Yet another upgrade question from Rebel XT - lot's about me however ...

I've read through some camera upgrade threads and one thing that has come through to me, loud and clear is that when someone asks about this camera versus that camera or this feature versus that feature, the response is usually, "What kind of photography do you do? What features do you think are holding you back?"

I appreciate that, because I don't think the camera makes the picture, the photographer does. And I'm not that far along in the hobby relative the members on this forum (although I'd like to kick it up a notch). I don't need the latest gadget. And I appreciate the approach to advice given here.

My history:

Was seriously into the hobby as a younger guy, but have fallen away from it just due to, well, life. I'm 57 and NEED reading glasses. I started shooting with my dad's Argus C3, and built a darkroom in my basement when I was in 7th grade. Was in the photo club in high school from 1970-1974, took a photo class in college, and could make some good advanced amateur images, but definitely not pro quality. I tend to keep gear for a long time. For example, I had a Fuji ST701 from 1974 to about 1984, then had a Nikon FG from then till about 2006 when the FG crapped out on me. I was dragged, kicking and screaming, into digital photography then and bought a Rebel XT, which I still have.

Frankly, if the FG had not broken, I might not have jumped to digital, but I have been delighted and never looked back. I am not unhappy with what I get out of my Rebel XT, truth be told, but envy for a 3" rear screen, given my eyes, is the driving factor in my wanting to upgrade. If the XT had one, I might not be wanting to upgrade.

Gear I own now includes:

EFS 17-85mm f/4-5.6 IS USM lens
EF 50mm f/1.4 USM lens
Canon 580EX and a 430EX (not the EX-II, the older ones)
Two Alien Bee 800 units with stands, umbrellas and a background stand.

I'd like to get a couple more lenses, maybe upgrade the 17-85 with a Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM Lens, and get an 85mm f/1.8. I'm happy with the flash units, and am trying to learn to use two speedlights on manual.

What I like to shoot:

I like to do portraits, both posed and spontaneous. I like to do scenics, and I like to play with B&W architectural shots. I do black belt photos for the wall at my martial arts school (with the bees) and shoot at karate tournaments. I have not been very active in photos in the last 3 years or so, just too busy.

What I think I don't care about:

I don't need a 35mm sensor, the 1.6 crops are fine. I don't need a pro camera. I have no interest in shooting video. While touch screen and WiFi capability are nice to have, I suppose, I don't consider them necessary.

Having looked at something like the 70D, I don't think I want to spend the money. I think a refurbished 60D at about half that price might be just the ticket. I could see being happy with a Rebel T4i refurbished, also, and the price difference between that and the 60D is de minimus, so that is why I'm leaning toward the 60D. I've read that the T5i is really almost the same as the T4i. I see refurbished T4i, T5i and 60D on the Canon site, but no 70D.

Anyway, left to my own devices, I think I would opt for the refurbished 60D, but since there is such a wealth of knowledge here I thought I'd ask. I'm not a gadget freak and frankly, the technical differences I am reading about make my head swim.

Thoughts? Thanks very much, the members of this forum as incredibly helpful.

It looks to me like you're on the right track. Refurbished 60D plus 17-55 f/2.8 IS and 85mm f/1.8.

shedberg wrote in post #16602070
It looks to me like you're on the right track. Refurbished 60D plus 17-55 f/2.8 IS and 85mm f/1.8.

Agreed, wholeheartedly!

Dwain

The XXD controls are so much easier to navigate than rebel models that I think whichever XXD model you select will make you happy. 60D is good, although take a look at the 7D as well.

Thank you, gentlemen, I thought I was on the right track, but not being a tech maven and having been out of the game for a bit, I wanted to run this up here.

@ gonzogolf Why would you have me look at the 7D? It's even more expensive than the 70D, refurbished, the 7D is the same price as a new 70D. I am leaning toward the 60D because it gets me a few years further along the digital photography technology curve, but does not break the bank. I am willing to spend more, I just want to know I am going to reap some benefits from it, and I suspect diminishing returns (for me) will have set in with a vengeance at the 7D.

This is very simplistic, but remember some of the differences I don't even know why they are important.

http://snapsort.com …n_EOS_60D-vs-Canon_EOS_7D

From what I see the 7D would be the way to go if I was a professional sports photographer. I cannot see a reason to consider it, but I thought I'd as you if you can elaborate.


For now, features/price, aka value, the scales seem to tip in favor of the 60D as my logical upgrade. But I'm still cogitating!

I would have you look at it, as you have obviously done, to see if any of the advanced features appeal to you. Also I would suggest you look at the second hand market where you might find the difference in price between the 7D and the 60D to be a bit less strident. If you arent buying state of the art gear, then take advantage of the depreciation already in place.

Thanks for that!

Yes, the faster operation could come in handy, you make a good point. The price points are still fairly far apart, and I rarely shoot karate events now that the kids are grown, but that could change if I get back into it. Worth looking at, but I think I'm sticking with the 60D. Still cogitating, though.

JohnCollins wrote in post #16601969
I've read through some camera upgrade threads and one thing that has come through to me, loud and clear is that when someone asks about this camera versus that camera or this feature versus that feature, the response is usually, "What kind of photography do you do? What features do you think are holding you back?"

the other thing that always comes up in this type of thread is off topic recommendations that weren't a part of the original question. So let me go ahead and take care of that.



I think you will want to consider a lens upgrade too. While the 17-85 is fairly well regarded, there are better options. The EF-S 17-55 is a stellar lens with a constant aperture, and could pair nicely with another prime lens for the type of photography you are interested in.

So that said, I would go with spending less on the camera with something like the 60D, and more on lenses.


edit: somehow i missed the first post, sorry to have not been the first to get off topic. I tried. :P

I have to say a +1 on the 60D. I have been all over the place trying to find the right fit for me, and just bought a used 60D from these forums. I've tried everything from the Nex-6/7, 5Dc, 5DII, and the Rebels. I feel the 60D was right for me for size, controls and high ISO capabilities and price. I am pairing my 60D with a 50 1.4 and a 24-105 (since I have good light or use a flash when I use the zoom). I'll eventually add the 135 to my kit.

60D is probably the best valued crop at the moment. It'll fit you fine.

coming from the XT, it's a sizable leap in ergonomics and features.

Another vote for the 60D.

I have one and have no interest in "upgrading" to the 70D.
The difference in price does not justify the extra features.

Given the current prices of the 60D, you might be able to get a new one at a reasonable price, rather than a refurbished.

I just happen to have a 60D in excellent shape with less than 3000 shutter clicks that I will be selling. I am the original owner and have the box and everything that came with it originally. Let me know if anyone is interested!

Thank you for the confidence you are imparting, people! I'm feeling good about this decision!

@PH68, new prices are running right around $700, the Canon site refurb is $575. I have not looked much further, but unless used prices are much below Canon's refurb, maybe it does make sense to buy new.

Hi John,

Like you, I have not so great eyes for things up-close, even with bifocals. Just turned 58 was also in the photography club from 1969 - 1973. Have taken courses here and there throughout the years, but am just now getting back into it more seriously.

I got myself a 60D with an EF-S 18-135mm lens and am extremely happy with it. Does everything I want to do plus a bit extra.

Being a 60D owner for 2 years, I wholeheartedly agree that it is probably the best value for the money.

The best crop body right now is the 70D. The only feature I envy in the 70D is the MFA, something that the 60D lacks completely and the 7D has in a more rudimentary form (1 point of MFA for the zooms rather than two).

However, not all is lost, if you buy your lenses (assuming that you will be buying lenses) new, you can always send them to Canon for adjustment.

I cannot justify spending the incremental money to the 70D from the 60D, but if you come from a significantly older camera, it might be worth considering.

Just my two cents...

EDIT: Forgot to say I turned 60 this year and I started with film in 72... No need for stinkin' bifocals, I am so near sighted that if I take my glasses off I can read the tiniest print... Anything past a foot is a blur...