6D vs D800 for portraits.

[Inn3rs3lf]

Looking to by a FF between a 6D and a D800.
I wrote up a full on write up on Reddit for this, but they didn't allow the post, so I lost all my words

Looking at doing Portraits, and wondering if the extra mp will be better for me? The wifi transfer is rad - but don't want to sacrifice anything quality wise for it.
I have 0 invested in either system, so starting off on a "I will buy a 50mm 1.8" included and take it from there.
Other option is a Fujifilm X-T30II

Prices are weird here in South Africa, man.

Attached is a Canon 600D (My sisters) with a 50mm 1.8. He is posed like that for me trying to send my boss an example for signature headshots for emails...just so he knows what he will get (my boss).
there is no lighting whatsoever, it was cloudy, it was difficult. He also really did not want to be there lol.

Either way, I would love some input from you seasoned people, that may have tried the above, and give me an outcome.
Basically, my budget is R12K camera and lens. I can get both the 6D and D800 with a 50mm for that price. Just seeing what thoughts you all have between them.

 

[bwana]

Keep in mind that 50mm is going to actually be 50 on a FF, as opposed to the [effective] 80mm you were getting on the APS-C body.

As for Cannon on Nikon... ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

 

[Tongs of Destiny]

When you say portraits do you want to work in a studio? reason I ask is I have an X-T30 and it doesn't support tethering (odd) whilst the X-T3 does, probably just a software mod but I didn't realise that when I bought it. It is a great feature for indoor portrait shooting.

Anyway wifi / bluetooth for Fuji was always a pain, it's really easier to just connect a cable and transfer them across, much quicker.

For R12k you are really going to have to shop second hand at like Orms or Kameraz. For a 6D / D800 with lens for R12k that's really tight and I don't think you'll find anything in that price range unless you "know someone"

Since it's portrait it's really easy vs fast wildlife.. and cheaper, the lens is always where you spend your money. Don't shy away from older cameras, I have large animal portraits in my house (1.8m) from a canon 7D / 100-400mm and they are crystal clear. Remember 20 years ago award winning photos in Time / Natgeo were taken with a Canon 5D, so if those photos were good then they would still be good now..

 

[Inn3rs3lf]

Good to know about the tethering! Thank you!
I actually do know someone for both options they are sitting waiting to be purchased.

 

[Tongs of Destiny]

Good to know about the tethering! Thank you!
I actually do know someone for both options they are sitting waiting to be purchased.

Just saw this 6d for R9,900 with all those goodies. I think that's a good price not 100% sure on resale values. Will also depend on the shutter count of those cameras as they are not mirrorless..

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on marketplace there is even a 5d MKii for R9,000 (insane when you think this camera came out at almost $3,000 in 2008!

 

[Inn3rs3lf]

Just saw this 6d for R9,900 with all those goodies. I think that's a good price not 100% sure on resale values. Will also depend on the shutter count of those cameras as they are not mirrorless..

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on marketplace there is even a 5d MKii for R9,000 (insane when you think this camera came out at almost $3,000 in 2008!

I bought a D750 off a guy a few years ago - and he has the 6D body for R8,5K and a D800 body for R8,9K.
Both are immaculate with under 25K actuations. And I at least know him from previous experience. I firmly think the 6D is better than the 5D Mark II. Digic 5+. Wifi, greater dynamic range etc.
I have been waiting for a 5D Mark III for a while under R12K - and I missed the deal in December in favor of a 77D due to some costs. Man I was an idiot. Hoping to see if the same deal pops up again.
Also, all these deals are under 50K actuations.

My main worry with the D800 is the 36Mp count and the noise that it would introduce, but at the same time...it would be perfect to have a great A0 print of something...I don't know. I mean, I have experience in some aspects of photography, but this is confusing for me a bit.

To be honest, I am leaning much more towards the 6D due to the cost of L lenses second hand. A F2.8 zoom for just over R10K is amazing! I am not sure of the equivalent is with Nikon, and how it would relate. But just flat out knowing Canon's lens quality - it may be the deciding factor.

It would be a no questions asked option if I can find a 5D Mark III as I did in December...so who knows. Looking to purchase month end.

But coming back to the tethering...that will make a massive difference, so the Fuji is removed from the list.

 

[bwana]

To be honest, I am leaning much more towards the 6D due to the cost of L lenses second hand. A F2.8 zoom for just over R10K is amazing! I am not sure of the equivalent is with Nikon, and how it would relate. But just flat out knowing Canon's lens quality - it may be the deciding factor.

Have you considered f/4 lenses? I picked up a used Canon 70-200 f/4 not long ago for R5k and have hardly touched my f/2.8 since, including in studio. It's razor sharp and a pleasure to use.

And what about lighting?

 

[Tongs of Destiny]

I bought a D750 off a guy a few years ago - and he has the 6D body for R8,5K and a D800 body for R8,9K.
Both are immaculate with under 25K actuations. And I at least know him from previous experience. I firmly think the 6D is better than the 5D Mark II. Digic 5+. Wifi, greater dynamic range etc.
I have been waiting for a 5D Mark III for a while under R12K - and I missed the deal in December in favor of a 77D due to some costs. Man I was an idiot. Hoping to see if the same deal pops up again.
Also, all these deals are under 50K actuations.

My main worry with the D800 is the 36Mp count and the noise that it would introduce, but at the same time...it would be perfect to have a great A0 print of something...I don't know. I mean, I have experience in some aspects of photography, but this is confusing for me a bit.

To be honest, I am leaning much more towards the 6D due to the cost of L lenses second hand. A F2.8 zoom for just over R10K is amazing! I am not sure of the equivalent is with Nikon, and how it would relate. But just flat out knowing Canon's lens quality - it may be the deciding factor.

It would be a no questions asked option if I can find a 5D Mark III as I did in December...so who knows. Looking to purchase month end.

But coming back to the tethering...that will make a massive difference, so the Fuji is removed from the list.

Don't chase camera bodies... a 5d mkiii isn't really used for portrait photography, its weather sealed, fast, better low light, more autofocus points etc etc. The 6d is more for portraits and landscapes as it's slower and doesn't offer the above, just a general all rounder but very good.

Don't discount the Fuji, but they have a completely different lens system obviously. The X-T30/40/50 is a slightly cheaper and non weather sealed with some less features than their twins X-T3/4/5... tethering being one of them. Fuji make incredibly beautiful cameras and lens, very very good, but it is a slightly niche market. To be equivalent the X-T4/5.. probably 5 would be in the same ballpark, but that is a mighty impressive camera and three times the price!

The D800 to me would be the winner here, but it's expensive... it's better than the 5d mkiii in my opinion, by quite a way if you're doing portrait work. If you can get a D800 for that price I would do it if you were serious, that camera is a winner. I mean the camera is almost twice the price of the 6D!

Nikon D800