What camera and lens?

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sisu

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Hi, some information and recommendations needed if possible please. Im looking to take photos, for producing professional prints, without using photoshop etc, using my equipment as a canvas so to say. Im looking at shooting in bright light, but also in darkened environments at other times, for a type of example, within 1-3ft away from a lit aquarium/fish tank in a dark environment, but also at times the same distance but in bright environments. So, what dslr camera and lens would you good people recommend? Am i best going for full frame or cropped sensor? Macro lens etc, as for cameras, ive been looking at Nikon D610, D7200, D7500, D750, D810, Canon EOS 5D MKIII, Canon EOS 5DS, ideally like to keep the cost as low as possible, as i know the Canon EOS 5DS and the Nikon D810 are expensive but have high MP, but is that as important as people make out for professional quality large prints? Thanks for reading and i will be very grateful for anyones advice, thanks.
 
Thanks, i totally understand that and appreciate your reply. Im just trying to get a feel for a good enough camera that will deal with giving good prints with the different light levels and the most suitable lens etc, because the amount of information they advertise the cameras with can be a bit of a mind field to be honest. Yes, i understand the basics and i get what im trying to achieve, but the details they throw at you to sell a camera can get confusing, cheers.
 
Nikon tend to perform a little better in low light than canon at respective levels, but not by much. If the Tank is lit, the biggest problem you will find is that when there is light outside the tank you will suffer from reflections.
 
Thanks, and is there a way around the reflections?
 
If you want to produce competitive quality prints you're going to need to use Photoshop. Printing RAW or straight from camera jpegs will not produce good results as a beginner.

As above, any camera will do. However, I would avoid the Canon 5DS if low light, hand-held shooting is likely. It's low light performance isn't great at higher ISOs.

Concentrate on good lenses. Which ones depend on the type of photography you're looking at doing.
 
You will need some form of PP, maybe not PS but something like LR certainly.

What is your budget for body, lenses and lighting?
 
What size images do you want to create?

Realistically, and I mean this with no disrespect, you need to learn to take pictures of pro quality in order to produce prints of pro quality. A camera can't do it for you, and neither can software fix bad images afterward.
 
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Thanks, yes shooting about 1 - 3 feet away from subjects ideally, still subjects, almost portrait like? So would a macro lens be best? If so any recommendations? What is LR? Budget wise was hoping for no more than a couple of grand, less if possible? I wouldn't print anything that was sub par, im no expert photographer, but my background is in art, so im confident in achieving results with good practice, i have a knowledge in lighting etc. I know this is different, but my background will help, im not going into it totally blind.
Size of prints is a variation, this is where im stuck about the MP's, im under the understanding that more MP's gives better quality prints overall, but wouldn't a good print company/software compensate? Nikon was my original first choice for camera.
 
sisu said:
Thanks, and is there a way around the reflections?
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Yes, turn the other lights off, or black out around the tank so the only light entering is from the source you want.
 
Why don't you hire a camera, fill a memory card with shots and go to a lab to get a print done to see if its up to your standards. Its hard for anyone to give you an accurate answer because don't know what your expectations of pro prints are and you still have not said what size prints as far as I can see
 
Define large. Any new DSLR will give excellent A3 prints. But large is relative. If you're looking at, say, 4 foot prints then you need to start looking at something like a 5DMk4 or D800/D810, but decent software upscaling will allow you to get away with fewer megapixels if you have a less discerning audience who aren't going to be viewing them up close.
 
sisu said:
Thanks, yes shooting about 1 - 3 feet away from subjects ideally, still subjects, almost portrait like? So would a macro lens be best? If so any recommendations? What is LR? Budget wise was hoping for no more than a couple of grand, less if possible? I wouldn't print anything that was sub par, im no expert photographer, but my background is in art, so im confident in achieving results with good practice, i have a knowledge in lighting etc. I know this is different, but my background will help, im not going into it totally blind.
Size of prints is a variation, this is where im stuck about the MP's, im under the understanding that more MP's gives better quality prints overall, but wouldn't a good print company/software compensate? Nikon was my original first choice for camera.
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OK, so you understand composition, lighting, which is a big advantage.

LR is lightroom. It's an image development package that enables you to adjust you basic image for optimal appearance: stuff like colour balance, basic exposure, highlights and shadows, contrast, clarity, vibrance and saturation etc.

Megapixels don't matter *that much* after about 12MP. My Nikon D610 - 24MP - will give amazing levels of detail on a 24" X 16" print, and my Sony a58 - 20MP - has given really excellent 32" X 24" prints. More MP can also make images harder to process, requiring more computing power, bigger memory cards etc.

If you don't NEED to spend a couple of grand then I have a couple of suggestions:
Nikon D750 with 50mm and 100mm-ish macro lens.
Sony A7 or A7II with 50mm and 100mm-ish macro lens.

The D750 is EXTREMELY capable - Nikon have sold a bucketload.
The A7 is a smaller, lighter camera with an advantage. The A7 has an electronic viewfinder, which will show you just what the camera sensor sees. If you are not a photographer, able to judge exposure, then the EVF will make seeing how the camera will handle an image much easier for you.

Consider buying used from a reputable dealer, rather than new with all the losses that entails.
 
Thanks again. The print size will vary, framable picture size? Might go larger if everything takes off, maybe poster size etc, but i can deal with that maybe later etc. Trust me, id rather not have to spend a couple of grand, but needs be. I was looking at the Nikon D610 and D750 at first, then got bamboozled with tech spec and lost......... So would i benefit from full frame over cropped sensor? Is the Nikon 105mm macro a good lens? Ive heard good things about one of the tamron macro lenses for Nikon? Thanks for everybodies help and patience by the way, very much appreciated.
 
And yes about the lights and tank, i was planning to shoot in pitch dark with only light in the tank, but i also want to do other shoots in bright conditions, hence a camera capable of both instead of a camera for each. I read some cameras are excellent with dark conditions, but are the same cameras good at the opposite end in bright conditions?
 
I have a D610 - it will do everything you need and probably a lot more, but the D750 is arguably a better camera, and for working on a tripod below eye level in live view then the flip-out screen is enormously better than the (stupid, REALLY stupid) fixed rear screen of the D610. I would still push you toward the A7 because I think you'll find it more intuitive - also Nikon and Sony share the same sensors.
 
sisu said:
Is the Nikon 105mm macro a good lens? Ive heard good things about one of the tamron macro lenses for Nikon? Thanks for everybodies help and patience by the way, very much appreciated.
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Yes, it's very good and might be ideal for your needs. As might a Tamron 90mm (IIRC, their nearest equivalent to the Nikkor 105mm) or a Sigma 105mm.
 
I'd suggest buying a rubber lens hood as well for whatever lens you end up buying - this will allow you to shoot with the front of the hood pressed flush to the glass which will cut out reflections where there is a light source. The only disadvantage to this is that it is likely to cause vignetting with a shorter focal length lens (won't be an issue with a macro lens such as the 105mm already mentioned). These can be picked up for not much money from the likes of Amazon..
 
viewfromthenorth said:
Hmm, I'd be erring towards something like a Nikon 5300 and a good lens. 24mp is enough for big prints and it also has a flippy screen. You could get a very good set up for less than a grand.
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I picked up a D5200 with 50mm 1.8g and an 18-55mm kit lens for less than £400, so that would leave plenty of budget for a couple of good macro lenses and keep it under £1000
 
So won't i gain anything from using full frame over cropped sensor?
 
sisu said:
So won't i gain anything from using full frame over cropped sensor?
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Depends what you do with it but it's a bit like asking if buying the same football boots as Beckham (or whoever) will make you better at taking free kicks, unless you have the skill in the first place it won't make a jot of difference.
 
sisu said:
So won't i gain anything from using full frame over cropped sensor?
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There's a lot of 'depends' in there. Generally FF gives more dynamic range (ie. can cope with a wider range of light to dark without losing detail) and depth of field effects are easier to obtain, while diffraction is lower at small apertures and higher ISO levels are less noisy. A key difference is that because the image on the sensor is larger, it requires less magnification for a given print size. Generally sensors in modern cameras out-resolve the lenses, but a FF sensor will resolve more detail at a given MP level than a crop sensor camera *using the same lens*.
 
you need to learn to walk before you run
learn to take pictures first
its all about technique and experience
 
You could show people here examples of the sort of picture you are hoping to make.
 
The most important part of a camera is the mushy matter behind it.
And see below ;)
 
Here is my take go try some cameras out see how they feel. It has to be right for you. Don't settle for I will get used to it. Next you will need editing software it's the modern day darkroom. You can do a lot in camera but to add that sparkle you will have to use lightroom and or photoshop.
 
Ok, getting a good idea now, thanks for everyones input, any preferences over LR to PS? or would both be an advantage? Also anyone recommend any good sites for buying cameras etc? Ive personally used, for buying my daughter a nikon D5500 i think it was that model, portus digital, ive found them to be, by far, the cheapest, the cheapest by a long, long shot in all honesty.
 
As for showing examples of the sort of pictures im hoping to take, i have no camera so a bit hard, as for finding other examples taken by others, well im hoping i can't find anything like im wanting to do to be honest. But as ive said, an aquarium with lights through it in a darkened environment is an idea, and also maybe water, ice, metals in bright environments too?
 
I shot this with a 5d2 and a sigma 50mm

https://flic.kr/p/cWQGm3

Something like a canon 6D should be ok and give a nice ISO bump over the old 5D2 and within the 6D2 announced there should be plenty second hand or new prices will be at an all time low.

If it were me I would get a 6D and something fast like a 50mm 1.4/1.8 and a 100mm macro. That Should be all you need to take amazing pics and print large
 
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sisu said:
Hi, some information and recommendations needed if possible please. Im looking to take photos, for producing professional prints, without using photoshop etc, using my equipment as a canvas so to say. Im looking at shooting in bright light, but also in darkened environments at other times, for a type of example, within 1-3ft away from a lit aquarium/fish tank in a dark environment, but also at times the same distance but in bright environments. So, what dslr camera and lens would you good people recommend? Am i best going for full frame or cropped sensor? Macro lens etc, as for cameras, ive been looking at Nikon D610, D7200, D7500, D750, D810, Canon EOS 5D MKIII, Canon EOS 5DS, ideally like to keep the cost as low as possible, as i know the Canon EOS 5DS and the Nikon D810 are expensive but have high MP, but is that as important as people make out for professional quality large prints? Thanks for reading and i will be very grateful for anyones advice, thanks.
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Hi Simon, some great advice you've been given, good luck! Perhaps you can also help me? I've been thinking of doing some professional art works, probably on canvas using oils. But maybe water colour. I have a good eye, being a photographer for some years, so I'm not un-artistic so I'm not going into this completely blind. I can't tell you what kind of art, but it will probably be dark and moody or bright and vivid. I may go the impressionist route or do something in the style of the Old Masters, so need to be able to do both. I don't want to bother learning to paint or draw, but I want professional results. What size canvas is best? And what quality canvas? A better canvas will obviously make my art look better. I know you can get very expensive oils, but can I make do with cheaper? And do I need the best paint brushes? Sable I think they're called. But B&Q sell some good cheap paint brushes I believe. And for pencil drawings would you recommend an HB?

Hmm, here's a thought, maybe I can save money and commission an artist who's learned their craft and knows what he/she is technically doing and can better execute my vision. But then again, how difficult can drawing and painting be?
 
sisu said:
As for showing examples of the sort of pictures im hoping to take, i have no camera so a bit hard, as for finding other examples taken by others, well im hoping i can't find anything like im wanting to do to be honest. But as ive said, an aquarium with lights through it in a darkened environment is an idea, and also maybe water, ice, metals in bright environments too?
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What I meant was examples of other people's work e.g. on Flickr or elsewhere on the web.
 
sisu said:
Ok, getting a good idea now, thanks for everyones input, any preferences over LR to PS? or would both be an advantage? Also anyone recommend any good sites for buying cameras etc? Ive personally used, for buying my daughter a nikon D5500 i think it was that model, portus digital, ive found them to be, by far, the cheapest, the cheapest by a long, long shot in all honesty.
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LR & PS are quite different - LR is used for image development, while PR is for pixel-level editing. Good used gear from a reputable dealer (try London Camera Exhange) is likely cheaper than a grey import, and will give you a place to go & ask questions plus help if you do have a warranty issue.

Nick/Peter's point is a fair one.
 
Nick Owen said:
Hi Simon, some great advice you've been given, good luck! Perhaps you can also help me? I've been thinking of doing some professional art works, probably on canvas using oils. But maybe water colour. I have a good eye, being a photographer for some years, so I'm not un-artistic so I'm not going into this completely blind. I can't tell you what kind of art, but it will probably be dark and moody or bright and vivid. I may go the impressionist route or do something in the style of the Old Masters, so need to be able to do both. I don't want to bother learning to paint or draw, but I want professional results. What size canvas is best? And what quality canvas? A better canvas will obviously make my art look better. I know you can get very expensive oils, but can I make do with cheaper? And do I need the best paint brushes? Sable I think they're called. But B&Q sell some good cheap paint brushes I believe. And for pencil drawings would you recommend an HB?

Hmm, here's a thought, maybe I can save money and commission an artist who's learned their craft and knows what he/she is technically doing and can better execute my vision. But then again, how difficult can drawing and painting be?
Click to expand...

Always has to be one eh........ yeah lets all commission an artist, lets all not learn, lets all let be ignorant and let crafts die out!!!! How difficult can drawing and painting be? ..... if your born with it, very, very simple!!!! If your not, try and learn it, just be careful who you ask for help tho.............................!
Try reading all the posts...................
 
sisu said:
Always has to be one eh........ yeah lets all commission an artist, lets all not learn, lets all let be ignorant and let crafts die out!!!! How difficult can drawing and painting be? ..... if your born with it, very, very simple!!!! If your not, try and learn it, just be careful who you ask for help tho.............................!
Try reading all the posts...................
Click to expand...
I think you are missing the point of Nick's post which I believe is meant to be helpful, while light-heartedly humorous ;-)
 
sisu said:
Ok, getting a good idea now, thanks for everyones input, any preferences over LR to PS? or would both be an advantage? Also anyone recommend any good sites for buying cameras etc? Ive personally used, for buying my daughter a nikon D5500 i think it was that model, portus digital, ive found them to be, by far, the cheapest, the cheapest by a long, long shot in all honesty.
Click to expand...

If you've got access to your daughter's camera why not give it a go to see if that model is suitable? I've never used Portus, so can't comment on them I'm afraid, but I've used Digitalrev in Hong Kong and they were good, while Panamoz get good recommendations.
 
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