Upgrading from 550D - Nikon D750 or Canon 5D Mkiii?

Really stuck with what to buy!

So here's my situation...I'm just starting up as a wedding photographer and I NEED to upgrade/ replace everything!

My budget is absolute £2500 max (don't mind used equipment)

My Current kit:

• Canon 550D
• Canon 18-135mm STM + 50mm 1.8

it's done me well for the learning side and I really feel I've gotten as much as I can out this kit. I'm hitting too many bottle necks, with ISO, slow lenses, slow fps, etc.

I'm seriously looking into Nikon for the extra dynamic range and the way it handles high ISOs. The obvious way to go would be Nikons D750 as being a great balance for price/performance. Or should I go for something less and wait for the D850 to drop, if that'll happen?

Nikon seems the way to go for the dynamic range and low light performance, but Canon's glass (especially 70-200) and what seems like far superior AF is stopping me and leaning me towards 5D mkiii and just investing in canon instead.

SO I'm looking for advice on which system to go with and how I should invest the £2500. (I found the D750 on hdewcameras for £1199!). and I'm primarily focusing on weddings.

This is my wish list:

• Full Frame Canon/Nikon Body
• Wide lense for groups (24/35)
• Portrait lens
• Ideally a macro lens for detail shots of rings
• Flashgun

Eventually, I'd want at least two bodies but don't think my budget will allow for that right now.

Personally, the only reason I'd choose Canon is for the colours straight out of the cameras (mainly that they use warmer colours). I like the way they come out before editing them. That being said, this is relatively easy to fix as one can create a preset for other cameras that make their images look more pleasing.

I prefer the Nikon over Canon for the following reasons: image quality (at least in information gathering (at least according to DXOMARK)), price of the body, availability of cheaper older D lenses, features (in general), articulating screen, same rotation direction as most other brands.

Unless there's a Canon lens that really compels you to their system, I'd strongly recommend the D750 over the 5DIII.

Here's what I'd get for 2500 pounds (which is 4300 CAD):

• Nikon D750 $2000
• Used Nikon 80-200mm f/2.8D or 85mm f/1.8G ($450)
• Used Nikon 17-35mm f/2.8 ($700)
• Used Nikon 60mm f/2.8D Micro ($350)
• Many flash ideas ($250)
• This leaves $550 for whatever else you'd need including a possible used backup body (might need to be APS-C at this price though.

That being said, have you considered the A7III? It's lenses can be pricey but the features may be worth it depending on your needs/wants.

MarkMistry said:

Really stuck with what to buy!

So here's my situation...I'm just starting up as a wedding photographer and I NEED to upgrade/ replace everything!

My budget is absolute £2500 max (don't mind used equipment)

My Current kit:

• Canon 550D
• Canon 18-135mm STM + 50mm 1.8

it's done me well for the learning side and I really feel I've gotten as much as I can out this kit. I'm hitting too many bottle necks, with ISO, slow lenses, slow fps, etc.

I'm seriously looking into Nikon for the extra dynamic range and the way it handles high ISOs. The obvious way to go would be Nikons D750 as being a great balance for price/performance. Or should I go for something less and wait for the D850 to drop, if that'll happen?

Nikon seems the way to go for the dynamic range and low light performance, but Canon's glass (especially 70-200) and what seems like far superior AF is stopping me and leaning me towards 5D mkiii and just investing in canon instead.

SO I'm looking for advice on which system to go with and how I should invest the £2500. (I found the D750 on hdewcameras for £1199!). and I'm primarily focusing on weddings.

This is my wish list:

• Full Frame Canon/Nikon Body
• Wide lense for groups (24/35)
• Portrait lens
• Ideally a macro lens for detail shots of rings
• Flashgun

Eventually, I'd want at least two bodies but don't think my budget will allow for that right now.

Click to expand...

you'll get better "IQ" image quality with Canon and a better (and cheaper) selection of lenses. - some of the reasons most pros shoot with Canon

But before dropping a bundle on camera gear and becoming a "professional wedding photographer" read the business and wedding photo forums ..... it's not an easy job and the most important considerations are business skills, marketing and people skills. ........... might want to rent before buying .....

beagle1 said:

you'll get better "IQ" image quality with Canon and a better (and cheaper) selection of lenses. - some of the reasons most pros shoot with Canon

Click to expand...

Not necessarily true.

Better IQ can be subjective. For example, (you can check DXOMark) and you'll see that they score Canon as having relatively worse image quality. Some full frame Canon sensors score lower than other APS-C sensors! People have differing views on DXOMARK but I just wanted to clarify to the OP that Canon will not objectively get you better image quality.

The lens selection is also subjective. Because Nikon has an older mount, you can very often find cheaper Nikon lenses that are older but still work well. I'd say overall, for what I shoot, Nikon has the cheaper selection, especially if you look on the used market. The lens I use most often as the example is the Nikon 80-200mm f/2.8D that I regularly see on classifieds for $400-500 CAD (~$315-400USD). Fast telephoto zooms are hard to find at this price in the Canon world. This is the lens I use most during the wedding ceremony. Canon and Nikon both make good lenses. At different focal lengths and apertures, there is consensus amongst many photographers that some are better in the Canon world, while others are better in the Nikon world, and some are even done better by third-party manufacturers that make lenses for both mounts. Price is also not black and white. For those on a tight budget and are willing to buy used, I push towards Nikon. For those wanting new modern lenses, generally, it's not going to make too much of a difference regarding which brand you go with, with maybe just a few exceptions.

Cato1040 said:

Personally, the only reason I'd choose Canon is for the colours straight out of the cameras (mainly that they use warmer colours). I like the way they come out before editing them. That being said, this is relatively easy to fix as one can create a preset for other cameras that make their images look more pleasing.

I prefer the Nikon over Canon for the following reasons: image quality (at least in information gathering (at least according to DXOMARK)), price of the body, availability of cheaper older D lenses, features (in general), articulating screen, same rotation direction as most other brands.

Unless there's a Canon lens that really compels you to their system, I'd strongly recommend the D750 over the 5DIII.

Here's what I'd get for 2500 pounds (which is 4300 CAD):

• Nikon D750 $2000
• Used Nikon 80-200mm f/2.8D or 85mm f/1.8G ($450)
• Used Nikon 17-35mm f/2.8 ($700)
• Used Nikon 60mm f/2.8D Micro ($350)
• Many flash ideas ($250)
• This leaves $550 for whatever else you'd need including a possible used backup body (might need to be APS-C at this price though.

That being said, have you considered the A7III? It's lenses can be pricey but the features may be worth it depending on your needs/wants.

Click to expand...

Thanks for the detailed response!

There is one lens which I absolutely love 70-200 2.8 mkII but considering my budget it's best to stick to the D750.

After seeing your list I think getting a zoom will be better as I'll only have the one nikon body and really don't want to be fiddling around switching lenses.

So what do you think of this? £2199 ($3812 CAD):

• Nikon D750 - £1199 ($2079 CAD)
• Tamron SP 24-70mm f/2.8 Di VC USD G2 - £850 ($1474 CAD)
• Used SB-700 - £150 ($260 CAD) - OR find a used Nissin Di866 II

Then use my Canon 550D with a 50mm 1.8 as my secondary body?

I'll have £300 ($520 CAD) left over to spend on accessories, batteries, etc.

I briefly looked at the Sony A7III but it's just too delicate and light. and Yes the lenses are pricey here too.

beagle1 said:

But before dropping a bundle on camera gear and becoming a "professional wedding photographer" read the business and wedding photo forums ..... it's not an easy job and the most important considerations are business skills, marketing and people skills. ........... might want to rent before buying .....

Click to expand...

I'm not starting from scratch per say...I've done 10 weddings over the year on my kit, it's just I'm long overdue an update. Being restrained to ISO800-1600 and F4-5 and having to shoot around 1/40s sometimes, using my flash a bit too much...It's time for a change! Didn't have the funds when I started so was stuck with the 550. I'm just ready now with having the cash and more time to move forward.

That sounds like a great kit! The thing is that Nikon and Canon have different rotation directions for zoom and focusing, so unless you don't touch the ring on the Canon kit, it could be tricky using the two systems.

MarkMistry said:

MarkMistry said:

But before dropping a bundle on camera gear and becoming a "professional wedding photographer" read the business and wedding photo forums ..... it's not an easy job and the most important considerations are business skills, marketing and people skills. ........... might want to rent before buying .....

Click to expand...

I'm not starting from scratch per say...I've done 10 weddings over the year on my kit, it's just I'm long overdue an update. Being restrained to ISO800-1600 and F4-5 and having to shoot around 1/40s sometimes, using my flash a bit too much...It's time for a change! Didn't have the funds when I started so was stuck with the 550. I'm just ready now with having the cash and more time to move forward.

Click to expand...

OK, you know professional wedding photography requires full frame and "L" lenses and good lighting and business and marketing skills

(................ but keep your day job !)

www.flickr.com/photos/mmirrorless

beagle1 said:

OK, you know professional wedding photography requires full frame and "L" lenses and good lighting and business and marketing skills

(................ but keep your day job !)

Click to expand...

OP, don't take all of this as absolute truth. Most wedding photographers I've seen do use full frame cameras but it's not necessary. Lenses and skill can work around it. "L" lenses are definitely not necessary as there are other great lenses out there. Good lighting can be achieved artificially or naturally. Business and marketing however are quite important if you see this as a business as opposed to a hobby.

beagle1 said:

MarkMistry said:

beagle1 said:

But before dropping a bundle on camera gear and becoming a "professional wedding photographer" read the business and wedding photo forums ..... it's not an easy job and the most important considerations are business skills, marketing and people skills. ........... might want to rent before buying .....

Click to expand...

I'm not starting from scratch per say...I've done 10 weddings over the year on my kit, it's just I'm long overdue an update. Being restrained to ISO800-1600 and F4-5 and having to shoot around 1/40s sometimes, using my flash a bit too much...It's time for a change! Didn't have the funds when I started so was stuck with the 550. I'm just ready now with having the cash and more time to move forward.

Click to expand...

OK, you know professional wedding photography requires full frame and "L" lenses and good lighting and business and marketing skills

(................ but keep your day job !)

www.flickr.com/photos/mmirrorless

Click to expand...

550D with a 50mm is a very capable combination when there's enough light. Yes i'd rather stick a fast 85/100mm prime onto a full frame but then I'd need a spare full frame body

Cato1040 said:

beagle1 said:

OK, you know professional wedding photography requires full frame and "L" lenses and good lighting and business and marketing skills

(................ but keep your day job !)

Click to expand...

OP, don't take all of this as absolute truth. Most wedding photographers I've seen do use full frame cameras but it's not necessary. Lenses and skill can work around it. "L" lenses are definitely not necessary as there are other great lenses out there. Good lighting can be achieved artificially or naturally. Business and marketing however are quite important if you see this as a business as opposed to a hobby.

Click to expand...

Totally agree.