Looking to purchase a new body, need some help.

[twcull]

Hi everyone,

I've had a Canon 350D since 2005 I believe, it's served me well but I think it's time to upgrade the body. I shoot a lot of outdoor photography and some sports, so an APC-sized sensor is probably my best choice still, given that though I'm not opposed to a FF sensor either.

I'd mainly like good weather sealing, some longevity in the model as well as a much needed improvement in nightshots. Video interests me, but is certainly not a necessity.

I was looking at the 60D vs. 7D. Both have features I really like, such as the top screen, and easier access to key settings. Any other suggestions would be great, also I'm not opposed to used gear, if a 50D or what have you may suit my needs please let me know.

Thanks,
- Thomas

[RichardTaylor]

I shoot with a 350D (although not very much now days), 40D & 5D.

The xxD and xD are a major step up in erganomics, mainly because of the big wheel on the back.

For sports I would go with the 7D mainly because of the superior focussing and higher frame rate (especially combined with a fast CF card). Weather sealing is better than the 60D.

Even with the 40D I don't have any problem shooting at ISO 3200 (along noise reduction when PPing the RAW files) I would expect even more of an improvement with the 7D & 60D.

[dlambert]

I'm not sure if you've demo'ed these cameras, but if you've got a chance to go lay your hands on them, that would be best. The 60D is larger and sturdier than your Rebel, and the 7D is even heftier. Some people appreciate that extra weight more than others, so that might factor into your decision.

Beyond that, either should be a great upgrade for you. The 7D might offer a bit more weather protection, but my understanding is that Canon's pretty sketchy about claiming any "real" weather sealing until you get to their pro cameras. In other words, both the 60D and 7D are better than the Rebel, but there's no good way to specify exactly how much protection either of them offer.

[ishootRAW]

I've taken my 50D in blizzards and rain with no problems yet.

What lenes do you have?

[twcull]

I currently have:

Canon 50mm f/1.8 and f/1.4
Sigma 50mm-250mm f.3.5-5.6
Kit lens 18mm - 55mm

and I'm about to purchase the Tokina 16mm - 50mm f/2.8 or a new flash with flash ring to try some new stuff.

I was thinking maybe I could just take that money towards more gear, but I'd like (want not need) a new body.

[A@EPOCH]

The Tokina 16-50 2.8 is a really decent lens on a crop body... also just a quick question, is there a reason that you own both the 50mm 1.4 and 50mm 1.8? I understand that you may have your reasons, but if it were me I would trade in one or the other to fill a different focal length like an 85mm 1.8 or a 35mm 2.

[twcull]

The f/1.8 was the first lens I bought. I like to keep it around for the sake of it, plus I can use it in less that stellar situations where I'd be worried about the f/1.4. Paintball is not forgiving to lenses so I try to mitigate the loss by using the f/1.8

[ishootRAW]

If you do sports, I would think about replacing the 55-250. For landscapes, maybe getting something in the 10-something range.

(I will be disagreed with but...) I would try to find a refurbed 40 or 50D. For the price of a new rebel you get better build, top LCD and such. (the 50D now has video too via Magic Lanturn). I went that route and got a good as new 50D with 6000 clicks for $700.

[twcull]

What should I look for in terms of shutter acutations for a used 50D? Found one with 10,000 with battery grip, 3 batterys, cable release, and for 650$ .. seem to good? I'm not a big video guy so the video is definitely 2ndary to me.

[A@EPOCH]

I sold my 50d with essentially the sane things listed about four months ago for $750 on fredmiranda.com. 10k clicks should be just fine as long as the camera wasn't abused which you should see in pics. Personally, I really liked mine but I wanted to go full frame... The body feels great, has weather sealing, and one of the best prosumer lcds in that range.