dame_wolf Loc: Oregon

I want to upgrade my camera body to a full frame and have been doing some research but I like to hear opinions from people 'in the trenches'. So my question is what FF Canon do you recommend and why? I currently have the T3i and T4i and will be selling the T3i to help fund this upgrade. Keep in mind I am on a budget of $1000.00 if I get top dollar for the items being sold, more the longer I wait and save.

Haydon

Seems your only option would be a 6D because from your post you simply wouldn't have the finances for a 5D Mark III. Your other possibility might be a used 5D II.

dame_wolf Loc: Oregon

I'm not against buying used.

lighthouse Loc: No Fixed Abode

Well I just did a quick search online.
It appears that 6D body only price is about $1700.
I imagine 5D2 is about the same.

I'd like a Lamborghini. Which model would you recommend?
Keep in mind my budget is only $10,000.

What lenses do you already own?
Upgrading doesn't only involve changing cameras.
You have to consider whether your current lenses will fit on your new FF body.
Some EF-S lenses will break your new camera.
The cost of any new lenses required will also need to be considered.

dame_wolf Loc: Oregon

I have a Canon 50mm 1.4, Tamron 28-75mm 2.8, Canon 70-200 2.8 IS and a Canon 18-135mm that would only be used on the crop sensor T4i.

I know that I will probably have to wait and save for whatever I decide to get. I am just looking for people's opinions and experiences to help with the decision.

SharpShooter Loc: NorCal

Dame, I'm running to class, I get back to you!! ;-)
SS

lighthouse Loc: No Fixed Abode

Thats good. You already have 3 good full frame lenses.
Have you considered selling both crop bodies and the 18-135mm lens to get you to FF sooner?
Have you considered raising your wedding package prices a little to get you there sooner? You are very cheap.

BigBear Loc: Northern CT

What is your reason for upgrading ??

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

The suggestions on selling the cropped specific equipment may bring you closer sooner to a FF body. I'd look too at the wiki chart of camera bodies in the Canon line. I'd then generate a priority list of used FF bodies maybe along the lines of 6D, 5DII, 1D series. The wiki chart (see the bottom of the page): http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comparison_of_Canon_EOS_digital_cameras

Looking at the technology inside the T4i, I'd suggest to you rent or otherwise try one or all of your target models on that priority list. The 1D-series will have every cutting edge option from the era when the camera was the top of the Canon line. But, the images may not be that obviously different from the 4Ti other than changes to the 'cropped' perspective. You may find your 'want to upgrade' is (or isn't) justified.

dame_wolf Loc: Oregon

I have been given the opportunity to do some photos for property sales and with a FF camera and a decent wide angle lens I will be able to get the photos that most people seem to want. I also love to do landscape photography and want to be better able to get the wide landscape shots. As is with the crop sensor the best I can do with my current lenses is 29mm. I would have to get the 8-16mm lens to get down to 13mm.

amehta Loc: Boston

To do good wide-angle lenses will cost a bit more for an EF lens than an EF-S lens:
* Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L II, $1550
* Canon EF 17-40mm f/4L, $830
* Canon EF-S 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5, $630
You have a very nice collection of lenses, and one of these would be a great complement. How does this fit in your budgeting?

The Canon 5D Mark II was king of landscape for almost 4 years, and would serve your needs well. If the price is comparable, I'm not sure if the 6D is better or not. I think those are the only two cameras to consider for your goals and budget.

SharpShooter Loc: NorCal

Wolf, I would get the 5dmkll. It is still one of the top cameras out there.
I looked on my local Craig's List and there were 12 of them. There were 6 at between $1000 and $1250, and a few have grips and other extras.
I would sell both your cameras. Knock-on-wood, but in 50 years of shooting, I have NEVER needed a second body. Now if you are shooting events, then yes, you need a back-up. Maybe you have a friend and just borrow a back-up just when needed.
You could shoot with the 5 for a couple of years then sell it for a few hundred less, and trade up.
I've been using a ll for 5 years, and could use it for 5 more, but this year I'm moving into a lll, to make sports a little more consistent. If not for the sports, I could continue to use it just fine.
That's what I would recommend. You can update the lenses later. Good luck ;-)
SS

redpepper Loc: Central NY

I've just ordered the 6D and waiting for delivery. I upgraded from a 60D and wanted the higher ISO capability and picture quality. Although others deter us from ordering thru an online retailer, I usually order from Amazon because of their great return policy. They also have a trade in program. I took advantage of that so I had more cash for the total purchase. Your lenses except the 18-135 are EF and will work with the ff camera body. I'd trade in the EF-S lens to get you closer to the 6D price.

Why did I choose the 6D over the mkiii? Price and bulk/ weight. After looking at several reviews, the 6D has nearly matched the mkiii in many areas. Take a look.

LFingar Loc: Claverack, NY

Buying used or refurbished can be a good way to go but if you do decide to buy new keep in mind that Canon and dealers like B&H and Adorama are constantly offering rebates and running specials. It just requires some shopping around and a bit of patience. (Yeah, I don't have much of that either). For example, B&H is currently (until the end of the month) offering a 6D bundle which includes a 24-105mmL lens and a good quality Canon printer for about $2000 after the $400 Canon rebate. I plan to get a 6D in the near future and this deal really has my attention. It's like getting a free lens and having a printer you could sell if you wanted to. The point is, deals like this come and go all the time. Whatever you get, I hope you have a great time with it.

Psergel Loc: New Mexico

I moved from a T3i to a 6D in November. These are the only DSLRs I have experience with so I'm not sure what my comments are worth but....
-I really like the 6D. The ability to use ISO 3200 and even 6400 with really minimal noise is liberating.
-The focus system is more than adequate for what I do
-I haven't missed the T3i's on board flash at all except for the ability of the T3is flash to act as a master.
-one or twice I have missed the articulated screen
-I frequently make use of the built in WiFi to remotely control the camera and to view images on my iPad when traveling (this feature is not a gimmick)
- I ran up against the shutter speed limitation once on an extremely bright day when I wanted to use an f/2.8 aperture and 1/4000 was too slow even at ISO 200. I had to turn off "highlight priority" and go to ISO 100. The conditions were unusual though and 1/4000 is virtually always more than adequate. Apparently many other high end cameras go to 1/8000.
-I do miss the extra "reach" that my 70-300 had on the T3i but I can do some pretty drastic cropping and get great results.
- I've found the AF micro adjustment to be a worthwhile feature.

If you've been researching this you know that any EF-S mount lenses you have can not be used on a FF camera.
The deals on a 6D with the 24-105 are worth looking at. It is a great lens.