Photography - Keep Entry Level DSLR camera; or Upgrade to Mirrorless? Budget $2k

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  [Deactivated] on 24/04/2019 - 23:35

  +2

  With a budget of 2k just get yourself a few quality second hand fast prime lenses or small zoom ranges (3xzoom max)

  • 

    Tgb on 24/04/2019 - 23:38

    Thanks TB. So you would say for this budget, to stick with the Canon 1300d & invest in quality lenses? My main fear is spending good money on a format (DSLR) that might be better going towards moving to Mirrorless…

    • 

      [Deactivated] on 24/04/2019 - 23:42

      Not overly familiar with Canon bodies as I am from minolta/sony gear. One thing I did learn about upgrades is great glass (not plastic lens large zoom) is where the improvements are.

    • 

      dcep on 25/04/2019 - 00:31

      +1

      might be better going towards moving to Mirrorless

      how so ? unless you like the more compact body ?

      but you mentioned that … you want

      greater low light performance, sharper images, better colour etc.

      low light ? get fast lens (lower F number) 50mm F1.2L ? unless you're talking a7s2 low light which is out of your budget anyway

      sharper images ? get quality L lens with red ring then

      better color ? Pro don't shoot dslr on jpeg auto then publish it straightaway expecting it wows ppl without PP. Pros shoot raw flat color profile for easier post color grading.

      just get quality EF lens , in case you upgrade to full frame body in future
      EF lens will fit perfectly fine on your apsc/ef-s mount body

      cheap sharp fast primes - 50mm f1.8 , 35mm f2 , 24mm f2.8

      else invest in 1 quality zoom lens 16-35 f2.8L or 24-70 f2.8L

      check if you need IS then go for IS lens at F4

      • 

        Tgb on 25/04/2019 - 17:56

        Thanks for this, definitely some food for thought to go the prime lens options. I'll suss these out, thanks again

    • 

      Apple96 on 25/04/2019 - 08:57

      Lens > body. Bodies die more than lenses.

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  armdrags on 25/04/2019 - 01:06

  +1

  I had a quick search for the Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM and found a few second hand ones for $600. You can find some good deals on the second hand market and most of the time they are in very good condition so don't waste your money on new gear. If you don't mind third party lenses you can also get lenses like the tamron 17-50mm 2.8 for around $200. The sigma art 16-35mm f1.8 is also an extremely good lens for $600 second hand.

  My suggestion is to sell the 1300D with the other basic lenses and buy a better cropped sensor DSLR like the 70D or 80D. You can probably buy a used good condition 70D body for under $400 if you look hard enough. The only real advantage of the mirrorless system over DSLR is its small size and weight, 4k video recording capabilities and ability to adapt legacy lenses. From your post it seem that none of these would apply to you so I think it's better to stick to the Canon DSLR system that you're already familiar with.

  • 

    Tgb on 25/04/2019 - 17:58

    I hadn't considered second hand, this may be the way to go!!

    There's something about camera gear I guess I felt quite strongly about getting new - the thought of someone else's dust and grime getting in the lenses - probably a bit irrational though. Thanks for your help

    • 

      armdrags on 25/04/2019 - 22:02

      +1

      The condition of lenses can vary greatly depending on how it was handled by its owner. There are also people take really good care of their lenses just like you. Sometimes the lenses just have minor markings and look a bit rough on the outside which doesn't affect its quality or function at all. In that case you'll be able to get them at a heavily discounted price. Most of the time you can easily find second hand lenses in extremely good condition for significantly less than paying for them brand new. Most Canon lenses tend to hold their value really well so you'll be able to sell them on later at almost the same price you bought them for.

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  mlbrooke on 25/04/2019 - 07:43

  +1

  My son, went from Canon to Nikon to Sony…… The mirrorless Sony camera he has he can not stop raving about, his blog is here: https://seoulinspired.com/ on it are some of the photos he takes. The only negative is battery life and that it doesn't have a second memory card slot for backup.

  • 

    Tgb on 25/04/2019 - 17:59

    Very cool blog, and some awesome pics, thanks for sharing. Do you know what model Sony he uses?

    • 

      mlbrooke on 27/04/2019 - 08:21

      I can't remember lol, it is the A7 I believe with something like 42 megapixels. Thank you I will let him know :-)

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  Fiximol on 25/04/2019 - 20:17

  Always spend on quality glass first rather than chasing newer bodies.

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  zombrex on 26/04/2019 - 21:33

  +1

  Sony A7iii is arguably the best low light performing camera on the market and will kill an entry level camera when it comes to focusing in those situations. But in a travel situation where you are typically only shooting landscapes and street scenes its unlikely to matter as you have the time to set up, take your shot and check the focus. And the truth is assuming good technique you will be able to shoot a photo that is practically 95% as good as the more expensive camera.

  Any DSLR can take amazing photos. The most important thing is knowing how to use it.
  Best thing you can do is get in some experience with your camera and learn its strengths and weaknesses.

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  Vampyr on 27/04/2019 - 00:06

  +1

  Buy the 50mm 1.8 and see how you like it

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  Tgb on 03/05/2019 - 00:04

  Thanks so much all for the advice. I've decided to stick with the 1300d and purchased 2x prime lenses. A 24mm f2.8 and a 50mm f1.8. So means I can get some better quality shots, without breaking the bank. Can continue to practice with these and potentially upgrade down the track.