After the SX50--T5i or T3i or neither: I love my Canon SX-50 most of the time. However, I would really like to take more pictures of birds in flight and my grandchildren (2 and 4) are...

taj334 Loc: Long Island

I love my Canon SX-50 most of the time. However, I would really like to take more pictures of birds in flight and my grandchildren (2 and 4) are sometimes a real moving challenge. Would it make sense for me to switch up to either the T5i or T3i (and if so, which?) Or is there something I'm not doing right with the SX50?

bobmcculloch Loc: NYC, NY

taj334 wrote:

I love my Canon SX-50 most of the time. However, I would really like to take more pictures of birds in flight and my grandchildren (2 and 4) are sometimes a real moving challenge. Would it make sense for me to switch up to either the T5i or T3i (and if so, which?) Or is there something I'm not doing right with the SX50?

I think the T3i or the T5i will be a big help, I know when my first grandson was born I ordered a T1i before he came home from the hospital, still have and use it though I did upgrade to the T4i just as the T5i came out, got a deal, prior to #1 grandson G7 had been sufficient, Bob.

australis Loc: Patagonia, South America

The real thing, is the lens, not the body .-

is not better one T5i or T3i that one sx50, If it does not have a qualit lens .-

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

I have two T3i's (I love it so much, I bought a second one as "back-up" in January because they're not making anymore). If you can find a refurbished, it'd be a great buy.

I believe the T5i is a bit faster for birds-in-flight, so check the details for that.

I also have an SX50 and bif's are difficult. I know I want to zoom in close and then the bird goes out of the frame too quickly. Focus is slow too.

joe west Loc: Taylor, Michigan

taj334 wrote:

I love my Canon SX-50 most of the time. However, I would really like to take more pictures of birds in flight and my grandchildren (2 and 4) are sometimes a real moving challenge. Would it make sense for me to switch up to either the T5i or T3i (and if so, which?) Or is there something I'm not doing right with the SX50?

T3i is a better camera then T5

bobmcculloch Loc: NYC, NY

joe west wrote:

T3i is a better camera then T5

OP stated T5i, not T5

taj334 Loc: Long Island

bobmcculloch wrote:

I think the T3i or the T5i will be a big help, I know when my first grandson was born I ordered a T1i before he came home from the hospital, still have and use it though I did upgrade to the T4i just as the T5i came out, got a deal, prior to #1 grandson G7 had been sufficient, Bob.

Thanks for the advice. They grow up so quickly. I'll take a serious look (and look for deals too.)

taj334 Loc: Long Island

australis wrote:

The real thing, is the lens, not the body .-

is not better one T5i or T3i that one sx50, If it does not have a qualit lens .-

That is so true. Will need to learn how to choose a quality lens and how much I want to carry. Thanks for your input.

taj334 Loc: Long Island

Linda From Maine wrote:

I have two T3i's (I love it so much, I bought a second one as "back-up" in January because they're not making anymore). If you can find a refurbished, it'd be a great buy.

I believe the T5i is a bit faster for birds-in-flight, so check the details for that.

I also have an SX50 and bif's are difficult. I know I want to zoom in close and then the bird goes out of the frame too quickly. Focus is slow too.

Good to know it's probably not just me. I wonder if the touch screen on the T5i is an asset. I just saw the T5i for less the the T3i. Thanks for your input. Probably a trip to B&H would be helpful.

PaulR01 Loc: West Texas

taj334 wrote:

I love my Canon SX-50 most of the time. However, I would really like to take more pictures of birds in flight and my grandchildren (2 and 4) are sometimes a real moving challenge. Would it make sense for me to switch up to either the T5i or T3i (and if so, which?) Or is there something I'm not doing right with the SX50?

Their are no differences in the focal systems between the T3i and the t5i. The T5i does shoot better in low light that's about it. If you are looking for birding the T6i has a much improved focusing system and better choice.

If you want to get crazy and make a major jump I just read a thread on this site where Canon is selling Refurbished 7Diis for under a grand and that's a steal. This model is designed for sports and wildlife.

joe west Loc: Taylor, Michigan

bobmcculloch wrote:

OP stated T5i, not T5

t3i is still a better camera

jerold222 Loc: Southern Minnesota

My T3i is going on ebay tomorrow. I upgraded to a 70D.

But as some have pointed out, the lens in the most important factor. You want at least a 400mm or one of the newer 600mm zooms
These were taken with my Canon 70D and the Tamron 150-600. The Tundra swan was cropped, the Sandhill Crane was not.

(Download)

DWU2 Loc: Phoenix Arizona area

taj334 wrote:

I love my Canon SX-50 most of the time. However, I would really like to take more pictures of birds in flight and my grandchildren (2 and 4) are sometimes a real moving challenge. Would it make sense for me to switch up to either the T5i or T3i (and if so, which?) Or is there something I'm not doing right with the SX50?

I know you're debating between the T5i and T3i, but, if budget permits, and if you're serious about BIF shots, consider the 7dMII.

Bloke Loc: Waynesboro, Pennsylvania

taj334 wrote:

I love my Canon SX-50 most of the time. However, I would really like to take more pictures of birds in flight and my grandchildren (2 and 4) are sometimes a real moving challenge. Would it make sense for me to switch up to either the T5i or T3i (and if so, which?) Or is there something I'm not doing right with the SX50?

As usual, it seems that most people have gone off on a tangent, and not read your post...

I started with an SX50, and experienced similar problems. While a great little camera, with phenomenal 'reach', it does have significant shutter lag - ie., there is a noticeable pause between pressing the button and the camera actually shooting the photo. I guess this is just the nature of the beast...

I added a T4i to my stable, then a 7D. Basically, though, *any* DSLR will alleviate your lag problem. The T3i and T5i both have a good reputation, and many users on here, but I am not going to speculate on which is better. The T6i has been rated very highly, too. I would point out that B&H were selling the 7D for $750 when I bought mine. That is half the previous price, as they were just trying to move stock after the 7DII arrived. I have no idea if that offer still exists...

tbetress Loc: Skippack, Pa

I have the T5i and the SX50 (also a 40D)
I wouldn't hesitate going with the T5i as the prices are really good now, Costco had an ad for 400.00 the other day.
I love mine