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My dilemma ... and I ask for your opinions please
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Jun 10, 2021 15:16:12   #
RPaul3rd Loc: Arlington VA and Sarasota FL
 
When I travel I take my APS-C camera - a Canon SL 2 - and it does what I want, which is to take memorable images using an 18 to 400 Tamron lens. The SL2 is light and on international flights causes me no problems with weight. BUT, the SL2 is several years old and I am looking to replace it with a similarly light APS-C camera from the Canon lineup. What I'm seeing is the Digic 8 processor - the SL2 is Digic 4. The question is, how much better is the Digic 8 over the 4. I've read the latest iterations of the Digic processor are much better at video processing, but is it that much better for still photography?. I don't do video. I'm using the Lighroom/Photoshop subscription. I have a 5D March 3 and if I took it on holiday, I'd have to leave a lot of other stuff behind. Thanks in advance.

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Jun 10, 2021 15:32:21   #
Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States
 
Confused - I saw something where the SL2 has a Digic 7 processor.
Were different models available?

Heck, I'm still using my 11 year old T1i....

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Jun 10, 2021 15:35:09   #
CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City
 
In your SL2 you have a cutting edge 24MP camera in a small package. There are no current, nor will there ever be, another cropped EOS DSLR that justifies swapping out this body. The cropped mirrorless EOS M6 Mark II gives you a jump in pixels, although you add a bit is size with the adapter to use your EF / EF-S mount lenses.

As noted already, the SL2 is a DIGIC-7, not 4. Even if it was '4', there's still no reason to lust for another DSLRinosaur this far into 2021. The DIGIC-4 process is circa the EOS 5DII, older than your full-frame body.

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Jun 10, 2021 16:39:17   #
User ID
 
SL3 has Digic 8.

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Jun 10, 2021 16:54:43   #
Besperus Loc: Oregon
 
Longshadow wrote:
Confused - I saw something where the SL2 has a Digic 7 processor.
Were different models available?

Heck, I'm still using my 11 year old T1i....


Me 2. That and an Olympus Pen F.

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Jun 10, 2021 17:17:13   #
tramsey Loc: Texas
 
I have a six year old Nikon d7200 that I still use and like. Sometimes I wonder why I ungraded.

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Jun 10, 2021 17:47:10   #
larryepage Loc: North Texas area
 
RPaul3rd wrote:
When I travel I take my APS-C camera - a Canon SL 2 - and it does what I want, which is to take memorable images using an 18 to 400 Tamron lens. The SL2 is light and on international flights causes me no problems with weight. BUT, the SL2 is several years old and I am looking to replace it with a similarly light APS-C camera from the Canon lineup. What I'm seeing is the Digic 8 processor - the SL2 is Digic 4. The question is, how much better is the Digic 8 over the 4. I've read the latest iterations of the Digic processor are much better at video processing, but is it that much better for still photography?. I don't do video. I'm using the Lighroom/Photoshop subscription. I have a 5D March 3 and if I took it on holiday, I'd have to leave a lot of other stuff behind. Thanks in advance.
When I travel I take my APS-C camera - a Canon SL ... (show quote)


In my mind, you answered your own dilemma in the first sentence of your question..."It does what I want." If that is really the casr, there is no way to justify buying anything different. (Wanting something new is a different question entirely, and doesn't really require input from the rest of us.)

There are real, valid questions around whether the continued advances in photo technology have any real significance and value or if they are simply, as we learned many years ago in the movie "Four for Texas," carefully crafted "come-alongs" to get us to spend a little more money on the photography riverboat. Even the emerging video formats and capabilities really parallel the pixel wars of the last several years. It hasn't been that long ago that we were all amazed by feature films recorded and displayed in 1080p, after all. It's a lot like other addictions where even more no longer satisfies us.

My suggestion is to go and enjoy your trip. Have fun taking photographs with your intimately familiar camera that will not distract you from your experience.

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Jun 11, 2021 08:15:22   #
Toment Loc: FL, IL
 
Get a better lens insteadđŸ˜„

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Jun 11, 2021 09:19:31   #
47greyfox Loc: on the edge of the Colorado front range
 
The introduction of mirrorless has been a blessing. With 2 DSLRs and 3 Powershots, plus and another that’s IR converted, GAS has been severely curtailed with the realization that upgrades I don’t need will be a lot more expensive. I think you’re in good shape and I think you know it as well?

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Jun 11, 2021 09:20:23   #
dbjazz Loc: Long Island, NY
 
Stick with what you have. It has served you well and will continue to do so.

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Jun 11, 2021 10:47:22   #
User ID
 
GAS is good.

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Jun 11, 2021 11:05:11   #
jaycoffman Loc: San Diego
 
larryepage wrote:
In my mind, you answered your own dilemma in the first sentence of your question..."It does what I want." If that is really the casr, there is no way to justify buying anything different. (Wanting something new is a different question entirely, and doesn't really require input from the rest of us.)

There are real, valid questions around whether the continued advances in photo technology have any real significance and value or if they are simply, as we learned many years ago in the movie "Four for Texas," carefully crafted "come-alongs" to get us to spend a little more money on the photography riverboat. Even the emerging video formats and capabilities really parallel the pixel wars of the last several years. It hasn't been that long ago that we were all amazed by feature films recorded and displayed in 1080p, after all. It's a lot like other addictions where even more no longer satisfies us.

My suggestion is to go and enjoy your trip. Have fun taking photographs with your intimately familiar camera that will not distract you from your experience.
In my mind, you answered your own dilemma in the f... (show quote)


Larry - I agree with you. You made the proper distinction between wanting something and needing more than you have. That should be the first question we all ask when that GAS situation arrises. There is nothing wrong with getting something you want but you should understand that's what it is. However, if you identify something that would improve what you do then it's worth considering it. When I changed from my Nikon d7100 to a Sony a7iii I wanted to improve my low light performance and my image quality (IQ). I got both and am glad I made that change but it will probably take a chance in what I want in photography to get me to change again.

So, yes, go and enjoy your trip--you have a great setup for what you want to do.

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Jun 11, 2021 14:16:41   #
Chris13 Loc: St. Pete, FL
 
I think travel photography screams for MFT. I now carry my gear when I wouldn't during my Canon days. Once you sling over your shoulder half the size and weight while retaining quality, you can't turn back. Just a thought.

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Jun 11, 2021 15:24:07   #
amfoto1 Loc: San Jose, Calif. USA
 
RPaul3rd wrote:
When I travel I take my APS-C camera - a Canon SL 2 - and it does what I want, which is to take memorable images using an 18 to 400 Tamron lens. The SL2 is light and on international flights causes me no problems with weight. BUT, the SL2 is several years old and I am looking to replace it with a similarly light APS-C camera from the Canon lineup. What I'm seeing is the Digic 8 processor - the SL2 is Digic 4. The question is, how much better is the Digic 8 over the 4. I've read the latest iterations of the Digic processor are much better at video processing, but is it that much better for still photography?. I don't do video. I'm using the Lighroom/Photoshop subscription. I have a 5D March 3 and if I took it on holiday, I'd have to leave a lot of other stuff behind. Thanks in advance.
When I travel I take my APS-C camera - a Canon SL ... (show quote)


A previous response is correct.... The Canon SL2 (also called 200D) uses a Digic 7 processor.

You don't say what you hope to gain with a camera "upgrade". And you don't specify what Canon models you've looked at.

Just for example, the Canon SL3 (250D) is one of the models that uses the Digic 8, one generation newer than your camera's processor. Some of the more recent Canon cameras have had Digic 9 and even Digic X (10) in a few of the latest releases (EOS 1DX Mark III, EOS R6, EOS R5).

The primary difference between those two models, between Digic 7 and Digic 8, is video related. The SL3 and Digic 8 can shoot 4K video, while the SL2 and Digic 7 at "limited" to HD video. There is little other difference between the cameras (both of them are significantly more full-featured than the original SL1/100D). Both cameras shoot 24MP still photos. Both have rather simplistic 9-point AF systems. Both have the same maxiumum 5 frames per second shooting rate. Both use the same SD memory card and both use the same LP-E17 battery, although the SL3 is supposedly more power efficient and will get more shots per charge (over 1000 vs about 670, using CIPA rating method).

Another difference is the Digic 8 and later processors now produce a "CR3" RAW file, instead of the "CR2" of the earlier models. This can require a software update, though you would probably not need it since your Adobe LR and PS subscription keeps you up to date.

Digic 8 claims some processing power increase, which might translate into slightly faster AF. However, both the SL2 and SL3 use a fairly old design, 9-point AF system with only a single dual axis/cross type AF point at the center. You would be more likely to see AF improvements comparing the cameras in Live View or video mode, where the dual pixel CMOS embedded in the image sensor is doing the work in both cameras.

Compare Canon SL3 (250D) to SL2 (200D): https://cameradecision.com/compare/Canon-EOS-Rebel-SL3-vs-Canon-EOS-Rebel-SL2

But the lens is another potential limitation of AF performance. For example, you would probably see more responsive AF from Canon's latest EF-S 18-135mm IS "USM" and EF 70-300mm IS USM "II" lenses, both of which boast the "Nano USM" focus drive system. They claim Nano USM gives you best of both worlds... the smooth, silent focus of STM as well as the speed and tracking ability of USM. I have no hands-on experience with it, but would wager the Tamron 18-400mm's "HLD" focus drive is nowhere near as quick as Canon's Nano USM. HLD sounds to be an optimized form of "micro motor" drive, which is the slowest type. (Canon uses micro motor too, in their most budget-oriented lenses... the ones not marked "STM" or "USM".)

What are you trying to achieve? What do you think the new camera should do for you, that your current camera doesn't do?

The Canon SL2 is one of the smallest and lightest DSLRs anyone has ever made... great for travel and not a lot larger or heavier than most mirrorless cameras. If size and weigh were your concern, you'd have to look to mirrorless to do any better... and if you want a viewfinder on the mirrorless the size/weight savings will be minimal.

Compare M50 Mark II with SL2: https://cameradecision.com/compare/Canon-EOS-M50-Mark-II-vs-Canon-EOS-Rebel-SL2

Even less difference in size and weight with the M5 that I use.

The electronic viewfinders (EVF) of these mirrorless cameras have some useful features that aren't available in optical viewfinders (OVF) like your SL2 and other DSLRs use. EVFs can give you exposure preview, can be very helpful shooting in low light conditions and can have manual focus assist features. However, they also drain the camera's batter much faster. Typically these mirrorless are rated to get about half as many shots per charge as your camera, even though they may use the same battery.

To get higher resolution you'd need to look at either 90D (DSLR) or M6 Mark II, both of which offer 32.5MP. That's higher resolution than any APS-C camera offered by anyone. The next closest is just 26MP and even other Canon APS-C are 24MP (like your camera). Heck, 32.5MP is even higher resolution than most of Canon's own full frame cameras offer!

The problem is the 90D is significantly bigger and heavier than your SL2: https://cameradecision.com/compare/Canon-EOS-90D-vs-Canon-EOS-Rebel-SL2

So, what about the M6 Mark II? Well, it does save a little weight and is a bit more compact... but it lacks a viewfinder. Everything is done using the LCD screen on the rear. There is an accessory EVF available for it (fits into the flash hot shoe). But then you're back to square one with size and weight.

Another problem with all the M-series cameras is that they use the EF-M mount lenses and there is quite limited selection of those. Though some are quite good, most are zooms and all use quite/smooth but less fast "STM" focus drive. (I use a small kit of four prime lenses with my M5: 12mm, 22mm, 56mm and 90mm.) The longest telephoto offered is Canon EF-M 55-200mm. Yes, you can fit your 18-400mm with EF mount to the M-series via an adapter. But, once again, that largely negates any savings of size and weight the camera itself offered.

The very high resolution 32.5MP cameras also are very demanding of top quality lenses. Any lens shortcomings will be very obvious. You might be quite happy with your 18-400mm on a 24MP camera, but not very pleased with it on 32.5MP (this resolution on APS-C is higher than any camera on the market offers. The same pixel density on a full frame camera would make it 83MP. Or a typical medium format camera with this density would be in the 140-160MP range. No full frame or medium format digital cameras offer these levels of resolution yet. Maybe someday they will. When they do, they'll also be very unforgiving of the lenses used upon them!

In the end, you might be best just keeping the camera you've got... Maybe just try some different lenses on it? If it were me, I'd want a wide angle. The Canon EF-S 10-18mm IS STM is compact, light and very affordable. If you don't use the longer focal lengths much, you might consider the EF-S 18-135mm IS USM as a general purpose, walk-around lens. If you need telephoto, the EF 70-300mm IS USM II is hard to beat for a reasonably compact, lightweight choice. If you like to do macro shots, the Canon EF-S 60mm f/2.8 USM is one of the more compact options. Of course, all these won't be as convenient as the single lens you carry now. They'll give you better image quality, though... plus, potentially, faster focus and better tracking of moving subjects.

Compare image quality Tamron 18-400mm vs Canon EF-S 18-135mm IS USM: https://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/ISO-12233-Sample-Crops.aspx?Lens=1145&Camera=963&Sample=0&FLI=0&API=0&LensComp=1045&CameraComp=0&FLIComp=0&APIComp=0

Compare image quality Tamron 18-400mm vs Canon EF 70-300mm IS USM II: https://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/ISO-12233-Sample-Crops.aspx?Lens=1145&Camera=963&Sample=0&FLI=2&API=1&LensComp=1077&CameraComp=963&SampleComp=0&FLIComp=1&APIComp=0

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Jun 11, 2021 21:15:17   #
Architect1776 Loc: In my mind
 
RPaul3rd wrote:
When I travel I take my APS-C camera - a Canon SL 2 - and it does what I want, which is to take memorable images using an 18 to 400 Tamron lens. The SL2 is light and on international flights causes me no problems with weight. BUT, the SL2 is several years old and I am looking to replace it with a similarly light APS-C camera from the Canon lineup. What I'm seeing is the Digic 8 processor - the SL2 is Digic 4. The question is, how much better is the Digic 8 over the 4. I've read the latest iterations of the Digic processor are much better at video processing, but is it that much better for still photography?. I don't do video. I'm using the Lighroom/Photoshop subscription. I have a 5D March 3 and if I took it on holiday, I'd have to leave a lot of other stuff behind. Thanks in advance.
When I travel I take my APS-C camera - a Canon SL ... (show quote)


Look at the T8i.
Quite a step up from the 2.
Has 7fps, Better AF, 4K video, Digic 8 (Better image processing) and only about 60 grams heavier (Not even noticeable).

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