Upgrade to Canon 70D with 18-135 IS?

[PoohJen]

Wanted to check in with my DISBoard camera experts - long time, no post, but I always appreciate your experience and expertise!

Background - had a Rebel XT which I loved - my main photography pleasure is baseball. Upgraded years ago to the Canon 40D when it came out, with the kit IS lens (can't recall exact specifics), which I .... never loved.

The pictures never seemed sharp enough. I couldn't figure out if it was the lens or the camera or both. Plus it pissed me off that they followed up so quickly with the 50D. Of the thousands of pictures I took with the camera, I was rarely pleased with any.

Got it in my head recently to just sell the 40D and accompanying Canon IS lens, then buy the 70D with the new lens (I tried that 18-135 lens this weekend and liked it). I know I will not get much for the 40D.

Before I had a chance to sell, I found a sweet deal for the 70D etc. Need to make an immediate decision. Any red flags re: the 70D? All the online reviews I read were positive. (p.s., if all goes well with son's baseball progression, I hope to buy the 70-200 f-2.8L this spring).

 

[nbaresejr]

If you are talking about the sweet B&H deal that ends today I think its well worth it.

Going from the 40d we should produce better images with the newer sensor and better high ISO performance. I would think its a fairly major upgrade over your camera.

The only other choices are make the big move to full frame with the 6d or wait for the 7dII to be announced. Canonrumors.com had some more rumored 7dII and expects a March 2014 announcement but the price tag is expected around 2k.

 

[bob100]

Wanted to check in with my DISBoard camera experts - long time, no post, but I always appreciate your experience and expertise!

Background - had a Rebel XT which I loved - my main photography pleasure is baseball. Upgraded years ago to the Canon 40D when it came out, with the kit IS lens (can't recall exact specifics), which I .... never loved.

The pictures never seemed sharp enough. I couldn't figure out if it was the lens or the camera or both. Plus it pissed me off that they followed up so quickly with the 50D. Of the thousands of pictures I took with the camera, I was rarely pleased with any.

Got it in my head recently to just sell the 40D and accompanying Canon IS lens, then buy the 70D with the new lens (I tried that 18-135 lens this weekend and liked it). I know I will not get much for the 40D.

Before I had a chance to sell, I found a sweet deal for the 70D etc. Need to make an immediate decision. Any red flags re: the 70D? All the online reviews I read were positive. (p.s., if all goes well with son's baseball progression, I hope to buy the 70-200 f-2.8L this spring).

the 70D would be a nice upgrade but if you were not pleased with the sharpness of the 40D pics then something was wrong. either the camera, lens or you. Probably the lens since the 40D was a good sports model back in it's day (7 years ago ?!) It had a good FPS rate and buffer.

I had no problem getting sharp baseball pics from an inferior (sports shooting) old Rebel XSi /450D.
the 70-200 2.8 II is a good upgrade from whatever lens you are using (75-300? 70-300?)



Rebel XSi /450D with Canon 100-400
shot thru the chain link fence !

 

[PoohJen]

Thanks y'all.

nbaresejr, I am absolutely talking about that B&H deal! I will be selling that accompanying printer as soon as it arrives.

bob100 - beautiful clarity! I'm a pitcher's mom - many of my shots are through chainlink fence! My 40D and lens are only about 4-5 years old, but I agree, probably more a fault of the lens. (not me, no way, uh uh)

in the short run, it hasn't mattered, as the bulk of my shots are rapid shots of his pitching mechanics, which we then review later that night, so not meant to be "keepers". But glad to hear the 70d truly will be an "upgrade". No need for my purposes to go full frame at this time.

 

[nbaresejr]

Thanks y'all.

nbaresejr, I am absolutely talking about that B&H deal! I will be selling that accompanying printer as soon as it arrives.

bob100 - beautiful clarity! I'm a pitcher's mom - many of my shots are through chainlink fence! My 40D and lens are only about 4-5 years old, but I agree, probably more a fault of the lens. (not me, no way, uh uh)

in the short run, it hasn't mattered, as the bulk of my shots are rapid shots of his pitching mechanics, which we then review later that night, so not meant to be "keepers". But glad to hear the 70d truly will be an "upgrade". No need for my purposes to go full frame at this time.

If I was not looking to go full frame I think i would be on this deal also. The printer in this deal is the Pro-10 model which is a better printer then the Pro-100 that is usually included in the deals. This printer can easily get 300+ on ebay.

When you get it please put up a review.

 

[photo_chick]

Wanted to check in with my DISBoard camera experts - long time, no post, but I always appreciate your experience and expertise!

Background - had a Rebel XT which I loved - my main photography pleasure is baseball. Upgraded years ago to the Canon 40D when it came out, with the kit IS lens (can't recall exact specifics), which I .... never loved.

The pictures never seemed sharp enough. I couldn't figure out if it was the lens or the camera or both. Plus it pissed me off that they followed up so quickly with the 50D. Of the thousands of pictures I took with the camera, I was rarely pleased with any.

Got it in my head recently to just sell the 40D and accompanying Canon IS lens, then buy the 70D with the new lens (I tried that 18-135 lens this weekend and liked it). I know I will not get much for the 40D.

Before I had a chance to sell, I found a sweet deal for the 70D etc. Need to make an immediate decision. Any red flags re: the 70D? All the online reviews I read were positive. (p.s., if all goes well with son's baseball progression, I hope to buy the 70-200 f-2.8L this spring).

If you're not that happy with the pictures coming out of multiple cameras, models that are still regarded as great cameras even though they're aging, then a new camera is likely to give you the same unsatisfactory results. The 70D is an update in the ISO department, no doubt, but even that still will not yield "better" images. I say this as someone with a similar "update" path (Rebel XT to 50D to 6D). ISO isn't everything. I'm not saying don't buy here. Just don't expect to see a huge jump in the overall quality of your images based on an equipment update.

Also... if you had the 28-135 which was a common kit lens sold with the 40D and 50D you should know that the 18-135 is fairly similar when it comes to image quality.

 

[Frantasmic]

n the short run, it hasn't mattered, as the bulk of my shots are rapid shots of his pitching mechanics, which we then review later that night, so not meant to be "keepers".

I think this is the main situation with your problems. Shooting through a chain link fence, I suspect hand-held, with multiple shots, is going to produce some pictures that aren't going to be very sharp on average.

 

[bob100]

If you're not that happy with the pictures coming out of multiple cameras, models that are still regarded as great cameras even though they're aging, then a new camera is likely to give you the same unsatisfactory results. The 70D is an update in the ISO department, no doubt, but even that still will not yield "better" images. I say this as someone with a similar "update" path (Rebel XT to 50D to 6D). ISO isn't everything. I'm not saying don't buy here. Just don't expect to see a huge jump in the overall quality of your images based on an equipment update.
Also... if you had the 28-135 which was a common kit lens sold with the 40D and 50D you should know that the 18-135 is fairly similar when it comes to image quality.

I agree, unless the OP determines why their pics are not sharp then upgrading to the 70D with the same lens and same technique will likely give the same results. And if they are using the standard 28-135 or 18-135 zooms for baseball pics then dissatisfaction is likely because most sport/action shots require longer focal length or better lens and fast shutter speeds. Shooting through a chain link fence causes problems but presumably they have used the camera in other situations.


Canon Rebel XSi (450D)
100-400 @ 350mm cropped - thru the fence

 

[PoohJen]

Thanks again everyone for the input!

I always liked my Rebel. The 40D was to be a bit of an upgrade, but it never wowed me (so I think the disappointment was in the lack of "wow"). I took some great shots with the Rebel.

Around the time I got the 40D, my Sigma walk around lens broke and so I relied on the kit lens. Never liked it. I felt it was too soft. I always wondered if I just had a bad copy, but I never took the initiative to have it checked.

I'll take the 18-135 for now; hoping to get the f2.8L 70-200 in the spring.

I've been doing more handheld lately, but have used monopod in past. for the pitching mechanics, monopod isn't necessary. But if I want a good shot, you are right, my hand isn't steady enough to go it alone.

I'm looking forward to having some readily available video capability as well.

 

[jiminyfan]

I did the B&H deal to upgrade my entry level T2i. I have to now decide to either keep the Pro-10 and sell my Pro-100 or sell the Pro-10 and bank the extra $ or put it towards new lens.

If I can get $350 or do for the Pro-10 it will take cost under $1K which is amazing.

I will post my thoughts on the 70D once I get it and have a chance to use it.

 

[mom2rtk]

I'm anxious to start seeing some reports here on the 70D. I'm not ready to make the purchase yet, but have my sights set on it in the near future as an upgrade from my own T2i.

 

[nbaresejr]

I'm anxious to start seeing some reports here on the 70D. I'm not ready to make the purchase yet, but have my sights set on it in the near future as an upgrade from my own T2i.

Wait for the long rumored 7dmkii or go full frame with the 6d. From all reports the iq is no better then the t2i with regard to the 70d. I want to upgrade also but not just for the sake of getting something newer. I need to have something on the photo side that will be worth upgrading to.

 

[mom2rtk]

Wait for the long rumored 7dmkii or go full frame with the 6d. From all reports the iq is no better then the t2i with regard to the 70d. I want to upgrade also but not just for the sake of getting something newer. I need to have something on the photo side that will be worth upgrading to.

I'd love to, but the 70D would be a stretch. With 2 kids in college right now, FF is not happening for me.

I also do not want to upgrade just to have a few new bells and whistles. That's what has held me back so far. I want some real world reports on the ISO capabilities of the 70D. I would indeed upgrade if the ISO gets me another stop or two, and consider the other things just gravy.

I went through the same decision when I upgraded from the XSi to the T2i and was happy just to get a usable 3200 ISO.

 

[jiminyfan]

Wait for the long rumored 7dmkii or go full frame with the 6d. From all reports the iq is no better then the t2i with regard to the 70d. I want to upgrade also but not just for the sake of getting something newer. I need to have something on the photo side that will be worth upgrading to.

For me the video capabilities is enough and the faster autofocus.

I thought about full frame, for my shooting style this will be more than enough to last me until O die.

 

[nbaresejr]

For me the video capabilities is enough and the faster autofocus.

I thought about full frame, for my shooting style this will be more than enough to last me until O die.

You are 100% on the reasons you wanted to upgrade. Video is a major part of the 70d. There are a lot of reasons to make the switch. For me personally and what I use my DSLR for the 70d is not enough of an upgrade. Don't get me wrong there are many features I would like and enjoy but not enough to spend $1100 on.

 

[bob100]

I've been doing more handheld lately, but have used monopod in past. for the pitching mechanics, monopod isn't necessary. But if I want a good shot, you are right, my hand isn't steady enough to go it alone.

.

Sports shooting is about getting the fastest shutter speeds so using a monopod won't help you there. sure, you see photographers at football games using monopods but that's for holding the heavy 400mm 2.8 lens!

 

[PoohJen]

I did the B&H deal to upgrade my entry level T2i. I have to now decide to either keep the Pro-10 and sell my Pro-100 or sell the Pro-10 and bank the extra $ or put it towards new lens.

If I can get $350 or do for the Pro-10 it will take cost under $1K which is amazing.

I will post my thoughts on the 70D once I get it and have a chance to use it.

I'm selling the Pro-10 to help pay for the 70D!

 

[NJGuy3]

I'd love to, but the 70D would be a stretch. With 2 kids in college right now, FF is not happening for me.

I also do not want to upgrade just to have a few new bells and whistles. That's what has held me back so far. I want some real world reports on the ISO capabilities of the 70D. I would indeed upgrade if the ISO gets me another stop or two, and consider the other things just gravy.

I went through the same decision when I upgraded from the XSi to the T2i and was happy just to get a usable 3200 ISO.

I'm in a similar situation...I currently own a T1i and have been considering upgrading to the 70D but trying to justify the purchase which is currently $1099 for body only.

I've owned the T1i for two years now and probably used video just once! I'm more interested in higher iso and faster shutter speed.
My lens collection includes the kit 18-55mm, Tamron 18-270mm, Canon 50mm f/1.8 and Rokinon 8mm fisheye.

I would consider myself a hobby/amateur photographer. I tend to photograph Disney mostly and any vacation my wife & I go on. Based on my use, are the 70D's features enough to purchase it?

Do I wait a while and purchase a full-frame next time around and/or consider a new lens for now? And if so, which lens would I want next?

To the OP...not trying to hijack the thread...figured I'd reply to this thread being that it's very similar to my situation.

 

[havoc315]

I'm in a similar situation...I currently own a T1i and have been considering upgrading to the 70D but trying to justify the purchase which is currently $1099 for body only.

I've owned the T1i for two years now and probably used video just once! I'm more interested in higher iso and faster shutter speed.
My lens collection includes the kit 18-55mm, Tamron 18-270mm, Canon 50mm f/1.8 and Rokinon 8mm fisheye.

I would consider myself a hobby/amateur photographer. I tend to photograph Disney mostly and any vacation my wife & I go on. Based on my use, are the 70D's features enough to purchase it?

Do I wait a while and purchase a full-frame next time around and/or consider a new lens for now? And if so, which lens would I want next?

To the OP...not trying to hijack the thread...figured I'd reply to this thread being that it's very similar to my situation.

So many choices.

You'll get the maximum improvement in higher ISO -- which will also allow faster shutter speeds, by upgrading to fullframe. APS-C cameras can't really touch fullframe cameras for ISO.

So a "clean" shot that you currently get a 1/50 at ISO 400... Will be equally clean at fullframe, 1/200 ISO 1600.

The 70D noise performance is better than the t1i, but only by about a half of a stop. But a fullframe will give you an additional 2-3 full stops.
And if you upgrade to fullframe, you will likely have to upgrade your lenses as well. Not sure if any of your lenses are fullframe lenses, I think they are all crop lenses.

Compared to upgrading camera bodies, you would probably see bigger improvement to your images by upgrading lenses.

Trade in your kit lens for a constant 2.8 aperture lens. That will give you "speed" just slightly slower than your 50/1.8.

Let's say you get the Canon 17-55 2.8 lens... That will give you a full 2-stop improvement when shooting at 55mm.
Much like the example above -- At 55mm... If you previously got a clean shot at 1/50 ISO 400... You will now be able to get the same amount of like at 1/200 (by opening up your aperture) and staying with ISO 400.

The wider aperture will give you more leeway in low light, the ability to get by with lower ISOs, and the availability of faster shutter speeds.

You may still want to upgrade your camera body down the road. But you'll get more bang for your buck with lenses right now, IMHO.

 

[mom2rtk]

So many choices.

You'll get the maximum improvement in higher ISO -- which will also allow faster shutter speeds, by upgrading to fullframe. APS-C cameras can't really touch fullframe cameras for ISO.

So a "clean" shot that you currently get a 1/50 at ISO 400... Will be equally clean at fullframe, 1/200 ISO 1600.

The 70D noise performance is better than the t1i, but only by about a half of a stop. But a fullframe will give you an additional 2-3 full stops.
And if you upgrade to fullframe, you will likely have to upgrade your lenses as well. Not sure if any of your lenses are fullframe lenses, I think they are all crop lenses.

Compared to upgrading camera bodies, you would probably see bigger improvement to your images by upgrading lenses.

Trade in your kit lens for a constant 2.8 aperture lens. That will give you "speed" just slightly slower than your 50/1.8.

Let's say you get the Canon 17-55 2.8 lens... That will give you a full 2-stop improvement when shooting at 55mm.
Much like the example above -- At 55mm... If you previously got a clean shot at 1/50 ISO 400... You will now be able to get the same amount of like at 1/200 (by opening up your aperture) and staying with ISO 400.

The wider aperture will give you more leeway in low light, the ability to get by with lower ISOs, and the availability of faster shutter speeds.

You may still want to upgrade your camera body down the road. But you'll get more bang for your buck with lenses right now, IMHO.

I was just going to suggest upgrading glass first.

That Canon lens would set you back almost as much as the 70D body, but between the constant 2.8 and the IS, I think it's a lot more bang for the buck. My problem is that I already have that lens and don't really have a next step without moving to FF, which just isn't happening any time soon.