pinkycat Loc: The Garden State

I was asked to shoot a gathering of international delegates to a convention being held next week. There will be about 150 people visiting my church and I will be shooting indoors as well as out.
I usually shoot nature shots, and this is a bit intimidating. I have a few questions if anyone cares to help out:

1) I have a Canon SX50 and a Canon T3 with kit lenses, a 24-105L lens and a 50mm wide angle. I need to travel as lightly as possible. I feel the SX50 can do the job, but would I get better shots with the T3?

If so, what would be the best lens? Lighting is fluorescent indoors and it is very good. I will be shooting probably anywhere from 15 ft to 100 ft plus for the inside shots.

Of course I'll be shooting RAW. I don't want to rely on automatic. But with changing distances so quick and moving around, I don't know if I have the skill yet to shoot manual.

I really have to travel as light as possible so should I just stick with the SX50?

nicksr1125 Loc: Mesa, AZ

Since the T3 and the SX50 are the same resolution, and the SX50 has a greater zoom range, I'd go with the SX50. The only drawback would be working in low light.

davidrb Loc: Half way there on the 45th Parallel

Maybe you could try shooting in both RAW and jpeg? I do it with my t2i, so it is a possibility. The 24-105 should handle everything you want to compose. While the lens is not "super" fast, it is f/4 throughout the entire range of zooms, and that ain't all bad. You mentioned the lighting was "very good" but you do not mention the situation involving windows. How much glare will you have to encounter? What about reflections? What types of backgrounds will you shoot to? There are a lot of questions you need to ask yourself and then decide how to program your T3. Since you will probably be moving constantly you may consider "AUTO" settings where possible. The white balance is your biggest consideration here. The lighting conditions will dictate whether you go with AUTO or set in fluorescence. (put a CP in your pocket in case glare is severe). The SX50 may be the choice for you. Can not comment on it, but you must enjoy using it. Go with your comfort level. Then plan your work, and work your plan. Best of luck. Plz share what you may.

Chefneil

Perhaps you should spend some at the site before the shoot to get an idea of lighting conditions. I mean go there a day before at the same time of the shoot. Take a bunch of shots and go over them at home.

Having the luxury of two cameras is nice too. Find out if there is a secure place to put your equipment and bring both for the shoot. That way, if you feel the other camera may be better, you can use it.

Of course, if I were doing the shot the thought of using the backup camera may become too strong to resist.

ducwic Loc: Milwaukee, Wi.

Take both cameras, arrive early (you all ready know your church) sample your site situation, make any adjustments and
fire away. As mentioned, watch your white balance and ISO.
Good Luck!

pinkycat Loc: The Garden State

Very good suggestions, all! Thank you. I plan to go there tomorrow evening and make some test shots. The window light is not an issue, so making the test at night shouldn't be a problem. I'm inclined to go with the SX50, since it's lighter, and I have a full range of zoom. RAW & Jpeg is a great idea. I'll work on the rest this week. Thanks again!

SharpShooter Loc: NorCal

Pinky, my best advice. Only two things:
1, Use the t3 with 24-105 on RAW.
2, rent a Canon 600 flash. About $35 from any rental outfit like BorrowLenses or LensRebtals, etc.
Mount it on top of your camera on ettl mode.
Just shoot away. A fresh set of AA batts will give you more than 1000 shots.
Every shot will be perfectly exposed with no red-eye, indoors and out!
Good luck. ;-)
SS

pinkycat Loc: The Garden State

Thanks SS! I forgot to list that I do have a Canon 550EX I can use. I'm not really confident on the settings though. Haven't had much use with it. Any advice?

SharpShooter Loc: NorCal

Pinky, I'm not familiar with the 550. It's probably not a mkll.
I'm sure it will do the job, but may not zoom.
You could practice with it and see if it's fast to use, as I'm sure it's ettl.
Either way, I would not attempt an indoor shoot with your lens and not use flash, as you WILL get movement.
With an ettl zoom flash, the light will always be right, no matter where you zoom your lens, as the flash will zoom with it.
Use your flash, if you have confidance in it and know what it will do. If not, rent the 600, it will make a pro out of a first time shooter! It's extremely precise. I'm glad to help if I can. ;-)
SS

amehta Loc: Boston

The T3 sensor is more than 3x larger than the SX50 sensor. You don't need zoom range, you need the best image quality. For the 24-100mm range, it's no contest, the T3 + 24-105mm f/4L combination is better.

The one thing to be careful about: when using flash mounted on the camera, vertical shots can produce odd shadows to the side of the subject. Consider getting a Lite Genius Lite-Scoop II Flash Modifier. For candid shots, it can help soften shadows nicely.

PennsyBill Loc: Sunny California

I would also suggest you have someone who is involved with the planning and/or running of the event either with you when you shoot or readily available.

This will allow you to (1) concentrate on your shooting (2) insure you don't omit anyone or group that is important to the group, (3) allow you set up some informal portrait's - it's difficult to direct people to get good light and composition when your "in" the camera, and it will give you credibility to the folks whose photo is being taken.

Make sure you have somewhere secure for the gear you aren't using AND when you settling on the gear you're going to take, take an extra battery for everything and at least one extra card,

If there is a presentation early in the process I'd also ask one of the speaker's to point me out to those attending - and don't forget business cards.

Good luck.

jdubu Loc: San Jose, CA

Your 550 ex is more than adequate for your usage here. Set it on Ettl and it will automatically set the zoom to your lens on auto zoom.
You can also use flash compensation to dial the power of your flash so it becomes a good fill flash instead of an obvious source of light. Not sure of the settings on a Rebel, but check your manual.
When I shoot church events, I usually set about 2/3rd to 1 stop less FEC. but use my flash off camera, handheld on a cord or wireless.

windshoppe Loc: Arizona

Yes, I would definitely go with the 550X -- set it on Ettl and you can concentrate on shooting. The flash will give you what you need. I use it on my Canon 5DII with that same lens for those types of conditions. Although I have the SX50 it would not be my choice.

HeyYou Loc: SE Michigan

Take along backup SD cards and batteries !

bkyser Loc: Fly over country in Indiana

Here is some advice for no matter what you use. I can always tell the newbies from the experienced event photographers by just looking at a couple of photos. Actually most kids these days come by this naturally, because of the "selfies" craze.

When taking photos of people, actually get their attention and ask them to turn around and look at the camera. Timid newbies take a lot of photos that show the backs of people's heads. You really won't get good images by trying to be a "fly on the wall." 99% of the people will move closer and smile just naturally, you don't have to pose them. The other 1% are probably wanted by the law and will be difficult no matter what you try, so ....their loss. Anyway, think of the group selfies that kids take everywhere, and try to get that close, happy look in your event photos. I try to get everyone at each table in at east 2 photos with different people from that table, or at some time in the event. With only 150 people, it won't be that hard.

Are you charging? If so, think about getting insurance. Even if your job just pays for the insurance, it is worth it for future shoots. There is a lot more to shooting for money than people realize. Insurance, taxes, sales tax, business licenses, etc. Often at the beginning, it is better to just ask them to give you a gift card, or some other gift in kind, so you don't have to get too much into the business side until you decide to really start doing it.