freddayan Loc: Pasadena, California

I just had to return a Canon 60D because of its focusing:could not get a sharp image. Went on line and discovered a great number of 60D users with the same problem. I need a recommendation for a Canon DSLR for under $1,500.00 that will afford me tack sharp focusing.

PS. Definitely NOT the lenses.

Festina Lente Loc: Florida & Missouri

You have two choices, and both are very good. The T4s and the 7D.
Which is best for you will depend on your preferences, needs and usage. I'm very partial to the 7D, but it is a bit more complex than the T4i and almost twice the price.
Based on your satisfaction with the 60D, the 7D is my recommendation.

T4s:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/870175-REG/Canon_EOS_Rebel_T4i_Digital.html

7D:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/646908-REG/Canon_3814B004_EOS_7D_SLR_Digital.html

The Saint KK4GO Loc: Florida

I've owned a 60D for almost 2yrs. never any focus problems. I use a Canon 24-105mm f/4 L IS USM and a Canon 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS II USM both tack sharp.Actually the 70-200 is not as sharp on my Canon 5Dm2.

gessman Loc: Colorado

Have you looked at micro adjustment with your 5D2 and 70-200. With the 60D, apparently some are ok and some aren't but the 60D does not allow micro adjustment whereas your 5D2 does for each individual lens. Your adjustments are then kept on record for each lens so the necessary adjustments are made when you mount a particular lens. You might also Google 'micro adjustment for Canon 5D2' and look at youtube for assistance. I use a program by Reiken named FoCal to allow my computer to automatically micro adjust my 5D2 and each of my lens. Perhaps you'd like to read about it. http://www.reikan.co.uk/focal/

If you should decide to micro adjust your 70-200, it is suggested that with a zoom, which can be slightly out of focus at different points of zoom, that you adjust for the most used focal length of your zoom and just live with it if it's out at other focal lengths. A prime lens does not have that issue.

The Saint KK4GO Loc: Florida

I am aware of the micro adjustment, but haven't played with it yet because I just bought the 5Dm2 2wks ago and haven't had the time to do an in depth calabration. Thanks for the link, didn't know I could use my computer to set the micro adj feature. Will it work on any computer or is it PC only. I have 4 Macs. Again, thanks for the heads up :)

gessman Loc: Colorado

Ah, yet another lapse on my part. Excuse me, and no, alas, FoCal doesn't run on a Mac. I keep forgetting that people actually use Macs. :) Surely, at only 11 megabytes, you must know someone with a PC who would permit you to install and periodically use it, but then I would hesitate to mention that. Rethinking my participation in this thread, I looked back and it dawned on me that you weren't soliciting suggestions and, feeling bad about my unprovoked comments, revisited the thread and tried to retract my comments but it was too late. Please excuse me for intruding on your conversation.

gessman Loc: Colorado

This apparently is not my day. I went to the Reiken site and saw a link to "the new focal site" and upon arrival there, I found a section talking about FoCal for Mac. I didn't read it all but got the impression that if it's not now available, it should be soon. You will find that at:
http://www.reikan.co.uk/focalweb/index.php/2012/08/focal-mac-update/

Now, I shall remain quiet for the remainder of the day. :)

The Saint KK4GO Loc: Florida

Went to the link. Very informative. Looking forward to getting the software when it is released. Thanks for your info :)

freddayan Loc: Pasadena, California

Not very helpful with my problem are we?I do need suggestions for the under $1,500 Canon with excellent focusing. I own a bunch of Canon Lenses and am upgrading from the Rebel T1i which, by the way, I had to send back for repairing the focus settings a few months ago and now the problem came back. I am looking for focus in my life!

The Saint KK4GO Loc: Florida

I bought a refurbished 5DmarkII (absolutely brand new) through the Canon loyalty program (canon.com/loyaltyprogram) for $1585 with a trade-in of a Rebel 300D. And it's a full frame sensor !

gemlenz Loc: Gilbert Arizona

check this video http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=ANDZmUnecCw#!

freddayan Loc: Pasadena, California

www.canon.com/loyaltyprogram: site does not exist.

freddayan Loc: Pasadena, California

Thanks! V.helpful.

gessman Loc: Colorado

I prepared a lengthy reply to you prior to my first one to 'The Saint' and then chose to not send it in light of the response you got from Festina Lente and your imposed price ceiling. I didn't think I could improve on that answer. I, too, would probably recommend the 7D although I prefer the full frame 5D2 have been shooting one since they were first released in Dec '08.

There have been many discussions of the 7d v. 5D2 on uhh, along with some tests, and the 7D seems to offer highly refined and perhaps even faster if not superior focus capability. It also can be micro adjusted to each lens as opposed to the 60D. It also remains in your preferred price range pretty much right at the top, in fact. That, in my opinion, from what I think I know, would get you the most camera for the money you're wanting to spend and retain the use of your Canon lens. Same sensor as the 60D but with a bunch of advanced features in a more sturdy body.

My original response to you included a lot of drivel about advice I've seen that says you should have shipped your lens back with your 60D because without that, Canon may not be able to duplicate your problem and will only send it your 60D back to you with a report that they find nothing wrong. Depending on the day and circumstances, it is possible they'll replace your body but you shouldn't hold your breath for that - this all from stuff I've read about this problem.

Were I to buy another body at present, not that it is relevant, it would be the T4i, as a backup to my 5D2, with the two new lens that provide 'follow focus' when shooting video which I do a fair amount. I'm sure you are aware of all the other options at your disposal in other Canon bodies and the upside or downside of that so I won't go beyond here about that. There's really not much mystery to your question.

There's always Nikon which reputedly does not normally have these focusing issues. You shouldn't lose much money selling your Canon lens in any case. There's a classified section here and things do not seem to lie around long after offered for sale, especially good lens. At least, most people here who might be interested in your lens are aware that they hold their value given respectable treatment.

freddayan Loc: Pasadena, California

This is indeed helpful. Thanks. 7D seems to be the one.