Upgrade from Panasonic DMC-FZ30

[jessdea]

A little background--I've had my Panasonic DMC-FZ30 since 2006 and told myself I wasn't going to upgrade until I felt comfortable with the pictures I was taking. I wanted to learn the basics before I made a huge leap. So now I have been taking pictures of friends (nothing paid) to try my eyes in the world of photography and see what other people think and not just my judgment. I'm ready to make the jump...

I mainly shoot family's in action to capture the moment but have posed people. I also love to shoot landscape, nature and wildlife. Also, since I am affiliated with the military I hope to one day be an OpLove approved photographer!

I was originally thinking I was going to buy the 50D but was told that it is discontinued and it would be better to get the 60D. After the sales guy wasn't getting anywhere with me he tried to sell me the 7D. I walked away...he was just too pushy. So, now I am not sure what I should get. I have looked at some of the reviews and it seems as though a lot of people consider the 60D to be inferior to the 50D and 7D. However, I am not set on just these and am open to constructive suggestions.

My budget is $5200

[OsmosisStudios]

7D/60D/T3i: Same sensor, almost same processor. The images from one to the other to the other will be, ostensibly, the same.

Even with features, you're drawing some pretty short straws. The major difference is the body design and accessible functions on the outside of the body: 7D has the most, T3i the least. The body construction (metal, metal/plycarb, polycarbonate, respectively) is another big one. Last but not least, continuous burst shooting: 8, 5.3, 3 FPS (again, respectively).

The autofocus, metering, viewfinder, etc change with body too.

What you plan on shooting will likely determine what you need: Frankly, I think the 7D is above and beyond your requirements. THe 60D is likely a better bet, though you'll get 95% of the same in the T3i. Try them both, see which you prefer, blow the rest of your budget on good lenses and a flash

[jessdea]

Thank you. My problem is I am currently stationed in South Korea and the base exchange is very limited in what they have to actually try out. I think I might go to Seoul to one of the electronic marts and see what they have.