"Upsizing" my SL1

So I've owned the SL1 for a while as a travel camera. But I think I want to go mirrorless for that purpose from now on. But I do like having a smaller Canon APS-C backup to my 6D. But to use as a backup camera the SL1 is a tad small/cramped for me.

I haven't really looked at new Canon DSLRs in a while. I believe Canon still sells the T3i and T4i alongside the new T5i?

Kinda wish I jumped on those awesome refurbished 70D deals a while ago but oh well...

So what do you think?

They don't sell the T4i anymore, just the T3i and T5i. The T5i is almost identical from the T4i apart from some minor cosmetic and software tweaks. Nothing wrong with any of those cameras, but I'd stick with the T3i unless you plan to use it for video.

To me, the obvious choice is a 60D because it uses the same battery and media card as the 6D. But the sensor size is different, so not a true backup.

Why do you need a backup anyway?

frugivore wrote in post #17323985
To me, the obvious choice is a 60D because it uses the same battery and media card as the 6D. But the sensor size is different, so not a true backup.

Why do you need a backup anyway?

I don't need one, just like having it around.

ByInfernosLight wrote in post #17323953
They don't sell the T4i anymore, just the T3i and T5i. The T5i is almost identical from the T4i apart from some minor cosmetic and software tweaks. Nothing wrong with any of those cameras, but I'd stick with the T3i unless you plan to use it for video.

T5i would be better than T3i for video because of continuous AF? Or is there more than that?

It's a different media card but the battery is the same. You might want to consider a look at the 7D. The price has dropped way down with the release of the 7DII and there are some new ones still available. I believe I saw an add for $625 the other day on 7D (body only) brand new. I have both 6D and 7D and find they make great companions, 7D outdoors in good light and 6D for the low-light situations. Both cameras provide specific advantages that make a great compliment to each other.

The Dark Knight wrote in post #17323825
So I've owned the SL1 for a while as a travel camera. But I think I want to go mirrorless for that purpose from now on. But I do like having a smaller Canon APS-C backup to my 6D. But to use as a backup camera the SL1 is a tad small/cramped for me.

I haven't really looked at new Canon DSLRs in a while. I believe Canon still sells the T3i and T4i alongside the new T5i?

Kinda wish I jumped on those awesome refurbished 70D deals a while ago but oh well...

So what do you think?

Heya,

Well if it's just a backup, then I would just keep what you have, if you're not using it, and it just serves for "if I need it."

But if you are actively using both cameras, then focus on having a 2nd camera that offers some things that are useful. I actively use an APS-C and full frame side by side all the time. I like using certain features on each one.

If it's truly a backup, and you just need a bigger body, why not just get a 5D classic? Otherwise, I'd look at a T3i as they're inexpensive. That won't burn money sitting on a shelf.

If you want an APS-C that has uses that your 6D doesn't have, that you may want to use when using that APS-C, then look to a 7D or 70D. Both have features that the 6D does not have and that makes them great options and not just money on a shelf.

And if you want to go mirrorless and go smaller than the SL1, and really test the strain of crampy hands, check out an EOS-M. Or, consider a new, very expensive Sony. Or maybe even a very fantastic Fuji.

Very best,

You've got a bad case of GAS that needs to be treated. Do you really need a backup if you're planning on picking up mirrorless? Mirrorless IS you backup.

I've had my 60D for about 4 years. I've had my 6D for about a year. The 60D doesn't get used much any more, but I keep it because I can't even buy a really good P&S for what I could sell it for. Seriously consider your need for a second camera.

If you go mirrorless the body size will give you similar cramped hands. The panasonic gh3 and gh4 is very similar in size to the SL1. At this moment pretty well every mirrorless bodies are designed for smaller form factor.

The Sony Alpha series IMO is probably the least in compromise for image quality and high iso capabilities. The native lenses is slowly growing in versatility. The problem that comes into the mix is when you shoot with 2 different systems.

If your shooting paid events then it's more logical to use 2 bodies from the same platform.

I shoot canon as a primary but what I am finding limiting at the moment is my current M43 system (panasonic gh3, olympus em-5). I dedicate that system for "good light shooting" to maintain some level of good image quality. This limitation is really crippling my views on having a smaller form factor secondary system. Since I'm in no rush I'd be willing to hope for a massive jump in iso performance with newer tech sensors. For now even the current M43 is not on par with the sony A7 mk1.

In time I'll be giving my M43 gear to my 8 and 5 yrs old daughters and switch to sony alpha series for my secondary system with incredible high iso performance. Knowing sony there would be a new sony A7s mk2 in no time

If your needing a "backup" I'd just buy another 6d

If you need/want a backup, purchase another 6D. Everything will be the same.

Bigger than an SL1 but smaller than a 6D kinda leads you right to the T3i/ T5i. I'd ask yourself, though, why you want a smaller camera that's not your travel camera? If it's not a travel camera, it doesn't need to be smaller, does it?

My SL1 makes an awesome travel camera

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The Dark Knight wrote in post #17324005
I don't need one, just like having it around.

Considering you've been talking about trying a ILC X-series camera, I would look into of those. An X-E2 with the "kit" 18-55mm zoom would be a great backup body (that's what I use my X-E1 for) and it'd be something that you'd feel compelled to use even as a primary camera for outings where you don't need the 6D. Be careful though, for me that was a slippery slope that ended with me selling the 6D and getting an a7R

Talley wrote in post #17332422
My SL1 makes an awesome travel camera

I have to agree. I bought one some time back and love it as a travel camera.