DSLR upgrade suggestions

[GoEhuge]

Haven't been very active in the Photo forum here, but hoping for some help suggesting potential camera upgrades. I'm sure it has been asked time and time again, but hoping for some fresh insight.

I've been shooting with a Canon Rebel XS for about a year (with EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 is and EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS II lenses). Starting to get frustrated with the ISO limitations and the lack of weather proofing.

I want to stick with a Canon, since I will likely give my girlfriend my XS for her birthday and it would be nice to share lenses.

So in looking to take the jump to something more substantial, I guess the obvious suspects are going to be between the T3i, 60D and the 7D. With any of these options, I am going to be going Canon refurb and use the loyalty program. Clearly there are some serious price differences- (around $390 for T3i, $650 for the 60D and $1000 for the 7D with loyalty discounts). Economics obviously play into this, but I want to be wary of making sure I make a jump that I am not going to regret (from either over or under-investing). The 7D would really be a stretch...

I can't pretend to be all that good just yet... you can check out my Flickr to get a sense of where I am currently at and maybe that helps with your suggestion. http://www.flickr.com/photos/87697730@N07/

Thanks in advance!

[DJSapp]

Used 40 and 50D's are going for mad cheap these days. Are you looking to shoot video and need the capabilities of the 3 you listed?

[dfinn]

you didn't say what you're primarily shooting but if I was in your shoes I'd also be considering a used 5d2, especially if high ISO is a concern.

[supermodel159]

Based on your flickr, I think you might want to go full frame. 5d might be your calling. Also, do yourself a favor and get a prime. The 50 1.8 is a great place to start.

[smmokan]

Looks like it's mostly landscapes you're shooting?

Listen to Supermodel... get a lightly used 5D for around $650 and don't look back. The 5D2 is nice, but not worth the $800-1000 more it costs for the upgrade. Depending on your budget, you have a ton of options for lenses between $150-1000.

If you want to stick with a crop body, I'd suggest a lightly-used 50D along with the Canon 15-85mm IS and 70-200 f/4L combo. That setup will serve you well with action shots, too. If you definitely want to use the CLP, then go with a 60D. The 7D isn't worth the $400 premium IMO.

[systemoverblow'd]

If weather proofing is you thing I would shy away from the 5D. But I will speak from experience from having the t2i, 7D and now the 5Dc, I couldn't be happier. I'm actually amazed I spent so much on crop shit when I would be happy with a 7 year old camera. Sure it wouldn't have been good for the few times I used the 7D for action lockoffs but frankly those were few and far between. Only reason those other cameras were better at the time as I was making money of video.

[smmokan]

And just in case you're told that all full frame lenses cost a fortune... here's a couple low budget options for you:

Canon 24-85mm f/3.5-4.5 ($140 used)




Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 ($275-300 used)

[systemoverblow'd]

And just in case you're told that all full frame lenses cost a fortune...

I think with any non-fanboi that is understood. But good point. I think of the 4-5 favorite captures I have got only one was taken by a Canon lens and not a single "L" one at that. My second favorite lens (only marred by unease of use) was my second cheapest, Roki 85 f/1.4.

[smmokan]

Just to be clear though.... a 40D/50D/60D with the two lenses I mentioned above would also be a hudge upgrade over your existing setup. Lots of options these days.

[time2clmb]

Yeah...looking at your flickr stream definately go full frame. I'd suggest the 7D if you were shooting action, unlike smmokan I think it's totally worth the extra $400, well for what I was looking for anyway.

Full frame for you!

[GoEhuge]

Thanks for all the input guys. I guess at this point I'm really torn between the 5D or 60D. On one hand, I'd love to get into the full fame... but have reservations on getting a 7 year old camera. Plus, I do like all the modern tech on the 60D. I can see myself eventually upgrading to a 5dmk2, but have a lot of work to do before that point.

If the 60D is going to be a significant enough jump up from my XS, then I really see the price hard to pass on. I'd rather spend some of that saved money at this point on some decent glass.

Convince me otherwise?

[systemoverblow'd]

FYI... For landscapes the old 5D is sick, but you have to understand the histogram as the screens on those blow dog.

[smmokan]

If you're going to "eventually upgrade to the 5dmk2", you realize that camera will be 6-7 years old when you finally get it, right?

I think for $600+, you can't go wrong with the 60D if you're going to stick with the crop body. A few things I personally don't like on it vs the 50D:
- No microfocus adjust
- Smaller form factor
- Rebel-like control layout (which may be a positive for you)

The other thing is that if you buy the 60D and keep it for a couple of years, the new 6D will probably be below $1500 by the time you're ready for full-frame.

I HIGHLY recommend getting the 15-85mm IS lens if you get the 60D- you won't be sorry.

[lighthawk]

7D offers weathersealing, live view (60D also, I believe), 8 FPS and awesome focus tracking.
Moving objects from skiers to BIF shots become reliable. Getting some glass with USM or equal will assist getting fast moving objects. I've had good results with Canon's 24-85 (budget & light), 35mm f2 (short, light, sharp), 70-200 f4 (a true gem, fairly light for reach).

That said, I have recently picked up a 5Dc for landscape and enjoy the much larger sensor. I've had fantastic results with the Sigma 12-24, but am looking at a Tamron 17-50 2.8 for lighter, faster glass.
5D files are very nice, but the frame rate is slow and the interface quite dated compared to 7D.