Which camera would you choose for me?

I have been using a Canon T2i since last year (my first DSLR). For the most part, I find it more than capable for my photographic needs. But there are some features that I think would help me. For example:

• PC connection (I want to trigger a hotshoe camera and my strobes)
  
• Dedicated buttons (I'm going into the menu way too often)
  
• X-sync max - 1/250s for that extra bit when I'm lighting movement
  
• Focus points - I use the outer points very often. I don't think I need more than 9, but more/all cross-type points would be useful
  
• Larger size - even with the grip, the T2i is too small for my hands.
  
• Resolution enough to print to A3 or smaller.
  

frugivore wrote in post #13407686
I have been using a Canon T2i since last year (my first DSLR). For the most part, I find it more than capable for my photographic needs. But there are some features that I think would help me. For example:

• PC connection (I want to trigger a hotshoe camera and my strobes)
  
• Dedicated buttons (I'm going into the menu way too often)
  
• X-sync max - 1/250s for that extra bit when I'm lighting movement
  
• Focus points - I use the outer points very often. I don't think I need more than 9, but more/all cross-type points would be useful
  
• Larger size - even with the grip, the T2i is too small for my hands.
  
• Resolution enough to print to A3 or smaller.
  

I don't need video and I need I am open to buying used, as I think the latest offerings are overkill for my needs. I am also open to buying a Nikon, if any of the bodies fits the above requirements.

If you need the PC connection you are going to need the 7D, or to get a used 50D. There is a device that connects to the hotshoe of the 60D and proivdes a PC connection, but if you want a hotshoe camera and strobes that's out.

7d would probably work for what you want. do you have a $ amount you want to spend on this change?

Either the 50D or 7D. What's your budget? My version of the T2i has no banding at higher ISO... while my 50D does. Some 7Ds have banding and some don't. I'll venture to say that the T2i has the best image quality out of the bunch....

rick_reno wrote in post #13408837
7d would probably work for what you want. do you have a $ amount you want to spend on this change?

As little as possible. As long as it meets the requirements above.

frugivore wrote in post #13407686
I have been using a Canon T2i since last year (my first DSLR). For the most part, I find it more than capable for my photographic needs. But there are some features that I think would help me. For example:

• PC connection (I want to trigger a hotshoe camera and my strobes)

As mentioned, you can get an adapter for any hotshoe allow for a wired PC connection... Or just get a radio trigger setup and do away with the wires. There are some relatively inexpensive made-in-China setups on eBay. Or there are more expensive ones that have been around a while, such as PocketWizard. They'll work with any camera, via the hotshoe. The beauty of a radio trigger is you can fire strobes/flash that are hidden... The Canon wireless system (ST-E2 or the one built into some more recent models) relies upon IR to communicate with Canon flash and is limited to line-of-sight. Makes it harder to "hide" your strobes!

Well, you'll get more direct access to most functions, with 40D, 50D, 60D 5DII or 7D. The 60D is a bit different control layout, some like it, some don't. Still, it's a significant step up from any of the Rebel/xxxD series.

Are you firing portable flash? Or studio strobes? With many studio strobes you are recommended to dial back the 1/250 cameras to 1/160... studio strobes fire more slowly than portable flash. There are some faster firing studio strobes, though they tend to be the pricier ones. 5DII is 1/200, so that's ruled out.

Actually your camera's shutter speed shouldn't matter as long as your strobes are the primary or sole light source. The flash acts as the shutter, in effect. Portable flash fire at something equivalent to 1/720. Studio strobes are generally slower, but there are some special ones that have a much faster "pop".

You'll get all cross points with 40D, 50D, 60D or 7D. But not with the 5DII. 9-points in all of them, except for 7D which has 19, and 5DII which shows 9 in the viewfinder but acutally has 6 "hidden" Assist points right around the center AF point, that only work in AI Servo (and if enabled... but are still not "cross type").

Again, all the models discussed are bigger and should feel more comfortable. I'd suggest go handle them in a store, if at all possible. There are some differences. 60D has a slightly slimmer grim than 7D, for example.

I think any of the cameras mentioned can manage that. Heck I've printed B+/A3+ with 6MP files from 10D! The 15MP 50D and later 18MP models would allow extra room for crops or occasionally for greater enlargement.

All mentioned... except 10D, 40D, 50D... can shoot video whether you want it or not!

Best value for you would probably be a lightly used 50D (there are still some new ones around in stores if you prefer, but it might take some searching), all things considered. 60D would be fine except you'd need a PC adapter or radio trigger. 7D is probably overkill, from your description, but could certainly handle the job if money were no object. If thinking used, I see you are in Canada.... Do you have access to the Canon store for refurbs? Otherwise, might be worth checking with Adorama, they often give a 90 day or longer warranty on their used gear.

I'm not very knowledgeable about current Nikon models. I like the user interface/control layout and ergonomics of Canon better, so am sticking with them.

amfoto1 wrote in post #13409539
As mentioned, you can get an adapter for any hotshoe allow for a wired PC connection... Or just get a radio trigger setup and do away with the wires. There are some relatively inexpensive made-in-China setups on eBay. Or there are more expensive ones that have been around a while, such as PocketWizard. They'll work with any camera, via the hotshoe. The beauty of a radio trigger is you can fire strobes/flash that are hidden... The Canon wireless system (ST-E2 or the one built into some more recent models) relies upon IR to communicate with Canon flash and is limited to line-of-sight. Makes it harder to "hide" your strobes!

I want to fire both a hotshoe flash and monolights. Can these adapters do both?

amfoto1 wrote in post #13409539
Well, you'll get more direct access to most functions, with 40D, 50D, 60D 5DII or 7D. The 60D is a bit different control layout, some like it, some don't. Still, it's a significant step up from any of the Rebel/xxxD series.

Got it.

amfoto1 wrote in post #13409539
Are you firing portable flash? Or studio strobes? With many studio strobes you are recommended to dial back the 1/250 cameras to 1/160... studio strobes fire more slowly than portable flash. There are some faster firing studio strobes, though they tend to be the pricier ones. 5DII is 1/200, so that's ruled out.

I have Einsteins, so the t.1 times are pretty short.

amfoto1 wrote in post #13409539
Actually your camera's shutter speed shouldn't matter as long as your strobes are the primary or sole light source. The flash acts as the shutter, in effect. Portable flash fire at something equivalent to 1/720. Studio strobes are generally slower, but there are some special ones that have a much faster "pop".

Well, I'm thinking 'action' shots. 1/200s vs 1/250s is not really that different, but every bit helps.

amfoto1 wrote in post #13409539
You'll get all cross points with 40D, 50D, 60D or 7D. But not with the 5DII. 9-points in all of them, except for 7D which has 19, and 5DII which shows 9 in the viewfinder but acutally has 6 "hidden" Assist points right around the center AF point, that only work in AI Servo (and if enabled... but are still not "cross type").

The 40D is starting to look good to me.

amfoto1 wrote in post #13409539
Again, all the models discussed are bigger and should feel more comfortable. I'd suggest go handle them in a store, if at all possible. There are some differences. 60D has a slightly slimmer grim than 7D, for example.

I tried both, and only like the 7D in my hands.

amfoto1 wrote in post #13409539
I think any of the cameras mentioned can manage that. Heck I've printed B+/A3+ with 6MP files from 10D! The 15MP 50D and later 18MP models would allow extra room for crops or occasionally for greater enlargement.

All mentioned... except 10D, 40D, 50D... can shoot video whether you want it or not!

Best value for you would probably be a lightly used 50D (there are still some new ones around in stores if you prefer, but it might take some searching), all things considered. 60D would be fine except you'd need a PC adapter or radio trigger. 7D is probably overkill, from your description, but could certainly handle the job if money were no object. If thinking used, I see you are in Canada.... Do you have access to the Canon store for refurbs? Otherwise, might be worth checking with Adorama, they often give a 90 day or longer warranty on their used gear.

I'm not very knowledgeable about current Nikon models. I like the user interface/control layout and ergonomics of Canon better, so am sticking with them.

Thanks for your input, greatly appreciated! I think I'll try a used 40D and just re-sell it if I find it inadequate.

trade in the T for a refurbed 7D at Canon usa. You will get credit for trading in an older Canon camera...even a film one.

http://shop.usa.canon.​com …gory_10051_1005​1_-1_29252

I switched from a t1i to a refurb 50d through the CLP and have no regrets. My reasons for doing so were very similar to your own. I ended up selling my t1i cheap to my sister who dropped her point and shoot in the ocean. It happened to become my return camera for CLP. In the end it didn't cost me much for what I view to be the much better body for me.

wisv1k wrote in post #13411095
I switched from a t1i to a refurb 50d through the CLP and have no regrets. My reasons for doing so were very similar to your own. I ended up selling my t1i cheap to my sister who dropped her point and shoot in the ocean. It happened to become my return camera for CLP. In the end it didn't cost me much for what I view to be the much better body for me.

I wish we had the same CLP program in Canada. I think we just get a small discount - no trade-ins.

frugivore wrote in post #13411292
I wish we had the same CLP program in Canada. I think we just get a small discount - no trade-ins.

Hmmm...I still like the 50d option for you, cost being a consideration. The more I read about the 60d the more interesting is becomes. On the other end, a good friends shoots with a 40d and is still happy. To me the screen is not enough compared to the 50d. Good hunting.

The 50d should fit what you are looking for perfectly. It still is a very good camera.