should i buy the 7d or keep my xti

I upped my XTi to a 7D and never looked back. The 7D will put you in a whole new frame of mind with results to make you get that next great glass you will want to make the 7D shine.

My opinion.

slr_noob wrote in post #10132464
I was on the same boat as you. I used to have my XSi and got an opportunity to upgrade. A local camera shop I visit from time to time gave me an opinion that is true when the body you're considering is a lot better than your current one and considering a better lens at the same time.

Most people will say glass first, but getting a 7D is actually a parallel upgrade. Getting glass is generally more worthy of an upgrade because there is no doubt image quality is improved if you decide to go for the 70-200 f/2.8 IS USM and it'll be a great investment for years to come.

However, the 7D will also provide you more usable image at higher ISO. Focusing under available light will be a lot better and can shoot faster (~3fps vs. 8fps). Not sure if you like the idea of the video mode, but it's quite handy once you fall in love with it (at least I did).

It seems like your heart is pretty much set on the 7D. I'd say go for it.

I went XTI (loved it)to 40D(still have) then7D.As I upgraded bodies I bought lenses. The bodies helped me almost as much as the lenses did to get better shots.They are both a part of getting the picture (but the photographer is the key part).If you feel that one of these parts are weak than you should look at what is necassary to correct the issue.The XTI is a good camera, but it is limited (high ISO,slower not as acurate focus system,amoung many other things)compared to the 7D.However your lens selection is limited.How long would you have to wait to get more lenses if you bought the 7D?If you cannot get more lenses soon, is that holding you back?I've been lucky to be able to do both as I go-If you can than I'd say 7D, if not then buy some good lenses and wait for the body upgrade.

buy the 7D...

I am also thinking to upgrade my 400D to 5D Mark II. I agree with the basic principle - photographer>glass>body. But I have a question about image quality of 400D + 135mmL and 5D Mark II + 135L.

I have seen lot of pictures taken by 5D Mark II has superior image quality. Thats why I am dreaming to buy 5D Mark II for long time.

50D + glass

Depending on what you are shooting, IS may not even be necessary. Great glass never loses value, but great electronics will be replaced in the market within 18 months. I would wager that Canon is half way done with the 7DmarkII.

The OP never does say what "action shots" means.

if it's sharp action shots you want you need a fast lens get the 70-200 2.8 is. To increase your keeper rate with this lens also get a decent body such as a 50d to improve focus.

spend the money on 70-200mm! save up for a 5dm3 next year.

jxs1984 wrote in post #10133988
spend the money on 70-200mm! save up for a 5dm3 next year.

From the rumours, it seems, 5dm3 will come only on second half of 2011. If I get enough money sooner, I will buy 5dm2

BenJohnson wrote in post #10131903
I went for the lens first, and the body later. If given the chance I would do the same thing again. The XTI and 70-200 f/2.8 IS are going to give you much, MUCH better action shots than a 7D and 28-135mm.

These were all shot with the XTI and 70-200 f/2.8 IS:

good point, any upgrade from the 28-135 will be an improvement!

I think I am going to do a xti> used 1D mark III with a new lens. Best of both worlds I hope. The AF and white balance issues have been driving me nuts with the XTI.

A better lens can make a noticeable difference in the quality of your images, but I am not so sure than you can say the same thing about getting a fancier camera body. I have both the XTi and 7D and the EF 70-200 mm f/2.8L IS USM lens. The lens is great, but it is not my favorite for the stuff that I shoot. The sharpness of the Canon fixed telephoto lenses will knock your socks off. I know, it is not as versatile as a zoom, but zooms do have some performance trade offs. I love my 7D, but it is a serious camera and demands much more from you as the photographer than a simpler camera like the XTi if you are getting it in order to take advantage of the advanced features that it has to offer. If you intend to use it much the same as one would use the XTi, then there is not much point in getting it. Just my two cents.

GoFaster2 wrote in post #10134987
I think I am going to do a xti> used 1D mark III with a new lens. Best of both worlds I hope. The AF and white balance issues have been driving me nuts with the XTI.

I had a 1D classic for a couple of months, up from my XTI, and I was in love. I actually found the 1D MUCH easier to use than the XTI. I never use auto on my XTI, always manual. But I found the WB and colors far superior on my 1D, with the same cheap lenses that I have. Focused much faster, more accurately. Highlights were easier to capture, not blown out. I found it to be much more reliable focus wise and my keeper rate went up. And oh, that shutter button! SO responsive! Immediately you can take another picture, no shutter lag! Since I had to return the 1D I'm back to using my XTI full time. I intend to keep the camera, I'm finally learning that I need pretty high shutter speeds to get sharp photos of my 3yr old running around. But, I am saving up for a 1Dmk2 and an 85mm 1.8.

For me, more advanced tools make the job so much easier and more fun. My husband is a mechanic and he buys the best tools that he can to make his job go easier and save time. Same with his construction tools. Yeah, a hammer works just fine, but that air powered nail gun is so much faster and easier to use!

do what will make you happy. You'll do just fine!

The body is more important these days than the film days (because the body is much more responsible for image quality, as it houses the sensor and A/D converter). But you'll never go wrong with focusing on great glass. If you want think you really need the features of the 7D, then by all means get it. But if you're not really sure, or you are taking pretty good pictures with the XTi - I would say keep moving toward good glass. Then one day, grab the body and BAM - you've already got the glass for it. Because one thing a good body will require is good glass - these high-resolution sensors are exposing weaknesses in lower-quality glass.

joeman wrote in post #10133923
50D + glass

Depending on what you are shooting, IS may not even be necessary. Great glass never loses value, but great electronics will be replaced in the market within 18 months. I would wager that Canon is half way done with the 7DmarkII.

The OP never does say what "action shots" means.

I agree with this 100%. The day you get your new body, it is depreciating by the min. Glass has kept its weight in gold, if anything, they seemed to have appreciated recently.