What’s Your Preference?

sharky10c · #1 (**permalink**) 11-04-2010, 01:06 AM

Hello all,

I am currently shooting with a Canon XS. I think I am ready to move on to a 'big boy' camera now.

So when the Nikon D7000 came out, I thought it'd be the one I'd buy. Now, I am not so sure. The reviews are saying that hot pixels show up quickly, the images aren't incredibly sharp and the image quality is just not as good as it should be.

Now, I should also say what I am really looking for:

-Excellent image quality
-Manual 1080p video capture ( would like continuous AF, but I could manage w/o it.)
-Good performance at all ISO levels
-Good contrast/sharpness
-Solid, hefty body (definitely not another Rebel)
-Price lower than $1600

I have been looking at the D7000 and the 7D (my only worry with the 7D is that will it be replaced in a year or so?)

Anyways, I'd appreciate any help you guys can offer.

Thanks so much

inkista · #2 (**permalink**) 11-04-2010, 02:43 AM

Have you considered a 60D? I know, I know, the dpreview preview called it more of a Rebel, but that's because they're coming at it from the POV of owning previous XXD models. The body is definitely larger and heavier than that of the dRebels: it's only 10% lighter and 1mm smaller on each side than a 50D, and it has the dual-wheel controls that are the hallmark of the XXD line. A lot of folks on POTN who have actually gotten their hands on them have been pleasantly surprised--many of them former XXD owners. It has the same sensor/processor as the 7D, only with additional sensor tweaks time brings, and you don't mention needing fast-action capability. It's also brand new, so you won't have to worry about being obsolete for a whole 18 months. (eyeroll). It's also only $1100, and it covers all the points on your list.

Also, coming from the XS, a 60D won't force you to change memory cards or cable releases. Minor inconveniences, but still nice.

I'm not sure about where the worry about a 7D replacement is coming from. Every model gets replaced. If the feature set is what you want and need, then getting a model later in its lifecycle means getting it at a lower price. If a replacement arrives, it'll always be more expensive than the current model, because prices come down over time, even while the camera is new. The 7D, when it was introduced had a body-only price of $1700. It's down to $1600 today. The 50D started out at $1300 and can now be found in the $900 neighborhood.

While it isn't an infallible guide, camera product announcements tend to cluster around October and Feb/March (the spring one around the PMA tradeshow, the fall one around Photokina in even years). You may also want to refer to the Wikipedia table of Canon camera releases to get a feel for which models are "due" when.

sharky10c · #3 (**permalink**) 11-04-2010, 10:33 PM

Thanks for the help. I was looking at the 60D but I was really turned off by the absence of the micro adjust focus. Do you know if that has been remedied? Also, will the 60D produce professional quality pictures? (I think I want to start selling prints.)

inkista · #4 (**permalink**) 11-04-2010, 10:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sharky10c

Thanks for the help. I was looking at the 60D but I was really turned off by the absence of the micro adjust focus. Do you know if that has been remedied?

You do realize that before the 50D, the only cameras that had autofocus microadjust were the 1 series bodies, right? No, this has not been "remedied", nor can it be with a mere firmware update. It requires hardware.

Quote:

Also, will the 60D produce professional quality pictures? (I think I want to start selling prints.)

If you think the 7D can produce professional quality pictures, then the 60D and T2i can produce professional quality pictures: they all share the same sensor and processor.

sharky10c · #5 (**permalink**) 11-04-2010, 11:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by inkista

You do realize that before the 50D, the only cameras that had autofocus microadjust were the 1 series bodies, right? No, this has not been "remedied", nor can it be with a mere firmware update. It requires hardware.

If you think the 7D can produce professional quality pictures, then the 60D and T2i can produce professional quality pictures: they all share the same sensor and processor.

Haha, no I didn't realize that. I had heard that it would be a firmware update, but I guess not. So I guess now I'm stuck between the 60D and the D7000. Thanks for the help. I think that I am just going to try them out and see which I like more.