Captain Craig Loc: Denver, CO

I have been reading these communications for quite some time, and finally decided to jump in. There seems to be a wide array of photographers contributing and I respect the knowledge and experience herein. I began many many years ago with Pentax 35mm film cameras. I purchased a Canon Rebel 35mm film and shot it for years. Then when digital came about, I purchased a Canon Rebel XT digital. I used that for many years until a few years ago I moved up to a Canon T6s. With that, I got more involved and started putting money into my lenses. I currently use a Canon 24-70 2.8, and Canon 70-200 2.8. I mostly take photos of my grandchildren basketball, soccer, gymnastics, and ballet. I also got into portrait photography so I could have updated photos of my family. Additionally, my great-niece is a model and she and a couple of her friends let me practice. I want to step up to a better camera. I am probably advanced intermediate, but want to learn more. My head is swimming from reading reviews on higher level cameras like do I go mirrorless or not. So I wanted to ask all you camera folks if you have an opinion for a camera. I really don't want to start over with my lenses at this point. I spoke to a photographer today and he was shooting a Sony A7. I was impressed and now wonder if I should switch and maybe get a converter for my lens'. Any advice would be appreciated.

TriX Loc: Raleigh, NC

You have 2 excellent Canon full frame lenses, now you need a Canon full frame camera that completes the system. I would suggest (in order of ascending performance and price) a Canon 6D MKII, a (perhaps used ) 5D MKIII or if you can afford it, a 5D MKIV. None of these will disappoint. I would suggest considering both refurbished or a low shutter count used body. Any of these choices, coupled with your existing lenses will provide a pro-level system that should serve you for many years.

PixelStan77 Loc: Vermont/Chicago

Many Hogs sugger from GAS. My sense you are one of them. What is GAS? Gear Acquisition Syndrome. So you spoke with a guy with a Sony. If you speak with me I will sell you on Nikon. The point is what can't your Canon T6s do that a Sony A7 can do?

By the way the A7 is discontinued. Replaced by Sony Alpha A7.That happens with all camera manufacturers. Constantly upgrading. Bottom line both cameras are 24MP. But the wave is mirrorless. So people are getting GAS for mirrorless. Enjoy what you got.

davyboy Loc: Anoka Mn.

Man your T6s is more then capable of taking photos of a life time!! Invest in faster GLASS!

Captain Craig Loc: Denver, CO

Thank you for such a quick response. I have resisted considering a switch as I have been very happy with Canon. I don't know what it was today that tipped the scale to consider a Sony. Perhaps he was not a fan of Canon. He remarked Canon lenses were good but he added Canon has not kept up in the market with their camera bodies. TriX you hit the point. I want a pro-level system that will last for years. And sorry PixelStan77, I'm afraid I could not be swayed to Nikon. I really like my Canon. I guess all the hub bub about Sony momentarily enticed me. I think my feet are back on the ground now and I suppose my real question was what pro-level Canon cameras would you folks recommend. Thank you both once again.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

Given your grandkid's sports, I'd consider the 80D as well as a used copy of the 5DIII. I mention the 80D as you've been used to the crop factor of your Rebel and you'll give up that 'nearness' by going full-frame. If you really want to jump to the newest and best, the 5DIV will take even more out of your pocket. I'd hold off the EOS R at this point as Canon works out some the handling issues, hopefully with the next model.

I shoot with a Sony as well. They're great but nothing so special to justify changing systems, regardless of your acquaintance's opinion, particularly given your excellent L lenses.

A newer advanced body will help with results in high ISO or will have a more advanced AF system, such as the 80D or the two candidate 5D models. You can spend almost endless amounts of money, even buying into 10-frames per second that just gives you a ton of pictures to cull, something professional sports photographers have editors to deal with. Used models rated EX or EX+ are excellent options from KEH.com. You can also test drive some ideas from LensRentals.com, say for a week or long weekend. Your test drive might also show you don't need to change anything, or maybe you need a more specialize lens for certain situations instead.

Captain Craig Loc: Denver, CO

Very good points thank you.

SteveR Loc: Michigan

I know two great photographers that use nothing but Canon crop cameras, but they have great lenses.

Wingpilot Loc: Wasilla. Ak

You have been shooting with a Canon for a long time, now, and you're used to the system and are familiar with it. You also have two good lenses. If you want to upgrade your camera body, given that you like to shoot sports and other action photography, I have to second the recommendation of upgrading to an 80D. It's fast and very capable. And all you'll need is the body since you already have lenses. I'd say stick with Canon, otherwise you'll end up spending a lot of time trying to learn a new system, such as Sony. Also, if you are interested in the possiblity of going mirrorless, Canon just came out with two good full frame mirrorless cameras, both of which come with an adapter so you can still use the lenses you already have. But I would still recommend the 80D.

jdub82 Loc: Northern California

A couple of people have suggested the 80D. I would question whether the 80D would be a big enough upgrade from the T6s to justify the change. The T6s is a pretty capable crop sensor camera. In my opinion, the suggestion of going to a 6D Mark II,5 D Mark III or 5 D Mark IV is a better fit with the Op's stated objective. Since he has Pro level Canon lenses already, a Pro level Canon full frame camera would be an upgrade that makes sense.

rjaywallace Loc: Wisconsin

Captain Craig - I wouldn’t categorize you as a GAS sufferer, but instead as someone who has grown up in the hobby. You’ve taken well thought out steps as you have progressed. An advanced camera such as the Canon 6DII might very well be a logical step for someone with your interests and experience. Best wishes for your future and when you feel ready to post some images, we at UHH will welcome them. /Ralph

Tracy B. Loc: Indiana

I have had the Canon 70d and now I have the Canon 5d Mark IV. I really liked my 70d, but I Love my 5d Mark IV. The lenses you have will shine on that camera. It is an investment, but you'll have it for a long time. Also, for portraits, your DOF with a full frame will be shallower, which is a good thing.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

You know Canon, so stick with it. I like the DSLR, so if I were to get a new main camera, that's what it would be. Decide how much you want to spend and then settle on a camera in that range. No one is making junk these days, so you can't go wrong.

Mirrorless vs DSLR -
https://www.lightstalking.com/considerations-mirrorless-cameras/
http://www.lightstalking.com/mirrorless-vs-dslr/
http://www.tomsguide.com/us/dslr-vs-mirrorless-cameras,news-17736.html
https://www.lightstalking.com/six-points-consider-transition-mirrorless-system/
http://www.diyphotography.net/love-breaks-sold-mirrorless-camera/
http://digital-photography-school.com/how-the-switch-from-dslr-to-mirrorless-changed-how-i-edit-photos/

Camera comparison sites -
Read comparisons and specs, and decide what features are important to you.
(Reviews) https://www.youtube.com/user/TheCameraStoreTV/videos
http://www.cameradecision.com/
http://cameras.reviewed.com/
http://camerasize.com/
http://www.imaging-resource.com/IMCOMP/COMPS01.HTM
http://snapsort.com/compare
http://www.dpreview.com/products/compare/cameras?utm_campaign=internal-link&utm_source=mainmenu&utm_medium=text&ref=mainmenu

khorinek

I agree, look at the Canon 6D II or the 5D III or the ultimate, Canon 5D IV. You can get a good price on new or used camera on ebay.

rond-photography Loc: Connecticut

Based on the statement that you shoot mostly active sports of your grandchildren, I would look for a camera that is adept in sports shooting. Not all mirrorless are great at it (but they are getting better and all brands have some camera that they claim is perfect for it).

Check DpReview.com for technical stuff. I usually read the "Conclusion","Introduction" and "Samples" sections of their reviews before diving deeper.
They have a lot of technical stuff you can read if it helps you, but now days, the differences between cameras don't make or break one over another for a lot of the technical stuff (IMHO).