The Grays wrote:
The 30D and 5D have the same ISO on the hi end (the 5D just goes down to 50 ISO where the 30D does not - both reach 3200 ISO).
-Zach
The HIgh ISO capability of the 5D is FAR BETTER than the 30D. Probably 1.5 stops better. 1600 ISO on a 5D is way better than 800 on a 30D. This is my experience after taking thousands of pictures with both.
Gear I buy only when I realize there are shots I want to make and my current gear will not allow me to make them. So I then, and only then, buy (or rent) whatever I need to make those shots.
From a business perspective spend any spare cash on generating income .. more samples, a nice studio or meeting space, advertising, etc. Or increasing your knowledge with a workshop, DVD's, etc.
The reality is you can shoot wonderful & sellable wedding photos with minimal equipment.
Want to be shooting $4000 weddings with the look of buissink, cantrell, yervant, etc? Want to be primiarily a PJ shooter?
Two ways to do it.
Plan A) Buy a couple of 5D2/1d3 bodies, L primes or L zooms (or some of both), a couple of 580s, some PWs, reflectors, etc. All of it - the good stuff. Now, today, on credit. $25,000. Go shoot weddings with your new 85 1.2 at 1.2 at 10FPS. The pics will be to die for - really. In a year you'll have a portfolio with lots of great pics, great gear you know inside and out. Shoot 10 weddings for $1200 this year. In 2010 ask $3500 for weddings. Shoot 10 and make $35,000. In 2011 shoot 15 weddings for $4200. In 2012 shoot 20 weddings at $5000.
Plan B) Buy a used 40D and tamron lenses, sigma flash. Have no debt. Shoot ten $1200 weddings. In 2010 add an L prime. Shoot 12 weddings at $1400. In 2011 buy a used 5D2 and 2 L lense. Still no debt of course. New sample albums are needed as your style's changing. Shoot 15 weddings at $1500. 2012 has come and now perhaps you have all the top bodies and L gear that you need. Time to ask $3500 a wedding! And shoot 12 perhaps as its a new market for you.
Both plans end at teh same time with the same gear. Plan A requires debt and a confidence in yourself. Debt is a motivating factor to make you work hard and shoot smart. That's why you ask $3500 in your second year - youv'e got confidence in yourself and your ability to make beautiful images.
Plan A: spend $25,000 today and make $210,000 over the next 3 years
Plan B: Spend $30,000 over 3 years (you lose money on every item you bought then sold - 15 to 20% loss ) and make $94,000
