550D vs 600D vs 60D

ok, if one already has a 7D, but is looking for a small SLR, for when he doesn't want to bring his heavy 7D. (i used to have a 500D before i sold it to fund a 5D2)

550D
-smaller than the rest, but so close in price to the 600D
-780usd

600D
-apparently better grip than the 550D based on the dpreview review?
-845usd

60D
-9 cross type AF points but so close in size to the 7D
-1011usd

so i'm torn on getting the smallest one and the better features of the higher models.

It is funny...I am the other way around, I hate lightweight DSLR. I love the extra weight and grip that I got from upgrading from a Xsi to a 60D.

IMO, after using the 7D, it will be very hard for you to go back to the Rebel series. But on the other hand, the 60D is not that much of a downsize. I really dunno in this case. I would save the money for an extra lens and get used to the 7D weight.

thestone11 wrote in post #12572456
It is funny...I am the other way around, I hate lightweight DSLR. I love the extra weight and grip that I got from upgrading from a Xsi to a 60D.

IMO, after using the 7D, it will be very hard for you to go back to the Rebel series. But on the other hand, the 60D is not that much of a downsize. I really dunno in this case. I would save the money for an extra lens and get used to the 7D weight.

i think i'm pretty much set with my lenses (the ones i want are just that, wants and not needs)

i won't be replacing the 7D, i will still keep it, was just toying with the idea of a tiny camera. (if there was a new FF camera, my sights would be on it)

The smallest and lightest would be the 550. The 60d Body is over 30% heavier.

I have the opposite to you, I have the 550d with grip (nice weight with it on) and thinking of getting the 7D as a second body, I don't like the flip screens on the 600d/60d bodys, and the are more towards video work.

Pleased with my 550d.

filam wrote in post #12579658
I have the opposite to you, I have the 550d with grip (nice weight with it on) and thinking of getting the 7D as a second body, I don't like the flip screens on the 600d/60d bodys, and the are more towards video work.

Pleased with my 550d.

Don't tell me you are going to use the 550D as your primary and the 7D for backup if you bought it...haha

FWIW, I have the 7D and 5D Mk II, both very similar body dimensions and weights. My wife and I like to go out and do photography together, and she shoots with a G12.

I often offer her the 7D or 5D when I'm using one of them, but she finds them heavy. She likes to use a swivel screen (and they definitely do have their advantages IMO) and when she decided to get an SLR, she looked closely at the 60D, 600D and the Nikon D5100. She also wanted just one lens that did it all.

The 60D was rejected on size and weight - it's too similar to the 7D for her. The Nikon was rejected because the 600D seemed quicker to focus and she was more familiar with the menus, being similar to the G12. So she ended up with the 600D and paired it with an EFS 18-200mm. She loves it. Now that combination is almost half a kilogram lighter than my 5D Mk II with a 24 - 105L lens (I'm comparing the two as main walkabout setups we use.)

So if you're after an SLR with a reduction in weight, the 600D is a good option.

But before you go out and get one, if you don't have a pocket sized camera, take a quick peek at the G12. That's an amazing little camera and there are many situations where I'm not comfortable having an expensive camera on show, or don't want/need to carry a big DSLR, and for that the G12 is perfect.

Hope that helps!

James

Sorry thestone11 typo error I wrote that quick before work, it should of been 'thinking of getting a 7D and using the 550d as second body'.

they're all good so get whatever fits your budget. i'd go w/ the t2i since it's just a "back up camera" and you don't need anything too fancy.