Looking to upgrade: T3i or 60D

Hey everyone,

I'm new to this forum and I need help deciding on an upgrade. I tried doing a search but couldn't really find anything to answer my questions.

Anyway, I currently have a T3 which I impulsively bought before I studied abroad in Spain this past semester. Upon returning, photography has grown into a bigger hobby than I was expecting.

What would be the better camera to upgrade to? With this upgrade, I want a camera that can give me a good time span before I feel the need to upgrade again. I only need to buy a camera body since I mostly shoot with my Sigma 28mm f/1.8 and my Canon 50mm f/1.8 lenses.

I will be selling my T3 for around $400. A T3i body ranges from $500-600 while a 60D body ranges from $700-$900. Is that extra $100-200 worth the 60D body.

Thanks in advance for the insight.

I went through the same process a couple of months ago. I chose the 60D. In part because I got it through the Canon Loyalty Program for $640, but mostly because of the way it felt in my hands ( a bit larger than the T3i) and definitely because of the ability to see and work the controls from the top LCD without needing to go into the internal menus. Huge.

Ray33 wrote in post #14894026
I went through the same process a couple of months ago. I chose the 60D. In part because I got it through the Canon Loyalty Program for $640, but mostly because of the way it felt in my hands ( a bit larger than the T3i) and definitely because of the ability to see and work the controls from the top LCD without needing to go into the internal menus. Huge.

Yeah. I've tested both out a few times. With the T3i, there's no real learning curve with the button layout (similar to T3). I do agree that the 60D did feel a lot better in my hands and the button layout seemed more thought out. As of right now, I feel like the 60D is the right camera if I can get a good price.

CJCMarquez wrote in post #14894523
Yeah. I've tested both out a few times. With the T3i, there's no real learning curve with the button layout (similar to T3). I do agree that the 60D did feel a lot better in my hands and the button layout seemed more thought out. As of right now, I feel like the 60D is the right camera if I can get a good price.

I use a 60D and still have my 500D. I like the controls on the 60D much better. The top-deck LCD is pointless for me. I can't shoot with my glasses on and I can't see the top LCD without them. I vote for the 60D.

Another happy 60D user here. There's a rumor about a 70D being announced in Sept., but I don't know the specs, price, or how long it'll be before it's available. There's always gonna be something new, right? 60D is a great choice.

TSchrief wrote in post #14896539
... The top-deck LCD is pointless for me. I can't shoot with my glasses on and I can't see the top LCD without them. ....

Me too.. Rarely ever use the TOP LCD screen. Actually only used it on the 5D3 once the 'light leak' issue emerged- and that was to see it- not much else. I use the LCD on the back or the view finder..

OP: If you believe that the 60D is getting replaced soon- and are considering used- consider waiting the month to see if the replacement does come out.. Then the price on used 60D's will probably drop.
Otherwise, the 70D or whatever it will be called- will likely be more expensive anyways- do you want to spend the cash ?

T3 to a 60D or T3i- the 60D offers more- including 9 cross type af points and that brighter viewfinder - not to mention larger body (sometimes good- other times- maybe not )

It's interesting some don't use the top LCD. I find it so much faster for the functions it has than using the Q screen. It's nice that is has both though.

I suspect it all depends upon what you started out using, which LCD readout you'll use.

My first modern Canon's were a pair of EOS-3 and an Elan 7E. Top LCD only on those film cameras. So with DSLRs I still mostly use only the top LCD to set up the camera and use the rear screen occasionally to review images and check histograms. I do use the Q screen occasionally to set things up when I'm working in really low light situations, but that's not often. I keep the rear screen dark most of the time while shooting (i.e., no auto review of images) because I find it really intrusive, sitting right below the viewfinder eyeport.

Coming from Rebel/xxxD series I can see where you would be in the habit of using the rear LCD screen, since that's what you are accustomed to (it's the only thing the series offers). Eventually you might learn to like the top screen better, but maybe not. Doesn't really matter, it's the same info either way.

But I often don't use either screen. The 60D (and earlier), 7D, 5D-series all seem easier than Rebel series to use without moving your eye away from the viewfinder. Maybe I could learn to do the same with the Rebels, if I used them more. It's a lot faster, if you can make adjustements to the basic camera settings while keeping your eye to the viewfinder.

OP, if the 60D feels better to you and the control layout seems nicer, that's probably what you should get. The only exception would be if you are short on good quality lenses, then I'd suggest buy the cheapest camera you can... or keep what you've got for now, and put money into lenses instead. Ultimately lenses will have a whole lot more to do with how your images look, than the camera used behind them.

guitarfish wrote in post #14896823
It's interesting some don't use the top LCD. I find it so much faster for the functions it has than using the Q screen. It's nice that is has both though.

I don't use the top LCD because I can't see it. Using the Q-menu is easier than donning (does anyone use that word anymore?) and removing my glasses. When I use my Elan 7NE I don't have any choice.

CLP program will change your budget considerations...in a good way. Got my 60d thru CLP.

I prefer my 60d to my 550d for UI, functionality, viewfinder,... all the little extras. I actually took to the top LCD very quickly and use it more than the back LCD for those quick adjustments. Prefer the battery life of the 60d too.

@TSchrief -nope... Definitely a word I would not have used in the past 20 or so years..

If you live in the States you can take advantage of the Canon Loyalty Program (as others have mentioned). The details of the program are at https://photography-on-the.net …ght=canon+loyal​ty+program.

I just checked at http://shop.usa.canon.​com …gory_10051_1005​1_-1_29252 and the 60D body is shown in stock at $800. If the discount is 20% you would get the body for $640. I say "if" because about two months back the discount was reported as going from 20% back to 10%. So verify when you talk to someone. You have to trade in a Canon product but that can be anything, even a old P&S film camera. Some people buy a junker of eBay, some people pick up something cheap at a Salvation Army or Goodwill Industries store.

I got my 60D last July, software told me it had 50 click on it so virtually new. You have a 14-day exchange and a 90 day warranty.

Forget the T3i, not enough change from the T3.

Thanks for all the replies. I will be going for a 60D body, then focus on lenses from there.

I'd go more towards a 7D or something. You're basically upgrading a Rebel to a Rebel...not sure why.