20d weddings

[lazyboy]

anyone used 20d to shoot weddings.what are results? how does it handle contrast?

 

[Tom Storey]

Shoot RAW + Large jpg (I have 2 gig cards)
Parameter 2 with Contrast minus 2 to help reduce possibility of burnout.
Always use Manual for Flash and always check histogram.
But should add I'm a beginner so playing safe as I can.
HTH
Tom

http://tomstorey.fotopic.net

 

[centralcoastmagazine]

anyone used 20d to shoot weddings.what are results? how does it
handle contrast?

The assistant can capture the guests, details like the cake, rings
and do some portraits of the guests with the 20D. For most smaller
paid weddings this works out well.

For the more formal work and the B&G plus close family member portraits,
you should consider more reliable camera and more quality of a 1D series
camera in the canon line or something like the Fuji S3 in the 12 MP range
or a 1DsII now that they are out.

Couple may want larger and more detailed prints and you will need something
more that the low end consumer camera like the 20D.

Weddings are commercial jobs and deserve the best quality from the pro
series cameras.

 

[RichO]

Sorry, but your statement is just not the experience being reported here.

Several folks here are using the 10D and the 20D to shoot the entire weddings.

They are not here to post as much, since they are out busy shooting weddings.
--
http://www.pbase.com/richo/
'Life is a dance, Love is the music.'

 

[mike m134089]

I use both the 20D and 1D for weddings. For the controlled portrait situations, I can put 8x10s from each camera and not know which took which pic. I use +1 contrast since I found I was usually adding it back in anyways. Check the histogram for blow out and adjust accordingly.

The 20D is now my preferred camera for weddings because of the improvement of the ettlII over the 1D. Nice big files for cropping, too.

I disagree with the previous post that says 1D-quality is needed for portraits.

Mike

anyone used 20d to shoot weddings.what are results? how does it
handle contrast?

The assistant can capture the guests, details like the cake, rings
and do some portraits of the guests with the 20D. For most smaller
paid weddings this works out well.

For the more formal work and the B&G plus close family member
portraits,
you should consider more reliable camera and more quality of a 1D
series
camera in the canon line or something like the Fuji S3 in the 12 MP
range
or a 1DsII now that they are out.

Couple may want larger and more detailed prints and you will need
something
more that the low end consumer camera like the 20D.

Weddings are commercial jobs and deserve the best quality from the pro
series cameras.

 

[Tim32225]

Experience and technique are the two biggest ingredients in wedding photography. Any decent quality DSLR of film SLR will do the job if the right person is behind the viewfinder.

I know plenty of photographers using both 10D and 20D or both, and they do fine. Any starving wedding photographer probalby cannot blame his/her woes on the camera.

my 2-cents...

--
Pbase homepage at http://www.pbase.com/tim32225/root

 

[centralcoastmagazine]

Sorry, but your statement is just not the experience being reported
here.

Several folks here are using the 10D and the 20D to shoot the
entire weddings.

No need to take the pro cameras on the wedding jobs? Couples
will never know the difference anyway? They never ask for more than
the 8x12 prints, so you hardly ever make any money on those either.

Yup, gotta agree, there are plenty using P&S cameras too. That doesn't
mean you get the best quailty that people actually pay good money
for you to produce the best quality you can.

I think you will find that the 20D makes a perfectly fine assistant camera
for those candid and back up images since you can get many images
of the ceremony, gusests and reception on 1gb cards for extra images
to sell to the couple.

Weddings are about the best you can produce.....to compete you need
the quality and reliable camera that pro series is known to produce.

If you recommend a camera for wedding work, the prime camera is one
that is built for heavy use and has the top quality for your budget and
produces the best image. That recommendation would not be the 20D
for prime use on commercial jobs.

 

[Tom065]

you are kidding right? the 20D is more than enough camera for weddings provided you have a back up and quality lenses AND you know what you are doing. What does an s3 have over the 20D? It ain't the camera.

I switched over to digital from medium format when the d-30 came out- it was capable of producing quality 20x30 images with step-up software. The 20D is miles ahead.

anyone used 20d to shoot weddings.what are results? how does it
handle contrast?

The assistant can capture the guests, details like the cake, rings
and do some portraits of the guests with the 20D. For most smaller
paid weddings this works out well.

For the more formal work and the B&G plus close family member
portraits,
you should consider more reliable camera and more quality of a 1D
series
camera in the canon line or something like the Fuji S3 in the 12 MP
range
or a 1DsII now that they are out.

Couple may want larger and more detailed prints and you will need
something
more that the low end consumer camera like the 20D.

Weddings are commercial jobs and deserve the best quality from the pro
series cameras.

 

[centralcoastmagazine]

Your best friend in another town is going into the wedding
business (example) They are very good photographers, but
don't have any digital cameras.

Would you recommend a 20D or a 1dsII? Would you
tell them they should have a 1DsII for formals or just stick
with a 20D and a 580ex?

Do you recommend the better camera because of all around
quality, durability, lack of banding and err99 warnings? I would
not want err99 on a busy job, do you?

There are many reasons for recommending a truely pro camera.
The question is not about the users ability, it is about the
20D for weddings and its concerns. We have to assume for the
question that the pro can get the best out of any camera. Take
a pinhole camera if you like, but it will not be good for weddings.
That arguement is just sidetracking the fact that it is better to
use a more pro camera for commercial work. I see most pros
actually have and use a full range of camera. People starting out
buy the lower quality cameras and work their way up. It has
been like that for all time, nothing new to the craft there.....

I recommend a pro series camera for weddings and the 20D as
backup and assistant camera..... simple as that.

 

[Wild-Mike]

Your best friend in another town is going into the wedding
business (example) They are very good photographers, but
don't have any digital cameras.

Would you recommend a 20D or a 1dsII? Would you
tell them they should have a 1DsII for formals or just stick
with a 20D and a 580ex?

Either one will do the job. Many wedding photographers are now going with the 20D simply because of the weight factor ...and they are successful. I know a few wedding photographers that prior to the 20D had used a couple of 10D cameras and have a fine business and happy clients.

A lot of pros are opting for the 20d for a number of applications including National Geographic photographers.

I don't think I would get too hung up on the camera unless the job requires it.

Regards,
Mike

 

[gandalf_42024]

I've done some video at weddings, as they already had a photographer. When I bump into the photographer at weddings I ask what kind of camera they are using, most of the time it has been a 10D.

Your best friend in another town is going into the wedding
business (example) They are very good photographers, but
don't have any digital cameras.

Would you recommend a 20D or a 1dsII? Would you
tell them they should have a 1DsII for formals or just stick
with a 20D and a 580ex?

Either one will do the job. Many wedding photographers are now
going with the 20D simply because of the weight factor ...and they
are successful. I know a few wedding photographers that prior to
the 20D had used a couple of 10D cameras and have a fine business
and happy clients.

A lot of pros are opting for the 20d for a number of applications
including National Geographic photographers.

I don't think I would get too hung up on the camera unless the job
requires it.

Regards,
Mike

 

[RichO]

Not sure why you are being antagonistic about this. Do you have a personal dislike for the 20D?

The problem with what you are saying is that it does not appear to be reality. Canon even recommends the 20D for weddings.

Does this mean that the 1D Mk II is not a better camera...no...I would hope that one get something for the extra $2000+ you pay for the 1D Mk II.

And the 1Ds? You should do the numbers in the wedding photography business. The 1Ds is way beyond the budget for the majority of all professionals out there. The 1Ds is the "flagship" of the line, but the majority are sailing on the streamlined, cost effective solutions...like the 10D, 20D and the 1D Mk II.

--
http://www.pbase.com/richo/
'Life is a dance, Love is the music.'

 

[centralcoastmagazine]

Not sure why you are being antagonistic about this. Do you have a
personal dislike for the 20D?

nope, it is just a fine second camera.... that is fact. I would highly
dislike err99, banding and other problems in a fast moving situation
and therefore shy away from the 20D for now. It is a money making
tool and has to be more reliable. For a first camera, the 1DII would
be a better choice. The 1DII should pay for itself in a couple of jobs
anyway?

The problem with what you are saying is that it does not appear to
be reality. Canon even recommends the 20D for weddings.

Well, yeah, they are trying to sell it to wannabe wedding pros and
consumer folks that what to say they have a pro camera.... sure they
would say that, its called 'marketing'...

Does this mean that the 1D Mk II is not a better camera...no...I
would hope that one get something for the extra $2000+ you pay for
the 1D Mk II.

that is $3k difference for the 1dii alone..... because it is much more
durable. We are not talking what the pro can do with either camera, we
are talking one suited for the hard use of commercial use and in the
case of MP, the larger files and more 'real estate' for croping. Larger
files equals more data. We are collecting data after all.

And the 1Ds? You should do the numbers in the wedding photography
business. The 1Ds is way beyond the budget for the majority of all
professionals out there. The 1Ds is the "flagship" of the line,
but the majority are sailing on the streamlined, cost effective
solutions...like the 10D, 20D and the 1D Mk II.

I do the numbers every day. You have to offer top quality and have
equipment that is reliable in heavy use. You should invest a certain percent
of your income back into the business. If you start off with a 20D, then
you should asap buy a 1DII and even move up to 1DsII for the important
formal work later. Don't get me wrong, we use two 10D cameras, but consider
them second to film or 1DII cameras. We have enough from last season to
move to a 1DsII or Mamiya ZD in the spring. It is always within the business
plan to get the best cameras so the client will have the best quality prints and
hopefully we will be able to raise our package prices.

http://www.luminous-landscape.com/reviews/cameras/p25-field.shtml

Read this article on the P25. If I were charging $20k for a wedding, I would
have three of these in the bag and the assistant would be using one too.

Strive for the quaity because it will be your reward in the long run.

 

[Qwntm]

The 20D is my main wedding camera right now. I have 3 of them which I feel is more "professional than having 1-1DMII and a 20D. Why? 2 backups are better than 1, and the 20D and 1DMII have the exact same picture quality.

Also, how good would my photographs be after 3 hours carrying around the 1DII and I'm crippled from the weight?

Canon is right in marketing the 20D for wedding photography, it's the best that's available right now for that job. IMHO.

As for longevity, all these cameras (with the exclusion of the 1DSMII) will be obsolete in 18 months anyway. After 3 weddings these cameras were free. If they last 18 months, that's money in the bank that can be used for 30D's. (Or Nikon's vaporware D200 if it ever turns up!)

--
Ed
http://www.edwardtmartins.com

 

[Wild-Mike]

Hey Ed,

What did you do for the lighting on this shot? Did you have a strobe set up near the dance floor? If so, what did you use to protect if from getting knocked over.



Thanks,
Mike

--
Gallery:
http://tkis.com/mike/

 

[Jason Kim]

and 580EX. I used only one lens 24-70L for the entire ceremony. I also had 10D with 70-200IS but I didn't use it at all as I was able to move around as needed. I'm strickly amateur, didn't charge a dime. What I've learned was that my 580EX is underpowered for group shots at f8 ISO400 and ISO800 is barely adquate for 12x12 enlargement for group shots. Other than that it came out better than expected. 20D's tendency to underexpose worked to my favor as I didn't blow white bridal gown's details. I also liked new E-TTL II. I could focus and reframe and most shots came out fine, slightly underexposed to be honest even with +2/3 FEC. I was able to use flash throught the ceremony so it wasn't as challenging. 12x12 prints came out noise free at ISO400. The bride was extremely pleased which make it worth while as they couldn't afford a professional photographer.

anyone used 20d to shoot weddings.what are results? how does it
handle contrast?

--
See profile for my current setup.

 

[Vaughn T.Winfree]

To start with, I really enjoy reading your posts.
Second, I agree that the 1D series cameras have some advantages.
Durability is a good point you made.
But, I currently use the 20D as primary and a 10D as a backup.

Most likely my next DSLR will be a 1D series body. But let me be clear in saying that when everyone was complaining about the 10D with all of its focus issues, etc. I HAD NONE... My 10D performed quite well shooting weddings. Now I have a 20D. Let me see now, I have NO BANDING issues. I focus is much improved than the 10D in lower light when getting a lock. It has the shutter burst speed that I need. The 580EX 20D combo with my Canon Glass simply rocks. No error99 codes. The camera has not missed a beat since I bought it. Every photo has been in focus with the exception of when I could attribute the a few that were operator error.
Its called learning your equipment and using it to its highest potential.

I almost bought a Mk II, but could NOT justify the price when I saw other photographers using the 20D with such great success. I research like crazy before I make a purchase. I also waited to make sure I didnt get the first production line body to insure I didnt have any new manufacturer bugs.
Even the Mk II had problems when it first came out.

I truly believe that some people that may be having issues could very well be attributed to the accessories that are being used with the body itself.

Get a solid body with high end glass. High speed CF cards that can keep up with the demand that the camera is placing on it. And dont go cheap on the flash. Buy what works the best when putting all of the components together and you should NOT have any issues. Or at least very few.

All I am saying is that you should not sell the 20D short by saying its only good for the candids and not formal shots, etc.
I have seen plenty of crummy shots taken with the best cameras as well.
And great shots taken with much cheaper bodies.

Its the photographer that makes the difference by knowing his equipment limitations and being able to manage it to its maximum potential.
Nuf Said Brother,
Keep on posting, cause I like your posts..
Regards,
Vaughn

Your best friend in another town is going into the wedding
business (example) They are very good photographers, but
don't have any digital cameras.

Would you recommend a 20D or a 1dsII? Would you
tell them they should have a 1DsII for formals or just stick
with a 20D and a 580ex?

Do you recommend the better camera because of all around
quality, durability, lack of banding and err99 warnings? I would
not want err99 on a busy job, do you?

There are many reasons for recommending a truely pro camera.
The question is not about the users ability, it is about the
20D for weddings and its concerns. We have to assume for the
question that the pro can get the best out of any camera. Take
a pinhole camera if you like, but it will not be good for weddings.
That arguement is just sidetracking the fact that it is better to
use a more pro camera for commercial work. I see most pros
actually have and use a full range of camera. People starting out
buy the lower quality cameras and work their way up. It has
been like that for all time, nothing new to the craft there.....

I recommend a pro series camera for weddings and the 20D as
backup and assistant camera..... simple as that.

--
Vaughn T. Winfree
Friends Don't Let Friends Shoot Film

pBase supporter http://www.pBase.com/vaughn

 

[centralcoastmagazine]

http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1014&message=11611040

These were posted by an S3 user in the pro forum. He makes some great
points about DR of the S3 as opposed to other digitals with reasons
that any wedding pro knows all too well. Look at the low light and
DR of these image and see whether the 20D can come close even in the
best of hands.

I also like buying a camera that is inexpensive, using
it up and two years later getting another. That is why we have two
10D right now and waiting for what will come out in one year besides
buying a 1DSII or the ZD back for this season to use against 645 film
format. We'll just hop over the 20d for what is next as our backup
cameras.

You and I and many more can make any digital rock at events cause
we know how. I would still rather crop out of a 12MP S3 or 11mp 1Ds than 6 or
8 MP from any other. Just in the same way I would rather have a MF 6x7 or
6x9 than 35mm. It is not the camera per se, it is the file size... It is not
the camera user, its the collected data......

Bigger file... more data... more innate quality.....

I know this is the 20D forum, but I'm not loyal to Canon or any
other too. I'll switch to what ever makes the bucks and discard
the old cameras in a second if they don't produce the best at my
budget.

 

[SPy149399]

I've used 35mm film SLRs, then 10D and now 20D cameras to shoot my weddings. (Nearly went into Medium format but, went 10D digital instead).

The 10D gives better images than any 35mm film SLR (after correct post-production).

99% of the time the B&G aren't even interested in the equipment (just don't show them a box brownie - but it does help give that professional impression 'on the day' if the camera gear looks impressive (no matter how unimportant that is to the photographer).

When all is said and done, all the B&G want is quality and reliable photography - that means no hick-ups or missed photos due to camera stuff ups. My 10D was 100% reliable - my 20D after v1.0.0 hasn't let me down - so my B&Gs are happy and I'm happy.

Also, I have a couple of sample prints to show clients. Prints sizes are 24x16" and 36x24". They were shot with the 10D, the detail (used the 50mm 1.4 lens) is fantastic and the images are sharp. I've won several weddings as a result of putting the 'digital/poor resolution' issues to rest with these images.

In summary - after reliability; THE LENSES MATTER MOST!!

anyone used 20d to shoot weddings.what are results? how does it
handle contrast?

 

[JamesMor]

I am sorry CCM, but the 20d is just fine for weddings. I have done several weddings and a Bar Mitzvah with the 20d - and the results have been excellent.

While I will agree with you that the 1d Mark II is a better camera for CERTAIN activities, the reality is that it has no advantages in image quality or dynamic range. I have never had a bride sprint down the isle...and the 20d is fine for everything else.

I shoot with a 20d and 10d on my neck at the same time. The 20d is light years ahead of the 10d in terms of AF speed and accuracy (though I will admit that i never really had any problems with the 10d's AF). I have used the 1d (though not the Mark II) and while the AF is better for focus tracking, my experience has been that the 20d is as fast or faster in low light focusing on single objects. Believe what you want, but check out the 1D forum and you will see many who have used the cameras will say the same thing.

As for the banding issue - I have not seen it in any of my pictures with the 20d - EXCEPT when I have underexposed a few shots in a serious way (i.e. I occasionally will fire faster than my flash can recharge). I have had one Err 99 during a wedding with the 20d...that is true....and it went up my spine. However, every digital I have ever owned has had a lock up or two...and 1d's have had the same issues as well (anyone remember the REAL banding issue the original 1d had?).

With all due respect my expectations for quality are neurotically high when it comes to file output...the 20d provides the goods.

Yes, there are real advantages to owning a 1d Mark II over a 20d. However, that does not mean that a competent professional could not photograph a wedding with a 20d and do just as well. If you have ever used a 20d, you will realize that it is not the same camera as the 10d/d60/30. It is a much faster and more efficient camera. My ONLY gripe with the camera is the crappy grip - which is a real issue....velcro fix or no.

-JM

Your best friend in another town is going into the wedding
business (example) They are very good photographers, but
don't have any digital cameras.

Would you recommend a 20D or a 1dsII? Would you
tell them they should have a 1DsII for formals or just stick
with a 20D and a 580ex?

Do you recommend the better camera because of all around
quality, durability, lack of banding and err99 warnings? I would
not want err99 on a busy job, do you?

There are many reasons for recommending a truely pro camera.
The question is not about the users ability, it is about the
20D for weddings and its concerns. We have to assume for the
question that the pro can get the best out of any camera. Take
a pinhole camera if you like, but it will not be good for weddings.
That arguement is just sidetracking the fact that it is better to
use a more pro camera for commercial work. I see most pros
actually have and use a full range of camera. People starting out
buy the lower quality cameras and work their way up. It has
been like that for all time, nothing new to the craft there.....

I recommend a pro series camera for weddings and the 20D as
backup and assistant camera..... simple as that.

--
http://www.masterworkphotography.com
Wedding Photography