Which body would you buy? (UK)

If you had around £800 to spend on a new body what would you go for? I haven't even really looked at cameras for a couple of years since my kids were born so I'm not up to speed these days. I'm thinking maybe the 7d.

elfy wrote in post #16723895
If you had around £800 to spend on a new body what would you go for? I haven't even really looked at cameras for a couple of years since my kids were born so I'm not up to speed these days. I'm thinking maybe the 7d.

From the cameras listed in your post, the best choice would be one of the T-series Digital Rebels such as a T5i. The T5i operates much like the XT you listed.

A good reason to recommend away from a 7D is that the 7D is a deceptively complex unit, and it's too easy to get yourself in trouble with its many subtle adjustments. A careful reading of this forum's messages over the last couple of years reveals numerous users who have been deeply confounded by a 7D and cannot figure out how to use such a complex camera. They heard that a 7D was "best" and then, too late, learned they were over matched by the camera's endless series of adjustments.

To avoid this frustration, it's best to change to a simpler and less expensive unit.

Thanks for your reply. I've been shooting with the XT for about eight or nine years now and, as much as I loved it, I feel like I'm no longer a 'novice' and want to upgrade from the Rebel series to something more substantial. I don't mind learning the intricacies of a new, more complex camera.

buy a 7D. read, learn and grow. You'll enjoy the control layout.

Sounds like a 7D would be great for you. I have a 500d and wanted the 7d successor (that still hasn't been released) and in a rash moment leapt up to a full frame 5d3, no problems adapting to it.

Personally I rate lenses much higher than bodies and I think you might think how you would plan/budget to get better lenses. Perhaps the 17-55 f2.8 which is close to an L lens. The 70-200 f2.8 L is awesome, but heavy and v expensive. I'd go for second hand to save a bit of cash.

Personally i'd go for the 135 f2L lens. and keep the body.. The body makes such little difference...

I recently saw a couple of used 1DsIII's in WEX at around that price, I would be very tempted by one of those. Otherwise I guess the 60D is about that sort of money these days isn't it?

Alan

I'd get a 70D over the 7D. Same AF system, newer camera, more features, better IQ (slightly).

Yep 70D would be the way to go, my mum got one and I'm very impressed with it so far!

Sirrith wrote in post #16726196
I'd get a 70D over the 7D. Same AF system, newer camera, more features, better IQ (slightly).

I say this as as well unless you want to hold out for the 7d mark II (or whatever it will be called) but methinks the new one will be out of that price range.

What kind of photography do you do?

2nd hand 5D mk II is around your budget level if a move up to full frame appeals. If you're shooting lanscapes I'd say that's a better move than 70D. If you're shooting sports... no so much

Of course if all your lenses are EF-S then you need to factor in some serious lens replacement costs too...

No 7d for me. My 350d bit the dust. Or concrete, more precisely. I was hoping if it wasn't repairable I'd get a couple of hundred from the insurers, to which I'd add some cash to get an upgraded model. Due to some unforeseen circumstances, I now have no spare cash and in any case the insurers have said they'll replace it with a new 1100d.

So what's the verdict on the 1100d then? Clearly it's not a 7d but specs-wise it still looks a decent jump up from my old 350d.

I bought my 5D MkII brand new in the UK from WEX for £1200. Currently the 7D is priced at £1029

dbeugel wrote in post #16739785
I bought my 5D MkII brand new in the UK from WEX for £1200. Currently the 7D is priced at £1029

^ Neither of them are going to be heading my way now.

elfy wrote in post #16739733
No 7d for me. My 350d bit the dust. Or concrete, more precisely. I was hoping if it wasn't repairable I'd get a couple of hundred from the insurers, to which I'd add some cash to get an upgraded model. Due to some unforeseen circumstances, I now have no spare cash and in any case the insurers have said they'll replace it with a new 1100d.

So what's the verdict on the 1100d then? Clearly it's not a 7d but specs-wise it still looks a decent jump up from my old 350d.

See if you can reason with them and get a 650D or even 600D, the 1100D is a lower model line, and the body is really not very nice to use (tiny, poor ergonomics) unless you have quite small hands.