Battered and Bruised. A tale of some D's - 50/60/7D Comparison in 2018

Hello friends, I wanted to check your experienced based on one of these models.
I am keenly aware of the unfairness and unpopularity of posts like these, however it would mean the world to me to have your input.

Got the cash to purchase one camera, and one camera only. Has to be used (so think low shutter count and good shape), but can only be one of the following:

Canon 50D
Canon 60D
Canon 7D

I'll be using whichever one I end up choosing with an 18-135 or other kit lens for a while, which is a whole lot better than nothing.
This is all I can afford, but regardless, I wanted to see what your experience is having owned one or some or all of these, and what you think about choosing one of them.

Purpose of use? My first DSLR in a few years, so just getting back into the game. The newer the better, though budget constraints keep me away from 70-80Ds and 5D mark somethings.

My apologies in advance, as I used to be not a great fan of posts like this one.

All the best,

7D

There's not even a comparison there really. $400 used all day.

Very best,

Thank you for taking the time, MalVeauX.

Any other +1's out there?...

Definitely 7D, the only problem is that a used one may have had a lot of heavy use.
The 50D comes a close second (unless you intend to do video because the 50D doesn't)
The 60D is way down the list.

Another 7D

The 60D was where Canon stepped DOWN the build durability of the XXD line.

i agree with the others .. 7D.
I used the crap outta mine for the 4 years I had it, and it was used when I got it. Sold it when i was done with it and it's still going strong. you can get great images out of it, the focus system is good, the buffer is excellent.

Another +1 on the 7D out of that grouping...hands down. Better sensor, better AF, much better durability, good handling. The only thing to really be concious of is that thing is a very strict exposure instructor; if you've been used to underexposing and pushing your photos up in post, you won't like the results.

Also, due to the higher pixel density, it was more susectible to camera shake than previous models; it helps to stick to a shutter speed to focal length ratio of 1/focal length * 1.6 (instead of the usual 1/focal length) rule of thumb. You can certainly get good shots at slower SS, but for a starting point it's a better number. So, if you're shooting, say 200mm, you would want at least 1/320 or higher.

#1 7D. Still a fine camera and best IQ and feature set of the bunch.
#2 50D. MFA is important to me and the 50D has it.
#3 60D. Lack of MFA killed this one for me. Not even close to the 7D.

Had all 3. 7D, easily.

7D hands down. Same sensor as the 60D and better in any other feature except the flippy screen.

I have the 60D and still use it quite a bit, I don't think it is lacking in quality, but why buy a prosumer camera if you can buy the professional level crop dSLR?

MakisM1 wrote in post #18631256
..., but why buy a prosumer camera if you can buy the professional level crop dSLR?

Especially when the price is almost the same.

I am really grateful for all the input. Makes a lot of sense. When I last owned Camera equipment, the 40D was an ok knock-around camera while I went on assignment with my trusty 1DMk3, and if you really wanted to take your time and work in full frame, you'd go 1Ds or 5D (I got out of the game just as the Mk2 for the 5D) was coming out.
So other than the automated website comparison pages between models, I really know relatively little about the "newer" (than 2007 at least) models.

This at least lets me know what budget and model to invest in.

Thank you everyone.

PhotoJourno wrote in post #18631384
I am really grateful for all the input. Makes a lot of sense. When I last owned Camera equipment, the 40D was an ok knock-around camera while I went on assignment with my trusty 1DMk3, and if you really wanted to take your time and work in full frame, you'd go 1Ds or 5D (I got out of the game just as the Mk2 for the 5D) was coming out.
So other than the automated website comparison pages between models, I really know relatively little about the "newer" (than 2007 at least) models.

This at least lets me know what budget and model to invest in.

Thank you everyone.

If it matters, you can get a 1D Mark III for $450ish these days too.

Very best,

1D3 over the other three, certainly.

MalVeauX wrote in post #18631388
If it matters, you can get a 1D Mark III for $450ish these days too.

Very best,

my thoughts exactly...