Camera Labs

I'm upgrading from a Canon EOS 630 (film). I also have 28-70 and 100-300 EF lenses for it. I'd like know everyones thoughts on which Canon would be a good fit to migrate to. Haven't actually used film recently only my wife's point and shoot.

I've looked at the Rebels as well as the 60D and 7D. The 60D and higher feel better in my hand, more comperable with the 630 I own. I've also looked at used older models such as the 40/50D and 5D (not the MKII). Is there still a benefit to getting an older FF model, 10-12 Mpixels over newer crop bodies?

Thoughts?

Mark

Welcome to the forum!

There are plenty of serious photographers still using the 40D and 50D. Unless one needs to shoot video, the latest-and-greatest DSLR is not necessary. Some people consider the 60D to be a step downward from the 50D! I am one of them, believing in metal in the camera body, and appreciating the advantage of micro-focus adjustment.

I do prefer the 7D's Q button, placement of the on-off switch and the top screen's illumination button, and the 7D's low-light abilities, but especially in good light, I can still enjoy the simple pleasure of my 40D.

Please do understand that I am not preaching against the newer cameras! I am simply affirming that cameras that are a few years old are still quite relevant, for those who appreciate the limitations.

_________________
Canon 7D/5D/40D/1D2N; Nikon F6, FM3A, & Coolpix A; Canon 40mm Pancake, 135L, 50L, 35L, pre-II 50mm 1.8, 100mm 2.8L Macro, 10-22mm EF-S, 28-135 EF, 400mm 5.6L; Nikkor 50mm 1.2 AI-S, 50mm 1.4G, 50mm 1.8D, 16mm 2.8D Fisheye, 180mm 2.8D, 100-300mm 5.6 AI-S; Tokina 17mm & 100mm 2.8 Macro

Well - the image quality of the original 5D is still very good and the low light capability is similar if not better than on modern crop frame cameras and the pictures are relatively a bit sharper. And your 28-70mm lens still offers 28-70mm - on a crop frame camera you'd loose the wide angle. But on a crop frame camera you'd get more reach with your 100-300mm lens. (equiv. 480mm)

What versions of those lenses do you use?
28-70mm 3.5-4.5 or 2.8L?
100-300mm 5.6, 5.6L or 4.5-5.6 USM?

_________________
Canon EOS 500D + Canon EOS 5D Mark III
Canon EF 24-105mm 4L IS USM + EF 100-400mm 4.5-5.6L IS USM + EF 100mm 2.8L Macro IS USM + Sigma 12-24mm 4.5-5.6 EX DG HSM + Canon Speedlite 580 EX II + Nissin Speedlite Di 466

Both lenses are earlier 1990s era. I believe the 100-300 is 4.5-5.6 USM. 28-70 was the kit lens back then, so it's 3.5-4.5.

I've had the 60D at the top of the list for awhile. For the price I couldn't justify the 7D or higher and that's what start the thinking about a used higher end whether the 7D or 5D or even 40/50D for that matter. I guess based on my initial statement/equipment what's best for say an investment for $1k is my thinking. I'll just have to pull the trigger on the 60D. Should've done it over Christmas when it was $100 off. I kept hoping CES would annouce a new XD or XXD and drive prices lower. If I keep waiting I'll never get it!

I would advise to compare the 60D against a XXXD/rebel. If they feel about the same to you, you might want to get the lower priced camera body.

Lenses matter more than the body when you are taking a photograph.

However, if the smaller camera is not comfortable to hold, then by all means get the 60D. A camera that is more comfortable to hold will be more likely to be taken to places than one that is not comfortable.

_________________
Canon Rebel XTi, BG-E3 Grip
Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L II, 24-105mm f/4L, 50mm f/1.4, 70-300mm f/4-5.6 DO, 85mm f/1.8
Sigma 150mm F2.8 EX Macro
Sigma 10-20mm f/4-5.6 EX, Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 II
Canon 430EX II
Opteka 13mm, 21mm, and 31mm extension tubes

Bleudragon made a very good point about comfort. Visiting a camera shop, that will allow you to hold a camera for a while, and really work the controls for a bit, is a good idea. Comfort trumps most other factors, as an uncomfortable camera will be left at home, and not enjoyed much.

Your older lenses will get you started, but the wider one is not very wide-angle, considering the 1.6 crop factor, caused by the smaller APS-C sensor. The Canon 5D models have larger sensors, the same size as a 35mm film negative, which will give you images that will look familiar to your eyes with your existing lenses. A pre-owned pre-Mark II 5D can probably be had for less than a new 60D, but it lacks such things as the self-cleaning sensor that became a regular feature starting with the XTi/400D and 40D. The 5D Mark II is, of course, far more expensive than a 60D.

I bought my pre-owned 5D recently, for $900, after carefully considering images posted on-line, including side-by-side comparisons posted on another site. Do be aware, when evaluating a pre-owned 5D, the images reviewed on the LCD will look very poor. LCD technology has come a long way the last few years!

_________________
Canon 7D/5D/40D/1D2N; Nikon F6, FM3A, & Coolpix A; Canon 40mm Pancake, 135L, 50L, 35L, pre-II 50mm 1.8, 100mm 2.8L Macro, 10-22mm EF-S, 28-135 EF, 400mm 5.6L; Nikkor 50mm 1.2 AI-S, 50mm 1.4G, 50mm 1.8D, 16mm 2.8D Fisheye, 180mm 2.8D, 100-300mm 5.6 AI-S; Tokina 17mm & 100mm 2.8 Macro

That's the reason I've been leaning toward the 60D. It just felt right in my hands and the Rebels just felt small (and a little cheap). I was considering the T3i but really wanted something larger after holding both of them.

Spectre, mostly when camera prices for SLR goes down, and anticipation for a new item is on its way, thats when its time to buy... At the moment theres no anticipation for a 70D or something yet so dont lose hope.

Its when the new model comes out that sales end and prices go back up. I used to sell cameras and putting prices back up works because someone wants the new 700000003432413D and its too expensive so they get the 60D but its not on sale, or its on "sale"

This is my experience in Australia, not sure in other parts of the world but in a marketing sense, it works.

Mercedes and BMW do similar things - you advertise a whole bunch of 80grand cars but you sell a lot of 40grand cars. Because I have never seen a Television ad for a xxxD camera but Ive seen ads for the 7D and the 60D.

_________________
1) Olympus OM1 [Zuiko Auto-S 50mm f/1.8]
2) Pentax MZ-60 [Sigma 28-90 & 100-300]
3) Canon 7D [EF-S 15-85 & 70-200mm f/4 IS]

Leo's Flickr Page