Upgrade: XTi to?

[JoeDavis]

I'm thinking of upgrading, I was thinking 7D but after reading some of the threads maybe a 40D would be better for me.
Adorama seems to have some good used 40D's
I'm not really into video, in fact, if I wanted video I would invest in a video camera.
I shoot mostly landscape and some wildlife, if they happen by while shooting landscape
I love my XTi but feel I need another camera as I don't want to miss another shot because of the length of time to change lenses.
Any suggestions?

Thanks for reading!

[OsmosisStudios]

Theres more to the 7D than video: it does stills too. And it does a good job at that. It has considerably better high ISO characteristics than the 40D.

[inkista]

What's your budget? And what do you hate about the XTi? Why do you want the 7D/40D? And have you looked at Canon's factory refurb prices?

[RichardTaylor]

IF you are happy with your XTi performance and you want a second body why not pick up another XTi.

The advantages are:
(1) Uses the same battery so battery charging and backup is simplified. Can be handy on long vacation.

(2) You are familiar with the camera all ready so you don't miss oportunities when fumbling around with a different body.

(3) The rebel series are a lot smaller than the xD or XXd series which makes life easier when carrying two bodies with lenses attached.

(4) You may be able to afford an extra lens.

The advantages of upgrading are.
(1) Better performance IQ wise and focussing wise.

(2) With the xd & XXD a lot better erganomics and ease of use. That big wheel on the back comes in real handy at times.

[tonyjr]

I want the 7D for 4 reasons
Faster / larger burst rate
Higher ISO
Faster / better focusing
18 meg means I can crop more .

[inkista]

Originally Posted by tonyjr

I want the 7D for 4 reasons
Faster / larger burst rate
Higher ISO
Faster / better focusing
18 meg means I can crop more .

The 60D also has all these things, compared to the XTi.

[tonyjr]

This is true , but by the time you throw in the cost of SD cards . I have probably 20 CF cards from 8 meg to 16 gig .
I have not seen a firewire reader for SD cards and if there is one add that to cost of the 60D .
Now there is not enough difference in price to go for the 60D .
The 7D is supposed to be weather proof also - whatever that means .
I think the 7D is better on the 4 things I listed or at least 3
Faster / larger burst rate
Higher ISO
Faster / better focusing
18 meg means I can crop more .- this is probably the same or close enough so difference dose not matter .
I am trying to group my stuff - like not looking at the 28-300 or the 70-200 f-4 lenses [ 67 MM ] . My 10-22 and 17-55 are 77 mm and so is/are the 100-400 and the 70-200 mk II .

[kuvahmagh]

I think your getting hung up on some specs that don't really mean much considering what your stated purpose is, landscape and wildlife. You don't need 8fps for a tree, that's a sport/event shooter need. Same with the ISO in my opinion. The way I work I will use a tripod so I can use ISO 100, again the higher ISO is really a sports/event need. I'm not saying the 7D isn't worth it but you need to consider what the specs mean in terms of how you will be using it. Of the things you have mentioned only the Weather Proofing would give me pause since you never know what will happen when you are in the middle of a 5km hike no wear near your vehicle, of course proper equipment bags and planning can also reduce the risk. I haven't seen any articles/claims of how good that sealing is and how well it will enable you to shoot in the rain etc though that's mostly because I haven't looked.

[inkista]

Originally Posted by tonyjr

I think the 7D is better on the 4 things I listed or at least 3
Faster / larger burst rate
Higher ISO
Faster / better focusing
18 meg means I can crop more .- this is probably the same or close enough so difference dose not matter .

Actually, only two.

The 60D (and T2i, actually) has the same sensor & processor, so the same ISO and resolution. Look at the specs.

The 60D is also 18MP. And its ISO range is identical to the 7D's. The 7D is better at fast action and it has the most advanced non-pro AF system in the Canon lineup, but burst rate means less than some people think it does unless you're shooting extremely fast-moving action like needing to get a paintball explosion on a faceplate or something like that. If you were a sports shooter, then yes, the 7D.

And pricewise here in the US, it's a $500 difference between the bodies. (60D body: $1100, 7D body: $1600: prices from B&H). That may not be a difference that matters to you, but it's a lens or a flash for a lot of folks.

[tonyjr]

I did not realize they were that close .
I stopped looking after I saw it / they took SD cards .
The 4 things I listed were to me upgrades from my XTI .
Like I said , I don't know what weather sealing means .
Money wise , It's important for me but 100 or 200 is not a determining factor . I have saved a little ,
With the rebates going on I am really considering the 7D + the 70-200 mk II IS .
Having to replace CF cards with SD adds up quick + add a card reader and I don't even know if a firewire reader exists for SD .I have adapters from CF to sd but not the newer faster cards .
I read the 7D focuses faster than the T2I but there again it uses SD cards [ the T2I ]
Mostly I shoot flowers , family functions and whatever catches my eye .