Suggested camera body for £500-700

[pbx2]

Hey all, I'm planning to get myself a more professional camera for christmas and want to know what would be the best to spend my money on.

I'm looking for one with a couple features.

My current body is borrowed from a friend, It's a Canon 1200D, I'd like another canon so i don't have to re-learn menus etc but i'm open to a couple other options.

 

• 1080p recording (60Hz is a nice bonus and would be well accepted)
• Either a built in stabilizer or a included stabilizer lense
• Over 22MP (I do actually need it for cropping photos)
• Easy transfer of photos over wifi (To perhaps an iPad)
• Mirrored only please, Unless you have a mirrorless that's a steal.

I also would like to include at least one lense in the price and don't want a cheap/basic/starter grade camera, I'm not a big camera noob anymore.

 

Any suggestions?

[Enderman]

a5100/6000?

[Thermosman]

Canon 6d, its good, my grandfather owns one. It can be found for as low as 750 used on ebay

[pbx2]

Just now, Thermosman said:

Canon 6d, its good, my grandfather owns one. It can be found for as low as 750 used on ebay

I'm not up for used to be honest, I don't wanna deal with warranty or high shutter counts.

[pbx2]

2 minutes ago, Enderman said:

a5100/6000?

Sorry, Should've mentioned I wanted a mirrored camera.

[Hari S]

19 minutes ago, pbx2 said:

Hey all, I'm planning to get myself a more professional camera for christmas and want to know what would be the best to spend my money on.

I'm looking for one with a couple features.

My current body is borrowed from a friend, It's a Canon 1200D, I'd like another canon so i don't have to re-learn menus etc but i'm open to a couple other options.

 

• 1080p recording (60Hz is a nice bonus and would be well accepted)
• Either a built in stabilizer or a included stabilizer lense
• Over 22MP (I do actually need it for cropping photos)
• Easy transfer of photos over wifi (To perhaps an iPad)
• Mirrored only please, Unless you have a mirrorless that's a steal.

I also would like to include at least one lense in the price and don't want a cheap/basic/starter grade camera, I'm not a big camera noob anymore.

 

Any suggestions?

cannon 70d or 80d

try a sd card wireless hub with portable charger

[Geekie]

https://www.amazon.com/Olympus-OM-D-Mark-Black-Body/dp/B00S6DBM2S

This was the first camera I ever bought and I'm really happy about the purchase!

 

• 1080p recording (60Hz is a nice bonus and would be well accepted) checked
• Either a built in stabilizer or a included stabilizer lense checked 5-axis image stabilization
• Over 22MP (I do actually need it for cropping photos) 16MP Four Thirds CMOS sensor and 40 MP multi-exposure mode
• Easy transfer of photos over wifi (To perhaps an iPad) built in WiFi not in RAW.
• Mirrored only please, Unless you have a mirrorless that's a steal. not that expensive in my opinion.

My setup is this camera paired with this amazing lense: https://www.dpreview.com/products/olympus/lenses/olympus_m_12-40_2p8

[pbx2]

1 minute ago, Geekie said:

https://www.amazon.com/Olympus-OM-D-Mark-Black-Body/dp/B00S6DBM2S

This was the first camera I ever bought and I'm really happy about the purchase!

 

• 1080p recording (60Hz is a nice bonus and would be well accepted) checked
• Either a built in stabilizer or a included stabilizer lense checked 5-axis image stabilization
• Over 22MP (I do actually need it for cropping photos) 16MP Four Thirds CMOS sensor and 40 MP multi-exposure mode
• Easy transfer of photos over wifi (To perhaps an iPad) built in WiFi not in RAW.
• Mirrored only please, Unless you have a mirrorless that's a steal. not that expensive in my opinion.

My setup is this camera paired with this amazing lense: https://www.dpreview.com/products/olympus/lenses/olympus_m_12-40_2p8

Unfortunately that multi exposure mode isn't going to work for me, Alot of my photography is of moving objects so it would flip out over that (Yes i know very well that mirrorless is better for moving objects but i like my realtime viewfinder and the heavy quality feel of a mirrored device.) 

[cc143]

Well if we are talking strictly dslr, then Nikon and Canon are your only options. Also, for £700, you don't really have that many. 

 

I would go with an 800d, and I guess judging from earlier posts that you consider that a beginner camera, but the truth of it is that it is very capable, to the point where I don't personally see value in purchasing an 80d, unless it is actually cheaper. With the exception of improved battery life, it doesn't offer much else. 

 

It runs at £759 now with the kit lens: https://www.wexphotovideo.com/canon-eos-800d-digital-slr-camera-with-18-55mm-is-stm-lens-1619253/ 

 

Now if mirrorless is an option, I would avoid the a6000 at this point, and maybe sony in general just due to the lack of inexpensive beginner glass. Sigma do some nice cheap primes, but... 

 

Maybe fuji would be a better option, however, an xt20 would run you significantly overbudget with the kit lens.: https://www.wexphotovideo.com/fujifilm-x-t20-with-xf-18-55mm-lens-black-1617683/. 

 

I believe the 800d is the best option for you, if you were to look for a used body only version, you could probably get a used Tamron/Sigma 17-50mm f/2.8 OS as well, they are pretty cheap and in my opinion better than the kit lens, just because of the constant aperture alone. 

 

https://www.mpb.com/en-uk/used-equipment/used-photo-and-video/used-digital-slr-cameras/used-canon-digital-slr-cameras/canon-eos-800d/sku-680957/

 

https://www.mpb.com/en-uk/used-equipment/used-photo-and-video/used-lenses/used-canon-fit-lenses/tamron-sp-af-17-50mm-f-2-8-xr-di-ii-vc-ld-aspherical-if-canon-ef-fit/sku-689610/   (I've seen them go for £120-160 on ebay for the sigma version, but these guys are a good enough way to have some peace of mind about your purchase.)

[pbx2]

13 hours ago, cc143 said:

Well if we are talking strictly dslr, then Nikon and Canon are your only options. Also, for £700, you don't really have that many. 

 

I would go with an 800d, and I guess judging from earlier posts that you consider that a beginner camera, but the truth of it is that it is very capable, to the point where I don't personally see value in purchasing an 80d, unless it is actually cheaper. With the exception of improved battery life, it doesn't offer much else. 

 

It runs at £759 now with the kit lens: https://www.wexphotovideo.com/canon-eos-800d-digital-slr-camera-with-18-55mm-is-stm-lens-1619253/ 

 

Now if mirrorless is an option, I would avoid the a6000 at this point, and maybe sony in general just due to the lack of inexpensive beginner glass. Sigma do some nice cheap primes, but... 

 

Maybe fuji would be a better option, however, an xt20 would run you significantly overbudget with the kit lens.: https://www.wexphotovideo.com/fujifilm-x-t20-with-xf-18-55mm-lens-black-1617683/. 

 

I believe the 800d is the best option for you, if you were to look for a used body only version, you could probably get a used Tamron/Sigma 17-50mm f/2.8 OS as well, they are pretty cheap and in my opinion better than the kit lens, just because of the constant aperture alone. 

 

https://www.mpb.com/en-uk/used-equipment/used-photo-and-video/used-digital-slr-cameras/used-canon-digital-slr-cameras/canon-eos-800d/sku-680957/

 

https://www.mpb.com/en-uk/used-equipment/used-photo-and-video/used-lenses/used-canon-fit-lenses/tamron-sp-af-17-50mm-f-2-8-xr-di-ii-vc-ld-aspherical-if-canon-ef-fit/sku-689610/   (I've seen them go for £120-160 on ebay for the sigma version, but these guys are a good enough way to have some peace of mind about your purchase.)

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Canon-EOS-800D-Body-18-55mm/dp/B06X6LMVFW/ref=sr_1_5?s=photo&ie=UTF8&qid=1512090049&sr=1-5&keywords=dslr+camera&refinements=p_n_feature_browse-bin%3A433756031%2Cp_36%3A30000-70000%2Cp_89%3ACanon

 

Cheaper on amazon, It's the 800D or I wait to see what the new cameras in february look like.

As for price, I can probably go a bit further up than £700 but i wouldn't have it for christmas.

[cc143]

1 hour ago, pbx2 said:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Canon-EOS-800D-Body-18-55mm/dp/B06X6LMVFW/ref=sr_1_5?s=photo&ie=UTF8&qid=1512090049&sr=1-5&keywords=dslr+camera&refinements=p_n_feature_browse-bin%3A433756031%2Cp_36%3A30000-70000%2Cp_89%3ACanon

 

Cheaper on amazon, It's the 800D or I wait to see what the new cameras in february look like.

As for price, I can probably go a bit further up than £700 but i wouldn't have it for christmas.

Yeah I'd expect it to be cheaper on amazon. 

 

The 800d was just released like 6 months ago (if not less), so I wouldn't expect anything better on the Canon side for a while, Nikon may be refreshing the d5600, but honestly, that dpaf in video can't be beat. 

 

The only caveat is that the 90d should be released in the middle of 2018, which should theoretically be 4k capable, but, I don't expect that to be anywhere near £700 all in when it does get released, and 4k is far from certain. The 800d is a great camera though, you won't be disappointed. I'd just get one used and look for a 17-50mm f/2.8 off ebay. 

[pbx2]

2 minutes ago, cc143 said:

Yeah I'd expect it to be cheaper on amazon. 

 

The 800d was just released like 6 months ago (if not less), so I wouldn't expect anything better on the Canon side for a while, Nikon may be refreshing the d5600, but honestly, that dpaf in video can't be beat. 

 

The only caveat is that the 90d should be released in the middle of 2018, which should theoretically be 4k capable, but, I don't expect that to be anywhere near £700 all in when it does get released, and 4k is far from certain. The 800d is a great camera though, you won't be disappointed. I'd just get one used and look for a 17-50mm f/2.8 off ebay. 

Do you think the prices of it might drop if i wait till the new cameras are out? £700 is still alot of money for me and with just one lens, battery and no SD card or bag included. It's pretty steep, I certainly don't wanna cheap out, If i buy something lower end and then realise it's not enough of a step up for me I'm kinda screwed, How much of a step down is the 750D however, It's up for a fairly decent price right now, Could get that plus a couple lenses for the same price as the 800D

 

[cc143]

Just now, pbx2 said:

Do you think the prices of it might drop if i wait till the new cameras are out? £700 is still alot of money for me and with just one lens, battery and no SD card or bag included. It's pretty steep, I certainly don't wanna cheap out, If i buy something lower end and then realise it's not enough of a step up for me I'm kinda screwed, How much of a step down is the 750D however, It's up for a fairly decent price right now, Could get that plus a couple lenses for the same price as the 800D

 

honestly, this is like the last day of the week after cybermonday, so I'd expect prices to rise if anything. 

 

I would argue yes, that dpaf is said to be a gamechanger for anyone that has ever used it, and the new processor and sensor technology improves iso performance very much, not in the sense that you can now magically shoot at ISO2000000 with no noise present, but noise is much more manageable in higher ISOs than in the 750d. 

 

Also, I believe the 800d records 1080p60fps instead of 30fps, has 45 focusing points vs. 19 and shoots at 6fps. That is immense for what is supposed to be a beginner camera. As I said, I see no reason to buy the 80d any longer. 

[pbx2]

1 minute ago, cc143 said:

honestly, this is like the last day of the week after cybermonday, so I'd expect prices to rise if anything. 

 

I would argue yes, that dpaf is said to be a gamechanger for anyone that has ever used it, and the new processor and sensor technology improves iso performance very much, not in the sense that you can now magically shoot at ISO2000000 with no noise present, but noise is much more manageable in higher ISOs than in the 750d. 

 

Also, I believe the 800d records 1080p60fps instead of 30fps, has 45 focusing points vs. 19 and shoots at 6fps. That is immense for what is supposed to be a beginner camera. As I said, I see no reason to buy the 80d any longer. 

Another two things then, Is the top LCD like the 80D has actually worth it? And what lenses should I get over time, I'll most likely need a stabilized telephoto (Maybe one of the canon 75-300s) and maybe one of the stubby little 50mm lenses, Since my main focus is Day & Night transportation related photos and 3D Natural forms, What should I be adding to my list of things to get over time, Along with another battery or two and more than one SD Card.

[cc143]

1 minute ago, pbx2 said:

Another two things then, Is the top LCD like the 80D has actually worth it? And what lenses should I get over time, I'll most likely need a stabilized telephoto (Maybe one of the canon 75-300s) and maybe one of the stubby little 50mm lenses, Since my main focus is Day & Night transportation related photos and 3D Natural forms, What should I be adding to my list of things to get over time, Along with another battery or two and more than one SD Card.

The top lcd is sort of redundant now days, because all the relevant information is displayed in the viewfinder anyway. I myself have gotten used to using it since the days of film, so now I can't live without one, but I suspect its something like being used to wear a watch, if you leave home without it you feel naked, even if your phone is glued to your hand all day. 

 

Well that depends on how far you want to take it. The 50mm 1.8 STM is an amazing lens, and given its very low price and size, I see virtually no reason not to get one. For a telephoto, it really depends on how far you want to take it. 

 

Here are some options (I'll rank them from most serious/best to worst for you):

 

Sigma 50-100mm f/1.8, great lens, super sharp and a 1.8 aperture in that range zoom is unheard of. (but its at £999) 

or, if that is too wide, maybe a tamron 70-200 f/2.8 VC G1, I just picked one up myself for just under £600 used. 

 

If those seem too expensive (even though as far as lenses go they aren't), a 70-300 will get the job done, but it won't be the fastest, sharpest etc. At least its small enough not to be a nuisance to carry around. 

 

I would also look at a wide angle, like the Canon EF-S 10-22mm, which goes for about £250 used and gives great IQ given the price, even though it costs considerably more new. 

 

But, I do believe you are getting too far ahead of yourself. The 17-50mm is a great multipurpose focal range and will cover a lot of your needs. Get that and use it as a benchmark for how much longer or shorter a focal length you'd need. If you need more recommendations for lenses in the future, then just ask again. But be aware, camera gear is expensive, if you think a £500 lens is expensive, it really isn't. 

 

If you are going to be doing night shots, especially long exposures, a tripod will certainly come in handy. In that case I recommend 3 legged thing myself. Manfrotto, Benro and Mefoto also do some pretty cool stuff, but if you do buy one, get a good one rather than a cheap one, trust me. You'd normally need a remote trigger(pretty cheap in the first place), but the 800d has a wifi connection and  the Canon app is pretty neat, so it isn't really necessary. 

[pbx2]

8 minutes ago, cc143 said:

The top lcd is sort of redundant now days, because all the relevant information is displayed in the viewfinder anyway. I myself have gotten used to using it since the days of film, so now I can't live without one, but I suspect its something like being used to wear a watch, if you leave home without it you feel naked, even if your phone is glued to your hand all day. 

 

Well that depends on how far you want to take it. The 50mm 1.8 STM is an amazing lens, and given its very low price and size, I see virtually no reason not to get one. For a telephoto, it really depends on how far you want to take it. 

 

Here are some options (I'll rank them from most serious/best to worst for you):

 

Sigma 50-100mm f/1.8, great lens, super sharp and a 1.8 aperture in that range zoom is unheard of. (but its at £999) 

or, if that is too wide, maybe a tamron 70-200 f/2.8 VC G1, I just picked one up myself for just under £600 used. 

 

If those seem too expensive (even though as far as lenses go they aren't), a 70-300 will get the job done, but it won't be the fastest, sharpest etc. At least its small enough not to be a nuisance to carry around. 

 

I would also look at a wide angle, like the Canon EF-S 10-22mm, which goes for about £250 used and gives great IQ given the price, even though it costs considerably more new. 

 

But, I do believe you are getting too far ahead of yourself. The 17-50mm is a great multipurpose focal range and will cover a lot of your needs. Get that and use it as a benchmark for how much longer or shorter a focal length you'd need. If you need more recommendations for lenses in the future, then just ask again. But be aware, camera gear is expensive, if you think a £500 lens is expensive, it really isn't. 

 

If you are going to be doing night shots, especially long exposures, a tripod will certainly come in handy. In that case I recommend 3 legged thing myself. Manfrotto, Benro and Mefoto also do some pretty cool stuff, but if you do buy one, get a good one rather than a cheap one, trust me. You'd normally need a remote trigger(pretty cheap in the first place), but the 800d has a wifi connection and  the Canon app is pretty neat, so it isn't really necessary. 

Alright, I'll probably grab an IS 75-300 then, It's what i use with the 1200D i borrow, And I'll likely buy the 800D from amazon, Which pretty much means I'll be using the same lenses as i currently use except they'll be IS. I was told by someone that I should date the body but marry the glass, I think I'll stick to that. I do happen to have a tripod, At the time I bought it I really didn't have any money so I bought a cheap velbon one from PC World for £30, It works, I really needed it because I was trying to video with a non stabilized camera and the video was very shaky without it. As for my night shots, They normally have a little light in them, Here's an example of one I've taken before w/o any tripod.

I have an iPad anyway so I don't really need the remote.

 

 

Anyway, Thanks a huge amount for the help, I'll be going with the 800D + a spare battery

[cc143]

Just now, pbx2 said:

Alright, I'll probably grab an IS 75-300 then, It's what i use with the 1200D i borrow, And I'll likely buy the 800D from amazon, Which pretty much means I'll be using the same lenses as i currently use except they'll be IS. I was told by someone that I should date the body but marry the glass, I think I'll stick to that. I do happen to have a tripod, At the time I bought it I really didn't have any money so I bought a cheap velbon one from PC World for £30, It works, I really needed it because I was trying to video with a non stabilized camera and the video was very shaky without it. As for my night shots, They normally have a little light in them, Here's an example of one I've taken before w/o any tripod.

 

 

Anyway, Thanks a huge amount for the help, I'll be going with the 800D + a spare battery

Sure no problem, the date the camera marry the glass thing, couldn't agree more, but what that means is, you'd be spending most of your money on glass rather than cameras, which is the opposite of what you are going to be doing. Don't get me wrong, its your choice, I'm just pointing out a flaw in what you are saying. If you do get a 75-300, go used, they go for pretty low prices because most people get them in kits and find out they never really use them. 

[pbx2]

Just now, cc143 said:

Sure no problem, the date the camera marry the glass thing, couldn't agree more, but what that means is, you'd be spending most of your money on glass rather than cameras, which is the opposite of what you are going to be doing. Don't get me wrong, its your choice, I'm just pointing out a flaw in what you are saying. If you do get a 75-300, go used, they go for pretty low prices because most people get them in kits and find out they never really use them. 

I'll get some better lenses at some point, I'll be buying this to last a long time really. I'd rather have an amazing camera now that I can improve with future lens purchases.

As for the 75-300 lens, I'll probably hold back on it, I can still borrow the one I currently do.

[wackomann]

Hi, So I'm a full time pro photographer, shooting 99% of the time on Canon gear. I've been fortunate enough to use literally every Canon DSLR to date, so pretty well rounded in that side of the things!

So, I know you don't want to go second hand, but I'd *seriously* consider it if I were you. You can pick up a 7D MK II second hand in your price range which is a much much superior camera body and will outlast the 800D in terms of build quality and shutter life. Also, regarding shutter life, I really wouldn't worry about them. The shutter count that Canon gives is where 90% of cameras will still be functioning. Most have around a 150K shutter count and the semi pro bodies have them at 250K. I'm around the 130K range on my 6D body and it works perfectly fine still and have friends in the 300 - 400K range. Also, have a look at the 80D, awesome camera and fits the specs of what you want. 

Lens wise, definitely way more important than the camera body. I used my 500mm F4 IS II on a 1200D and a 7D MK II & 5D MK III and you wouldn't notice the difference. Granted, that lens is crazy expensive, but you get the point. I'd skip the 75-300 (from personal experience, I actually have one sat next to me right now collecting dust. Used it only a handful of times) The 17-55 is a good recommendation if you're unsure on what you want to get focal range wise, but you'll not be able to use it if you ever go full frame. I'd also highly recommend second hand lenses, more so than camera bodies. Buying through somewhere like MPB.com ensures you'll get a working lens and warranty. If you want to go telephoto and not break the bank, a Canon 70-200 F4 (non IS) is a good place to start and I used mine for ages when I was starting out. Over time you'll find a constant aperture is more important than IS, especially when shooting video. You can stabilise a non IS lens, but you can't change the aperture of a lens. Buy the widest possible aperture lenses if you can (Y) 

Good starting lenses include

50 1.8 STM (everyone should own one)
10-18 IS STM / around £180 new- often overlooked for the older 10-22
55-250 IS STM
17-55 2.8 IS (although like I said, if you go full frame you'll be stuck not being able to use it)

Good upgrade lenses

17-40 L series, also works well as a walk around lens on a cropped body
Sigma 50 1.4 ART / 35 1.4 ART
Canon 70-200 F4 

___

Final thoughts. Your cropping situation, mega pixels only matter so much. Really good glass matters more than anything. My 100mm macro and the 500mm are so sharp you can crop almost 1:1 and it looks amazing still. Same sensor and a cheaper lens and you can barely crop as it looks like a mushy mess. 

You can pick up tripod deals all the time on Wex, they even have some free (really decent) Manfrotto tripods with some of their camera bodies so have a look. Don't skimp on support for expensive gear - never know why people do this. Same as power supplies for PCs, people seem to get cheapo ones with expensive systems. 

Be prepared to drop serious money on lenses over time if you want to take it up. The rabbit hole gets deep. Even though it's my job, I've spent around £20K just on lenses.