jack30000

I'm new to DSLR (had a 35mm film Canon many years ago) and after a lot of research and some good input here I got the Canon EOS 80D, refurbished with 18-135 kit lens for about $1200 purchased direct from Canon (body alone $849). The question is what can't you do with what you have? I had a very good SONY point and shoot with 20MB, but wanted to be able to make "art" prints up to 16x20, so went to DSLR and 24MB with the larger sensor. Started with the 18-135 kit lens and just added a Tokina 14-20 f2.0 - wider for landscapes, and faster. Probably sharper, too. Still, this is not a full frame but the cost of FF and lenses that would take advantage of the FF would have blown my budget.

Some have said you could move up to the 80D. That's a modest upgrade for around $300 more than the 60D. But why bother? 24MP vs 18, more autofocus points (not sure what that really accomplishes - I tend not to use them so I have more control), newer sensor, tilting screen, and a few other plusses. Are any of those things worth it? Again, what can't you do that the 80D, or anything similar, would do?

Don't know about mirrorless, but I guess it's worth a look. If you want a real upgrade with a DSLR you probably need full frame and now the $$$ start to add up. The 6D is around $1500, but glass is more expensive, and it's still only 21MP.

Dutzie Loc: I'd like to know

For stuff that is moving- 7Dm2. for stuff that isn't 5DM4. Sounds like 2 cameras to me...

Bill Emmett Loc: Bow, New Hampshire

First off, I'm a dedicated Canon shooter. I've had Canon cameras since the mid 70s, during those film days. Now, I'm into digital, and have a few Canon bodies to show my passion for their products. My rule of thumb when looking into a camera, I suggest people always buy the newest technology they can afford. In your case, I suggest either a Canon EOS 70 or 80D (the newest) or, if your needs are more strenuous, the professional grade 7D Mark II. As for lenses, Canon has the largest selection of lenses on the market. Plus, your Canon cropped sensor camera can take advantage of the Canon "L" quality lenses, with the red ring, or big whites. Since you're familiar with Canon cameras, moving on the a more updated model, you'll be familiar with Canon's menu architecture. All of the third party lens companies make lenses for Canon cameras, both the crop, and full frame bodies. Tamron, and Sigma have made some great strides to make quality glass for the EOS system. Many of these lenses are comparable, or better than the Canon "L" quality in that mm issue. I'm sure if you stick with Canon, you'll be happy.

B

speters Loc: Grangeville/Idaho

Don't you want to check your images first, before uploading to a website (that tiny LCD screen on your camera surely won't do)?

PHRubin Loc: Nashville TN USA

I recently upgraded from a Canon T2i to the 80D. I'm very happy with it. My "walking around" lens is an old Sigma 18-250. It covers all but the most extreme. Keep in mind that an APS-C camera makes the field of view of a lens equal to 1.6 times narrower than on a full frame camera. This makes it look like a 1.6 times longer lens. Great for shots of birds, not so great for landscapes.

markngolf Loc: Bridgewater, NJ

I have a 7D MII, 5D MIII and two L lenses - f/2.8 24- 70 II & f/2.8 70 - 200 II, tele extender 2x III. They cover most of my photography. I might, in the future, opt for the 16 - 35 f/2.8 II and EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM and sell the tele extender 2x III. I have not even scratched the possibilities with my current equipment. That's my goal for 2017. Learn more, practice more, improve!!
Good luck,
Mark

amfoto1 Loc: San Jose, Calif. USA

First of all, "direct upload" of full size images isn't very practical in most cases. Built-in WiFi that you'll find on many cameras is sort of a one-way street, is more useful remotely controlling the camera than for retrieving images off of them... Sure, it can be done... But is only practical for the occasional image and/or for smaller, lower resolution files. Higher quality image files tend to be too big to transfer in any volume using standard WiFi. Short range (about 25 feet max) and "iffy" reliability are other limiting factors. Also, in regular use WiFi much more rapidly drains the camera's battery, significantly reducing the number of shots-per-charge that will be possible.

60D is "Eye-Fi ready".... meaning it can be used with Eye-Fi SD memory cards that both store image files and provide a means of WiFi communication. However, those typically are even less reliable and have shorter range than built-in WiFi.

There are some alternatives, if it's really important.... More capable and sophisticated wireless networking devices are available and more practical for image downloading, thanks to better connectivity and capacity, as well as much greater range. Though not for 60D, Canon themselves make "WFT" or "wireless file transfer" modules for certain models... rather pricey ($600 to $800) and limited to use only on a particular camera. Third party manufacturers make more universal and affordable models, such as Camranger (about $300), which is usable with 60D (and nearly all other Canon DSLRs). The Camranger's offers up to about 150 feet range, if memory serves, compared to Canon WFT with a range of up to 300 or even 400 feet.

Some photographers set their camera's to RAW + Small JPEG and have only the JPEGs wirelessly downloaded. Those serve as more quickly and easily downloadable proof files, while they still have the full size RAW file available for best possible image quality after post-processing. I don't know how practical or possible this is with 60D and Camranger, for example, but I'd recommend looking into it, if you think it might meet your needs.

60D is a quite decent 18MP camera. Very capable of making excellent images. Sure there are 20MP 70D and 7D Mark II, as well as 24MP 80D with all the latest "gee whiz" stuff..... but don't be too quick to give up on your 60D.

You didn't mention what lens(es) you're using, but very likely upgrading to a more premium lens for use on the 60D would give you more "bang for your buck" in image quality, than would buying a whole new camera with yet another "kit" lens. I'm guessing you have either an EF-S 18-55mm or EF-S 18-135mm. Those are usually what came in kit with the 60D .

For portraiture there are a number of excellent lenses. On an APS-C camera like the 60D, I use Canon EF 50mm f1.4, EF 85mm f1.8, and EF 24-70mm f2.8L a lot for portrait work. I also use Tamron SP 60mm f2.0 Macro sometimes (I do not like most other macro lenses for portraiture... if anything they can be too sharp). Sometimes when I need longer focal length (mostly outdoors) I either use Canon EF 135mm f2L, unless I want the versatility of a zoom such as EF 70-200/2.8L IS or the somewhat smaller EF 70-200/4L IS.

I don't personally use them but there also are the Canon EF-S 17-55mm f2.8 and EF-S 15-85mm, both upgrades from the standard "kit" lenses and capable of very high quality images, though more "general purpose" focal length ranges.

There are also ultra premium Canon EF 50mm f1.2L and 85mm f1.2L portrait lenses, popular with wedding photographers in particular. These are a bit more challenging to work with... plus are a lot bigger, heavier and far more expensive.

And, there are some other, excellent third party lenses... Sigma, Tokina and Tamron.

Honestly, the kit lenses are pretty good.... but many of the lenses mentioned can be used to take specialty work such as portraiture to another level. And a big part of getting the best out of any lens (or camera) is down to the photographer's experience and skill... The gear itself is just a tool and can only do what it's told to do. A class or some books might be as good an investment as a new lens.

So, I'd keep the 60D... but note one thing. Many Canon cameras have Micro Focus Adjustment feature (MFA). The 60D doesn't. So it might pay to have whatever lenses you use professionally calibrated with the camera, to fine tune focus and get that last little bit of performance out of everything. The 70D and 80D models, for example, both have MFA.... which can be used to fine tune focus accuracy of up to 40 different specific lenses to the particular camera. However, the user has to do this themselves and it takes a bit of work (might want a software such as Reikan FoCal to help).

But that's a moot point, if you keep the 60D and upgrade lenses instead, which is what I'd recommend initially (later you might want to upgrade to an 80D or 7D Mark II camera... but don't be too quick about it, "better" lenses you get now to use on 60D will serve well on any future Canon, too).

One last thing that's often overlooked... If you haven't done so recently , or maybe never, have your camera's sensor professionally cleaned. Yes, the 60D has a self-cleaning sensor. It works, but that can only do so much. Over time there is still often some gradual build up of adhered dust, oils spots and other gunk on sensors that robs some image resolution and sharpness, among other things. A dirty sensor can definitely effect images!

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

The 80D is a significant upgrade - believe it !

PHRubin Loc: Nashville TN USA

I upgraded from a T2i to the 80D for several reasons.

1st) Focusing in low light. Having had issues with the T2i in that regard, and "Live View" being TOTALLY useless in low light (the focusing sensor being contrast), the improved focusing sensitivity (to EV -3 at f8 in the 80D) and dramatically improved in Live View (Dual Pixel CMOS AF) was significant.

2nd) The articulated viewing screen is a great help when taking shots holding the camera over my head - Yes, this has come up on occasion

3rd) While not important in the decision before I had the camera, I find the touch screen to be a wonderful feature.

4th) It might come in handy some day, remote control via Wi-Fi. Not high on my list, but a feature. I don't use it to upload to my computer, the USB connection is much faster.

SharpShooter Loc: NorCal

Carmen, welcome to the Hog!
Here's my suggestion.
Either move up to a new Canon 5DmklV, or if that's to much money go with a used Canon 5Dmklll.
The variety of your shooting is pretty broad and it's pretty obvious you're ready to take it to the next level.
More importantly if your son's modeling career starts to evolve you are more likely to get more involved with photographing him. With the right skills you could go a long way with helping him expand his portfolio as a promotional tool(see my posts in both the People and Nude sections).
More and more, a sophisticated focus system with many focus points makes fashion and model art photography much easier with much more consistent and precision focus and sharpness.
The mklV is a camera that you can use now and continue to grow into for years.
Though the 60d is a nice starter camera it's not a professional oriented camera. Also the reason Pros use more Canons over every other brand is not for the camera, as ALL cameras are outstanding, it's for the huge array of lenses that will cover ANY shooting style or scenario.
Carmen, that's my suggestion, and again welcome to the Hog!!
SS

davyboy Loc: Anoka Mn.

Hey Carmen welcome and Listen up!! I'm only going to say this once! forget everything every one has told you. CLOSE your eyes and repeat 3 times Panasonic! Panasonic! Panasonic! then give in to your anger and come over to the dark side

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

LOL, LOL ....

katbandit Loc: new york city

stick with what you know..but the two most often discussed and used are nikon and canon..whatever one you choose you can build from there..over the years i found that i loved nikon the best..and as for tamron lenses ..decide as you go..they are very well made..and their warranty is terrific..

markngolf Loc: Bridgewater, NJ

Welcome (again) Carmen. Now that you have received a plethora of recommendations and feedback, please let us know your decision(s). You have our attention. I don't think you can go wrong with any of the suggestions. They are all valid for a variety of reasons.
Good luck,
Mark

SharpShooter Loc: NorCal

The good thing is, for a few hundred dollars you can get every lens Pano makes!!! LoL
SS