What to buy, 7D, D7000, other?

**molson14** · 09-17-2012, 07:15 AM

I need to buy a new DSLR in the next week or two as I am having twins and want solid pictures and video. The wife is allowing me to upgrade from my D70 I bought 6 years ago. I want to spend $1500-2,000 with glass (2 lenses if possible). I have owned Nikon, but at this upgrade I am open to Canon as well since I will need all new glass either way.

What would you buy if you wanted solid video, great still and the ability to shoot skiing and other action stuff as well? Seems like 7D or D7000 are my two best choices, but am open to suggestions. Everyone I talk to say 5D and 7D are better than Nikon right now, true? The auto video and still needs to be "easy" for my wife and grandparents to use as well.

Also, where do you go to buy at best prices? B&H? Any mags own a camera shop?

**systemoverblow'd** · 09-17-2012, 07:37 AM

video on a dslr isn't exactly intuitive. The audio sucks, it is shaky without a rig, you need fast glass for inside shooting, etc. If essential video moments of your kids are important I would get a separate video specific camera. Then any flavor of the newer lower-end DSLR would blow away your d70 (t3i, t4i, 60d for Canon and d3200, d5100, d7000, ect from Nikon)

My $.02

On a side note, I just bought a 5Dc to play around with full frame. The thing was just serviced, came with 4 batts and grip for $650 shipped. Was too good to pass up. Maybe go something along those lines? A FF for portraits of the kids could be killer and would leave room for glass money and a dedicated video camera. Just an idea.

**smmokan** · 09-17-2012, 08:36 AM

Molson- I agree with System.... something along the lines of a Canon 60D/T3i/t4i would be perfect for you. The 7D is a good camera, but in my mind it's too expensive considering other options in the Canon lineup. Spend more money on lenses and less on the camera itself.

I would NOT buy from a camera shop unless you want to spend 25% above internet prices. The Canon Loyalty Program is amazing, and you can get a 60D for around $625. Here's all you need to know (make sure you get a cheap broken Canon P&S to trade in):

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/...hlight=loyalty

**molson14** · 09-17-2012, 09:10 AM

Steve- Thanks for the info. Have you had any issues with your used gear you have purchased from the loyalty program? If you have the money, would you buy the 7D through the program?

**systemoverblow'd** · 09-17-2012, 09:20 AM

The loyalty program isn't used (well technically it is), it is their refurbished stock. I have know many people to use it and have nothing but good things to say about. My 7D came to me by way of being the second purchaser but the original bought it through the program.

**molson14** · 09-17-2012, 10:55 AM

Has anyone ever ordered from here?
http://www.rythercamera.com/catalog/...ducts_id=33102
Seems like a great deal with two lens.

**smmokan** · 09-17-2012, 10:59 AM

Looks like Buyer Beware...

http://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/top...yther#10796829

**molson14** · 09-17-2012, 12:17 PM

I am thinking about going with the Nikon D7000 with a
18-105 with a 55-300
or 18-55 with a 55-300

**smmokan** · 09-17-2012, 12:40 PM

I'd go with the 18-105mm VR and the 70-300 VR lenses, and then get a prime for the portraits of your kids. Something like a 35mm or 50mm f/1.8.

**molson14** · 09-17-2012, 01:34 PM

Originally Posted by smmokan

I'd go with the 18-105mm VR and the 70-300 VR lenses, and then get a prime for the portraits of your kids. Something like a 35mm or 50mm f/1.8.

I think you are right, the overlap is good to have on the lens. I feel like the 60D doesn't have as substantial body as the D7000 and the 7D. I am not sure the extra money for the 7D is worth it besides maybe the video option in 1920x1080 to shoot 30/24/25 FPS instead of the D7000 just being able to shoot 24FPS.

**Chainsaw_Willie** · 09-17-2012, 01:51 PM

I don't know how much the 18-55/105 lenses cost but if you can afford it at all, get the 16-85. You will really appreciate the extra 2mm on the wide end. I used to have an 18-35 for wide-angle stuff and the change to 16mm really made a noticeable difference. The 16-85 outperforms the 18-35 in every way.

The 16-85 is a really sweet, "do it all" lens. Very sharp, fast focusing, well built. The equivalent of the 24-120 focal range in FX. I have the 70-300 VR also and between those two I really don't need any other lenses though wish I had one of the Tokina 11-16s and a big, honkin' 500mm.

**kathleenturneroverdrive** · 09-17-2012, 02:12 PM

With kids you're going to want a super wide lens on a crop camera or a full frame IMO. I have a 7d that I like for shooting my kid, but the canon 18-55 lens always leaves me wanting a bit more on the wide end (but other than that it's tits on a stick).

If I was you though and you aren't doing video/photos as a pro I'd take a long look at the Panasonic GH2. You can run a pretty simple hack that'll make the video look even better than it already does, and you'll save a bunch of money on the body that you can put toward a wide lens.

If you are set on a 7d look at craigslist for a used version. Lots of pro's are selling theirs to go with the 5d3 or a lot of the new video options out there now.

**P_McPoser** · 09-18-2012, 03:13 AM

I was weighing the 7D/D7000 choice last month. After extensive research, I ended up with a Canon 60D instead, and bought an extra lens, a nice bag, etc.

**systemoverblow'd** · 09-18-2012, 06:28 AM

Originally Posted by benfjord

With kids you're going to want a super wide lens on a crop camera or a full frame IMO. I have a 7d that I like for shooting my kid, but the canon 18-55 lens always leaves me wanting a bit more on the wide end (but other than that it's tits on a stick).

If I was you though and you aren't doing video/photos as a pro I'd take a long look at the Panasonic GH2. You can run a pretty simple hack that'll make the video look even better than it already does, and you'll save a bunch of money on the body that you can put toward a wide lens.

If you are set on a 7d look at craigslist for a used version. Lots of pro's are selling theirs to go with the 5d3 or a lot of the new video options out there now.

You're going to need a VERY wide lens for the GH2's crop factor.

**kathleenturneroverdrive** · 09-18-2012, 08:06 AM

What, you don't like my directly contradictory statement that he needs a really good wide, but he should get the 1.8 or 2x crop factor Gh2?

**smmokan** · 09-18-2012, 08:28 AM

Originally Posted by P_McPoser

I was weighing the 7D/D7000 choice last month. After extensive research, I ended up with a Canon 60D instead, and bought an extra lens, a nice bag, etc.

Exactly what I recommend. The 7D, IMO, is not worth the premium price you pay over the 60D (w/video) and 50D (w/o video).

**SchralphMacchio** · 09-18-2012, 12:37 PM

^ unless you really like 8 fps

**molson14** · 09-18-2012, 05:45 PM

I have a 18-70 nikkor lens from my d70 that will work with the D7000. I want the 70-300, but should I get the 55-300 to overlap? Would you still buy the 16-85? What other lens would you get instead?

**smmokan** · 09-18-2012, 06:22 PM

Molson- if the Nikon 16-85mm is anything like the Canon 15-85mm, get it. I have the Canon version and it's the sharpest Canon crop lens I've used. It's amazing for landscapes and action sports photography, and I've even used it for weddings and portrait work.

Go with the 16-85mm, the 70-300 VR, and a prime if you have the cash.

**Chainsaw_Willie** · 09-18-2012, 07:31 PM

Exactly what I recommended above. The 16-85 DX is a sweet lens and the 70-300 is decent as long as you can keep the shutter speed up.

If you want to see just how sharp of an image you can take with the 16-85, check this out:

http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n...DSC_8036-2.jpg

That's a full 16mp image from my D7000 with the 16-85. Click the image to blow it up to full size (it'll be way bigger than your monitor) then scroll around it and look for all the little details that pop out. I especially like the line someone skied from the knoll in the upper left corner and the up- and down-tracks on the right side under the peak.

Here's a pic from the 70-300, fairly heavily cropped but still decently sharp:

http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n...C_3908-1-2.jpg

Here's an entire album of skiing photos from the deepest BC day I've ever experienced, taken with the 16-85:
http://s114.photobucket.com/albums/n...Deep%20Powder/

**Supermoon** · 09-18-2012, 08:20 PM

Originally Posted by molson14

I have a 18-70 nikkor lens from my d70 that will work with the D7000. I want the 70-300, but should I get the 55-300 to overlap? Would you still buy the 16-85? What other lens would you get instead?

I have the 18-300 that's on my camera 90% of the time. It's a good workhorse type lens that will be pretty good on the FF cameras. You'll need something a little wider if you go with a crop.

+1 on the 50mm f1.8. For $80 or so, it's the best portrait lens I own, and it's light and fast enough for almost anything indoors or out. I've heard good things about the 35mm prime as well.