Canon 60D or 7D?

[DisneyFreak06]

I will be done paying off my student loans next year. As a motivation to pay them off even earlier, I am buying myself a new camera when I either pay both of them off, or if I finish one early.

I currently have the Canon T1i and I love it. I keep trying to learn new things and improve my photography, but I'm not a professional and don't plan on ever becoming a real professional. I wouldn't mind eventually doing a little something on the side, as long as it stays fun and not work like.

I have the 70-200 f4, a Sigma 30mm 1.4, Sigma 10-20mm and the kit lens for my camera.

I'm thinking about just buying the body and using the lenses that I have for now. I plan to sell my camera and the kit lens, so I will not have the kit lens to use with the new camera.

It seems as though some of you have these cameras. What do you think of them? Auto focus is a big thing for me, as I will not ever do manual focus... it's too hard with my eyes!

Thanks in advance!

 

[bazzanoid]

Coincidentally enough I was about to start a similar thread about Canon dSLRs as I can't decide which to go for either!!!

Except that i'm looking at the 550D, 600D and 1100D.

Canon camera comparison thread?

 

[WilsonFlyer]

I have a 60D and a T2i and I love my 60D. I debated the 7D when I bought my 60D and I just couldn't justify the cost difference for my use (prosumer hobbiest).

I may sell my T2i and get a T4i when they ship just to play with but the 60D is my "go to."

I wouldn't change my decision now even if they were priced about the same. Call me stupid but that's the way I feel.

 

[DisneyFreak06]

Coincidentally enough I was about to start a similar thread about Canon dSLRs as I can't decide which to go for either!!!

Except that i'm looking at the 550D, 600D and 1100D.

Canon camera comparison thread?

My T1i is a 500d. If I were choosing between those three, I'd go to the T3i (600d). I really like the Rebel series, but I'm ready to jump up. I think it's great that we can talk to others on here about what they think! It really helps.

 

[DisneyFreak06]

I have a 60D and a T2i and I love my 60D. I debated the 7D when I bought my 60D and I just couldn't justify the cost difference for my use (prosumer hobbiest).

I may sell my T2i and get a T4i when they ship just to play with but the 60D is my "go to."

I wouldn't change my decision now even if they were priced about the same. Call me stupid but that's the way I feel.

I am scared of the weight of the 7d, and even the 60D is heavier than mine now. But I like some of the other features of the 7d. I played with both of them for a few minutes at a store today, and they both seem really great! Oh the choices... And now I don't want to wait. I think I'll get a second job to pay for a new camera! I keep going back and forth.

 

[photo_chick]

I've got the 50D, same sesor performance as the T1i. I've used a 7D right along side it. It's not a huge jump up in image quality. Unless you shoot a lot at ISO 3200 or higher you won't notice much of a difference and even then it's not a giant leap. The biggest thing is the banding at 6400 is improved. But don't expect the camera to perfrom a miracle on your images.

So my main question... why are you getting a new body? It's easier to say "I'd go this way" if we know specificalyl what you don't like about your current camera.

The T2i, T3i, 60D and 7D all use nearly identical sensors and the same image processors (the 7D has 2) so the ISO perfromance and image quality as a result are the same. The main differences between the models comes down to bells and whistles and the build.

Don't underestimate the value of good quality glass. You'd be amazed at what the T1i will put out when you get some L series glass on there.

 

[DisneyFreak06]

Thanks everyone for your responses so far. I feel as though I can trust everyone's opinions and expertise on the disboards!

At home, my camera is not out every day, but it is out often. I will take it to take pictures of my nieces and nephews at their hockey, baseball, soccer games, gymnastic competitions, dance recitals, dirt bike racing (really red PEI dirt flying around), weddings, birthdays, baptisms etc. I use it quite a bit travelling (around 5000 pictures last week.)

I want something that I don't have to worry and hide it if it's wet or dusty out, because on vacation (especially Disney vacations) I want pictures, even if it's raining. I want something that focuses quickly and easily because of the moving (for the dirt bike races, you might see them come around the bend and then they're gone behind the trees somewhere else for 2 minutes, and then they're back for 30 seconds etc).

I understand the whole L series lenses, and believe me, I've been looking at those too!

I find what I have now, sometimes I have trouble getting the focus right, and I chose the focus points that I want to use. I found on this trip it sometimes searched to find the focus and the picture came out blurry at 1/100th of a second. (for example) And I've been shooting SLR/DSLR (totally as an amateur) since 2000, so I try to wait until it finds the focus before I completely press the shutter button, unless I get frustrated waiting!

I've starting making a list of some L lenses too. Who knows, it might be a two part deal. Buy a new body when I pay off one loan, a new lens when I pay off the other. I did just buy two new lenses last year though for my trip to Spain.... oh well!

Anyways, thanks again for your opinions.

 

[photo_chick]

For weather sealing look at the 7D. Although shooting in the rain and situations like that, you'll still need to use something to keep the rain off with any camera. Weather sealed does not mean water proof. And you'll need weather sealed lenses as well because in my experience the lens will get mucked up before the camera does. Especially when it comes to dirt getting into things.

But honestly, the Rebels are tougher cameras than people give them credit for. I took my Rebel XT all over the place for about 5 years. Subjected it to abuse and neglect and it still works great. I used it to shoot a football game in what was left of Hurricane Ike when it hit Dallas, if that tells you anything. The only thing I was cautious of is when I change lenses to keep dirt out, and that's something you'll have with any DSLR.

1/100th of a second is still a fairly slow shutter speed. It won't stop motion and really only overcomes camera shake on shorter lenses. Some motion blur at that speed isn't a surprise.

Focusing can be affected as much by your lens as the camera, too. So unless you get new glass you may have some of the same issues with a new body (especially slow focusing). And focusing techniques also come into play a lot with AF systems.

 

[DisneyFreak06]

For weather sealing look at the 7D. Although shooting in the rain and situations like that, you'll still need to use something to keep the rain off with any camera. Weather sealed does not mean water proof. And you'll need weather sealed lenses as well because in my experience the lens will get mucked up before the camera does. Especially when it comes to dirt getting into things.

But honestly, the Rebels are tougher cameras than people give them credit for. I took my Rebel XT all over the place for about 5 years. Subjected it to abuse and neglect and it still works great. I used it to shoot a football game in what was left of Hurricane Ike when it hit Dallas, if that tells you anything. The only thing I was cautious of is when I change lenses to keep dirt out, and that's something you'll have with any DSLR.

1/100th of a second is still a fairly slow shutter speed. It won't stop motion and really only overcomes camera shake on shorter lenses. Some motion blur at that speed isn't a surprise.

Focusing can be affected as much by your lens as the camera, too. So unless you get new glass you may have some of the same issues with a new body (especially slow focusing). And focusing techniques also come into play a lot with AF systems.

Thanks again. Maybe the problem is not my camera. I think you've all been giving me some wonderful advice. I might stick with my camera a little bit longer and get another L lens.

FWIW, the 1/100th shutter speed was on a 30mm lens. I thought that would be fine for handheld.

Thanks everyone! Off to research some L lenses to go with my T1i (for now... upgrading later on if I feel the need after a new lens). I've already got the 70-200mm f4L. I guess I should look for something a little wider and sell my kit lens, or keep the kit lens to sell with the camera when/if I decide to upgrade.

Thanks everyone for your help!

Tina

 

[mom2rtk]

Thanks again. Maybe the problem is not my camera. I think you've all been giving me some wonderful advice. I might stick with my camera a little bit longer and get another L lens.

FWIW, the 1/100th shutter speed was on a 30mm lens. I thought that would be fine for handheld.

Thanks everyone! Off to research some L lenses to go with my T1i (for now... upgrading later on if I feel the need after a new lens). I've already got the 70-200mm f4L. I guess I should look for something a little wider and sell my kit lens, or keep the kit lens to sell with the camera when/if I decide to upgrade.

Thanks everyone for your help!

Tina

While not actually "L" glass, the Canon 17-55 f/2.8 is considered by many to be similar (as the price unfortunately reflects). Mine is on my T2i 95% of the time. I recommend that as a great companion to your 70-200 f4L.

 

[DisneyFreak06]

While not actually "L" glass, the Canon 17-55 f/2.8 is considered by many to be similar (as the price unfortunately reflects). Mine is on my T2i 95% of the time. I recommend that as a great companion to your 70-200 f4L.

Do you have any pictures you can share? I'd love to see some....

 

[mom2rtk]

Do you have any pictures you can share? I'd love to see some....

My trip reports are linked in my signature below. They are pretty picture heavy. Most of the shots were with that lens. You can click on most of the posted photos to get to Flickr where you can see the exif info, including the lens used. As I said, nearly 95% were shot with that lens.

 

[DisneyFreak06]

My trip reports are linked in my signature below. They are pretty picture heavy. Most of the shots were with that lens. You can click on most of the posted photos to get to Flickr where you can see the exif info, including the lens used. As I said, nearly 95% were shot with that lens.

Haha! Thanks. I think I've already lurked in some of them... I recognize the names of the TRs. I'll take a look again. Thank you again!

 

[photo_chick]

1/100 on a 30mm should stop camera shake but it won't stop motion well.

The 17-50 f/2.8 is a totally awesome lens. It does use L series quality optics (with the nice low dispersion glass) but doesn't get the L name because it's an EF-S lens.

 

[bob100]

I am scared of the weight of the 7d, and even the 60D is heavier than mine now. But I like some of the other features of the 7d. I played with both of them for a few minutes at a store today, and they both seem really great! Oh the choices... And now I don't want to wait. I think I'll get a second job to pay for a new camera! I keep going back and forth.

upgrading glass before bodies is always a good idea, the 60D is more "rebel" like in size and weight but still a good upgrade from the T1i/500D

 

[DisneyFreak06]

upgrading glass before bodies is always a good idea, the 60D is more "rebel" like in size and weight but still a good upgrade from the T1i/500D

Thanks. That's good to keep in mind. I held both and they both felt bigger in my hands, but I'm used to the Rebel, so I figured just about anything but a point and shoot would feel bigger. I now have to find a nice L lens. (or the 2.8 that a previous poster commented on).

 

[katiekoester]

While not actually "L" glass, the Canon 17-55 f/2.8 is considered by many to be similar (as the price unfortunately reflects). Mine is on my T2i 95% of the time. I recommend that as a great companion to your 70-200 f4L.

Follow mom2rtk's advice! Just bought this lens on her (and others) suggestion and it is FAB! I shoot with a 50d but was thinking about an upgrade to a 7d......not anymore! I'm just going to focus on getting better glass until this body dies. Good luck and CONGRATS on paying off your student loans!

 

[DisneyFreak06]

Follow mom2rtk's advice! Just bought this lens on her (and others) suggestion and it is FAB! I shoot with a 50d but was thinking about an upgrade to a 7d......not anymore! I'm just going to focus on getting better glass until this body dies. Good luck and CONGRATS on paying off your student loans!

Awesome! That's the one I've decided on. Now to wait until it goes on sale... at least a little bit! (And thanks, it's a big deal... took a while! )

 

[DizzyV6P]

I'm the opposite direction. After spending 10 days lugging my 40D, Tamron 17-50 f/2.8, 580EX flash and 85 f/1.8, I'm going to sell everything and pick up a Sony Nex 7

I find that I simply don't carry my camera stuff with me around that much and need to lighten my load considerably. I find myself taking more pictures w/ my crappy iPhone 4 camera then I do w/ my 40D. My options were the Olympus PEN, Panasonic equivalents, and the Sony Nex 5N or 7.

I've found my Tamron 17-50 f/2.8 a perfectly sharp alternative to the 17-55 f/2.8 IS for a lot cheaper. If you really need the IS (most people don't for that focal length) the Sigma 17-50 f/2.8 OS is a good sharp lense for about $680.

 

[DisneyFreak06]

I'm the opposite direction. After spending 10 days lugging my 40D, Tamron 17-50 f/2.8, 580EX flash and 85 f/1.8, I'm going to sell everything and pick up a Sony Nex 7

I find that I simply don't carry my camera stuff with me around that much and need to lighten my load considerably. I find myself taking more pictures w/ my crappy iPhone 4 camera then I do w/ my 40D. My options were the Olympus PEN, Panasonic equivalents, and the Sony Nex 5N or 7.

I've found my Tamron 17-50 f/2.8 a perfectly sharp alternative to the 17-55 f/2.8 IS for a lot cheaper. If you really need the IS (most people don't for that focal length) the Sigma 17-50 f/2.8 OS is a good sharp lense for about $680.

In a perfect world, someone would have created a very powerful, very small, point and shoot camera with all the capabilities of an SLR, extreme wide angle to super zoom (think 10mm-800mm) and super fast too (f1.2), very clear and not noisy at high ISOs... But alas, it has not yet been created, and if it were, I don't think I could afford it!