Help me choose - 550D vs 60D vs 7D

[Jovana]

First off - I am new to dSLR cameras (I did experiment with some prosumer models tho) but being a graphic designer I do understand the fundamentals of photography and would really like to go for a camera that is closer to the semi-pro range as I would like to go into art and stock photography. Design is my life and my hobby,too,so I don't mind living off scraps for a while when getting a new laptop or camera.
But my funds are not unlimited,I have $2500 I can spend on the body and lenses and I would like to get the best possible results in photos for that money.

Why I can't decide:

These Canon EOS-es caught my eye mostly because - on paper - their specifications almost the same - MP range,sensor,etc. I also like their video options a lot. However,in my line of I work a lot with photos and do know the finer differences when it comes to image quality,signal to noise ratio and speed of a camera to capture a moment.

Canon EOS 7D
Pros: 2 sensors,19 point af, 8.3 fps burst mode,generally faster (burst as on-the-fly tripod substitute?)
Cons: expensive,quite heavy body

Canon EOS 60D
Pros: flexible screen,5.3 fps burst mode
Cons: still pretty heavy

Canon EOS 550D
Pros: cheap (more money for lenses),on par with most of what 60D and 7D offer,light smaller body (easy on the muscles)
Cons: only 3.4 fps burst mode,cheaper construction and tad slower processing,only up to 1/4000s shutter speed (60D and 7D have 1/8000s)

ISO range is also very important as I would like to take photos in non-studio conditions,but since it's the same for all three models I left it out in the pro-con listing.
Generally I really favor the 7D for it's burst with 19 point autofocus. I would love to be able to make photos which capture a movement well (dance,performance,parkour).
My friend, who is also a pro photographer,is really adamant I get the 550D and some decent lenses as he says the 7D isn't worth the extra money if I am not a sports/news photographer or war journalist (7D's more expensive metal,weatherproof exterior) and that I will outgrow the body in a year or two anyway and want to buy a pro model. The salesmen of course advise me to get the 7D but I do not trust the honesty of their advice as there's money involved.

What do you think,which one should I go for?

[autofocus]

For our needs, which are very different than yours, I would opt for the 7D. We need a prosumer level body to endure the "beating" it's apt to get in our business. However, what your friend is suggesting has a lot of merit. The T2i (550) is a very decent capable camera that will fill your requirements quite nicely. The investment in good glass will stay with you for life, and as your friend suggested, bodies are somewhat disposable. You should be able to buy that camera along with the very excellent 24-70mm f/2.8 lens, a 580EXII flash, and probably have enough money for everyone's favorite fast 50, f/1.8. Short of actually crunching the numbers here, all that probably could be had and still be in your budget range.

[OsmosisStudios]

Originally Posted by Jovana

Canon EOS 7D
Pros: 2 sensors,

Sorry, this caught my eye: Where did you find that the 7D has two (2) sensors?

Aside from that, I'd agree with autofocus: the 550D(T2i) would be a considerably better choice for your budget and needs.

Of the specs you have listed as cons (slower FPS, lower max shutter speed), I think I've run into issues with those items 2-3 times in the last 4 years? And even then, it was more out of desire that necessity

[autofocus]

Where did you find that the 7D has two (2) sensors?

Os..she probably confused this with sensors: dual DIGIC 4 chips

[Jovana]

it was a typo actually, I'm aware of the difference between sensors and processors. But yeah, that fact that D7 has a dual DIGIC-4 does make all the difference in the burst speed,while one image is being processed,the other one is already 19 point autofocusing the next one or something.

Still the lenses are a big deal,it's them I will keep when changing to another body so I definitely lean more towards the 550D now.

Anyway,thanks for the tips! There's still 2 weeks to go until I can get it anyway so lots of time to research the best options.

[oldwolf]

Glass > camera.

Your friend is correct when they tell you that you will outgrow the body but you'll outgrow any camera body. Get great glass and you can take it with you to the next camera body within that line as long as it's an EF lens like the 24-70 f/2.8.

I don't shoot a lot of sports but I've got the 7D. It takes a beating and keeps on ticking. I shoot mostly portraits (models, families, couples, seniors, weddings) and some landscape. I love the 19 point af but have yet to use the af zones. I normally pick the point I want to use. I think the af zones and the fast burst speed would help you shooting parkour and dance though. I just don't use the zone focusing because I know where my subject will be and pre-focus there.

If you do get the 7D I can't see you outgrowing it for quite a few years (4+). But that goes with most of the bodies you listed. I wouldn't consider the 60D though. For me it would be down to the 7D or the 550D. That's just my personal preference though.

If you aren't planning on holding the camera up for hours on end without moving your arms then I wouldn't worry about the weight issue. That's why you have a camera strap and/or a tripod.

I'd recommend the 7D to anyone but as much as I love it, I'd have to say go with the 550D, get a 24-70mm f/2.8, get the 50mm f/1.8 and then spend the rest on an external flash (580EX II or 430EX II), tripod or nice camera strap. The lens will go with you when/if you upgrade to a more sturdy body even if it's a full frame.

Good luck and let us know what you decide.

[Jovana]

Thanks! You all have a point with the 550D.

Should I go with the 7D tho,which lens would be best to bundle it with? With nice bokeh but also a wider angle (zoom is not that important)? Doesn't have to be Canon brand. I didn't read too much good stuff about the kit lenses it comes with.

[dlambert]

You might want to look at this as a staged purchase. Depending on how much experience you've got with your semi-pro camera, you may or may not be in a good position to predict the features and lenses that you're really going to want. It's almost certain that you can't predict exactly the equipment you're going to want to end up with by the time you're done.

Oldwolf is right - you 're going to want to make sure you save some money for lenses. The 50mm f./1.8 is sort of a no-brainer because it's good, it's cheap, and it will introduce you to prime lenses. If you pair any of those cameras with their kit lens and the 50mm f/1.8, it'll give you enough to work with to help you figure out your next purchase, but I'd recommend shooting a bit before you make that next decision -- I think you'll be happier with your decision.

[private]

I am gonna be a little bit different -get the best camera you can afford. Yes the 550 will be good, but the 7D will be better. Will you be shooting in low light? IF so, you will want a camera that handles higher ISO much better than the 550. So, it really depends on what you are going to shoot, KWIM? And yes, glass is soooooo much more important. I would start with the 50 1.8 (like others have sd, cheap and good) and get used to shooting wide open. The 24-70 (my go to lens) is awesome - some people have complaints baout it being soft tho.... BUIT if weight is an issue, they call it the brick for a reason. That thing is HEAVY!

[inkista]

...and then there's the compromise body nobody else wants to recommend. The 60D.

Given that you're going to be giving the camera a thorough workout and you have a pretty sizable budget, going up one more tier might be worth it.

What you have to understand is that the T2i, 60D, and 7D all have the same sensor and processor generation. So image quality and iso performance is pretty much identical among the three. All you're paying more for are shooting features, such as frame rate, build quality, and controls.

The T2i will save you the most money for the most glass, but has a less convenient UI and no off-camera flash control.

The 60D, while not a 7D, still has a higher frame rate, better build quality, and most importantly, the dual wheel/dual LCD controls with the quick buttons (the 550D only has quick access to ISO and uses a model switch with the back wheel, while the 60D and 7D have dual-wheel controls: i.e., if you're in M mode, you control the aperture with one wheel and the shutter speed with the other on a 60D. If you're on a 550D, you use the same wheel for both, but for aperture, you have to hold down a button while you use the wheel. With the quick buttons, to change a setting, you hit a button and turn a wheel. Without them, you have to use the menu via the LCD). Pick them up in your hands and attempt to change the ISO, the aperture, shutter sped, white balance, and metering mode. You'll see the difference in handling. Not just the weight.

And the 60D has the same flash master in the pop-up that the 7D has. Given that you want to do studio shooting, this could be very useful. AND it's newer than either of the other two models, so you're catching it earlier in its product lifespan.

And pricewise, it's only ~$250 more expensive than a dRebel. You can't get a whole lot of lenses for $250. While the $500 difference between a 60D and a 7D can get you at least one good lens. If you plan on shooting photos full time, you can easily outgrow a dRebel within a generation before you upgrade to another body. If you think a dRebel can hold you until after a new generation comes out, though, then go for it.

While the 7D's more sophisticated autofocus system is nice, you don't have to have it to take action shots. I've gotten a butterfly-in-flight shot with a Canon XT (350D). 7 AF points, 3 fps. To me, glass counts more than the number of AF points and a good sense of timing still trumps a higher burst rate.


Canon XT/350D. EF 135mm f/2L USM. iso 100, f/2, 1/4000s.