Really disapointed in Canon's choices right now.

I've been using Canon cameras for about 15 years now. My first (brand new) was the Elan7e film camera (loved the eye focusing feature).

I moved to digital when the 20D came out and continue to use this camera today. I actually have two since I bought another as a back up. I have and still do use these cameras for wedding work. I also purchased a used 1D mkIIN several years back when I was shooting lots of sporting events for high schools. Both of these cameras are 8.5MP.

I've been away from shooting sports for a couple years however it looks like I'm about to get a school contract to cover all their sports and memory mate work. I've thought about upgrading my 20D's to something newer but I'm disapointed in what I'm reading. The new 60D was downgraded to a poly carb. body and SD cards and Idon't need video. The 7D is noisey at higher ISO but has a faster burst rate.

I'm sure it's hard to please everyone all the time. All I want is a solid body that produces sharp images in good and low light that uses the same memory type that I already have (CF) without breaking the bank. $2000.00 is too much for a camera body for my current work load. I'm afraid that only upgrading to a 50D would not be enough of an upgrade to matter any.

Wait... The 7D is noisy at higher ISO yet you use a 20D which is probably considerably worse and nowhere near the ability of the 7D? Have you used the 7D? It is a really capable camera. The 18MP can be easily resized down to your common 8.5 to 10MP in image size and look great even at ISO 6400 and 12,800.

The 7D is your *perfect* solution.

Just keep using your 20D if you're happy with it. Nothing wrong with that camera, it's a fine piece. FWIW, I've never had an ISO noise issue with my 7D. I've shot low light weddings at 800-1600 ISO and they turn out great.

tbfoto wrote in post #14575296
I've been using Canon cameras for about 15 years now. My first (brand new) was the Elan7e film camera (loved the eye focusing feature). I moved to digital when the 20D came out and continue to use this camera today. I actually have two since I bought another as a back up. I have and still do use these cameras for wedding work. I also purchased a used 1D mkIIN several years back when I was shooting lots of sporting events for high schools. Both of these cameras are 8.5MP. I've been away from shooting sports for a couple years however it looks like I'm about to get a school contract to cover all their sports and memory mate work. I've thought about upgrading my 20D's to something newer but I'm disapointed in what I'm reading. The new 60D was downgraded to a poly carb. body and SD cards and don't need video. The 7D is noisey at higher ISO but has a faster burst rate. I'm sure it's hard to please everyone all the time. All I want is a solid body that produces sharp images in good and low light that uses the same memory type that I already have (CF) without breaking the bank. $2000.00 is too much for a camera body for my current work load. I'm afraid that only upgrading to a 50D would not be enough of an upgrade to matter any.

Sounds like you want a 1diii.

RogerC11 wrote in post #14575342
Sounds like you want a 1diii.

yup

No company is going to have all the bells and whistles built into an entry level camera. There is no do-it-all machine all built into one because, in a manufacturers perspective, its not smart business. Therefore, you need to pay big money to get something like a 1dx or 5diii.

1. I recommend breaking up your post a little so it is easier to read.

2. I fail to see how the 60D is a downgrade just because they use plastic... it is plenty durable.

3. I highly doubt the 7D is noisier at "higher ISO" than a 20D. I have not owned a 20D, but I do own a 5Dc and it is only slightly better than the 7D at 3200, so I have trouble believing the 20D is better than the 7D at all.

For $2000 or less, the best Canon body for sports is a 7D IMO. Some may try to persuade you to get a 1D3, it costs more than a 7D and I personally don't feel it is significantly better in terms of tracking or noise. I would only go 1D3 if you need weather sealing or are in love with integrated battery grips (which I am not, I prefer to have a choice whether I want a grip on or off).

I fail to see your point.

1. The progression of polycarb as a building material has come a long way from when you purchased your 20D. They make super sports cars out of the stuff, so it's not a fragile kids toy as some make it out to be. But as you pointed out, if you wanted a magnesium frame then you can buy the 7D

2. Your comment of the 7D is just way out of left field. I would put a 7D up against your 20D any day of the week and it will out perform it hands down in just about every angle other than file size. To say it's too noisy in high iso is a joke. When it first came out, there were raves as to how is blew away everything else with it's low noise. Now that it's getting a bit older, and there is newer technology that can out perform it, all of a sudden it's crap? How did that happen? It's still just as capable as before, but yes a 5D3 will perform better, but you'd have to pay substantially more for the privilege.

Stop getting your panties in a twist and buy the camera if you want something better than what you have.

Sorry if I cofused anyone. I was NOT comparing these cameras to a 20D. I would certanly hope and expect them to have improved since then and no, I have not used either of these cameras yet. I'm currently just trying to read up on what other people are saying about them.

tbfoto wrote in post #14575384
I have not used either of these cameras yet.

If you can, rent a 7D for a few days. It's what I did before I purchased mine because I was unsure. Once you have the camera in your hands and see how it performs and what it can do in your situation then you can better decide if the camera is for you or not.

TheFarmer wrote in post #14575397
If you can, rent a 7D for a few days. It's what I did before I purchased mine because I was unsure. Once you have the camera in your hands and see how it performs and what it can do in your situation then you can better decide if the camera is for you or not.

Now....there is a useful suggestion. I never thought of that. Thank you.
Wow, It's easy to see that some of you are very passionate about certain models. That's ok. Just don't bust my hump....I'm just asking for input. Sorry if I ruffled any feathers out there. I've been away from this forum for a while.

tbfoto wrote in post #14575428
Now....there is a useful suggestion. I never thought of that. Thank you.
Wow, It's easy to see that some of you are very passionate about certain models. That's ok. Just don't bust my hump....I'm just asking for input. Sorry if I ruffled any feathers out there. I've been away from this forum for a while.

Definitely rent the 7D and check it out. It will whoop the 20D.

Sorry but the 7D will cream the 20d at high ISO.

I shot for years with a 350d , same sensor as the 20d, and the 7d is 3 stops better at least.

A 50D is a big upgrade over a 20D. I mean thats a lot newer, and the 7D is better than the 50D. You have 650 posts, so I"m not for sure what you mean exactly? The 7D high noise? Wouldn't the 7D have better noise control than a 20D that is much older?


I would say by reading what you need to go buy is the 7D. Sounds like a perfect solution!

Good luck

For example, 7D shot at ISO 3200, this is natural low light (1/50th, f1.4) and dark (-2/3ev on metering) so will show up any noise more than some other shots:

IMAGE LINK: http://www.flickr.com/​photos/zarphag/6375073​961/