Camera upgrade quandry

I am currently seeking to upgrade my camera body. I am trying to decide whether or not to go with the 60D or 7D. I would like to get the pros and cons of each from everyone here that can share.

Some info to consider :
I currently shoot with a 40D and XTi.

I have the following lens :
Tamron 17-50 2.8 (my 90% lens.)
Tamron 17-50 2.8 VC (got this last November. Not overly happy with it as the non VC seems to be faster to focus and the images are better)
Tamron 18-270 VC
Tokina 10-17 fisheye
Sigma 10-20
Canon 75-300 IS
Canon 85 1.8
Sigma 100 (or 105) 2.8 macro (can't really remember as I haven't even looked at it in so long)

Now in the future, (2 months from now) I am looking to get the best Canon lens that exists in the 17-50 2.8 range with IS. To replace the Tamrons listed above. Actually I love the non VC Tamron for image quality and speed of AF, but the VC version hasn't lived up to the expectations I had from it.

For what I shoot, I do basic travel photo, walk around shots, portraits, nightclub events (though have dropped off a lot from doing these), etc...
I do NOT shoot sporting events or fast paced action subjects. Unless you count my puppies.

So... based on what I have, what I plan to get, and what I shoot.... would the 60D or 7D be better for me? I have heard the 7D delivers better images. Is that true?

It seems to me that a lot of people upgrade bodies just for the sake of upgrading. No where in your description of all of the equipment you have and plan to buy.....do you describe what the 40D or XTi is currently not doing for you that requires an upgrade in body.

Start with a need and then determine what best solves that need.

John

For what you shoot, I would get none of the above. Grab yourself the original 5D. You can thank me later.

Of you shoot sports or need all state of the art features with your images Id try and go with the 7D as it gives you better AF, faster responce, more FPS, a bit nicer viewfinder, Micro adjust for your lens.

But if you dont need all these features, as you post that you are a travel shooter I would go for the the 60D, is a super capable camera that also gives you a moving LCD (very nice to have IMO), is lighter for travel, a bit smaller but still a rugged and very comfortable body.
IQ is the same as 7D (if no t better as is a newer body)

I think we have enough info....

Either 60D or 7D would do fine for you... However with 7D you'll effectively be spending an extra $700 to buy features you are less likely to use, considering what you shoot.

7D and 60D images are for all practical purposes identical. They use essentially the same sensor and processor... 7D just has two processors so it can shoot faster.

7D is a bit larger and considerably heavier, too. It's also better sealed and more "solid" feeling. Though 60D isn't bad at all.

60D has articulated LCD screen, which would be nice for video and low or high angle shots. 7D doesn't.

7D has micro focus adjust, to fine tune lenses on the cameras. 60D doesn't.

60D's AF system is simpler, quite similar to 40D and 50D in fact. Plenty fast and capable for many things. Just not all the bells and whistles of 7D's AF system.

If saving $700 on the camera purchase and perhaps selling off some of your lenses allows purchasing a 17-55/2.8 sooner, that would be another strong argument for the 60D.

Regarding 5D... Well frankly it's getting kind of up in years now... Still quite capable and a nice camera, but at some point Canon will no longer support it for repairs and such (for example, Canon no longer supports CRW files from 10D that was intro'd in 2003... 5D classic is only two years younger, from 2005... some lenses Canon made as recently as that can no longer be repaired, stocks of spare parts have run out). Yes, full frame is most ideal for portraits and low light shooting, but you'd also have to immediately sell off and replace your crop-only and EF-S lenses (five, by my count), if you switch to FF.

amfoto1 wrote in post #12952399
I think we have enough info....

Really? We have no clue as to why the OP is looking to upgrade their two bodies except for the sake of upgrading. We have no idea if they print images or view them online only . Everything they mention enjoying taking pictures of can easily be covered with their current cameras. They could actually downgrade and still be ok. Well maybe they do need a new camera to take pictures of puppies.

jwp721 wrote in post #12952500
Really? We have no clue as to why the OP is looking to upgrade their two bodies except for the sake of upgrading. We have no idea if they print images or view them online only . Everything they mention enjoying taking pictures of can easily be covered with their current cameras. They could actually downgrade and still be ok. Well maybe they do need a new camera to take pictures of puppies.

eliev

I believe part of the enjoyment of photography is trying new gear, and finding what we like/don't like. I don't think anyone needs to have a reason to move to a new body, wanting to try one is good enough for me - and they can call it an "upgrade", "downgrade" or anything they want. It's their money, their choice.