Better cameras for pj work

Hi,

 

what are the best digital cameras available for photojournalism work in the

lower price part of the spectrum? (I know the D2H, or some Canon body would

be awesome, but I am looking for something under $1500.)

 

I have Nikon lenses at this time since, I've used Nikon film and then a D1X

for quite a while. [i am now using film cameras (F100 and Mamiya RZ/67) for

convenience's sake, though the past wedding, with snow and all did not prove

to be too convenient carrying an F100 and a Mamiya body around. Neither will

it prove too convenient to shoot an event and having to develop and scan the

film before being able to send the images to the clients -- on a newsworthy

event.)

 

I mention the type of cameras I use so that you know I am used to carrying

heavier bodies (and the D70s and such feel like toy cameras).

 

I also know the cameras don't make the photos, we do -- but I still like to be

better prepared to capture what may come my way (with a better camera!).

 

Thanks,

 

 

Germán S.

Obviously you need the best Nikon body under US$ 1,500. Is that so difficult to think up?

Nikons for a given price are built better than the corresponding Canons. The tradeoff is that the Canon's image quality is much better above 400 ISO. But if you don't plan on shooting anything in dim light, that should be no problem. Another thing to consider is that you don't need high resolution for PJ work as your work won't be enlarged that much. You might be better off getting an older used 6mp pro body than a new 10mp amature one. But which ever one do you get weather resistance should be a priority.

,,I also know the cameras don't make the photos, we do"

i would sugest to you

read this and think about it

 

,,It's not the camera, it's the photographer. Right?"

essey http://www.luminous-landscape.com/essays/many-factors.shtml

D200, 5 fps, more compact than the D2H / D2Xs, solidly built and if you forget a speed light

(Sb800/600) it has one that's builtin for emergency situations. It has similar ergonomics as

the F100 and has a Magnesium chasis

Second the D200. Weather-sealed, fast, smaller than most other dSLRs of its class because there's no integrated batter grip, and it's had a recent price drop, down to about $1300.

German

I would favor two cameras maybe a D70 and a D80 as I couldn't imagine relying on one camera to earn my living with, unless is was an old mechanical one.

 

regards Steve

German, I thought you were a wedding photographer, what happened??

The best photojournalism advice I've heard is "F8 and be there". So, anything fast is good. Don't worry about the super-high megapixels and full frame sensor of a D2H, the recommendations of D70, D80 are good, since you have Nikon already. I have Canon, and the 10D and 20D are excellent for fast work. I got a used 10D body for $400! You can get a used D70 for a good price now too.

My photojournalism professor hated me because we were not allowed to use digital cameras for the class, and my only film camera is the studio 4x5 I bought from you! But, it was more fun that way, because people are really interested in the big camera, and will come right up to have their picture taken. Which is good, because the camera is too big to chase them with. Obviously, I missed the "sports" assignment completely. Crazy, I know.

Although it is still possible to shoot and use film for photojournalism, I think most news sources have gone to, or are going to digital, because time is of the essence in the news. If you are actually going to get a job at a newspaper, they usually provide your equipment, but you are just freelancing, right?

Anyway don't listen to me, I am a wildlife photographer, and there are real photojournalists in this forum. If you want any advice on digital cameras, I am happy to help, since you helped me with the film camera. I learned very fast, not to take the lid off the box of film. Best wishes,

-Darcy Stumbaugh

Hey guys,

 

thanks for your responses.

 

I worked with the D200s (and D100s) and did not like them very much. (I guess I am/was way too used to the heavy D1X.)

 

The D70s I worked with I liked. They felt like a toy, yes, but I liked the quality of the images I captured with them.

 

I held a D80 yesterday and a Canon ...30 (I don't remember the first part of its name) and I liked the feel of the Canon's rounder, ruber grip. The D80's grip is just plastic (if I remember correctly) and it's too ... angular (for lack of a better word), like the less expensive models (D50 and D40). It does not feel comfortable.

 

The quality of the images (of the D80) seems to be quite good though, but if I am not mistaken it gives only 3 fms (a bit too slow for me).

 

I used to work with Canons (film only) and I like their lenses, especially for sports. It seems that their grey lenses dominate when you see a side line full of sports photographers. It used to be that their lenses were the best of the best. I don't know about now, that's why I am asking the question above.

 

With that in mind, W. Smith, I don't know why you bother answering to say something meaningless. You are just repeating my question. What is so bright about that? Is is obvious I need (or I am looking for) a camera under $1,500. Now, the fact that I have Nikon equipment does not indicate Nikon is the best choice. Canon could be the best choice at this time. A Sony camera could be the best choice. If they were, I could simply sell the equipment I now have and buy either Canon or Sony.

 

Thomas, I quite understand the equipment we have can definitely help us achieve certain images. But I still remember a younger, insolent photographer who somehow got a hold of my cameras (in a very busy special events studio) hoping she would come back with better images than she had been showing. She came back with her same old crap.

 

Darcy, it's nice to hear from you. I am glad that good old 4x5 is working well for you! I continue doing the weddings but I also want to do the type of work I studied for -- which certainly was not weddings. I want to get back into photojournalism -- while still doing weddings and special events. How is your work going? Please let me know.

 

In any case, thanks everyone for your responses.

 

Best,

 

G.

I vote for the D200. If it's not heavy enough, add the battery grip. Most of my newspaper work was back in the 80s when the Nikon F2 with motordrive was the standard. But when the FM came out, newspaper photographers bought them like crazy because they were so much cheaper they were almost disposable when they broke or (rarely) wore out. Without a motor they were a little small but with a motor they had a nice balance, much like adding the battery grip to a D200. Key thing here is if you have an investment in Nikon lenses you should stick with Nikon bodies unless you can afford to replace all your glass. And if you wanted to buy news lenses I assume you wouldn't be trying to stay under $1500. I also like the D200 because it's better sealed than the less expensive Nikons, which is important for bad weather situations.

What was wrong with your D1X?

 

Keith

German, Do you intend to make a limited move in this profession or are you thinking of going full throttle? I hope you are prepared for some harsh reality you may not want to hear if you're going full throttle. First learn to write journalstically. Those who can write and shoot are more apt to land something than those who can only shoot. Learn to live on the cheap because those mid-range units just don't live up to the life of a full working shooter. You want a kit that will be able to withstand punishment in the environs you'll be operating in. It has to work! You'll want a kit that is quick to use. It will have to become part of your anatomical being much like the weapons of a soldier. Most importantly you'll want a kit that can get serviced quickly when it fails. Nothing less than fast glass will do either. Quality weighs and is expensive-get used to it!! There is nothing worse than failed equipment!! Working shooters cut corners on everything but the quality and durablity of the tools that pay the bills and the durability of their transportation to get to the assignment in that order! I know PJs who live in their cars and/or sublet their apartments to buy their gear! They eat crap food, no social life and only keep enough cash for the toll booths. Their appearance and attire was great! I will assure you that their kit is of top notch quality and their cars are of equal durability and they wouldn't think of nothing better to do! I know, I was one of them. Their Back-up kit is exactly the same and a must have. They kept extra kit stashes around their areas of operation. I never knew of a shooter who did not have an exact second or third kit and then some for backup! Gone too are the days when a kit was issued! Gotta have your own plumbing tools and vehicle to work as a plumber. Why is being a PJ any different? Miss an assignment because your gear died you're gone! Your car brokedown because you went out last month instead of repairing it and you're gone! There is no room for one shot wonders! It is extremely expensive to even taste the waters in this business! Even dreaming costs dough! Create a recipe of gear that is as portable as possible. Try other brands to get a feel as to what will give you consistant results. If you can rent the better so that you can get a feel for your requirements. I've had to change brands because mission specifics and service in those areas dictated so. Talk to the repair facility closest to where you'll be working. They'll tell you flat out what they can and can't do quickly. Tailor your choice with that in mind. Manufacturer-specific repair facilities will almost always be too far or have a long line ahead. Working press shooters get first service! They want brand loyalty and will fight to get it. So they better service the working shooter first! I'm not trying to disuade your ambition but there are certain pieces of reality that is just not getting out to those who want to make a direction change in their photography. Preparational info is not getting out to those wanting to do as you would like. But this is a life-altering quest your after and needs to be addressed! It is even harder to get work in this profession. You'll have to create your own door to knock on. There's no mid-range answer if you truly want to make an attempt at PJ work. It is expensive and nothing less! Either way I pray you become a success!