Decisions, decisions...

Hi everyone.

I need some help making a decision. I am looking to purchase either a new body or a new lens, possibly both. I am currently using an XSI and would like to step up to a T2i, T3i, or 7D. I would like to be able to shoot video (primarily my golf swing). I like the 7D because of the fps, but that is the only appeal for me over the other bodies.

As far as lenses, I am looking at the 70-300 is usm because I like the panning mode, and the 70-200 L (both the f4 and f2.8, both non is).

I like to shoot landscapes, candids, and sports action.

Any help is appreciated.

Stay away from the T series cameras if you plan to do sports photography. You will get frustrated with the speed at which the cameras take photos as well as how slow they write to the SD card. The 7D is much more appropriate. That aside, the T series cameras are fine for your remaining interests.

If you are just using video to record your swing, then on of the Rebels would be fine. If you are also trying to take photos of action or sports, then the Rebels won't cut it like the 7D will. If you can aford the 7D, then go for it.

Another option is to buy a GoPro Hero2 or 3 for video and the left over cash towards a lens. The Hero2 will record 720p at 120 fps. That will give much more slowmo detail than any of the DSLR's video will. The only thing is that it only records in an ultra wide angle view at that speed.

What about something in-between the T3i and the 7d... like the 60d? It has a higher burst rate than the T3i, but doesn't have the price tag of the 7d. It would also give you a more ergonomic body and the top lcd screen - I'd go take a look at them in your local camera store to get an idea of how they are in your hand etc.

As for the telephoto... what about the 70-200 f4 with IS if the non-IS 2.8 is also in budget?

I thought about the 60d, but it is fairly close in price to the 7d on the used market here. Plus I was absolutly mesmerized by the burst rate of the 7d. It seems to me that there just wasn't much performance difference between the T3i and the 60d. Seems like I would be better

The 70-200 f4 L non-is is in my price range. The f2.8 IS is out of my price range. I could do the IS f4L, but I wouldn't be able get the new body too. Same goes for the non IS f2.8. For some reason the thought of sticking an L lens on my xsi seems wrong.

I somehow hit the "post" button. Oops!

It seems like I would be better off getting a T3i and glass than a 60d.

10mm Fan wrote in post #15476555
I thought about the 60d, but it is fairly close in price to the 7d on the used market here. Plus I was absolutly mesmerized by the burst rate of the 7d. It seems to me that there just wasn't much performance difference between the T3i and the 60d. Seems like I would be better

The 70-200 f4 L non-is is in my price range. The f2.8 IS is out of my price range. I could do the IS f4L, but I wouldn't be able get the new body too. Same goes for the non IS f2.8. For some reason the thought of sticking an L lens on my xsi seems wrong.

There's a nice difference between the T3i and 60D! For landscape, the burst and AF are much better, though not to the 7D's caliber.

The 60D also offers the articulating screen (T3i/T4i as well), which is fantastic for tripod-mounted landscapes! In fact, i would own a 7D already, if it had that LCD.. i love it that much!!!

Don't let the "L" lens lust/fear sway your thinking; my 70-200/f4L IS worked superbly on my Rebel XS.