Looking to upgrade from entry-level DSLR - indoor photography

[SilverBelle]

Hi all! I am brand new to this forum and have searched around for similar topics but can't find any that are exactly what I am trying to ask.

I am looking to upgrade my Canon EOS Rebel t6. I have no complaints about the camera in the ISO 100-400 range (other than AF being a little sketchy), but above that it starts to get VERY noisy, with anything 1600 and above being basically unusable, and unfixable in image editing programs. I mainly photograph animals (generally use shutter speeds of 1/250 and faster) and will be making large prints, so this is an issue.

As far as Canon goes, the EOS 5D MkIII seems to be very popular. I would like to stay with Canon and don't mind upgrading to a full frame since my favorite lenses are EF anyway. I do mind the pricetag, however, and if that could be avoided that'd be fantastic.

So my question is - is there another camera that would be worth upgrading to as a sort of middle ground (probably around the $800-$1200 range)? Or should I be focusing more on creating better lighting conditions indoors with portable studio lighting?

Thanks for your patience with me, I know some of you are probably rolling your eyes reading this.

 

[beatboxa]

Hi all! I am brand new to this forum and have searched around for similar topics but can't find any that are exactly what I am trying to ask.

I am looking to upgrade my Canon EOS Rebel t6. I have no complaints about the camera in the ISO 100-400 range (other than AF being a little sketchy), but above that it starts to get VERY noisy, with anything 1600 and above being basically unusable, and unfixable in image editing programs. I mainly photograph animals (generally use shutter speeds of 1/250 and faster) and will be making large prints, so this is an issue.

As far as Canon goes, the EOS 5D MkIII seems to be very popular. I would like to stay with Canon and don't mind upgrading to a full frame since my favorite lenses are EF anyway. I do mind the pricetag, however, and if that could be avoided that'd be fantastic.

So my question is - is there another camera that would be worth upgrading to as a sort of middle ground (probably around the $800-$1200 range)? Or should I be focusing more on creating better lighting conditions indoors with portable studio lighting?

Thanks for your patience with me, I know some of you are probably rolling your eyes reading this.

The reason you are getting noise is not the ISO or even necessarily the camera's smaller APS-C sensor. It's because you're not getting enough light to the sensor. There are a few remedies (all else equal):

• Use a slower shutter speed (obviously not always possible). A 1/125 shutter speed gets you twice as much light
• Use a lower F-number. An F/2 lens gets you 4x as much light as an F/4!
• Use brighter scene lighting (again, not always possible)

You can also get a full-frame camera like the 5DIII--but you will have to pair it with faster glass anyway.

My recommendation would be to try to find faster glass on your T6 first--even try some good EF glass if you can find it. Maybe try renting?

ISO isn't the cause of noise--noise is the effect of low exposure. And noise becomes more visible when you brighten it.

Strangely, if your shots are coming out dark at ISO 1600, and you're brightening them in software, try using a higher ISO instead (without changing the exposure)--it will improve the image quality.

I know this doesn't sound intuitive or true, but it is. Here is a proof point for you. The following shots were taken with the same exposure: same shutter speed, F-number, and lens. The shot on the left is ISO 100, while the shot on the right is ISO 3200--the difference is that the ISO 100 (raw) shot was brightened in software.

 

[Krusty79]

It'll be a lot cheaper to pick up a decent flash that you can bounce off the ceiling/walls. Plus, that will allow you to shoot at lower ISOs. You can control the direction of the light and get rid of any harsh shadows that way too.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/greg79
"You can't be young forever, but you can always be immature" - Larry Andersen

 

[photosen]

I take a lot of indoor photos with a 70D, to show on the web; pleased with the results even at ISO 3200, 6400 in a pinch, beyond that I'd have to carry a tripod. A decent exposure makes a big difference.

 

[BBbuilder467]

If you're doing pets indoors, you probably need a flash. You will rarely find anyone who photographs pets that doesn't use flash. It's a lot like portraits.

Shows or agility trials are more like sports and require more appropriate gear. You'd also be concerned about burst speed.

 

[Tim Reidy Productions]

try 70d or 80d maybe even 77d

use lenses with a f2.8 for extra help getting more light into your photos.

check dpr reviews which should tell you what the camera can do.

good luck

 

[Alex Cherkasov]

for the entry level professional grade camera Canon 6D is your best choice for your budget. The overall quality of the image is great for wedding, event, reportage and general use. ISO is good- you can shoot at quite high ISOs without noise removal soft.
I sold one of my 6Ds and bought 5D Mark IV, but still use 6D as a second camera for big events and weddings.
Just grab expensive high quality sd card

 

[SilverBelle]

Thanks, everyone, for the comments.

Alex, I was looking at the 6Dmkii but actually ended up jumping ship and getting a Nikon d7200. Not a full frame, but for the bargain price (since d7500 is out) I am very happy with the low-light performance and it will do really nicely until I can upgrade to a Canon 5D-line.

 

[Alex Cherkasov]

Alrighty, Nice bargain!
Merry Christmas by the way!