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Question

Upgrading from my aging Canon XSi?

Sep 12, 2015 7:13PM PDT

Just wondering what cameras I should consider upgrading into since my XSi isn't able to take advantage of some new technology. I'd like the ability to get some nice video footage while not sacrificing stills quality. We only have a couple of kit lenses from Canon, so no real ties to the brand. I'm actually wondering if we should even consider a mirrorless advanced point and shoot, which never crossed my mind until now. I always assumed the Dslr was the way to go. Low light is important, and decent action performance would be nice too. I don't do much post editing, especially with raw files, do a good jpeg engine would be preferred. Until now I've been mainly considering the Canon 70D with a 24 mm pancake lens, or the Nikon d7200. I also was looking at the d5500 because it has a touchscreen. Any thoughts on those for my needs? Or anything else to consider? Thanks!

Discussion is locked

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Clarification Request
Speed flash? Isn't that for snaps?
Sep 15, 2015 9:57AM PDT
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Speed flash clarification...
Sep 15, 2015 7:13PM PDT

Sorry, I was definitely not very clear on that. I meant an external flash for stills. I abandoned the idea of searching for a hybrid system for use as video and stills.

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Answer
Dedicated video camera.
Sep 13, 2015 6:40PM PDT

As I've said before, you'd be much better off shooting video on a dedicated video camera. And if you're concerned about carrying another device, your best option is probably upgrading your cellphone -- some more recent models even shoot 4k -- instead of buying a hybrid stills/video camera. And keep in mind that I currently shoot video on a 70D (among other cameras), so you'd think I'd be biased toward it, but I'm actually recommending against it.

Having said that, the best interchangeable lens hybrid stills/video camera out at the moment is the Panasonic GH4, especially if you add a YAGH. Second best (for handheld shoots) is the Olympus E-M5 Mark II.

Having said that, you can significantly improve the low-light capability of your XSi with a brighter lens. (The 50mm f1.8 is an affordable option.) (Shooting RAW and using noise reduction software in post will also help.)

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Speed flash?
Sep 15, 2015 9:40AM PDT

Thanks for the reply. Do you recommend any particular speed flash that might help with my low light as well?

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re: Canon Speedlite flash
Sep 15, 2015 6:33PM PDT

Assuming you meant the above, I'd first note Bob's reply -- most are meant for stills, not video. (Although there is a model that can be used for video (or there used to be), it's not ideal.) I'd also note that hardware store "shop" lights can get very hot; definitely not recommended for use with gels, diffusers and/or softboxes. LED panels are much preferred.

For stills/photos, it depends on what and how/where you shoot. Do you need fill, bounce, multiple/off camera (radio or line of sight) control? Low light focus assist? Auto-exposure/TTL metering?

Also note that many low-light action events (indoor/night sports, dance, etc.) at least frown upon, if not flat out prohibit, flash photography. (Which brings you back to "buy a brighter lens".)

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Small world.
Sep 15, 2015 6:45PM PDT
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Faster lens with a speedlite
Sep 15, 2015 7:36PM PDT

I followed your advice MarkatNite and today purchased the fixed 50mm 1.8 STM and also a 430EX II for situations where we might be in a pinch. That lens is great so far! Wow, what a difference in low light performance. I was on the fence as to whether or not I should get the STM or go with the older (and cheaper) generation 50mm since I don't have video capability with the XSi, and therefore a lesser need for the STM. Regardless, the results are great for me. The speedlite is also amazing in terms of my first impressions of it's fill and bounce capability. I realize though that there are many situations where it won't be practical to use, but that lens should help as you suggested.

I'm going to stick with my XSi since I'm happy with the stills and can live without the video for now. Thanks again for your insight! Any other fast lenses you'd recommend? I was thinking about getting the 24mm 2.8, but not sure how valuble that would be since I can use the 18-55mm kit lens for the wider angles. I also have the 55-250mm 4-5.6 zoom lens which seems ok, but it is a kit lens.

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Bright EF(-S) lenses.
Sep 15, 2015 10:24PM PDT

Glad your purchases are working out for you!

As far as other lenses, again, it really depends on what you shoot, as well as your budget.

Although, personally, I'm not a fan of either 24mm f2.8 lens, especially on a crop sensor (XSi or 70D). If I only need f2.8 in that focal length, I'd rather go with the 17-55mm since the zoom gives me more versatility (which is what I actually did; i.e. I own a 17-55mm). Of course, it also costs a lot more, which gets back to your budget requirements. It also doesn't make much sense for me to put a "pancake" lens (if that's the 24mm f2.8 you were considering) on one of my larger camera bodies -- in addition to a 70D, I also have a T4i which is similar in size to your XSi -- because, if I need something smaller, I'll use my Olympus E-PL5 with either a Panasonic 20mm f1.7 or Olympus 17mm f1.8 lens, which results in a much smaller package (it's actually pocketable, whereas the XSi is not and will never be pocketable regardless of how small a lens you use with it) that has better low light performance (f1.7-1.8 vs f2.Cool.

If I'm going to limit myself to a prime lens for the sake of low light performance, I'd go with either the 28mm f1.8 or 35mm f2 (for the record, I actually went with the 35mm f2 and the Sigma 18-35mm f1.Cool. But again, all of these are more expensive than the 24mm pancake.

And just for the sake of completeness, my fast/bright Canon lens collection also includes: 85mm f1.8, 100mm f2, 135mm f2 and 200mm f2.8.

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Portrait lenses
Sep 16, 2015 8:55PM PDT

The 50mm 1.8 seems like it can serve well as a portrait lens, but I was contemplating the 85mm 1.8 as well since the bulk of our photos will be portrait. Although, the flexibility of a faster zoom near those focal lengths would potentially be a more versatile option I suppose. What do you think would be the most logical choice going forward? I already have the two kit lenses mentioned previously, but after getting my first bright prime lens I'm eager to get another fast lens that would best serve portrait photos.

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re: Canon portrait lenses
Sep 17, 2015 8:26PM PDT

Yes, the 50mm f1.8 can serve as a portrait lens, especially on a crop sensor body (XSi). And yes, the 85mm f1.8 would be another good choice; on a crop body, I would probably say the best (reasonably priced) choice. (i.e. ruling out the $2,000 85mm f1.2 L and the like.)

For the record, some folks might also suggest the 135mm f2 L. To me, it's a bit too long for (in studio) portraits on a crop body, and it costs significantly more than the 85mm f1.8 (although it does perform better, too; it's actually my favorite lens to shoot events -- live bands, theater performances, indoor/night sports, weddings, etc. -- with). For in studio portraits, you'd probably also want to add at least one more (off camera) Speedlite (which would necessitate adding a remote (or remote controller capable Speedlite), too), which would further add to the total cost.