mborth

Hi, I'm thinking buying a Canon 70D. I currently have a 50D. Is there enough difference between the two cameras to warrant an upgrade? Any other general comments would be appreciated! Mark

amfoto1 Loc: San Jose, Calif. USA

It would be a very nice upgrade. I went from 50D to 7D (primarily for AF system and higher ISO usability).

The 19-point AF system is very nice and has an additional Zone Focus pattern that your 50D doesn't have. (Note: 70D's AF system is very similar to 7D's... a slight downgrade in that 7D has two more focus patterns: Spot and Expansion Points).

If you shoot any video, 70D is the best APS-C Canon has offered to date for that purpose. The Live View/Video Dual Pixel focus is a real game changer for Canon. The articulated LCD screen is very nice for video, too... might come in handy for high or low angle shooting, too.

If you use it, your 50D has same Micro Focus Adjustment system as 7D (Canon, for some unknown reason, omitted MFA entirely from 60D)... 20 lens, one adjustment per lens, not lens specific (an adjusment for an EF 50/1.4 will be the same for all EF 50/1.4 used on the camera).

70D has Version 2.0 MFA.... up to 40 lenses, with two adjustments possible on zooms, and lens-serial-number specific (an adjustment for an EF 50/1.4 is for that particular lens only, other EF 50/1.4 can be set up with different adjustments, for example). It's the same as on 1DX, 5DIII and 6D.

We all have our own opinions on what ISO is usable on any particular camera and depending upon our workflow and post-processing. Basically I found a stop higher usable ISO going from 50D to 7D. I think you'd find about the same, maybe a little more, going from 50D to 70D.

You would need to swap out from CF memory cards to SD. Fortunately, memory is pretty affordable these days.

70D uses LP-E6 batteries, same as my 7D. I found I got about 30 to 40% more shots per charge, compared to the BP511/511A I used before. That's good, because the newer batteries are more expensive (roughly $60 each for OEM LP-E6, compared to about $50 each for BP511A... cheaper third party versions of both are available).

You would need to get accustomed to using the multi-controller button pad, instead of a "joystick". Go handle a 70D in a store, to be sure you are okay with the ergonomics. Some poeple with large hands find it less comfortable.

The Active Matrix/Transmissive LCD focus screen takes a little getting used to, as well. But it's neat and works well, once you are accustomed to it.

70D, like 60D before it, is slightly more plasticky... Still feels quite solid and well made though.

SharpShooter Loc: NorCal

M, there is a HUGE difference between the two cameras. The 50 is a model T Ford compared to the 70. BUT, they will both get the groceries home from the store the same.
If you don't exploit the camera, it may not be worth it to you.
The focus system is way better. The auto focus video is a first at any level.
Without getting into differences, as they are all over the Internet, I would get the 70 and immediately sell the 50, while you can still get something fore it, if even now. Good luck. ;-)
SS

Aldebaran Loc: Florida

and if you had to choose between 70D and 7D... The 7D is the winner why? As you can see down here... I have a (model T Ford) 50D.

TXYank Loc: Granbury, TX

I did precisely that three months ago, moving from a 50D to a 70D. haven't tried to video yet, but love how Canon has organized all the buttons and commands. The touch screen alone is reason to upgrade.

llindstrand Loc: Seattle Metro

I made the change a couple of months ago. I like the 70D very well except the change over to SD cards and the set/wheel adjustment on the back of the camera. It is not made for people with large fingers and is easy to get the wrong setting.
Swede

Aldebaran Loc: Florida

You can hold the 70D at any Costco store. It looks like a T2i, which I have. I suppose the 7D looks more like the 50D in size and ruggedness.

mwsilvers Loc: Central New Jersey

While the 70D has a lot to like about it and has a number of significant upgrades including much better low light results, the 50D is far from a piece of junk. Unless you just want s new toy, I think you first need to decide what you expect to gain by getting a new body and what you are unhappy about with the 50D. The 50D will continue to take the same great shots it always did regardless of improvements in newer models. Remember its all about the person behind the viewfinder first, followed by the lenses and lastly by the body. There us nothing wrong with upgrading to a new and better body, but if you don't have specific reasons for doing so perhaps you should invest your money in lenses instead..

mwsilvers Loc: Central New Jersey

In my opinion the 70D doesn't look anything like the t2i which I also own.

mwsilvers Loc: Central New Jersey

I wouldn't exactly call the 15mp 50D a Model T. It may be long in the tooth but it's still a very capable camera.

AntonioReyna Loc: Los Angeles, California

TOTALLY AGREE. SOLID, VERY CAPABLE CAMERA THAT TAKES GREAT PICS.

mborth

Hi, thanks for replying to my post. Why do you think that the 7D is better than the 70D?

Thanks again!

mwsilvers Loc: Central New Jersey

In some ways the 70D is better. Its better if you want to take video, it's got a newer sensor with better low light capabilities, it has some new gadgets and gizmos that some folks like to have. But for the most part you won't get any noticeably better results with the 70D. The 70D is a consumer body meant meant for the average Joe (or Joanne). The 7D is a prosumer body used by advanced amateurs and professionals. Its larger and heavier with a professional quality magnesium body and many professional features like a joy stick, s 100% viewfinder, and a more solid shutter mechanism rated to 150,000 actuations. It is starting to get long in the tooth but its still a great camera. For the right price I'd rather have it than the 70D.

hightek Loc: west virginia

I am getting ready to upgrade from my OLD 30D to the new 70D. My biggest reasons for the upgrade is the processor/20.20 Megapixels & video availability. I am looking at one that includes the 18-135mm lens. I have a couple prime lenses 28mm 1.8 & 50mm 1.4 I was thinking about adding the 40mm 2.8 pancake lens too.