XTi to 7D; Worth it ?

Your first option should be glass over camera. If not, by the types of photography you mention I would go with a 5D Classic + 24-105L IS lens. You would have the high ISO capabilities of a 7D + a killer walk around lens.

Generally, I would say yes....but given what you're shooting, I would suggest money into glass and maybe a T2i or so, as others have suggested.

The 7D is awesome and will be a nice upgrade over your XTi.

If you don't want to spend that much money though, you can go for a T3i or a 60D.

Both have the same sensor for cheaper. 60D has a tilty screen which may or may not be attractive to you.

I don't like tilty screen, but others do.

Also, if you go for the 60D or 7D you need to be aware that they are both much larger than you XTi in terms of weight and actual body size. They feel large in your hand.

I am looking at the Tamron 17-50 F2.8..

It seems very nice and I'm saving money over the 15-85 IS Kit.

I am wondering if ill be missing the IS, the 15mm and the 85mm.

I am also considering the Tamron 17-50 F2.8 VC, but the IQ is not as good. I guess the VC would be a big plus tho. However it is more expansive.

Unfortunately, you can't use flash in all situations.

I'm thinking about the VC vs Non-VC. VC is useful in low light, but the non-vc looks alot sharper.

Cr4zYH3aD wrote in post #12392647
I'm thinking about the VC vs Non-VC. VC is useful in low light, but the non-vc looks alot sharper.

That's the reason I went with the non-vc version, I'm addicted to sharpness so I can't see myself sacrificing sharpness over VC.

I haven't seen a need for VC in my case but everyone's style of shooting and needs are different, you should know which yours are and make your decision based on that.

Very hard choice. VC for indoors/low light is a necessity, although it's F/2.8.

I did this exact upgrade about 8 months ago, since i had saved up a bit of hobby money. Zero regrets, well worth it for me.

If you have the $$$, do it! Otherwise, the 60D is a very very nice upgrade from the Xti, both which feel much more natural in the hand without a grip.

The T3i gripped would be the next best choice if you have the upgrade itch.

Going to the 7D is a huge upgrade, but doesn't mean your pictures will be. I went from a XTI and kit lens to a 40D with the 17-55 IS and that was huge. Think about a 60D or T3i and some nice glass.

I did this same upgrade a year ago and I am glad I did. I had the XTI for a few years before I made the switch. The ergonomics alone are worth it to me. That coupled with the better iso and af. I am glad I made the jump.

Cr4zYH3aD wrote in post #12392802
Very hard choice. VC for indoors/low light is a necessity, although it's F/2.8.

Not sure about that, I've been able to shoot at very slow speeds wide open without any problems. I think having a camera that can take good shots at 3200 ISO is a great combination with a f/2.8 lens no matter if it's VC/OS/IS. In some cases it helps to have some kind of stabilization but you learn to shoot without it if you don't have it... if you don't think so just ask anyone that shoots with Canon's 24-70 f/2.8 L lens.

enrigonz wrote in post #12393113
Not sure about that, I've been able to shoot at very slow speeds wide open without any problems. I think having a camera that can take good shots at 3200 ISO is a great combination with a f/2.8 lens no matter if it's VC/OS/IS. In some cases it helps to have some kind of stabilization but you learn to shoot without it if you don't have it... if you don't think so just ask anyone that shoots with Canon's 24-70 f/2.8 L lens.

Agreed. I thought I couldn't give up my 17-55IS, but I haven't missed it with the 5D2 and 24-70 (and I don't shoot above 1600)

Ok. Well I like to use the lowest ISO possible, and I worry about handshake!

So even in low light you didnt need VC,

I have a 7D, and had an xTi. I love the feel of the 7D....While the 7D has a bunch of nicer features, it was the feel that made me do it. I have no regrets....My Aunt has the 60D and I could live with it, but now, having the 7D, I would not want to . If money is not an issue, I would say do it, but in light of a 5dM3 coming soon, honestly I would wait. The low light on the 5D is amazing, and if you are gonna make the leap, I'd wait for the 5dM3, or pickup a 7D when it comes for 1200 ish ( about what the 50D were going for once the 7D came out).