rohin2k

<p>Stefano,<br> The one I was referring to is 17-55 F2.8 IS. It's one of the best lens for canon crop sensor cameras and 15-85 is also good - definitely better than 18-135 option you are interested in.<br> So, choosing between the 2 options you have made is a tough call!<br> But here are some things to consider when making this decision:<br> a) 70D + 15-85: Great overall camera with video, DPAF, flash triggering, Wifi, etc. Cheaper wide angle options (EF-s lenses)<br> b) 6D + 24-85: Great low light camera, High ISO capabilities, Wifi, expensive wide angle lenses (but I'm unsure about the 24-85 lens capabilities)<br> And, for my money I'd want a good overall camera that does everything well including video - so that would be 70D :)<br> Hope this helps. Cheers!<br> -RM</p>

<p>Stefano,<br> I was in the same boat as you myself few months ago - was deciding between a 6D (full frame) and the new 7D mark ii. If I had not already invested in 17-55 f2.8 IS, I'd have gone full frame route. However, there were several other reasons why I didn't go for a 6D and 5D ii was not an option for me personally. The 7D won me over but I felt 70D was a close second with some additional features that I miss in 7D viz: Wifi. It is such an awesome feature to have as it pretty much becomes a remote control for your camera.<br> Anyhow, back to the point - I wasn't satisfied with the sharpness of 18-135 although I do love the range. Comparing it to 17-55 is a night and day difference and I LOVE MY 17-55 f2.8 IS! That's the biggest reason i stayed with crop sensor. In your case I'd recommend that if video is not a significant requirement, go for a 6D with 24-105 combo. The high ISO/low light capabilities along with the great zoom range will be a great benefit over 18-135 kit. Plus you can buy some inexpensive flash for less than 100 bucks so that shouldn't be a deciding factor. My main recommendation is to decide a lens first - that is always the most important part of any kit. It is an investment that will last longer (hopefully) than your camera and 24-105 is definitely a better kit lens than 18-55 or 18-135. Also, as others have suggested, you could get a used 5D ii but I'd recommend a 6D due to the several additional features and newness factor. You may be exceeding your budget but it will be worth it! Just my 2 cents :)<br> Feel free to comment/ask further if needed.<br> All the Best!<br> -RM</p>

<p>Stefano,<br> 7D is a fine camera but is definitely old technology. I'd recommend that you go for 70D if sticking with crop sensor. 70D is a much more versatile camera with several advantages over the 7D (mark i) : higher ISO (at least one stop), DPAF technology with Video AF, WiFi (which can be handy at times), and it still retains the 7D like AF points (not all AF zones but better than rebel series and previous X0D lines for sure). It also features wireless flash triggering which may be useful if you're into off camera flash- 70D is an overall great camera to have!<br> If you want to go full frame then things get complicated but I've heard good things about 6D as well - however, it will definitely exceed your budget (although very slightly). And as other have pointed, a used 5D ii could also be had in your budget. However, you have to make the call between a full frame or crop to go any further.<br> Hope this helps. Cheers!<br> -RM<br> P.S.: I'd not use the 18-135 lens with the crop sensor - you're better of upgrading the lens to 15-85, 17-55 lens - just my 2 cents!</p>

<p>Also, here's an article listing various options to consider:<br> http://www.bhphotovideo.com/explora/audio/buying-guide/shotgun-microphones<br> Cheers!<br> -RM</p>

<p>Craig, I've been using Rode Video Mic Pro with my 7D mark ii with decent results. It mounts on the flash mount and does a good job of reducing ambient noise. However, I have to say that it also depends on how noisy the AF motor is of the lens attached. Also, sometimes even IS can be a bit noisy which I didn't anticipate on my 70-200 F4 IS - the IS has a unique "hiss" which got captured in one of my recordings. However, you can definitely cancel most noise by switching the modes on the mic. I'd definitely recommend Rode - you could also look at other cheaper mics from Rode or other brands and see which one works better for you. Hope this helps.<br> -RM</p>

<p>Erika,<br> I haven't personally shot much in dark clubs but I'd ask you what type of pictures are you wanting to get? Is flash an option or not? If you can't use flash then I'm unsure if your kit lens would be of much help in dark scenarios. In such a case investing in some fast prime lenses might be a good option e.g.: Canon 50 mm 1.8 or Sigma 30 mm 1.4, etc. With flash as an option you might get by with some scenarios but fast primes would still be beneficial.<br> Also, getting familiar with the camera functions and modes would help before you venture out into buying new stuff. Definitely read the camera manual and some basics about shooting per the style you are wanting to replicate.<br> -RM</p>

<p>From a recent trip to South Africa!</p> <p>T2i, 70-200 F4 IS</p><div></div>