What would you do for a 7D?

[namasste]

Sledhed got me thinking about this late last week and now I can't shake the thought. I ran through a few iterations of how I might pick one of these up without ending up in divorce court:lol:.

Anyway, getting right to the point...if you wanted to stay relatively cash neutral and get a 7D, would you:

a) sell the 1D MkII and 30D and then only have one body (the 7D)
b) trade the 300 f2.8 for the 300 f4 IS and buy a 7D keeping the 1D, selling the 30D

Since most of my field sports shooting is during decent light, the one stop won't be a very big deal (especially if I can make up for it w the 7D's higher ISO if needed. I do realize that I'd give up some of the beautiful bokeh of the 2.8 but for what I make shooting field sports, I'm not sure it really matters. I also do like the ability to handhold the f4 and even travel with it a bit (not something I really would do with the 2.8 for bulk reasons). The f4 gets great write-ups so that's good as well. I'd say I am leaning that way but thought I'd get some other opinions as well. I do think the 7D would make shooting hoops much better as well even in NCAA lighting. Soooo, whatcha all think?

[TheHoff]

I haven't shot sports since Uni but there is no way I would trade down to a 300/4 from a 300/2.8 just to get a newer body. Glass is forever and a 300/2.8 should be your workhorse.

What will the 7D do that your current ones don't? Higher ISO is pretty pointless really since you'll have to use darker lenses and you can probably get by without pixel peeping the noise on your current cameras.

How will the 7D be better at hoops than the 1D2? And maybe I'm out of the loop as I haven't followed the 7D hype up but this seems like a fool's errand just to get the latest and greatest when you already have killer bodies and lenses. Now if you were talking about the next 1D maybe...

[packpe89]

I'm actually considering the same thing (in my case a 40D, but otherwise the same options). I agree, glass is more important, howver, I find I often don't bring the 300/2.8 due to size and weight. The 300/4 is much smaller and lighter. I got the 300/3.8 for kids hs sports, but I make very little doing it (more of a hobby), so I've been thinking of going back to a f4 and utilizing the higher iso of a 7d over the 1d2. I waiting right now to see how the AF and ISO reports come back for the 7d. So far I am tempted to make the 2.8=>4 trade.

[namasste]

I haven't shot sports since Uni but there is no way I would trade down to a 300/4 from a 300/2.8 just to get a newer body. Glass is forever and a 300/2.8 should be your workhorse.

What will the 7D do that your current ones don't? Higher ISO is pretty pointless really since you'll have to use darker lenses and you can probably get by without pixel peeping the noise on your current cameras.

How will the 7D be better at hoops than the 1D2? And maybe I'm out of the loop as I haven't followed the 7D hype up but this seems like a fool's errand just to get the latest and greatest when you already have killer bodies and lenses. Now if you were talking about the next 1D maybe...
Great points for sure. Its not all about ISO though. I do like the HD video function in the 7D and have been asked if I could provide some vid content as well. In addition, the 30D, while capable in decent light, falters in low light situations (relative to the 1D and I assume 7D as well). To shoot hoops at a clean 3200 w/f2 glass means shutter speeds over 1000 for me and that would be awesome. The 1DM2 is decent at 1600 and 1/500 but does require a steadier hand and noise reduction, the 30D would only be used for candids and such in that environment (and that's NCAA lighting, not HS which is far worse as Im sure you know). In the end, it your point about glass being forever is valid for sure but I don't think this is a chase after the latest and greatest. The 1DM2 is no great performer at high ISO and that's something I really do want. Ideally, I'd just get a MIII but that's even more money for used. Then again, I maybe I am being foolish.

[VinnyC01]

The advice I had from my mentor was keep the my 40D as a 2nd camera or a 70-200 and get a Mark III for the complete versatility to shoot all professional venues. (obviously the price difference is your main battle) ... do not trade the 2.8 for the 4.0. I had the 4.0 and used it for all outdoor sports, but strongly can tell you that you will be very upset you traded.

The more I look at the 7D, for the price, it seems like teh way to go.

[namasste]

I find I often don't bring the 300/2.8 due to size and weight. The 300/4 is much smaller and lighter. I got the 300/3.8 for kids hs sports, but I make very little doing it (more of a hobby), so I've been thinking of going back to a f4 and utilizing the higher iso of a 7d over the 1d2. I waiting right now to see how the AF and ISO reports come back for the 7d. So far I am tempted to make the 2.8=>4 trade.I think we see it similarly. Sure, the f2.8 is the shiz, no doubt about that but the question becomes that of "do I really need it"? If I think I'd make the same $ with the f4 (and I do since most of my work is contract, not sepc and those are already lined up for next season), I just wonder. If I have to be REALLY transparent, I've thought about just using the 1.4 on the 70-200 and calling it a day. The IQ is great with the two copies I have and I'd pocket the difference. Now I really am talking crazy!

[VinnyC01]

1.4 on the 70-200 and calling it a day. The IQ is great with the two copies I have and I'd pocket the difference. Now I really am talking crazy!

yes you are!

if you are going 1.4 on a gem like the 70-200, just go 100-400! In all seriousness, the 7D looks great, but do you need the video? I really like the ISO and fps. In all honesty, do not compromise your gear for a body.

There is a local guy here whose body is almost 7 years old. He's very happy and will still be using the same body in 3 years (as he says).


I just think if you bail on the 300 2.8 for the 300 4.0 (which is long anyway but not as heavy), you miss the big guy. Will it cost you money on your turnover and will you lose quality? you know it's much of a curve.

[clarence]

if you wanted to stay relatively cash neutral and get a 7D, would you:

a) sell the 1D MkII and 30D and then only have one body (the 7D)
b) trade the 300 f2.8 for the 300 f4 IS and buy a 7D keeping the 1D, selling the 30D

Very similar to my situation... I also have a 1D Mark II and until recently had a 40D as a backup. But when I sent the 40D in for a shutter replacement, I bought the Rebel T1i/500D.

Don't laugh at the T1i... I preferred it to the 40D... mainly for the HD video and 3200/6400/12800 ISO. Plus extra megapixels to crop from and NR PP with. And a better display. Anyways, I consider it a "poor man's 7D".

So I offer option C... Sell the 30D and try the T1i. Save $1000 until you really want to make the jump for the 7D or 1D III or IV. But keep your 300/2.8 (or trade it to me for the T1i :D ).

Option D... instead of downgrading to the 300/4, did you consider the 200/2.8L and a TC?

[namasste]

Very similar to my situation... I also have a 1D Mark II and until recently had a 40D as a backup. But when I sent the 40D in for a shutter replacement, I bought the Rebel T1i/500D.

Don't laugh at the T1i... I preferred it to the 40D... mainly for the HD video and 3200/6400/12800 ISO. Plus extra megapixels to crop from and NR PP with. And a better display. Anyways, I consider it a "poor man's 7D".

So I offer option C... Sell the 30D and try the T1i. Save $1000 until you really want to make the jump for the 7D or 1D III or IV. But keep your 300/2.8 (or trade it to me for the T1i :D ).

Option D... instead of downgrading to the 300/4, did you consider the 200/2.8L and a TC?Im not laughing at all. Truth be told, I don't really bounce back and forth between bodies that often during an event anyway (at least I don't do it constantly). While I love the 1dM2, its just th e high ISO performance that gets me.

I do have a 70-200 and a tc already so the 200 is not nearly as useful to me (my 70-200 gets a workout...and to think I considered selling it a while back!).

I guess the real thing is that I could live with one body and I could live with the 300 f4 so I'm just not sure. Maybe I just stick with what I have and use Noise Ninja ! :lol:

[liam5100]

I'm not sure Scott if your needing video capability. If it were me and video was NOT an option. I would sell or trade the 1dII and the 30d for a used MkIII.

I've talked to a few guys about the 7d and the images they've gotten from it and from what I've seen so far the ISO performance is a little lacking compared to the MkIII at 3200 and 6400. Not to mention the autofocus system.

The 7D is going for what $1700, plus I'm sure you'll need a grip so you can add $150.00 to that.. basically set up your going to be looking at 2k for the 7D. You can buy decent condition 1Dmk III's all day long for around 3k.

If it were me, I would go the one body route and just save up the extra for the 1 series camera. I think the pro features, ISO performance, speed, focus etc are worth the extra bills. Of course though, no video.

[liam5100]

Sledhed got me thinking about this late last week

Hmmm... I find this very interesting.

Last week I was about to order a new 400 2.8, looking at the older II series to save some cash. After talking to my buddy Chris for awhile, then all of a sudden I'm ordering the full new IS version to the tune of several grand more than I was wanting to spend.

Then I see he's talking you into an upgrade....hmmm... I'm starting to think our buddy Chris might be getting some back end from Canon...

What was it Chris.. free CPS.. first dibs on new equipment??, free tshirt?

;)

[namasste]

Hmmm... I find this very interesting.

Last week I was about to order a new 400 2.8, looking at the older II series to save some cash. After talking to my buddy Chris for awhile, then all of a sudden I'm ordering the full new IS version to the tune of several grand more than I was wanting to spend.

Then I see he's talking you into an upgrade....hmmm... I'm starting to think our buddy Chris might be getting some back end from Canon...

What was it Chris.. free CPS.. first dibs on new equipment??, free tshirt?

;)VERY interesting indeed! C'mon Proctor, we're onto you now so no more hiding. Hell, this might even get Munson off the hook! :lol:

[clarence]

Im not laughing at all. Truth be told, I don't really bounce back and forth between bodies that often during an event anyway (at least I don't do it constantly). While I love the 1dM2, its just the high ISO performance that gets me.

Yep. I don't alternate bodies concurrently either, but once the light drops enough to where I have to use 1600 to maintain the SS I want on the 1D Mark II, then I put it in the bag and swap it for the T1i.

The 1600 and 3200 are much cleaner on the T1i than the 1D2. And 6400/12800 clean up fine with NR in PP. So I'm getting 2-4 extra stops once I put away the 1D2.

Especially when I swap the 1D2 in low-light, I'm also usually switching from the 100-400L to the 200/2.8L, so after struggling with fading shutter speeds, all of the sudden it seems like I have night vision goggles on.

Plus the 1D2 is 1.3X crop factor, but the T1i is 1.6X so I don't miss the reach of the 400mm as much as I thought I would when I drop down to the 200/2.8

I do have a 70-200 and a tc already so the 200 is not nearly as useful to me (my 70-200 gets a workout...and to think I considered selling it a while back!)

Yeah, if you already have the 70-200/2.8 and a TC, then you're set. If you're trying to find places to hold off on spending, then I'd let the 70-200 w/TC cover the gap instead of buying a 300/4.

I guess the real thing is that I could live with one body and I could live with the 300 f4 so I'm just not sure. Maybe I just stick with what I have and use Noise Ninja ! :lol:

I learned the hard way not to live with one body. As Murphy's Law would have it, when I only had the 40D, the shutter failed during my oldest son's biggest event of the year. Unload a lens that you never use and buy a Rebel before you try to go without any backup body.

Anyways, I just though I'd ramble on some more with you since I've had "7D fever" for a couple of months and been considering dozens of low-ISO combo options to backup my beloved 1D2.

[Sauk]

I might be going back to the Mark III to be honest. I loved my 50D for the time I have had it and the Mark IIn, but the files from the Mark III at ISO 1600 to 3200 are so damn good it has been calling me for a while now.

[Sledhed]

Yeah, Canon is sending me a brand new 800 because of you two idiots.

You made that decision yourself Mr. Purnell don't blame me for that one. I just told you the differences in between the versions. Although you made the right decision.

Mr. Evans - I just asked if you had thought about a 7D, I didn't tell you to sell all of your gear to do it, although option B is not a bad idea because I know what you shoot and how you shoot it. The 300 f4 is a great piece of glass, I was actually thinking about buying another one.

[Sledhed]

I might be going back to the Mark III to be honest. I loved my 50D for the time I have had it and the Mark IIn, but the files from the Mark III at ISO 1600 to 3200 are so damn good it has been calling me for a while now.

That's what started all of this with Scott, he was drooling over some files from my MKIII.

[Sauk]

Yeah that is the issue with LR2 for me, I have files dating back to 2004 on there lol

I was looking at my 2007 when I had the D3, 2008 when I had the Mark III and recently with my current equipment, there is no touching the Mark III files. ISO 3200 looks like ISO 1000 to 1250 on my Mark IIn!

[Harleypugs]

I agree about the MKIII files.....

I have some D3 files on my computer....and I love the MKIII files so much more...

Everytime I think about selling the 300 2.8 to get a 300 F4, 135 F2 and a 50L....I just smack my self snap out of it....

[Dan-o]

Scott give the 7D some time. We will see after a few months if it is as good as the hype.

Jon I did just get the 135L. Man is it sharp.

[namasste]

Okay , okay, okay....I know Chris will be down with this move....

Forget the 7D. Trade the 300 for a MkIII (w sweet files!), trade/sell the MkII for a 300 F4. Basically, give up one stop on the 300 but probably pick up that and then some on the MkIII with better ISO performance. Smarter move Chris, Matt, Danny??

[Sauk]

lol Scott,

What are your greater plans for the future? Are you making enough money to save for the upgrade as time moves on? Or is this something you will have to live with for a few years?

If you are just shooting daytime and that Cleveland state bball I would go Mark III man. Come bball time you will love the Mark III at ISO 2500

[Dan-o]

MIV :p

[namasste]

lol Scott,

What are your greater plans for the future? Are you making enough money to save for the upgrade as time moves on? Or is this something you will have to live with for a few years?

If you are just shooting daytime and that Cleveland state bball I would go Mark III man. Come bball time you will love the Mark III at ISO 2500Pretty much got it Matt. My main gigs are daytime baseball and soccer and CSU hoops. I think this makes the most sense since I really don't have plans to leave my day job at this point. Obviously if that changes and I go full time, I'd upgrade all around but for now, it is what it is.

[Sledhed]

Scott - You should be able to buy a decent used MKIII for around $2500.

[Sauk]

Yeah I have seen them go from 2300 to 2500, not bad for a camera that started at 4,000.

In the future you could always go the 400mm F2.8 Version I or version II like I did. Saved me a ton of money, only thing that is scary is they don't service them anymore.

[liam5100]

Yeah, Canon is sending me a brand new 800 because of you two idiots.

You made that decision yourself Mr. Purnell don't blame me for that one. I just told you the differences in between the versions. Although you made the right decision.

Mr. Evans - I just asked if you had thought about a 7D, I didn't tell you to sell all of your gear to do it, although option B is not a bad idea because I know what you shoot and how you shoot it. The 300 f4 is a great piece of glass, I was actually thinking about buying another one.


Well this is easily worked out.. Just provide me with the 800 for 1/3 of the year, Scott with the 800 for 1/3 of the year etc.. Sounds fair to me..:D

Will that 800 work with my 2x tc?? I'm thinking I could shoot some sports with it and not have to get out of the car...

[24alpha]

how I might pick one of these up without ending up in divorce court:lol:.
You could sell your wife. That way you'll have a better chance of staying out of divorce court!:D

[Semmonka]

I dont see any point of selling 300 2.8 and buying 300 F4. Instead of 300 F4 I would buy sigma 120-300 2.8 which is sharp zoom lens and much cheaper than 300 2.8. But obviously you guys are so canon married so this might be out of the question :D

[Paul S]

Matt, With all the equipment you gone thru I'm surprised you don't have a review blog. Man you have owned a lot !!

[Harleypugs]

I dont see any point of selling 300 2.8 and buying 300 F4. Instead of 300 F4 I would buy sigma 120-300 2.8 which is sharp zoom lens and much cheaper than 300 2.8. But obviously you guys are so canon married so this might be out of the question :D


Don't think it has anything to do with a marriage to Canon...at least for me. I use what works best for the job....and in this case the "marriage" of the Canon 300 2.8 IS to a MKIII is like sex done right....it works everytime.

I wouldn't want to play the Sigma game to find a good one....not at that price.

[Sauk]

Matt, With all the equipment you gone thru I'm surprised you don't have a review blog. Man you have owned a lot !!


lol you do have a point :)

I am sure my insurance agency is sick and tired of the emails telling them of my new equipment

[DaveL]

I dont see any point of selling 300 2.8 and buying 300 F4. Instead of 300 F4 I would buy sigma 120-300 2.8 which is sharp zoom lens and much cheaper than 300 2.8. But obviously you guys are so canon married so this might be out of the question :D



I've owned all three of those lenses, and while I like the sigma
and the 300 f/4L I'm just not sure I can recommend selling the
300 f/2.8. If it's a case where you have to drop down due to
money, focal length, performance issue with a particular copy,
that's different.


Is there a way you can get the 7D and keep the 300 f/2.8

[Jethro790]

b) trade the 300 f2.8 for the 300 f4 IS and buy a 7D keeping the 1D, selling the 30D

What the... Do I seriously need to talk you out of this move? Seriously?

[namasste]

I've owned all three of those lenses, and while I like the sigma
and the 300 f/4L I'm just not sure I can recommend selling the
300 f/2.8. If it's a case where you have to drop down due to
money, focal length, performance issue with a particular copy,
that's different.


Is there a way you can get the 7D and keep the 300 f/2.8
I could always go to one body, sell my 30D and 1DM2 and buy the 7D but I'm not sure that's a good call for me. Agreed that that 300 is pretty special and I wish I could hang onto it and still get the M3 or 7D with a second body.

[namasste]

What the... Do I seriously need to talk you out of this move? Seriously?
oh snap, I just posted that same thought process again! :lol:

[Harleypugs]

I noticed the for sale post...good luck and I hope you made the right choice....;)

[namasste]

I noticed the for sale post...good luck and I hope you made the right choice....;)
me too bud although the market may dictate that for me. If I can't sell it, at least it's not like I'm stuck with lousy gear, right?:lol:

[Dan-o]

There is a thread over at SS and first impressions are nothing special for the 7D.

[AdamLewis]

Id say learn to shoot better before you start jumping bodies. Seriously. People dump so much money changing bodies every time something new comes out and for what? That small % increase in performance? The % that you cant even see when you print out small pictures for parents? Or the % difference you cant see when your shot is plastered full page in SI with ****ty printing?

You all arent shooting fine art. Youre not shooting high fashion. Youre shooting sports. The MkII is fine and so is the 30D. Try shooting in raw next time instead of JPG and see if you like it any more. Some of my favorite pictures Ive taken were with a 30D.

If people spent less time mulling over old files from hundreds of different cameras, and more time crafting their skill, wed have a lot of better photographers out there.

The only real valid argument here is video. If you honestly see it as a profitable business move that will give you competitive advantage, then I say you should do it. If youre talking over anything else, I honestly dont see the point.

[Sauk]

There is a thread over at SS and first impressions are nothing special for the 7D.

not unusual since everyone there went to nikon it seems lol

But seriously it looks like a good camera that is sharp from the images I have seen. The 8fps is really nice

[Dan-o]

Id say learn to shoot better before you start jumping bodies.

:shock:

[AdamLewis]

:shock:

It applies to you too. It applies to all of us.

[namasste]

It applies to you too. It applies to all of us.


You could have worded this a thousand ways and made a legit point. It never ceases to amaze me that you always choose the most provocative and it just becomes more internet noise. C'mon dude, really?

[Harleypugs]

You could have worded this a thousand ways and made a legit point. It never ceases to amaze me that you always choose the most provocative and it just becomes more internet noise. C'mon dude, really?

Indeed...

[Sibil]

I loved following this thread with all the pro-gear talk coming from working sports shooters. Very interesting. Ironically, this thread left me with wanting the T1i.

[MikeThornhill]

Ironically, this thread left me with wanting the T1i.

Me, too. I've been thinking about what I want as my next/backup camera, and naturally looking at the 7D and higher. But (however inelegantly some may think he phrased it) Adam's admonition is spot on for me: I need to learn to shoot better and get the most out of my 30D rather than expecting a new camera to magically make me a better shooter. The less expensive T1i would serve as a capable backup with some nice additional features.

[clarence]

Ironically, this thread left me with wanting the T1i.

Yeah, the T1i makes a great high-ISO backup body for my 1D Mark II.

I've added some low-light high-ISO (6400/12800) football shots to my T1i gallery (http://loco-photo.com/t1i), but if there's anything in particular you want to see, let me know.

None of those used flash, except for the next to last photo (the 5 MPH street sign on Lombard Street in SF)... even the streetcar interior (the very last photo) was ambient... check out the lone light bulb on the ceiling.

[namasste]

Me, too. I've been thinking about what I want as my next/backup camera, and naturally looking at the 7D and higher. But (however inelegantly some may think he phrased it) Adam's admonition is spot on for me: I need to learn to shoot better and get the most out of my 30D rather than expecting a new camera to magically make me a better shooter. The less expensive T1i would serve as a capable backup with some nice additional features.
Glad to hear this has been interesting. Adam's admonition is fine, its his social skills that leave a lot to be desired. We all have room to improve and that includes everyone, even Peter Read Miller. A new camera will not magically turn anyone into a great shooter (in some cases even a good shooter) but it can allow people to enjoy the experience of photography more and if they can afford the gear, then it's not for Adam or anyone to chastise them for doing so. The key is to put ego on the back shelf and recognize that as long as you are holding a camera (be it a MKIII or Powershot 480) you should be having fun and looking to improve on what you are doing.

[Sibil]

I've added some low-light high-ISO (6400/12800) football shots to my T1i gallery (http://loco-photo.com/t1i), but if there's anything in particular you want to see, let me know.

Thanks for sharing there are lots of great shots on your gallery. I also noticed what a big difference shooting sports from close-to-ground level makes.

[liam5100]

Well put Scott. Personally I'm just a gear junkie, and I see nothing wrong with that at all.

FYI, I like the tsi backup idea.

[Big K]

One thing to throw into the mix regarding a backup with good high ISO performance would be a used original 5D.

[clarence]

One thing to throw into the mix regarding a backup with good high ISO performance would be a used original 5D.

I agree, the 5D would be nice as a 2nd camera, especially since it's full frame and especially if you shoot a lot of subjects/events other than sports.

But the stereotype I've garnered is that the 5D AF isn't responsive enough for fast action. And H mode on the 5D is only 3200. The T1i adds ISO 6400 and 12800. Plus 15% faster FPS. Plus more MP to crop with and do NR with. Plus better coverage on the viewfinder and larger, higher-res LCD.

Plus, the 5D still sells for $1200-$1600 used... twice the cost of the T1i. IMHO, I'd rather either save the money and get the ISO, HD video, and extra MP to crop from with the T1i. And for sports, I actually favor having the 1.6x crop... it's like having a free TC built-in without the f/stop loss.

And by time you spend $1500-1600 on a used body, you might as well spend a hundred more and get the 8fps, 18MP, AF, and HD video of the NIB 7D.

Full disclosure... I've never touched a 5D. But this is the thought process I went through when the 5D was about #7 on my list of 2nd body contenders.

[VinnyC01]

side note: i have bought two 40D's refurb'd from B&H. Both work great! I honesty cannot tell the difference between my refurb'd and the new one.

[namasste]

T1i love is in the house! I think my game plan might be changing as I have had a ton of email from people wanting to buy the 300 but proposing trades that make no sense despite my ad being pretty explicit about what I would do. In any case, maybe its fate saying keep the 300 afterall. For now, maybe I'll just keep the MkII/300 and sell the 30D and pickup a T1i. I assume you guys feel its very superior in performance to the 30D, right?

[clarence]

...maybe I'll just keep the MkII/300 and sell the 30D and pickup a T1i. I assume you guys feel its very superior in performance to the 30D, right?

I'm just offering the T1i as an option... it greatly exceeded my expectations.

I used both a 40D and a T1i as my backup body for a couple of months. I preferred the features and ISO and overall IQ/PQ of the T1i over the 40D. AF performance was identical IMHO. FPS was the main advantage of the 40D. (Unless you count the snickers you might get when your sportsshooter buddies find out you own a Rebel ;) ). So I sold the 40D and kept the 500D as my 2nd body. Yes, I would also feel that the T1i would be better than the 30D as your second body.

I also added a grip (3rd party... cost ~$50) to my T1i... mainly because I'm spoiled by the 2nd vertical shutter button on my 1D Mark II.

If getting the T1i instead of the 7D allows you to keep your 300/2.8 then I think that's the biggest selling point of all.

[AdamLewis]

You could have worded this a thousand ways and made a legit point. It never ceases to amaze me that you always choose the most provocative and it just becomes more internet noise. C'mon dude, really?

Yes. Really.

I refuse to throw around platitudes like the majority of users here do. I could go on ad nauseam about the meaningless crits in here but that would take quite a while and ultimately be pointless. When you boil it down to what matters and what doesn't, your photography will improve more by you becoming a better photographer than by you ditching a 30D for a 7D.

It's not meant to be 'provocative'. It's simply meant to be honest. You should be appreciative that at least someone around here cares enough to tell you the truth.

It's not like I'm coming in here to dump all over your work. I would never do that. I'm simply trying to get it in your head that the camera is just a means to an end. It is just a tool. It's the person's ability behind the tool, and the way that they utilize it that makes good photographs.

[namasste]

[quote=AdamLewis;8779226

It's not like I'm coming in here to dump all over your work. I would never do that. I'm simply trying to get it in your head that the camera is just a means to an end. It is just a tool. It's the person's ability behind the tool, and the way that they utilize it that makes good photographs.[/quote]Adam, had you just put it this way in the first place, I wouldn't take offense. I think you know me well enough to know that I am not one looking for a pat on the back and a false sense of ability.

The problem is that its patronizing to assume that I honestly think I'm going to be so much better as a result of my gear. You've know my work and while there's plenty of room to improve it, its not my first day on teh job either, so to speak. Your point was never in question, the delivery was. I could not agree more that a great shooter with a Rebel XT will trump a lousy one with a MKIV (when available of course). As soon as you think you have nothing left to learn, the rest of the crowd begins catching up (and that's not just photography). We all need to learn and in a perfect world, help others do the same (paying it fwd if you will). I know you have been ragged many times by many different members here and its usually for how something is said as opposed to what. Perhaps, just perhaps, a dose of your own advice above is appropriate? Learn man, you actually have something to offer so don't let it go to waste just because you refuse take heed of what others have said about how you respond. Cool?

[ckundred]

First off, I decided in the case of the 7D it was just better to ask forgiveness from my wife...And secondly, I'm like some others the 7D may be too much camera for my skills but it does have features that help compensate for my lack of skills as well. Like high FPS. (shooting my kids sports) At the end of the day for me it's just about having fun. I hope to get better and that's why I buy the equipment and read these forums. I'm strictly an amateur one of the great things that I love about my equipment is I can snap a shot someone's kid and then email it to the parents--a single photo can buy a lot of goodwill...For this and a bunch of other reasons I think the 7D is a great camera---for me anyway.

[Sauk]

Adam,

Your work is fantastic but your communication skills are lacking. I have always said that about you, but it seems that they are not getting better lol But you are your own person so you can do as you wish :)

[ChunkyDA]

Isn't there any value to the micro-adjustment for each lens? How about the sensor cleaning?
The 7D is calling my name...

[Dan-o]

I think the sensor cleaning is pretty useless. At least on my MIII it is. Seems to get worst then my MIIn.

[butterfly2937]

I would never sell my 300 F2.8 to get another body. Why not wait a little longer and save for the 7d. Second thought I can't think of any reason to ever sell the 300 f2.8 it is just to good with no equal.How long will it take you to just save for the 7d if you really make it a priority?

[D2Sports]

To get it? I'd strongly consider selling my 20D second body, Sigma 70-200/2.8, Sigma 2x tele, Sigma 105/2.8 Macro (maybe) and a monopod.

Would come up short, but would some how make up the difference.

[Sibil]

What would I do for a 7D? I am not sure if I'd do anything. I was in a camera store 3 days ago, where they had one 7D on display. I held the camera and that thing is small. It was lost in my hands.

[clarence]

I was in a camera store 3 days ago, where they had one 7D on display. I held the camera and that thing is small. It was lost in my hands.

Same problem I had with the T1i, especially if you're used to the 1D II.

But once you add a grip, it's fine. Plus, the grip adds the vertical shutter buttons - I can't do without those.