Upgrade my T2i to ?????

Given the chance over 7 / 70d I'd take a 70D

ddk,

I have had my 70D for a couple months now. My 60D is a fine camera but I wanted something to give me more keepers with birds in flight, in particular. The 70D's faster frame rate and better AF are already doing that for me. The other upgrades from the 60D didn't thrill me on paper but actually using them has changed my mind. I love the better live view. I actually use it a lot for low angle shots and macro. I use my iPhone as a wireless shutter release. Overall, I'm very happy with my 70D. There are a very few 70D's that have had a focus issue when shooting fast lenses (f/2.8 and faster) but I think it's been overblown because, as we know, bad news travels faster than good news. (Did they find that plane yet?) I'd make sure I purchased from a source where returns are easy.

I think you'll love your 70-300L even more than you do now as you use it. What a great lens. I know some people think it's one of the lesser L's but those of us who own it tend to be dedicated fans. Great color rendition, immediate focusing as you've noticed and sharp, sharp, sharp.

I can only speak/type for myself, obviously, but I don't feel guilty spending money on my hobbies. I have a photography savings account that I build up by saving a few shekels from every paycheck. Once a year, I add something to my gear. This year, I got the 70D and the very fine 35 f/2 IS. We all have priorities depending on what we value. For instance, I'd rather spend money on hobbies that on cars so we never buy new cars. My camera fund is nowhere near the amount I'd be spending if I had new car payments. Some people love their cars so that works for them. We just buy used cars that are reliable: we have two Toyota Avalons.

I went from a T2i to a 70D. Image quality wise, there was no difference.
Camera wise, it was a great improvement.

Improvements I've found useful:
auto iso - finally, one that works as it should
silent shutter - the base one is silent compared to the T2i, the silent one is even more
higher shutter speed - 1/8000, need I say more
higher cleaner iso
AF tracking - works way better than standard AI Servo
19 point AF - I only need it for when tracking. Other than that, its center point only.
touch screen - I though it was a gimic, till I used it
flip screen - the quality of the screen is much better than I anticipated. My last one was a G6.
micro adjustments to lenses
wireless flash trigger - not better than radio, but works pretty good
wifi - using my phone to control the camera is cool

There are issues with some 70Ds out there. I tested mine the other day and got a mixed bag of results. When the time came to shoot actual objects, rather than test objects, I had no problems whatsoever.

Great information and responses from everyone - thank you.

I think I'll stew on this a bit more - and look around for a good deal on a lightly used camera. I've looked around a bit already locally - and it looks like I can get a nice used 7d for around the same price as a nice used 70d.

If the prices (used) are around the same - is the 7d the way to go? If yes, why? If no, why not?

Thanks again -

ddk2001 wrote in post #16906852
I picked up a T2i package a few years ago - and have been taking lots of pics of my kids sports games - and other general things (family, etc.). It came with two kit lenses - the EFS 18-55is and the EFS 55-250is.

I just picked up a 70-300L and really like it - amazing the difference (better reach - but better glass, AF, etc) - wow.

I was thinking about a 70d but - after reading a couple threads here - I'm scared to death to pick one up.

If my main use is youth sports - with some vacation and family pics mixed in - is there a good upgrade to make?

Thanks!
Dan

I went to the 1D3, and still have the T2i. The 1D3 has been incredible for youth sports -- it completely nails focus, and the files are so much easier to work with in post. I had a tough time deciding between 1D3 and 7D, but I made the right choice for myself (though 7D is a great body too).

Here's the thread I used to settle the debate (might be helpful): Specific needs: 1D3 or 7D?

I went from the XSi (450D) to the 60D to the 70D. Some would say that there is no IQ difference between the three cameras, but there is. Since the 70D has the AF micro-adjustment, I was able to calibrate my lenses, and for some of them the sharpness went up drastically.

Keep in mind that while the T2i and the 7D have identical sensors, the 70D sensor is new, allowing for better ISO handling. The new sensor afford much faster focusing when in Live View, which I frequently need when shooting macros.

The 7D is a four-five year old technology, though it is a great camera. If I had one, I would still keep it, no need to upgrade. But if one is thinking of upgrading, it is worth looking at the 70D. Also keep in mind when considering a jump to full frame: It is not just a body that one needs to buy, two of the OP's lenses need to be replaced at the same time. As they will not work with a FF camera, he will have to spend money on new lenses just to be able to do photography (except for his new 70-300).

Lbsimon wrote in post #16908782
It is not just a body that one needs to buy, two of the OP's lenses need to be replaced at the same time. As they will not work with a FF camera, he will have to spend money on new lenses just to be able to do photography (except for his new 70-300).

True, but the 55-250 has already been replaced. The 18-55 is no great loss, other than the need to cover that focal length range again. Granted, it's a forced "opportunity" to bump up to faster glass, like a $600 used 24-105.

It is unfortunate, but when you get into the "pro level" bodies, you're kind of buying into a more expensive experience, but with benefits.

With my 70-200 f/2.8 and my 25-105 f/4, on my 1D3, I very rarely wish for any other lenses. I'll be adding a 100-400 pretty soon, I think, as my oldest will be playing soccer on a full-size field in the fall.

waterrockets wrote in post #16908706
Here's the thread I used to settle the debate (might be helpful): Specific needs: 1D3 or 7D?

Thanks...just thanks...now contemplating about getting the 1DIII

My 7D simply doesn't miss focus. Yea, I know I'm supposed to take credit since I'm the one holding the camera but sometimes I KNOW my technique is absolutely terrible. Over Easter I was chasing two three year olds with my 7D and 24-105. At one point I literally dove to the ground to try to shoot up at them (tough when they're only 3' tall and I'm 6'3") chasing bubbles.

Tack sharp.

I am seriously considering selling my whole Canon kit for one of the new Fuji or Sony kits but I have a real concern that I will be seriously disappointed with the AF.

Lbsimon wrote in post #16908782
I went from the XSi (450D) to the 60D to the 70D. Some would say that there is no IQ difference between the three cameras, but there is. Since the 70D has the AF micro-adjustment, I was able to calibrate my lenses, and for some of them the sharpness went up drastically.

Keep in mind that while the T2i and the 7D have identical sensors, the 70D sensor is new, allowing for better ISO handling. The new sensor afford much faster focusing when in Live View, which I frequently need when shooting macros.

Micro-adjust was a life saver for me; two lenses which consistently back-focused on my 550D and 7D by default, are now completely satisfactory on the 7D with micro adjust.

Also, live testing and user comments both confirm that the 70D's high ISO noise is at best half a stop improved over the 7D. I needed the 7D viewfinder AF improvements much more than a small noise improvement; using proper ETTR and a good Lightroom flow, I really am quite happy with the 7D's noise. If I were shooting video it would be a totally different situation.

Oh man - my head just exploded . . .

To much to think about - time to go out and get more pics.