Simviation Forums

I can't decide what camera to buy, i have narrowed it down to 3 but i don't know which to buy, it is going to end up being either the EOS 60D, 7D, or 5D mark II but i need a opinion to help me decide... it will be used for fast jet photography as well as all other types of aviation photography, i already know i will need a 18-200 lens, i just need a body to go with it. what do you guys think (cost is no factor)?

Just remember, lens is always more important than camera.....those cameras are all very expensive and are probably a bit overkill for a first SLR. I'd buy something like a new 550D (Very similar to a 7D but without a few features), or a second hand 40 or 50D, then spend the rest of the money on a decent long lens (the 18-200 is good considering the huge range, but IQ is always better the smaller the range of the zoom). The 70-300 IS lens (not the new L version) is very good, as is the 100-400 that I use. Ideally you'd want to get a 300 f4 prime if IQ is important (or even better, the f2.

However, if you are intent on getting one of those three cameras (which I think would probably be a bit of a waste of money considering the xxxD range is very capable), I'd go for the 7D (what I'm currently using). The 60D is just awful. A massive step backwards from the 50D and I don't know of anyone who's bought one. The 5Dii is more of a studio camera. It's full frame, which is good for many things, but not aircraft photography where reach is everything.

I learn't on a 400D....its a superb little camera and I used it for 3 years. For the first year I had a basic 75-300 lens. In total, my kit cost me

If you need to ask, then a 5d is probably out of your league. A 7D is also quite high-end, though is slightly older than the 60D so get whichever is cheaper.


Instead of an 18-200 lens, look at a 70-200 lens. The larger the range of magnification of a lens, the worse the quality. A lens with no zoom (prime lens) has far better image quality than a lens which can zoom from 8-500mm.


So for now, go for whicher is cheaper from the 7D or 60D (if it must be one of those options)

Lenses to consider:
70-200 f/4 (2.8 if you can afford it) from Canon
28-135 IS USM from Canon

70-300mm from Tamron isn't an amazing lens, but it's not bad for a budget if you need good zoom. All my airshow photos were taken with that lens on a Canon EOS 1000D. Link is in my signature.

Before anyone can give advice to you, a question has to be asked.......How much photographic experience do you have and how much are you willing to learn so you can apply that info into the capturing of images and not wasting your money on an expensive tool, or wasting your time getting more than you'll ever foresee a need for..........

Before anyone can give advice to you, a question has to be asked.......How much photographic experience do you have and how much are you willing to learn so you can apply that info into the capturing of images and not wasting your money on an expensive tool, or wasting your time getting more than you'll ever foresee a need for..........

I have no experience with SLR camersas but would like to learn how to use them to their fullest as I have had some great angles but have been unable to get the quality or effect I want as my camcorder is well... A camcorder and not a full blown camera and our old cannon eos something from either 91 or 92 is starting to break down

Before anyone can give advice to you, a question has to be asked.......How much photographic experience do you have and how much are you willing to learn so you can apply that info into the capturing of images and not wasting your money on an expensive tool, or wasting your time getting more than you'll ever foresee a need for..........

You should also consider what you want to do with your photos. Most modern compact cameras are capable of taking high quality photos & have far more features than most people will need for normal purposes.

I agree with Mic about the cameras you've listed. (Click on his sig to see examples of his work.) Also that the lens is more important than the camera.  I would add that the person behind the lens is most important of all.

Before anyone can give advice to you, a question has to be asked.......How much photographic experience do you have and how much are you willing to learn so you can apply that info into the capturing of images and not wasting your money on an expensive tool, or wasting your time getting more than you'll ever foresee a need for..........

I have no experience with SLR camersas but would like to learn how to use them to their fullest as I have had some great angles but have been unable to get the quality or effect I want as my camcorder is well... A camcorder and not a full blown camera and our old cannon eos something from either 91 or 92 is starting to break down

You don't need a 5D or 7D as an entry level,

on a side note you do have a understanding of Aperture, ISO and shutter speed right? If not I would suggest just buying an entry level SLR or a higher quality point and shoot instead.

After this past weekend shooting with some guys that use some serious bits of kit, I can honestly say, if you can afford it, buy it. However that also comes with the proviso that you are going to take it seriously. All the stuff about starting off with something basic is all well and good, but the reality is the higher end stuff will still do all the basic stuff, plus as your learning it'll allow you to expand without having to fork out more money on more equiptment. One of the guys this weekend was shooting with a 7D and a 5D, but he was carrying round two bag fulls of lenses, all of which got used, to him it wasn't so much about the camera but the lens he needed for the situation.
The other guy was working with a 40D I believe but his bags were full of flashes, home made filters, lenses and so on. And watching how he used them and the thought process behind it really opened my eyes to what the difference is between your sunday afternoon shooter and what you really can do if your willing to learn. If your willing to learn, take it seriously and advance go straight for a 7D and save your money for equiptment in the long haul. If your looking at it as more of a hobby for the occasional weekend, go with a lower end camera and use the money on lenses as you need them.
It's not just learning about the ISO's and the appertures, and such, to many people these days think because they know these things they are an expert, Take a look at some of Mic's shots, not nessicarily his aircraft shots, he's got a good sense of what makes a nice photo, the same can be said for Ken and Doug and Steve (61-otu).

Awww guys   

As people have said....if you think spending all that money on your first camera will be worth it, and you'll stick with it, and you can also afford a decent bit of glass, then go for it.

However DON'T go for the 60D....almost everyone I've spoken to thinks it's awful. I had a play with one in a camera shop a couple of weeks ago and I'd honestly rather have a 550D

Have you thought about looking out for second hand 30/40/50Ds....a 30D with loads of memory cards and spare batteries went for