Time For An Upgrade - 6D or 7D?

The issue I have is budget. From what I read most expect the 7DII to be roughly $2000=$2,500, definitely out of my price range. Heck, the $1,300 or whatever I can get it on Amazon for is too.

HailttRedskins wrote in post #16406510
The issue I have is budget. From what I read most expect the 7DII to be roughly $2000=$2,500, definitely out of my price range. Heck, the $1,300 or whatever I can get it on Amazon for is too.

If this is true I'd rather get a 1D MK IV or set my sights on a 1D X and I am okay with that.

Don't take my word for it, it's just some of the "rumors" I've been reading. Not sure if they are good or not, but that would kill my pockets.

I have the 6D and the 70-200 f/4 USM also. You will definitely need an extender or a longer lens (400ish). The only wildlife I can get close enough to with the 70-200 are squirrels in trees. Most birds are way too skittish to get close enough without major cropping. The one time I was close enough to a fawn to get a photo, I had the 40 2.8 on I'm not really a wildlife photographer though. SciFi/Anime conventions and car shows are where I love to shoot. Cars make the best models.

Or you can shoot like this

That's one issue I do have. I enjoy shooting just about everything. Though being I haven't had trouble with the 1.6x crop of the 400D. I don't think the same with the 7D would be an issue for me either.

gabebalazs wrote in post #16406054
I own the 6D, 7D, and 70D. AND I am also a wildlife photographer (and some portraits, engagements, real estate... whatever pays the bill.)

Out of these 3, I'd recommend the 7D, that is the best bang for the buck for someone who does a lot of wildlife shooting.

The 7D was my main wildlife camera for 3 years, and I've just switched to the 70D, which has some advantages, and some disadvantages too. Overall I like the 70D for my style of shooting a bit better than the 7D.
However, the 7D is much cheaper on the used market right now, and almost as good IQ as the 70D. The 70D produces a little more detail (with a good lens), and handles noise better at the higher ISOs. Not many tests mention this but I much prefer the nature and grain of the 70D's noise to the 7D's. The 70D is much more uniform and mostly free of ugly specks and dots that the 7D has at higher ISOs in the shadows.

The 6D is a phenomenal camera, especially for the money. I do use it for wildlife occasionally, especially when I'm shooting something interesting and the Sun is about to set. When it gets darker and I still want to keep shooting, I often switch to the 6D and take the "reach" penalty in favor of less noise. But my 6D gets most use at portrait sessions, landscapes and events (especially low-light events).

So overall I'd say 7D on the budget. Great AF, good IQ, good reach, robust build, good ergonomics, good buffer for continuous shooting.

I have to ask if you didn't shoot wildlife, and don't care about video, what would you get?

Well. I think I'm just gonna get the 5D MKIII. I know it's full frame, but I only have one EF-S lens anyways so it's not like I'll be throwing lenses down the drain.

Sounds like you've made up your mind, now just don't forget to go out and shoot, and most of all have fun!

Yup, I just spent the big dime. Most I've ever spent on camera equipment so far. Man my pockets feel empty.

You can get quite a bit of that reach back with around $1300 or so, like the Sigma 50-500 OS. 200mm is nothing on a FF, I use that for portrait shooting. You will want a longer lens, definitely for what you are shooting.

HailttRedskins wrote in post #16413343
Well. I think I'm just gonna get the 5D MKIII. I know it's full frame, but I only have one EF-S lens anyways so it's not like I'll be throwing lenses down the drain.

that was quick, already got it in your sig!

Let's see some test shots! I am diggin' the 5D3 for my senior portraits business that I just started this year. I need to bring the 7D along too, there were times I wanted a bit wider and didn't want to keep switching lenses.