How do I know when it's time to upgrade my camera body?

So I currently own the T2i and love it, but love shooting without flash and have found myself pushing 1600 ISO more often then not and occasionally 3200 ISO. I guess what I'm asking is what do you guys determine as prereqs that you might be maxing out the abilities of your camera? Here are some samples of what I've been able to achieve, I just wonder what else is possible. Thanks for reading.

You're not pushing your T2i to the max by shooting at those ISOs, trust me. The T2i is a very competent camera that is capable of great images. If you were shooting fast sports and pushing the 3+ FPS to it's limits - then yes - you might need an upgrade, but using ISO 1600 and 3200 is business as usual, as far as I'm concerned. The T2i's sensor and IQ is similar to that of the 7d and 60D and is fine for IQ. I push my 7D up to ISO 6400 indoors without flash quite often. Learn to shoot HAMSTTR and keep using your camera. If you wanted more low light capability, the next step would be a 5D Mark 2 or jumping ship to Nikon - which is quite a major jump from where you are.

Just out of curiosity....why don't you like using flash? From your samples, it seems like you like to do portrait work. I have the same interest and flash is definitely a necessity for me. Also, look into some fast primes if you do not have any - the wide aperture will definitely make a huge difference in low light ability.

Are you thinking a higher end body will automagically take an iso 3200 shot in 100? Pro bodies do better in high iso, but the iso shot with comes from available light in combination with shutter speed and aperture.

Get an external flash and better glass before worrying about an upgrade. Even if you just get the 50mm f/1.8 (~$90-100), you can shoot at f/1.8 which will allow for a lower iso compared to say f/4.5.

Back to your question, if I need a faster burst rate, lower high iso noise, FF, a pentaprism, or better button layout, I will get a higher end model than the 550D.

I'm looking into shooting with flash, just not sure how to start. I like shooting candids so flash is something I try to avoid in those cases. Yah I don't plan on shooting sports or anything thats going to require me to hold my button down.

I actually have a couple fast lens, I was told to invest in decent glass first so that's what I did. What I find is autofocus not locking on to where I'd like to focus when I'm shooting in low light and using something like f1.8. I'd misfocus eyes quite a bit, maybe my technique isn't proper but I'd like to increase my ratio of good to bad shots.

MaoKhan wrote in post #11462232
I'm looking into shooting with flash, just not sure how to start. I like shooting candids so flash is something I try to avoid in those cases. Yah I don't plan on shooting sports or anything thats going to require me to hold my button down.

I actually have a couple fast lens, I was told to invest in decent glass first so that's what I did. What I find is autofocus not locking on to where I'd like to focus when I'm shooting in low light and using something like f1.8. I'd misfocus eyes quite a bit, maybe my technique isn't proper but I'd like to increase my ratio of good to bad shots.

It's all about technique. When you focus on the eyes, do you focus and recompose? Doing so may move you outside the plane of focus at f1.8 - thus leaving an OOF eye. With such a shallow plane of focus - you really have to focus on your movement - any slight movement will throw the plane of focus off. Use all your focus points on your camera to your advantage - that's what they are there for.

Are you shooting RAW or JPEG? Do you do any post sharpening?

As far as flash, do you already have one? If not, buy one and start learning it - there are many websites online that give great tutorials. Nothing is better than having excellent available light, but when you don't have natural light, a flash will work wonders.

Same boat... Don't like using a flash, but I think I'm going to pick up a 580 ex ii. I can start with it on my 30d (60d possibly) and when I grab a 5d mk ii.

Do you use the center point and aim for the eyes?