robilmc

Hi All,

I took a class this weekend that finally convinced me to upgrade my camera. No laughter please...I've had a Rebel XTi since 2007 and it's obviously badly outdated. I've come to realize that it wasn't a very good camera to begin with, but hindsight is 20/20.

I'm considering my options and I would welcome thoughts from the community. Here are some details:

1. I upgraded the lens several years ago to a Canon EF 28-135mm. This improved usability and picture quality immensely, which is actually causing me problems with this current decision. Until recently, I was saving up to buy a 60D body as I felt that would be a good fit with the EF lens. Then Canon came out with the 70D, which is higher priced than the 60D and suggesting that the 60D is going the way of the dodo. So out of this scenario there are 2 options: go with the original plan and pick up a 60D body, which at my skill level (not to mention the decreasing price of the 60D) is a pretty good option, or bite the bullet and spend significantly more on the 70D body.

2. Complicating matters is the fact that several manufacturers now offer excellent bridge cameras. I'm guessing many of you might scoff at a choice between a pretty good consumer DSLR vs a bridge camera, but 2 things weigh heavily on this decision. A) I'm a committed amateur and want to know enough to take great pictures when I'm actually using the camera, which is more of a "sometimes" matter. I like shooting in shutter priority and many bridge cameras now offer ISOs of 12800, which destroys my old XTi; and B) the economics are pretty significant. A member today posted a note about the Canon SX50 being on sale at Staples, with an accompanying coupon bringing the pre-tax price down to around $280. A 60D body is ~$600 and a 70D is over a grand. I'm thinking that at my level of proficiency I might be pretty happy with the results from a good bridge camera...but the $500+ I sunk into that EF lens is telling me to go with (at least) the 60D.

Lemme have it...

Wahawk Loc: NE IA

The SX50 (and the other good bridge cameras by Nikon, Fuji, Sony, Panasonic, etc) are all good choices depending on what you want to do.

It sounds like you are about the same 'type' of shooter that I am, and when I was debating what to choose, the SX50 came out on top.
It allows pretty much all the controls I would use on a dSLR, but the weight of the camera compared to a dSLR and the bag of lenses required to match the reach of the SX50 was a big selling point.

Carefully weigh all the options, but that Staples deal for TODAY is definitely a GREAT deal!! Get one in YOUR hands to play with before making your final choice.

jeep_daddy Loc: Prescott AZ

Wow, that is quite a thread for a first time post. First, you and only you know your budget. So you can start your search with that in mind. If the 70D is out of your budget, then forget it. But if you have the money or credit, whichever the case is, then buy the best camera you can afford. Camera's are a bit like cell phones and computers. As soon as you buy it there's another new one with more bells and whistles and technology around the corner - sometimes the next day.

One thing you failed to mention is what type of photography you like. Since you've only mentioned one lens, EF 28-135mm, it sounds like you are pretty limited. Also, it almost sounds to me like your pretty happy with this lenses focal length and quality and that you aren't shopping for any others. Believe me, the type of photography you mainly do is very important in choosing the correct body.

robilmc

Ahh...good point. I tend to shoot a lot of people (digitally, of course). A fair amount of family stuff, close ups at events, things like that: a dedicated family photog. My daughter, on the other hand is a pretty darn good photographer and is just discovering her talents. She has used my camera to shoot a lot of garden/outdoor/scenery shots, as well as a lot of pics of my grandson. She has an excellent eye for light and composition and is growing. Thus, my third limitation might be potentially limiting her by dropping to a bridge.

Budget-wise I would be ok going back to a bridge, but it's not a complete rate-limiter.

St3v3M Loc: 35,000 feet

Welcome to UHH

SharpShooter Loc: NorCal

Rob, I have never even held a bridge, but they are basically a very nice P&S. If you get further into fotos, you WILL have to get a DSLR. Maybe you'll want to do macro, or more serious nature.
A DSLR is not for everybody, that's evident by the plethora of small sensor cameras on the market.
What little I know of the 70, it seems like a nice camera, but look at all the bells and whistles that don't do ANYTHING for producing a better picture. Like a VERY nice video or wifi etc., but very useful to some. It's more camera than the 60 but it costs more.
The 60 is a very good basic camera, but it's starting to show some age. Photographically, it's close to as good as the 70, for a lot less money.
Tough choice for sure. For the savings you could get another lens.
The 60 has the articulating screen, can't remember about the 70.
Personally, I could not go back to a P&S style camera except as a back-up.
Good luck
SS

juicesqueezer Loc: Okeechobee, Florida

Welcome to UHH! You spoke about your daughter finding her own in the picture taking, then I would go for the 60D since you already have a nice lens. Just my humble opinion! Good luck with whatever you decide.

pappy0352 Loc: Oregon

I upgraded from the T2i to the 60D 6 months ago and love it. Unless I should one day go full frame the 60D is all I need and will stay with it. I shoot mostly landscape, waterfalls and some wildlife.

Pappy

CHOLLY Loc: THE FLORIDA PANHANDLE!

rob, IF you buy a bridge camera now, you may be happy with the results... but IF in the future you plan to increase your skills you will be somewhat limited.

A good rule of thumb is to buy the best technology you can afford. If that means a 60D, then THAT is the way to go.

The SX is a good bridge camera, but the 60/70D will bring you closer to the point where your ability to photograph anything with satisfactory results will be statistically greater.

Let's see; that didn't come across as well as I would have liked.

The DSLRs will give you MUCH better tools to take the type of photographs you want, in the near term and over the long run.

Good luck either way!

FredB Loc: A little below the Mason-Dixon line.

Just one question - why do you think YOU would benefit from a newer camera when you admit your daughter takes very good pictures with the XTi you have now?

The cynic in me would suggest that you gift her the XTi and lens, and find yourself a nice bridge camera.

Farbuck Loc: Newtown Square, PA

Rob:

I don't know if this will help but I was in the same position as you last month. I had a Rebel XT which I used off and on for years and decided to move into the 21st Century. I opted for the Canon 70D and it is staggering.

The difference in response and quality between the D70 and the Rebel XT is night and day.

If cost is not an issue, I STRONGLY recommend going for the 70D. It will be your companion for years and I think will move you to your next level of talent.

Steve

CHOLLY Loc: THE FLORIDA PANHANDLE!

Cost IS an issue, but I would only point out that if robilmc spends money NOW on a bridge camera, then that money won't be available for a more advanced camera later when the bridge camera is "outgrown".

Better to buy the best camera you can afford NOW than spend that money twice. ;)

Farbuck Loc: Newtown Square, PA

I like the way you think

greg vescuso Loc: Ozark,Mo.

Go buy the bridge camera for yourself its lighter and should do a fine job for what you photograph. Give the xti
with the 18-135 to your daughter. I have a friend who is a excellent wedding photographer and until recently she was shooting weddings with a 18-135 and took some of the best natural light wedding images around. Even an old xt and a 18-135 in the right hands will take excellent pictures.

charles brown Loc: Tennesse

I agree except also look at the Panasonic FZ200. Great camera.