What counts the most - Camera/Lenses

[JeannieK]

Does it matter what camera you are using but u are using a top class lens?

I am considering upgrading to a 7d from a 400d, even though both are compatible with all the canon lenses I want to know if I invest in an excellent lens instead of upgrading fully would it still improve my work? I know there is the cropping factor because my current camera is not full frame but I hardly notice any difference when using a 50mm on my 400d except the focus length changes but is it such a big concern?

[digirebelva]

Is your current camera body restricting you in some way..is it holding you back because it cant do something you need it to do...do you find yourself constantly pushing the camera to its limits...
If the answer is no, then a new body is not going to help you as much as quality lenses
they are almost always a good investment, as they (the EF versions) can go from crop body to full frame if needed.

[veritasimagery]

+1 on the above. If your current body isn't giving you issues then invest in lenses.

The 7D is still a "crop" camera so you won't be making any improvements there. The biggest improvements will be in "noise", focusing speed, and durability (magnesium alloy body w/weatherproofing.). Another positive is that the viewscreen on the 7D is 100% of the sensor, whereas with the 400D it's something like 95%. But the image quality won't really be that different.

[inkista]

Originally Posted by JeannieK

Does it matter what camera you are using but u are using a top class lens?

Yes, but less than you'd think. And a lot of this is up to your individual definitions of "what's worth the price?" Different people have different amounts of money and care differently about specific lens/body features and how much they need them.

But chances are, particularly early on, that upgrading glass is going to get you more bang for the buck than upgrading the body, unless there's a specific feature you need.

I am considering upgrading to a 7d from a 400d...

What are the reasons you need to upgrade? (Not want. Need.) If you're mainly shooting high-speed action, such as sports or wildlife, then I can see needing the additional features of the 7D. But if you simply want better ergonomics, a 60D might serve you just as well. And if you're mainly happy with your 400D, but just feel a vague need for a shinier, newer toy, wouldn't it be better to wait until the new model announcements for the fall to see what's coming out? The 7D is probably nearing the end of its model lifespan. It's two years old.

I want to know if I invest in an excellent lens instead of upgrading fully would it still improve my work?

Tell us what work you're doing. Then we'll have a better way to judge. I can just say that for me, personally, upgrading glass helped a smidge more than upgrading bodies. BUT, what helped far more than either of those was targeting subject matter, working like hell at it and continually practicing and striving to improve, and pushing past my comfort limits. All the while reading, researching, experimenting, and letting myself fail. Technique, inspiration, and dogged determination are going to do a lot more to improve your work than better equipment. In fact, sometimes having to think your way around not having equipment can be good for your pics.



The main reason to upgrade your glass rather than your body, though, is simply financial. Glass lasts longer. You can use the same lens for decades. Chances are, you're going to be upgrading digital camera bodies faster than that. Good lenses don't depreciate nearly as quickly as digital bodies and may even gain in value. Bodies start to fall in value as soon as you unbox them.

I know there is the cropping factor because my current camera is not full frame but I hardly notice any difference when using a 50mm on my 400d except the focus length changes but is it such a big concern?

The 7D is a crop body like the 400D. It will look the same as what you have now. You only have to worry about the crop factor issue and dumping your EF-S lenses if you move up to the 5D or 1Ds.

[JeannieK]

One thing I love about this site is that you always get the best advice.

I had no idea the 7d had a crop factor and I thought about how the 7d has been around for some time now.

I want to focus on wedding photography which I have been doing so for some quite a while.