Dilemma (70d or 650d)?

Hello guys,

I'm planning on getting my first DSLR. I have been researching in and out for a good 3 weeks now and seem pretty set on 2 different setups. I plan to use the DSLR for just shooting normal pictures with friends, family, vacations, events.

So, it comes down to this:

1. Canon 650d + Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 DC HSM
2. Canon 70d + EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM + EF 50mm f/1.8 II

Both come out to be around the same price ( I have a budget of about 1500 USD). Tell me what you guys think?

PS: I Love these forums!

I would get a body 70d better noise at higher ISO, AF system, view finder coverage...and video.

hmm. do you think the sharpness of the kit lens on the 70d would be much better than the 650d paired with that awesome sigma lens?

If you can afford a 70D, go for it. I even sold my 7D to make room for a 70D.

You can start with the kit lens and save up for better lens later.
I sold my T4i for the 70D also.

thanks for the feedback so far guys.

So, you guys are basically saying that the image quality on the 70d + kit lens will be better than that with the good lens + 650d?

01erionracing wrote in post #16304047
You can start with the kit lens and save up for better lens later.
I sold my T4i for the 70D also.

Thats what i did to. So far havent regretted it, i do want a 6D though. Lol. I would go with the 70D with the kit lens and the Sigma 1.8, then save up for more glass.

I'd go for the 70D and upgrade the lenses as time goes on. The kit lenses take great photos, so don't be too eager to spend more money after the initial purchase!

I'm of the "Buy better glass than bodies", mentality. So I would go with the first option. And am honestly surprised by everyone who thinks bodies are more important.

"Normal Pictures" can mean very different things to different people. How important is object tracking? Video? Autofocus during video? Battery duration? Wifi? Frames per second?

Lots of things to consider. The 60D lasted 3 years before a refresh, the T4i/650D has already been replaced with the T5i, and it will be replaced again in ~June. Since the T4i/T5i was basically a new badge on the same camera, I would expect the next iteration to have a more significant upgrade, I would assume the dual pixel AF sensor (or at least the tech) from the 70D.

If you think your photography will expand into broader usages and more advanced techniques, the 70D has a lot more room to grow. The ergonomics and features, as well as some of the technical specifications of the camera, are better than the XXXD/Rebel line. They are subtle things but can make a difference.

While I am the first to admit that glass is very important, in this case you may be served better with the 70D, depending on what you expect to be using it for, than the 650D, and then expand your lenses later. If you aren't as concerned about video usage or AF performance in Liveview or in video, and most of your subjects are going to be more static, then the 650D may be the better choice.

Both cameras will do what you want perfectly fine, but I will say this as someone who's first DSLR was a 550d and then got a 60d so this is what I've found about xxxd models vs xxd models:

You will outgrow the 650d faster than the 70d
The 70d will hold value much better than the 650d
If you are interested in video AT ALL, the 70d will be better

70D has better controls. Buy it. You'll appreciate the difference in the near future.

thanks guys.

so here's another newbie question that I couldnt really find an answer to on the web or on the forums here.

I know there are many types of lenses out there. People usually say get the kit lens with the camera that you buy if you're just starting out. However, would I be able to get by with only a prime lens on the body? For example, if I were to get the 70d, would a 50mm lens be good to have as my only lens?

50mm is kinda narrow on a crop from my experience. I would suggest going wider for a prime, like 24, 28, 25, etc. My 7D has the 24mm mounted 90% of the time, making it a 35mm (or 38mm?) equivalent. The newer primes canon released are good for the money.

I didn't think using a kit lens on any body was going to yield a good result until I seen the work of Anatole Kaplouch. Uses a 550D and 18-55 kit. You wouldn't believe it. I still don't.

However, if people are seriously considering getting a better body over better glass, and all agreeing on it, then I'll need to reconsider how I view the 'experts' on this forum. It's always better glass trumps the body anyday.