Archived from groups: rec.photo.digital (More info?)
I'm finally going to make the switch from film to digital. My primary market
is weddings. However, being a long time film shooter, I have been routinely
shooting with two EOS-5 bodies, an Elan IIe body and a Konica Hexar AF body,
using a EF28-70 2.8L, and a Sigma 70-210 2.8 (and 50 1.8 and the 35mm lens
of the Hexar). My main flash set-up has been the Sunpak 120J-TTL on a
Stroboframe Pro-RL bracket (parabolic flash with camera flipping bracket).
I'm very used to this set-up and couples are very happy with the results.
Other flashes are 420ex and 430 EZ
However, I would like to shoot digital for the savings in film and
processing costs(whether I give them 8X10 proof sheets, proof prints or
small or large file CD's hasn't quite been decided), not having to load
film, usable 800 or 1600 ISO on demand - low light no flash candids)
I would also like to try using a service like Pictage or Smugmug. (With
Pictage, I could still shoot film but it would seem like an extra and
unnecessary expense)
I've always felt that a wedding photographer needs at least one backup
system but 2 EOS 20D's seem out of the question for price.
I've thought about:
1 EOS-20D and...
EOS-350D (XT) as second body to use (or emergency backup should the 20D
fail)
or the new Panasonic FZ30 as the 2nd body to use and be emergency back up)
As far as flash goes... I've really enjoyed the parabolic flash of the
Sunpak 120JTTL, but it won't work with the digital stuff except in manual or
aperture priority on the camera and Auto mode on the flash. I really do
want TTL metering and by buying the new 580ex flash I can get the new E-TTL
II metering which incorporates distance and reflectivity in the TTL readings
which I see is a bonus (if it really works!) But the 580ex doesn't really
work with the Pro-RL bracket because the flash remains horizontal
(stationary) when the camera flips to vertical (not a problem with round
parabolic flash reflectors).
My other flash possibilities would be the Quantum Q flash T4D (with E-TTLII)
but price.... yikes! (What I liked about the Sunpak is that I could take the
whole system off my tripod, leave the battery attached to the tripod and use
the 4 AA's inside the flash for a few shots... that's handy!, but I don't
think the Q flash can do this.
Lens wise: I think I might I would have to sell my 28-70 2.8L to buy a
Sigma 70-200 2.8. I love my 70-210 2.8 but it's old and won't work with the
new EOS bodies (too old to be re-chipped!) I'd probably replace my 28-70
2.8 L with the EF 17-85 IS lens. Maybe I'll spring also for an 85 1.8 or
a 100 f2.
Sorry for the long post. If you have any insights to share on any aspect of
this post, they would be appreciated.
Perhaps I should simplify and lighten my load and shoot with two Leica M7's
or Bessa R or Hexar RF's with a wide and a telephoto and let the film lab
deal with the images. That's kind of appealing as well. (I should try
making up my mind about this right??!!)
Thanks for any thoughtful advice.
David
I'm finally going to make the switch from film to digital. My primary market
is weddings. However, being a long time film shooter, I have been routinely
shooting with two EOS-5 bodies, an Elan IIe body and a Konica Hexar AF body,
using a EF28-70 2.8L, and a Sigma 70-210 2.8 (and 50 1.8 and the 35mm lens
of the Hexar). My main flash set-up has been the Sunpak 120J-TTL on a
Stroboframe Pro-RL bracket (parabolic flash with camera flipping bracket).
I'm very used to this set-up and couples are very happy with the results.
Other flashes are 420ex and 430 EZ
However, I would like to shoot digital for the savings in film and
processing costs(whether I give them 8X10 proof sheets, proof prints or
small or large file CD's hasn't quite been decided), not having to load
film, usable 800 or 1600 ISO on demand - low light no flash candids)
I would also like to try using a service like Pictage or Smugmug. (With
Pictage, I could still shoot film but it would seem like an extra and
unnecessary expense)
I've always felt that a wedding photographer needs at least one backup
system but 2 EOS 20D's seem out of the question for price.
I've thought about:
1 EOS-20D and...
EOS-350D (XT) as second body to use (or emergency backup should the 20D
fail)
or the new Panasonic FZ30 as the 2nd body to use and be emergency back up)
As far as flash goes... I've really enjoyed the parabolic flash of the
Sunpak 120JTTL, but it won't work with the digital stuff except in manual or
aperture priority on the camera and Auto mode on the flash. I really do
want TTL metering and by buying the new 580ex flash I can get the new E-TTL
II metering which incorporates distance and reflectivity in the TTL readings
which I see is a bonus (if it really works!) But the 580ex doesn't really
work with the Pro-RL bracket because the flash remains horizontal
(stationary) when the camera flips to vertical (not a problem with round
parabolic flash reflectors).
My other flash possibilities would be the Quantum Q flash T4D (with E-TTLII)
but price.... yikes! (What I liked about the Sunpak is that I could take the
whole system off my tripod, leave the battery attached to the tripod and use
the 4 AA's inside the flash for a few shots... that's handy!, but I don't
think the Q flash can do this.
Lens wise: I think I might I would have to sell my 28-70 2.8L to buy a
Sigma 70-200 2.8. I love my 70-210 2.8 but it's old and won't work with the
new EOS bodies (too old to be re-chipped!) I'd probably replace my 28-70
2.8 L with the EF 17-85 IS lens. Maybe I'll spring also for an 85 1.8 or
a 100 f2.
Sorry for the long post. If you have any insights to share on any aspect of
this post, they would be appreciated.
Perhaps I should simplify and lighten my load and shoot with two Leica M7's
or Bessa R or Hexar RF's with a wide and a telephoto and let the film lab
deal with the images. That's kind of appealing as well. (I should try
making up my mind about this right??!!)
Thanks for any thoughtful advice.
David
/www.shadowcatcherimagery.com
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