want to do some research to see if your current flash will work with your new Canon. You could always keep it and start doing "off camera" flash work in manual mode which brand of flash doesn't matter. You may want to post your specific thought process so others who have been down the road already can share more specific ideas. But if you can afford it and you really did want it...go for it. My recommendation would be to do it as soon as possible though so you have some time to get up to speed with your new camera.

Good luck!

KTBoom2006-E510 · July 21, 2008

shatch wrote:

I don't know your finances, which should be a consideration as well. But if you truly want a Canon, get one. Sell your Oly flash online and pick up a flash that works with your Canon. You may want to do some research to see if your current flash will work with your new Canon. You could always keep it and start doing "off camera" flash work in manual mode which brand of flash doesn't matter. You may want to post your specific thought process so others who have been down the road already can share more specific ideas. But if you can afford it and you really did want it...go for it. My recommendation would be to do it as soon as possible though so you have some time to get up to speed with your new camera.

Good luck!

Financial situation is not ready for another camera purchase, lol. But I have to get one b/c I can't wait for my camera to come back. The focusing went out of it. But I was planning on getting one next year and make my olympus a back up. Is Canon the way to go? My boss is all about Nikon, so I don't know. The Canon I am looking at getting is the XSI 12.2 megapixels. Is that a good camera? My husband isn't very happy about this at all and told me to hurry up and decide what camera.

urbanaries · July 21, 2008

KTBoom2006-E510 wrote:

Financial situation is not ready for another camera purchase, lol. But I have to get one b/c I can't wait for my camera to come back. The focusing went out of it. But I was planning on getting one next year and make my olympus a back up. Is Canon the way to go? My boss is all about Nikon, so I don't know. The Canon I am looking at getting is the XSI 12.2 megapixels. Is that a good camera? My husband isn't very happy about this at all and told me to hurry up and decide what camera.

IMO, without much of a budget or a lot of SLR experience in general, you might be better off buying another Oly (used or new)

If you do go with Canon, I think you can get away with an XTi or even an XT and have some money left for a light/flash, which is much more important given your current needs than the bells and whistles (and pricetag)(and learning curve) that comes with the "latest and greatest" XSi.

You can find a good used XT for <$300.

Elaine · July 21, 2008

Well, only you can decide what your finances will handle. It sounds like you're in a bit of a camera crunch for sure. Not every one agrees with this, and I don't really like the idea, but when I got my camera, I made use of the Bill Me Later option through B&H. I knew I would have the funds before the six months of 0% were up, so it worked well for me...got my gear and paid it off without taking on any interest payments. Again...not necessarily the best option, but it can be helpful in a pinch!

I've been following your focus issues a bit and have hesitated to say anything regarding that. But here goes...I used a Konica Minolta 5D for a couple years before I got my Canon 40D last December. As I got more proficient with the Minolta, and as I got pickier with things like sharpness, I struggled a lot with subtle focus issues. I learned more about lens quality and the fact that wide-open apertures aren't always reliable for the best sharpness. (I only had one lens I could reliably use wide open...my Tamron 90 2.8 macro.) I also think my camera's focusing ability was not quite what I was wishing for...not quick enough or accurate enough. I had many shots like the one of your husband holding the Coke can. Finally, enough issues with my gear were starting to make me get really frustrated with my progress, so I sold most of my Minolta stuff and jumped to a Canon 40D. I do not regret that decision for one split-second! I'm not saying you should switch to a Canon 40D, and I'm not saying that Olympus (or Konica Minolta-->Sony) are bad options. There are plenty of wonderful photogs and photos to prove otherwise. But I am saying that I am happy with my choice to switch to Canon. I also made the choice to get high quality glass (makes a huge difference). I do not struggle with the focus issues any more, and I know there is a lot of room for me to grow with this system. And accessories and extras are easy to come by (if not easy to come buy!).

If a Canon is what you want, then I agree with shatch. Wishing you the best!

EDIT: Yes to what Lynne said about the XTi or XT! I had that thought as well but forgot to mention it. Getting into the system with an XTi and great lens or two and a flash would be better than getting the latest body in that class without any good extras, and it would be better on the pocket book.

heatherfeather · July 21, 2008

urbanaries wrote:

IMO, without much of a budget or a lot of SLR experience in general, you might be better off buying another Oly (used or new)

If you do go with Canon, I think you can get away with an XTi or even an XT and have some money left for a light/flash, which is much more important given your current needs than the bells and whistles (and pricetag)(and learning curve) that comes with the "latest and greatest" XSi.

You can find a good used XT for <$300.

<img src="https://us.v-cdn.net/6029383/emoji/15524779-Ti.gif" border="0" alt="" >
I used the XT for years and have made thousands of dollars with it. When I bought it it was quite a bit more expensive than it is now. (I paid right around $1200 when it was the new thing) and now they are soo cheap used and still a good camera. While you are at it, get two! (lol!) Check your local craigslist, but only buy it after you have tried it out (with a cf card that you bring from home) If you are thinking Canon it is such a cheap way to get into it. I can't see why people even consider point-and-shooters when a pretty good SLR is so cheap these days.

darkdragon · July 21, 2008

If you are going to keep the Oly as a backup, then you should get a new Oly - whats the use of a backup camera that uses all different gear? Stick with the brand you know or plan on selling your other camera as soon as it comes back from being fixed.

Your husband is upset about the new camera, imagine later when you have to buy 2 of everything because none of the Canon lenses work with the Oly.

KTBoom2006-E510 · July 21, 2008

I can get a new XSI for $825, which I can do that.... But everyone else thinks I should get an XT or XTi, right? Is there a reason? And is Canon the way to go?

Yes I have been having problems with focusing, but only this weekend did it to the point of 3/4s of my pictures were bad. So, time to send it in and get a different one.

Scott_Quier · July 21, 2008

KTBoom2006-E510 wrote:

I can get a new XSI for $825, which I can do that.... But everyone else thinks I should get an XT or XTi, right? Is there a reason? And is Canon the way to go?

Yes I have been having problems with focusing, but only this weekend did it to the point of 3/4s of my pictures were bad. So, time to send it in and get a different one.

If I were in your shoes, I would be either freaking out right about now or celebrating (you have a good excuse to buy new toys

:ivar

)

First thing - don't get caught up in brands. You need to consider is which camera manufacturer makes cameras that FEEL most comfortable in your hands. Go to a store and test a couple of different bodies from Canon, a couple from Nikon, from Sony, etc. You have to be comfortable with your tools to get the best out of them.

Second, spend the bulk of your money on one or two very good lenses - bodies come and go, but lenses are a commitment longer than many marriages. You also need to make room in your budget for a flash that will work with your camera. The Sigma 530 that Ziggy often recommends is a very good, low(er) cost alternative to the name brand units.

Third, if you decide to go with Canon (I'm talking about Canon as I know almost NOTHING about Nikon or the other guys), you can get EXCELLENT photos from an XTi or even an XT. All else being constant, the image quality is controlled, in large part, by the sensor in the camera, not by the bells and whistles. On the other hand, there's the old saying, "The camera/lens/equipment doesn't make the image, the camera/lens/equipment makes the image possible!" Sometimes, you just need a feature that one body does well and another doesn't. I'm sure the same can be said of any line of cameras - you don't need the last one to come out of product design to get the job done. You just need one that will do the job.

I hope that helps some.

urbanaries · July 21, 2008

What lenses do you have already for the Olympus?

Are these couples paying you to do these weddings or are you a "guest with a camera."?

Miguel Delinquento · July 21, 2008

Repair alternatives?
Do you have alternatives to Best Buy to get your camera fixed? Is there any requirement to use BB? Many independent, factory authorized repair shops have faster turnaround times.
Re: your camera choices, from a system perspective, what is your current investment in Olympus glass?

M

jbakerphoto · July 21, 2008

I will throw another banana in the bucket since you are thinking about the xt,xti,xsi and say that you can probaly get a used canon 30 D for < 625 . I would think that would suit you well since you are shooting wedding and what not. It has more features that I would think would serve you better in weddings then the xt family.....fps, higher iso,Control of both aperature and shutter speed with seperate controls when shooting in manual (I think!).....

I am currently shooting with a xt and like it. I have gotten some really nice pictures from it but I have not shot any weddings. My mother just got an xsi and I got to play with it a little this weekend

and it was nice as well. When and if I upgrade I will probaly go to a 30 d or maybe a 40 d. 1 step behind latest and greatest and used.....

That being said go with what is comfortable for you.

KTBoom2006-E510 · July 21, 2008

urbanaries wrote:

What lenses do you have already for the Olympus?

Are these couples paying you to do these weddings or are you a "guest with a camera."?

They are both paid weddings. Not much, but something...

KTBoom2006-E510 · July 21, 2008

Miguel Delinquento wrote:

Do you have alternatives to Best Buy to get your camera fixed? Is there any requirement to use BB? Many independent, factory authorized repair shops have faster turnaround times.
Re: your camera choices, from a system perspective, what is your current investment in Olympus glass?

M

BestBuy told me my only option was to send it in for service. I told them my situation and they could care less. What is the point of an extended plan if it only helps by sending it in. And the guy told me 4 weeks is how long it would take. I currently have 14-42 mm and 40-150 mm

KTBoom2006-E510 · July 21, 2008

unclejon wrote:

I will throw another banana in the bucket since you are thinking about the xt,xti,xsi and say that you can probaly get a used canon 30 D for < 625 . I would think that would suit you well since you are shooting wedding and what not. It has more features that I would think would serve you better in weddings then the xt family.....fps, higher iso,Control of both aperature and shutter speed with seperate controls when shooting in manual.....

I am currently shooting with a xt and like it. I have gotten some really nice pictures from it but I have not shot any weddings. My mother just got an xsi and I got to play with it a little this weekend and it was nice as well. When and if I upgrade I will probaly go to a 30 d or maybe a 40 d. 1 step behind latest and greatest and used.....

That being said go with what is comfortable for you.

My husband and I are going to HH Gregg to look at some options. He done a lot of reading of reviews, so we will see..... wish me luck that I get one!

Scott_Quier · July 21, 2008

If you decide to go with Canon and you can swing it, you will be quite happy with a good used 30D. I shoot weddings with a pair of these and am quite happy.

unclejon wrote:

Control of both aperature and shutter speed with seperate controls when shooting in manual (I think!).....

Yes. On using the thumb wheel on the back and the other using the finger wheel next to the shutter button - this is very useful feature to have if you shoot manual (and I always do when inside - with or without flash).

KTBoom2006-E510 · July 21, 2008

Just bought the Canon XSi :ivar .... We tested out a couple and decided with this one. A really cool thing is, my Olympus flash works with it (kind of). It will work only in Manual on the flash or auto, which is better than nothing! thanks for everyone's help

Elaine · July 21, 2008

KTBoom2006-E510 wrote:

Just bought the Canon XSi :ivar .... We tested out a couple and decided with this one. A really cool thing is, my Olympus flash works with it (kind of). It will work only in Manual on the flash or auto, which is better than nothing! thanks for everyone's help

Well, congrats! Have fun getting to know your new toy!

PS - What lens(es) did you get?

KTBoom2006-E510 · July 21, 2008

Elaine wrote:

Well, congrats! Have fun getting to know your new toy!

PS - What lens(es) did you get?

75-300 and 18-55

Scott_Quier · July 22, 2008

KTBoom2006-E510 wrote:

75-300 and 18-55

Congrats on your new toys. I KNOW you're going to love them!!

However, if either of your two weddings that are coming up are indoors, these lenses may not be fast enough to get the job done.

Can I recommend you seriously think about renting a lens or two. The EF-S 17-55 f/2.8 IS would be a good choice. If you go through Borrow Lenses and use the discount code (check it out here), you can get a pretty good deal...

OBTW - I've used them twice and really like their customer support - very responsive.

darkdragon · July 22, 2008

Scott_Quier wrote:

Congrats on your new toys. I KNOW you're going to love them!!

However, if either of your two weddings that are coming up are indoors, these lenses may not be fast enough to get the job done.

Can I recommend you seriously think about renting a lens or two. The EF-S 17-55 f/2.8 IS would be a good choice. If you go through Borrow Lenses and use the discount code (check it out here), you can get a pretty good deal...

OBTW - I've used them twice and really like their customer support - very responsive.

Yep, Borrowlenses is an awesome company to work with.

geospatial_junkie · July 22, 2008

If you are shooting a wedding, you should already have the technical aspects of camera gear down quite comfortably already.

Changing camera systems before a wedding shoot isn't generally the most ideal thing to do. If you must though, I wouldn't recommend anything that doesn't handle low-light well. Depending on your lenses, you may need to shoot at ISO 1600 or higher. Unfortunately, you will not achieve this with your budget as the Rebel doesn't rate nearly as well in low light than other higher end canons.

I see you've already chosen, so I guess the advice is moot. The 30D would have been a much better choice I would think.

Art Scott · July 22, 2008

Better of Renting

KTBoom2006-E510 wrote:

My camera just broke on me, and I have a wedding in 3 weeks. The BestBuy store said that it will take 4 weeks at the least to get it repaired, which means I won't have a camera. I just convinced my husband to purchase another camera and have no clue what to get... Should I get another Olympus so my flash can interchange, or should I get a Canon like I wanted to try?

Why not just rent a small system for the wedding...get it a few days in advance and play with it......I for one like the idea of the Oly system...if it only had a few things I really need that only nikon has then I would be doing the OLy thing and I could be on par with Jonathon Swinton:D

swintonphoto · July 23, 2008

Art Scott wrote:

I would be doing the OLy thing and I could be on par with Jonathon Swinton:D

Thanks Art! Made my Day

Art Scott · July 23, 2008

swintonphoto wrote:

Thanks Art! Made my Day

I only speaketh the truth...my friend:D

KTBoom2006-E510 · July 30, 2008

oh, wow... i haven't checked this thread. Sorry everyone.

I was planning on buying a back up camera anyways, and my husband read reviews on the Canon XSi. He liked it, and it was his credit card being used. I felt comfortable with it too. I hope my Oly comes back so that I can have 3 cameras there (taking my bosses nikon 300D, don't plan on using it though. just wouldn't feel right having my business with his camera.)

InsuredDisaster · July 31, 2008

KTBoom2006-E510 wrote:

oh, wow... i haven't checked this thread. Sorry everyone.

I was planning on buying a back up camera anyways, and my husband read reviews on the Canon XSi. He liked it, and it was his credit card being used. I felt comfortable with it too. I hope my Oly comes back so that I can have 3 cameras there (taking my bosses nikon 300D, don't plan on using it though. just wouldn't feel right having my business with his camera.)

Will you be able to use the D300 before hand? I love this camera but its got a lot of custom setup options, functions and controls. As with any camera, you may want to spend a bit of time shooting with it.

I can't wait to see how this wedding goes. Your story sounds like preparing for a rocket launch. Looking foreward to seeing some great photos!

Scott_Quier · July 31, 2008

KTBoom2006-E510 wrote:

oh, wow... i haven't checked this thread. Sorry everyone.

I was planning on buying a back up camera anyways, and my husband read reviews on the Canon XSi. He liked it, and it was his credit card being used. I felt comfortable with it too. I hope my Oly comes back so that I can have 3 cameras there (taking my bosses nikon 300D, don't plan on using it though. just wouldn't feel right having my business with his camera.)

Katie - glad to hear that you are working on options for backups. It's the real pits when your primary fails you and you have no fallback position. And, the idea of having three cameras there is a good one. I know of one photographer who had both is primary and backup cameras fail him. He, luckily, was smart like you and had a third camera available to him so he didn't missing anything.

The conventional wisdom is, if possible, for the primary and the backup to be of the same family. This way, the cameras can share lenses and other accessories. I shoot with a pair of Canon 30D cameras and my partners (so far) have also shot with either a 30D or a 40D. My third camera is a Canon G9 - it can eaily use the Canon 580EX flashes and PocketWizards I have. I haven't needed it as a backup yet, but there's always that first time.

Your OP says that you have a wedding 3 weeks from the Jul 21 - so when's the day? Aug 9? Just want know when to start sending good vibes in your direction

KTBoom2006-E510 · July 31, 2008

Scott_Quier wrote:

Your OP says that you have a wedding 3 weeks from the Jul 21 - so when's the day? Aug 9? Just want know when to start sending good vibes in your direction

it is August 16th and the 17th. And thanks

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