DSLR upgrade

[lister]

Hi everyone,
I've been really enjoying my Canon EOS 400D for the last six years and taking what I find to be personally pleasing photos, but alas I find I'm getting to some of the technical limits of the camera and it may be time to move on. I already have several telephotos and 40mm and 50mm primes and of course my speedlight is compatible with the Canon as well.

After looking around I've come to the conclusion that much as I'd love a full frame camera I don't have the means nor probably the need, but as I'm firmly in the excited (and experienced) amateur versus a pro photographer I thought I would throw the question out there.

I take a lot of car photos, landscapes, architectural and am starting to play with informal people photos (not portraiture per se). I don't shoot in a studio although I do have a light tent and like to play with it regularly. Where I'm finding I'm hitting limits are ISO, shutter speed, continuous shots and some of the advanced things such as second curtain flash, etc.

I've been comparing the EOS 60D with with EOS 700D and am leaning very much toward the 60D because it is a still camera first and foremost whereas the 700D seems to sacrifice some of the picture quality and some of the specialised features for the video functionality.

Here are the lists of pluses for each camera as near as I can tell from my research:

Feature	60D	700D
Colour depth	22.2 bits	21.7 bits
Image quality	66	61
Dynamic Range	11.5 EV	11.2 EV
Viewfinder	0.59x	0.53x
Noise at ISO	813	681
Viewfinder	Pentaprism	Pentamirror
Shutter Speed	1/8000	1/4000
Touchscreen	No	Yes
In-camera HDR	No	Yes
Dimensions	145x106x79 mm	133x100x79 mm
Weight	755 g	580 g
ISO Boost	12,800 ISO	25,600 ISO
Video auto-focus	None	Phase detection

Now I know that the ISO, noise, image quality and the likes is not going to be up there with a 5D or the likes, but I think its a pretty good step up. I liked the feel of the 60D over the 700D, and the features and range on both were very impressive. Most importantly I can use my existing lenses and setup without needing to go to extra expense, excepting memory cards (move from CF to SD).

I don't care much for the in-built effects as such as I'd prefer to plan my shots and do some touch up PP if required. Video, whilst nice, is certainly not that high a priority for me. The fold out screen on the 60D with LiveView could be handy but I could only see myself using this for long exposures on a tripod, not for regular use.

Anyway, over to you all as to thoughts and ideas. I will caveat this by saying whilst I appreciate the quality and options from Nikon, Pentax and Sony, I love setup and feel of the Canon too much and don't want to change systems

Cheers.

 

[Legion]

The 700D is fine, but basically it is a 650D with a control knob that turns the whole way around (I'm not kidding). Get a 650D cheaper if you want that.

The 60D is better, and dropping in price. But expect a 70D (or whatever) on the horizon... No word yet, but within a couple of months, I'd reckon.

There are some great deals going on the 7D right now, probably for the same reason. If you want to contact me for local info, feel free.

 

[hotreds]

Get a 50D and put the money saved to get an L-lens. The camera itself is only a small part of the equation- the lens is KEY!

 

[Legion]

Get a 50D and put the money saved to get an L-lens. The camera itself is only a small part of the equation- the lens is KEY!

While I use to agree with that whole heartedly back in the film days, it is a bit more complicated than that now. Once the camera was just a dark box to attach the lens to, with a curtain that opened fast and slow. If it was working you were good. Now we have different sensors, firmware, autofocus types, file compression... the list goes on and on. The camera plays as much part in the way the picture looks as the lenses do, maybe more. You really need to get the best camera and lens combination your budget will allow for. To skimp on either will be short changing yourself.

 

[hotreds]

50D is an excellent camera that can be gotten at a good price now on the 'bay- more than good enough for what lister is looking to do. I agree that getting a 10D would not be penny-wise- but not buying the latest and greatest in this case would be a smart move in order to pick up a nice lens with the savings. I would not get a "Rebel." These are not built nearly as well as the two digit D series- but made for a different audience as well.

 

[lister]

Thanks for the replies so far. I understand a good lens is absolutely key to producing quality shots and I'm pretty happy with my setup so far. I'd like to add something like a Canon 17-85mm EF-S to the mix but budget is whats kicking me at the moment.

The 60D was attractive precisely because it offers a much better sensor, better dynamic range and range of shutter speeds to what I have now. I really like the idea of being able to shoot in much lower light (particularly in combination with the 50mm prime).

I've been looking at the 'bay and the prices that seem to be going around the $500-$600 mark and a brand new 60D (body only) seems to be around the $690 mark. I'm thinking for that little bit extra, new and with a warranty is going to be hard to beat.

 

[Legion]

Be careful buying cameras on the 'bay. Most of the cameras on au ebay are shipped out of China. Canon Australia does not have an international warranty, so if there is an issue, it will have to be sent back to where it was sourced from. If you think the company that has already banked your money off shore will back the product... Well they might, or they might not, depending on if you have posted feedback yet or not. I recommend paying a bit extra and visiting your local B&M store.

 

[lister]

Pretty well my thoughts David. Besides which I like supporting some of the local operators

 

[hotreds]

Did not notice your Down Under location. You certainly DON'T want to be getting cameras from China!