sab2101 wrote:
I am considering buying a second DSLR something very simple. My main consideration at this point is the Canon T-7, and adding the Tamron 18-200 lense. Any thoughts on this combination I would greatly appreciate it. I am trying to keep the cost down, and buy a NEW outfit. Thank you for your input............Mike
The T7 is a real "throwback" model lacking a lot of features of modern DSLRs. It's "beyond" simple. I sometimes wonder if Canon is just using up old parts stock in their most entry-level models like the T7.
The T7 also known as the EOS 1500D or 2000D in other parts of the world (and the even more entry-level EOS 4000D that's not officially sold in the U.S.)....
--- uses a Digic 4 processor. This is 6 generations out of date. Canon is building cameras with Digic 10 ("X") processors now! In fact, the T6 also used a Digic 4... just about the only difference between the T6 and T7 is that the newer model got a 24MP sensor, where the earlier model uses an 18MP.
--- lacks a self-cleaning sensor, which is a feature found on EVERY HIGHER Canon model. This will mean doing manual sensor cleanings far more often.
--- lacks Anti-Flicker, which is a feature found on EVERY HIGHER Canon model since it was introduced on the 7D Mark II, except for M-series mirrorless other than the latest M6 Mark II. When it's enabled, Anti-Flicker almost entirely solves a very common exposure problem when shooting under fluorescent and similar types of lighting.
--- uses a 9-point AF system that's nearly identical to what was introduced on the 20D in mid-2004.
--- is mostly made of plastic.
If at all possible, I would highly recommend spending just a little more to get an SL2 or SL3 (also known as 200D & 250D).... or a T6i/750D, T6s/760D, T7i/800D, 77D or T8i/850D. Even used or refurbished, all these models are much more up to date and have all the above mentioned features, better build and improved to much improved AF systems. (Note: SL2, SL3 use essentially the same 9-point AF system, but with their much later generation processors are likely to give better performance with it.)
For example, where the T7's 9-point AF system has a single, higher performance "dual axis" point at the center... all those models (except SL2/SL3) have either 19-point or 45-point AF with all points the higher performance dual axis type. Where T7's AF is "f/5.6 limited" (as are SL2/SL3 and T6i/T6s), the other models are "f/8 capable". This means you can combine teleconverters with far more lenses and be able to autofocus. It also means the camera are able to autofocus in lower light conditions and generally offers higher performance under a wide range of conditions.
The T7, T6, SL2 & SL3 also use Canon LP-E10 battery, the smallest in any Canon interchangeable lens cameras with 860mAh. The other "Rebel" models use LP-E17 with 1040mAh, while the next step up 90D, 80D, 7DII etc. use even larger LP-E6 series batteries (latest version is 2130mAh). The larger batteries allow for more shots to be taken per battery charge.
No Canon battery grip is available for T7, T6, etc., or for SL2/SL3 (also none is avail. for T7i, 77D or T8i). Worse, the cameras are not designed to accommodate a grip. Vello makes one to fit T7i and 77D, which doubles battery capacity but it lacks a lot of the functionality that was available with the OEM and 3rd party grips for T6i/T6s and for earlier models in that series.
The T7/T6 rear LCD is fixed and isn't a touchscreen. SL2/SL3 and higher models are all articulated. They are also all touchscreens (except, I think, for the T6i/T6s).
This compares the T7 with one step up, to the extra compact SL3:
https://cameradecision.com/compare/Canon-EOS-Rebel-SL3-vs-Canon-EOS-Rebel-T7As you can see, there are significant improvements even with that single step up. It's even more dramatic compared to, say, T7i:
https://cameradecision.com/compare/Canon-EOS-Rebel-T7i-vs-Canon-EOS-Rebel-T7You can change the above to see how other models compare. Plus there are many other websites with thorough reviews. Bryan Carnathan's
https://www.the-digital-picture.com/ specializes in Canon gear and has extensive, careful reviews of most models. Highly recommended.
In other words, the T7 is a
VERY basic model. It's a step up from a camera phone, but a step down from most DSLRs made the last five or ten years.
I'm not saying the T7 is "bad"... it's built to be cheap... and with 24MP sensor is actually pretty good for such an entry-level model.
But, T7 cannot be bought "body only". It's ONLY ever offered with at least one kit lens, and it's always paired up with the least capable of those. The two-lens kit comes with the EF 75-300mm III, which is the worst telephoto zoom Canon makes. Even the SL3 comes with much better EF-S 18-55mm "STM" and EF-S 55-250mm "STM" lenses. The latter, in particular, is a very significant step up from that 75-300mm.
Granted, at around $450 new with the 18-55mm lens, it doesn't get much cheaper for an interchangeable lens camera than the T7. It will cost $150 more for an SL3 body only new, or $250 more for that camera with the better 18-55mm STM lens.
If you would consider factory refurbished direct from Canon USA., which have same warranty as new and generally look like new other than the box they come in, you can get the better camera models for close to the same price as a new T7. It will require some patience, though.... as the stock comes and goes there quickly. They recently had a big sale (I bought an EF-M lens for my M5) and sold out of a lot of items. Among Canon's APS-C DSLRs, right now only refurbished 90D are in stock. If you create an account there, I think you can put out of stock items on your "wish list" to be notified when they come back in stock.
https://shop.usa.canon.com/shop/en/catalog/cameras/refurbished-eos-interchangeable-lens-cameras#facet:-810369798332574868,-810369798332821019810110832837651,-8103697983328210198101108328455,-810369798332555568,-810369798332564868,-8103697983328210198101108328455105,-8103697983328210198101108328454&productBeginIndex:0&orderBy:11&pageView:grid&pageSize:&EDIT: The original "SL1" (EOS 100D) has quite entry level specs, much like the T6 it sold alongside. They share a lot of "basic" features, except the SL1 was built to be "the smallest, lightest DLSR" anyone had ever made. In fact, it rivals some mirrorless cameras. The SL2 & now the SL3 are a different matter. While they still share some features of the entry-level T7 (esp. the AF system), both SL2 and SL3 gained just a little weight and got a lot of the same features as more advanced models, including much newer generation processors, faster continuous shooting rates, articulated touchscreen LCDs, self-cleaning sensors, Anti-Flicker and more. The difference between the SL2 and SL3 is primarily that the newer model has a few improvements related to shooting video. Otherwise the SL2 and SL3 are very similar.