350D (Rebel XT) up to 7D?

ProbablyVoodoo wrote in post #14931845
I can't see me having a need for 8fps - I barely use continuous drive on my 350D as it stands. The 350D is my first and only dSLR, and I've found the construction of it adequate, apart from some of the surface paint. What does full metal construction give you anyway?

Good point - I've only got 1 x 4GB and 2 x 2GB CF cards at present. I always shoot RAW, which results in 7-8MB files and somewhere around 425-450 images on the 4GB card. I could probably live with 200 images per card, but would prefer more room. I'll ignore the SD/CF aspect for now as it looks like I'll need to buy new memory cards regardless of the choice. Compared to a 60D/7D, they're pretty cheap anyway.

The RAW files for either the 60D or 7D will be substantially larger than on your XT, so you are probably going to want to buy new cards anyway. I now use nothing smaller than 16GB cards.

chrismarriott66 wrote in post #14929714
I realise rumours are rumours but there could be a 70d in the next couple of months with the same if not better noise performance as the 650d, which I believe is better than the 7d with all of the ergonomic features of a prosumer body... You might be able to afford one of these new?

Agreed, but... even if Canon announced a 70D tomorrow, it would be the far side of Christmas before I could get my hands on one, and only then at the inflated RRP.

Judging by the comments on here, either a 60D or a 7D would be a huge upgrade for me. I could hang around forever waiting for the next model (which I have no doubt would be even better), but never actually buy anything.

By the time a 70D replacement is available, the death of the 7D will be imminent, and then it will be "just" a couple of months until loads of second-hand cheap 7Ds are available, and so on...

katgrl82 wrote in post #14931016
The 60D is also larger and has that important top panel for changing settings. I've noticed that shooting manual is so much easier with the 60D compared to the Rebel because of how easy it is to change settings and focus points with that nifty rear wheel/joystick.

I wasn't sure if I would care either way on the flip out rear screen panel, but I do enjoy it when I'm using the tripod or for family shots when I want to be in the picture too (makes it easier to use timer or remote when you can see the screen on how the image will be composed by flipping it around to face the front.)

I think either camera you choose you will love the upgrade!

I didn't mention it in my OP, but that top panel is certainly something I was looking for. Not being able to check my current ISO setting without going into the menu screen is a huge irritation at present!

Like you were, I'm still unclear as to how useful the flip-out panel will be. How durable does it seem? Stuff that has the potential to stick out on a camera always feels like it's going to end up broken...

I can see how family shots on the tripod would be great though.

It sounds like either a 60D or a 7D would be a significant and worthwhile upgrade. Now I guess I need to do more research on the two.

Thanks all for the input so far!

ProbablyVoodoo wrote in post #14931845
I can't see me having a need for 8fps - I barely use continuous drive on my 350D as it stands. The 350D is my first and only dSLR, and I've found the construction of it adequate, apart from some of the surface paint. What does full metal construction give you anyway?

Good point - I've only got 1 x 4GB and 2 x 2GB CF cards at present. I always shoot RAW, which results in 7-8MB files and somewhere around 425-450 images on the 4GB card. I could probably live with 200 images per card, but would prefer more room. I'll ignore the SD/CF aspect for now as it looks like I'll need to buy new memory cards regardless of the choice. Compared to a 60D/7D, they're pretty cheap anyway.

The full metal construction makes it more resistant, but it makes it a lot heavier. I've had mine for about 1.5 years and it feels like it has more scratches and nicks than I ever got on my XT in 7 years. I never found anything wrong with the XT's plastic, but the 7D definitely feels sturdy. My only complaint with the XT was the vanishing grip coating.

Yeah, you''ll have to buy new cards, I recommend 8GB at least, keep the 4GB as a backup just in case you need it, but the 2GB cards will not hold much (useful if you're in a hurry and need extra space, but not good for a full day's shooting)

ProbablyVoodoo wrote in post #14931938
I didn't mention it in my OP, but that top panel is certainly something I was looking for. Not being able to check my current ISO setting without going into the menu screen is a huge irritation at present!

Like you were, I'm still unclear as to how useful the flip-out panel will be. How durable does it seem? Stuff that has the potential to stick out on a camera always feels like it's going to end up broken...

I can see how family shots on the tripod would be great though.

I've only had my 60D a few weeks so I can't comment on long term durability, but if you leave it closed and flat against the camera most of the time, if shouldn't be any less durable than a regular LCD screen I would think. It can also come in handy if you want to do any video.

The top screen on the 60D (or 7D) is super handy, I really love it. I also thought auto ISO (something not on the old rebels) would be something I wouldn't use very often, but I find it quite handy in hiking or other situations where the light is always changing and I don't want to mess with constantly adjusting my settings to get a good exposure.

So far I just have two 16GB cards and I find them plenty big enough for shooting RAW or RAW + JPEG. I had three 8GB cards for the xTi. It was a bit of pain to buy new cards, but they don't cost all that much anymore.

... and the results are in!

Opted for a second-hand 7D and it is brilliant. Have only played with it a small amount this morning, but am already very impressed with the body. Took a quick photo at ISO 6400 and was VERY impressed. Also, it seems to just fit my hand perfectly.

Thanks to all for the advice.

Enjoy!

Congrats man! Hope you enjoy it!

ProbablyVoodoo wrote in post #14931845
What does full metal construction give you anyway?

Being able to do this:
http://www.youtube.com​/watch?v=RCT-YMgjm9k&sns=em Hopefully that link works, I hate posting youtube links from mobile apps.

I bought 350d in may 2006 and a 7d last june. Are you copying me? Lol
seriously, I feel it was a very worthwhile investment. You may find yourself delving into new areas of photography! Congratulations.

On another note, how do you find the 24-105 on a crop? Do you often find it's not wide enough?

StarBlazer wrote in post #14971891
On another note, how do you find the 24-105 on a crop? Do you often find it's not wide enough?

I occasionally find it's not wide enough. It's rare I am taking photos of groups larger than 4 or 5 indoors, so I don't find I need the width. Admittedly, a wider lens would be nice, but I find the 24-105 range just so damn handy that it's hard to justify anything wider...

... especially now I've just raided the piggy bank for a 7D.