Wetlook World Forum

However I'll reply to EdR's thread, because he points exactly into the right direction. The answer very much depends on asking and answering some very basic questions beforehand.

What is the main reason for getting some new gear? Will a new camera help me with regard to my reasoning? Am I probably still missing something when I have my new camera?

When it comes down to improving the quality of your work the camera is one small component that plays a part in the overall picture. As others described in their replys there are many more influencing factors like scenery, variety, perspectives, lighting, lense-quality, post-production, technical handling or your gear, communication with models, the list can go on endlessly. And every aspect is a field to work on and improve overall quality.

Coming back to the topic of camera choice. When we talk about DSLRs this is often determined by budget and by equipment you already own. Most of us have started in the Nikon or Canon camp and stayed there ever since. Simply because you start to buy lenses and flashes that youwant to keep using in the future. You can't go wrong with either choice, both provide great quality and after all it comes down to a question of believes.

I for example started with a Canon 350D initially and made my way via a 40D, to my current 7D and 5D MarkII. The choice of the latter was influenced partly through my wetlook work and partly through my private photography hobby. The full frame is extremely useful when you shoot in narrow locations like in hotel rooms (which I do a lot), because it can give you the perspective or framing you just wouldn't get from a crop-frame body. Also it can help to make use of the full potential of some HQ-lenses. Another reason was the low-light potential which I use mainly for my private shooting, since I use lighting equipment for all my wetlook shoots. Another reasoning was the movie quality of both the 7D and the 5D MarkII, because - let's be honest - a lot of the wetlook fans appreciate video alongside a photoset.

But that being said, I didn't buy my 5D MarkII new, since almost €2,5k would have always been too much for a good thing for me. I did take some tries, but after a few weeks I managed to obtain a used one for around €1k on ebay.

After all, your choice has to be influenced by where you want to increase quality, or improve your workflow. Not all of it will be solely influenced by the camera but by many other factors as well.

I know this does not make the choice any easier, but hey, photography is complex, that's why we love it :-D

chris