Im a beginner photographer looking for a new camera

October 17, 2011 11:14 AM PDT · Flag · 4 answers

Im starting my career fast by shooting shows concerts and as well will be shooting action sports. I have looked at the Canon 60d but was wondering if I should go bigger. I have a budget of 2000$ and need a cam that does 1080p video as well. Thank you

Steven Fruchter

Get.com

Specialist III

Canon EOS 60D 18 MP CMOS Digital SLR Camera with 3.0-Inch LCD (Body...

Canon EOS 60D 18 MP CMOS Digital SLR Camera with 3.0-Inch LCD (Body Only)

Digital Inspiration. That's how the good folks at Canon define their EOS 60D DSLR Camera. With an 18MP APS-C CMOS sensor, a 3 Clear View LCD, and HD video capture, among other mouth-watering features, perhaps you will agree. Let's take a tantalizi... read more...

✔ Highest voted answer

Reply · Send thanks · posted 215 days ago · 3 people agree

2 points posted by Kurt Garcia

I would vote for the canon 60D. The 1080p video recording has manual controls so it is actually functional. The ISO is expandable up to 12,800 so you get good results in low light. It has a really nice build that will last you a while. It has 9 cross-type AF points which allows for fast snaps even in low light. This is an all around great product. I am not going to sit here and say that it is better than the D700, because Nikon puts out a good product too, but I think the 60D is more user friendly and would be perfect for someone that is just geting into the business.

Another suggestion I have is to focus on one area and spend your time and money becoming the best you can be at it. I know when I first started out I wanted to be as versatile as posible. I figured the more versatile I am the easier it would be to get gigs, but the fact is I ran out of money fast and ended up with a bunch of average pictures/average equipment. In your case if you like shooting concerts than put your money towards equipment that will give you the best concert results and building a reputation as being a concert photographer. Having a specialty will get you a lot more gigs than being a general photographer because their are a million generals for hire. You may be way ahead of me, but I just thought I would share my personal experience. Hope this helps and good luck.

Steven Fruchter

Get.com

Specialist III

Nikon D7000 16.2MP DX-Format CMOS Digital SLR with 3.0-Inch LCD (Bo...

Nikon D7000 16.2MP DX-Format CMOS Digital SLR with 3.0-Inch LCD (Body Only)

Meet the new Nikon D7000, a camera ready to go wherever your photography or cinematography takes you. Experience stunning images with sharp resolution and smooth tonal gradation, thanks to the 16 megapixel DX-format CMOS image sensor and a powerfu... read more...

Reply · Send thanks · posted 215 days ago · 2 people agree

1 points posted by Lindsay Stidham

Very close match to the D90, but also even better. The D7000 offers the second highest resolution of any Nikon DSLR, behind only the 24Mp D3X. Additionally, movie function has been upgraded to higher quality HD footage. An all around great camera.

Adele Workman

Professional III

The Canon 60D is a good choice, honestly there would be no reason to go bigger unless you wanted to. The Canon 60D will do everything you need and more. It's not a beginner camera but it will be easy enough to use and definitely grow into as your photography improves as does your vision. I would say to use the $2,000 budget for the camera and a really good lens that will provide all around use as well as some telephoto capabilities. You might even consider the Nikon D7000. It's another great choice, but of course it's all about what will make you happy.

Reply · Send thanks · posted 215 days ago · 2 people agree

2 points posted by Shelly Nelson

I only know a bit about photography, but I would have to agree with Adele in that a good lens would be a very important purchase for you to consider. If you can keep the cost of the camera low enough you wil be able to get a great lens and camera and stay within your budget.
A great lens will be important in large spaces like arenas or concert halls, and will also help with low light situations.

1 points posted by Steven Fruchter

Adele, why would the Nikon D7000 be a possible better choice than the Canon 60D? If you have a sec, what do you think are the Pro's / Con's of each for T M's needs? It's a very interesting question that people ask me all the time and I'm not exactly sure myself.

1 points posted by Kimberly Timbers

I would like to know which one is better, too! They seem so similar... does it even matter at this quality level which one you buy? Since they are both so similar and so great, it seems like the only way to pick is to flip a coin.

2 points posted by Matt Maiser

Ya'll should check out this comparison chart and see how bloody similar there cameras are! You won't believe it!

http://www.digitalrev.com/en/canon-eos-60d-vs-dot-...

At the end it sort of sums up what camera is right for you... although it's still pretty vague... check it out.