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Beginner Camera Advice


ron_henry_simmons

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Hi,

Found this website from the Sports Photography article by Rob Miracle.

Photography is a hobby, particularly interested in basketball. Article says

Canon Digital Rebel Xti is a good start for sports. Money isn't a problem, so

wondering if it is more worth it to just start with a EOS 5D? Is the learning

curve too steep on a camera like this for beginners? Any other cameras to

recommend, not in article?

Thank you,

Ron Henry

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<p>The 5D isn't designed for sports or action photography; the XTi would be a better choice. If you have money burning a hole in your pocket, the <a href="http://www.adorama.com/Refby.tpl?refby=rflAID062012&sku=ICA1DM3">Canon 1DmkIII</a> is "the choice" for sports. With 10 fps, a large buffer, awesome AF, and a 1.3 crop-factor, it's really at the sweet-spot for action (today). If the $4500 price is too much, the <a href="http://www.adorama.com/Refby.tpl?refby=rflAID062012&sku=ICA30D">Canon 30D</a> is pretty darn capable at about $1,100.</p>

<p>The 30D and XTi are remarkably similar. The 30D is more solid (and larger), with a fast burst rate and buffer, but the XTi has the same AF so it should handle very similarly.</p>

<p>Lens(es) will be another large cost. If funds become a limiting factor, I'd go with a less-expensive body and better glass.</p>

<p>Cheers,</p>

<p>Geoff S.</p>

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I'd agree with Geoff's response. 1D either mkII or mkIII is best but probably huge overkill unless you are a pro, so you are looking at the next best which would be 30D coz it has 5fps and then you would probably find the XTi and the 5D similear for sports, only one costs a lot more. The 5D does have many advantages but they are probably not worth the price tag for sports. It all depends on the sport, how serious you are and how much $$ you have. Don't forget that without a good lens they any body you get will struggle.
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For basketball, the main requirement is FAST lenses. The 5D does offer some advantages over an XTi or 30D with better high ISO performance (also something you'd use) and slightly better AF performance due to the AI Servo assist focus points, but you'd also spend more on the lenses which would need to be longer than with the crop bodies. It is anticipated that the 30D will be replaced probably within 6 months, so I would recommend that you choose the cheaper Rebel if you want to buy now, and add a 50mm f/1.8 or f/1.4 and 85mm f/1.8 for basketball. I don't regard frame rate as critical for shooting basketball - rather, you need to practice timing your shots (this applies to many sports). You might want to consider the 30D successor when it comes out. An advantage with crop cameras is that you don't need to spend out as much on longer telephotos if you start shooting field sports - but if you really can easily afford a 300mm f/2.8, 400 f/2.8, 600mm f/4, 70-200 f/2.8, 135mm f/2, and 200mm f/1.8 and a 1D Mk III without turning a hair, then by all means go for a 1D Mk III and add lenses as you require them.
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Just to throw another thought out there....a used (or new-to-you) 20D can probably be had

for a good price these days and not far off from the 30D, same crop factor, etc.

 

I do use a 5D as a second body (that sounds funny) with a wide angle zoom for bench shots,

coaches, story-telling and so on... it's kinda heavy on the shoulder though.

 

And do yourself a favor: get a monopod.

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I would have to recommend one of the Canon 1D series cameras. They might be overkill as someone said above but if money is no problem then go for it. I have a 1D(original), 20D, 30D. When I have a sports assignment the 1D is what I reach for first. It has 8 fps and the autofocus is really fast and responsive. I always thought that my other bodies (20D, 30D) were fine for sports until I got my 1D. Don't get me wrong, the prosumer bodies are fine but the 1D cameras are on another level...even the old 1D. I see from your post that you like to shoot basketball. The 1D has a lot of noise at high ISO's but I shoot with remote strobes most of the time indoors anyway. The 1DMKII(N), 1DMKIII will do a better job at higher ISO's. Not sure if you are one of those people that need a lot of megapixels. The 1D is a 4MP camera and the newer Canon bodies are 8 and 10. For 99% of the stuff I do, the 1D does the job. I'm thinking since you are a beginner that 4MP's shouldn't be a problem. Don't get trapped thinking you need a 50MP camera. I have 20x30's that look great hanging on my wall from the 1D. I paid $900 for it and I've made my money back in no time. You can see some of my stuff on <a href="http://www.rolandsimmons.blogspot.com"/>my blog</a> and <a href="http://www.sportsshooter.com/rolandsimmons"/>my Sports Shooter page.</a> Let us know what you decide. Good luck.
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