350d upgrade to what on a budget?

My first upgrade was from 350D to 30D. The ergonomics of the 30D were, for me, so much better that I was getting shots I would have missed with the 350D, even though the technical spec is virtually identical. I now use 5D2 and 7D as my main bodies but also have a 50D, which has produced some of my best pictures and is, in my opinion, greatly under-rated. A good used one is a little over your budget though. Worth saving a bit more or using your macro lens budget?

Incidentally, you might like to check the spelling of "Tokina" in your gear list.

Gutterscum wrote in post #15097679
I so hear what is being said but this will be a present for me and it is to be bought retail. I am however going to try and find a camera shop and look at other cameras.

I would consider going used even though it's a present. It's already not going to be a surprise, and it's not the sealed box you want, it's the experience of having the right camera. If you're open to used as a consumer, don't let the silly social pressures of gifts prevent getting what you want. It's really a waste of money for the giver of the gift too, if you really don't want a new camera.

My wife and I give each other used stuff all the time. I'll find the gift and turn it over to her a month or so in advance. The kids help wrap it. Buying used when it makes sense is one of my family's values, so it's no secret. Heck, my mother-in-law bought my my 2007 Canon 1D Mk III this July! (as thanks for house work I've been doing for her). The POTN seller shipped it to her house for me.

I wish it was that way in this house but it isnt.

I hear you. Might be something to start working on though with lower value items in the future.

For now, maybe re-jigger the budget so she buys you a lens cap as a gift, and you get $695 for a used rig off the books?

Lol love your concept!

OK, I have read all of this thread & understand your dilema. Here is the path I took. I started with a 450D. I then went to a 50D, it was lightyears better. I then went to a 5D2 and sold the 50D because it was not being used. I then needed a backup for weddings etc and did not want another 50D, so brought a 40D. It is hard to put into words but the images taken with the 40D are cleaner than the ones I used to take with the 40D. The 50D is a great camera, don't get me wrong. The LCD screen, buttons, menu etc are better than the 40D and closer to the 5D2, but I still prefer the 40D over it. So if it was me I would buy a good 40D with a battery grip if you have big hands (same as me) and put any money you saved into getting an upgrade to your 18-55.

I move from a 400D to a 50D a while ago and this was a great upgrade. Better IQ, better grip, better features. I would recommend moving to a XXD body depending on your budget.

Budget is a KILLER here. If I could afford to go a 5D III beleive me I would.

And there is a 60D which I can grab on 11/11 which is my birthday - got it at a great price but have promised not to use it till the appropriate day.

Now about some new glass.......