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Upgrade the camera or lenses?
Jun 5, 2012 04:34:23   #
CharlieBoy
 
I'm new to participating at the site but have followed several forum topics. I also enjoy the bantering!
My quandary is (matter of $$) whether to upgrade from XTi to a 60D or to upgrade the kit lenses. I have the 18-55mm and 75-300mm. My choices for a (one) lens are 18-135mm, 18-270mm (new Tamron) or 50mm f/1.8. I generally shoot landscapes, birds, flowers (doesn't everyone at the start?) but now I'm looking to "tell a story or an emotion".
I will be taking photography classes for sports and portraits and have shot some kids' soccer games. So I have no "hard focus" right now. Just enjoying the shooting. I do own a Sony HX100 which I use everyday on my walks because it is smaller and lighter.
I have posted some photos at www.paulasphotography.smugmug.com (That was no easy task!)
Any suggestions and words of wisdom and experience will be welcomed. Thanks

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Jun 5, 2012 08:42:26   #
haroldross Loc: Walthill, Nebraska
 
Having used the XTi and being familiar with it, I would upgrade to the 60d without looking back.

While upgrading the lens would give you a little better quality picture on the XTi, the newer technology in the 60d would give you better results even with the lens you have. The better AF, lower noise, and higher ISO are just some of the improvements.

You also will notice a big difference in build quality.

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Jun 5, 2012 08:46:34   #
jimberton Loc: Michigan's Upper Peninsula
 
check this video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=hk5IMmEDWH4

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Jun 5, 2012 13:52:34   #
CharlieBoy
 
haroldross wrote:
Having used the XTi and being familiar with it, I would upgrade to the 60d without looking back.

While upgrading the lens would give you a little better quality picture on the XTi, the newer technology in the 60d would give you better results even with the lens you have. The better AF, lower noise, and higher ISO are just some of the improvements.

You also will notice a big difference in build quality.


Thank you for your info. 4-6 months ago that was my train of thought and should have bought then when the 60D dropped to $400-$500. Now I can't find any deals. Thanks again.

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Jun 5, 2012 13:55:17   #
CharlieBoy
 


I can't afford a full frame or an L lens at this time but will save the info. thank you

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Jun 6, 2012 06:04:32   #
magicunicorn Loc: Melbourne Australia
 
Sigma 150 -500 lens are getting great reviews I need to sve up but want one . Good luck

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Jun 6, 2012 09:02:36   #
ole sarg Loc: south florida
 
Look at Adorama, B&H, KEH, Cameta and Canon sites. Canon sell refurbished bodies and lenses. Look at used equipment too. Get the best you can afford and plan on using it for at least 5 years. Get the best glass you can afford as it will go with the new camera you purchase 5 years from now.

best of luck

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Jun 6, 2012 09:02:36   #
ole sarg Loc: south florida
 
Look at Adorama, B&H, KEH, Cameta and Canon sites. Canon sell refurbished bodies and lenses. Look at used equipment too. Get the best you can afford and plan on using it for at least 5 years. Get the best glass you can afford as it will go with the new camera you purchase 5 years from now.

best of luck

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Jun 6, 2012 10:48:11   #
CAM1017 Loc: Chiloquin, Oregon
 
CharlieBoy wrote:
I'm new to participating at the site but have followed several forum topics. I also enjoy the bantering!
My quandary is (matter of $$) whether to upgrade from XTi to a 60D or to upgrade the kit lenses. I have the 18-55mm and 75-300mm. My choices for a (one) lens are 18-135mm, 18-270mm (new Tamron) or 50mm f/1.8. I generally shoot landscapes, birds, flowers (doesn't everyone at the start?) but now I'm looking to "tell a story or an emotion".
I will be taking photography classes for sports and portraits and have shot some kids' soccer games. So I have no "hard focus" right now. Just enjoying the shooting. I do own a Sony HX100 which I use everyday on my walks because it is smaller and lighter.
I have posted some photos at www.paulasphotography.smugmug.com (That was no easy task!)
Any suggestions and words of wisdom and experience will be welcomed. Thanks
I'm new to participating at the site but have foll... (show quote)


Tough question.I used a XTi for many years and then went to a T1i which I used for about 2 years. I now have the 60D which is an an excellent camera that I plan on using for a long time. I found that both the Xti and the T1i were excellent and gave me the results I was looking for. The reason for body changes was for wanting to try different camera's and just wanting to have the latest technology. During that time I also purchased a lot of Canon lens. Looking back I could have gotten along fine with the Canon Rebel bodys just fine. I'm really happy that I purchased the full range of Canon lens because that is what really makes photography interesting for me. My favorite Canon lens are the 100-400 mm IS and and the 18-200 mm. I use these most of the time.

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Jun 6, 2012 13:01:16   #
PNagy Loc: Missouri City, Texas
 
CharlieBoy wrote:
I'm new to participating at the site but have followed several forum topics. I also enjoy the bantering!
My quandary is (matter of $$) whether to upgrade from XTi to a 60D or to upgrade the kit lenses. I have the 18-55mm and 75-300mm. My choices for a (one) lens are 18-135mm, 18-270mm (new Tamron) or 50mm f/1.8. I generally shoot landscapes, birds, flowers (doesn't everyone at the start?) but now I'm looking to "tell a story or an emotion".
I will be taking photography classes for sports and portraits and have shot some kids' soccer games. So I have no "hard focus" right now. Just enjoying the shooting. I do own a Sony HX100 which I use everyday on my walks because it is smaller and lighter.
I have posted some photos at www.paulasphotography.smugmug.com (That was no easy task!)
Any suggestions and words of wisdom and experience will be welcomed. Thanks
I'm new to participating at the site but have foll... (show quote)


Although I have 3 DSLRs I have always resisted the urge to buy the next great, but affordable camera. Cameras advance much faster than lenses, therefore the great camera of today will be pall next to an ordinary one in a little more than five years. I bought an arsenal of L lenses. By waiting you can have a really great camera for less in the not so distant future.

You are looking at the 60D as a possible replacement. The lowest body only price for it is just over $700. That is not so bad if you spring for it now. On the other hand, if you can put up with your current cameras for now, Canon should discontinue the 60D not too far in the future. At that point keh.com will have it for about $300 - $400. Although newer cameras, including its replacement will outperform it, the 60D should give you many years of good performance, including reasonable use as a sports shooter.

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Jun 6, 2012 14:16:11   #
CharlieBoy
 
Thank you, everyone. I appreciate everyone's time and knowledge. I must decide today so I can put it to rest and get on with life! I know I will not regret the 60D and I've already weeded out the low priced scammers. If it seems to good to be true it probably is. Several of you mentioned sites I have yet to visit.

Thanks again. I'll report back while awaiting my purchase.

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Jun 6, 2012 14:31:08   #
Weddingguy Loc: British Columbia - Canada
 
CharlieBoy wrote:
I'm new to participating at the site but have followed several forum topics. I also enjoy the bantering!
My quandary is (matter of $$) whether to upgrade from XTi to a 60D or to upgrade the kit lenses. I have the 18-55mm and 75-300mm. My choices for a (one) lens are 18-135mm, 18-270mm (new Tamron) or 50mm f/1.8. I generally shoot landscapes, birds, flowers (doesn't everyone at the start?) but now I'm looking to "tell a story or an emotion".
I will be taking photography classes for sports and portraits and have shot some kids' soccer games. So I have no "hard focus" right now. Just enjoying the shooting. I do own a Sony HX100 which I use everyday on my walks because it is smaller and lighter.
I have posted some photos at www.paulasphotography.smugmug.com (That was no easy task!)
Any suggestions and words of wisdom and experience will be welcomed. Thanks
I'm new to participating at the site but have foll... (show quote)


Definitely upgrade your lens. It is by far the weakest link on a camera/kit lens combo. Also a good lens is an investment in your photo future. I would save up for an "L" lens of your choosing. It never has to be replaced . . unlike cameras that always become out dated.

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Jun 6, 2012 17:57:53   #
CharlieBoy
 
Thank you. I opted to go with a refurb 60D with 18-135 through Amazon. I think I can sell my XTi and the 18-55 lens with 2 batteries and bank the $ for a "really" good lens. I do understand the importance of the lens. Everyone has been great.

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Jun 6, 2012 19:02:05   #
CAM1017 Loc: Chiloquin, Oregon
 
CharlieBoy wrote:
Thank you. I opted to go with a refurb 60D with 18-135 through Amazon. I think I can sell my XTi and the 18-55 lens with 2 batteries and bank the $ for a "really" good lens. I do understand the importance of the lens. Everyone has been great.


I have been shooting with the 60D for about 8 months and really like it. Have fun! :thumbup:

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