Plieku69 Loc: The Gopher State, south end

There are some great answers here. I have learned a lot and I appreciate that. Looks like the 80D is really the way to go, and reman is OK with me. But, Linda from Maine and Peterff both provided some sage advise. Do I really, really need a new camera.
Doing some experimenting yesterday while thinking about all this I know I want an 80D but maybe changing the lens I primarily use would be better. Normally I have a Tamron 35-105 on the camera. I also have a mid-range Canon 50mm prime. I really like the sharpness of the pictures it gives but the field of view is too narrow requiring significant cropping of the final picture. A 35mm prime would be just right as that seems to work best with the Tamron. So I think I will get another lens and forego the camera for now.
After all quality of the picture is foremost.

I want to thank everyone for their input, it has really helped me learn.

Ken

Spirit Hawk Loc: Michigan,Sunrise side

OK ,i was in the same ""BOAT" had a bad case of G>A>S just "needed" a new camera !!??had 2 nice lighly used Canon 50Ds,but wanted a UP grade ? bought a refurb 70D from Canon ! after 6 mo of use i went back to my 50Ds and sold the 70D and bought some new GLASS,,,and very Happy with my choice,,,,BUT now the NEW 80D has came out ??? Have a SL1 also,, Just keeping what I have,,and watching out for gas attacks,,NO cure but can be controlled ?? Just my 2 cents. Ron

mickeys Loc: Fort Wayne, IN

t6i

leftj Loc: Texas

For the last 7 years I've had a generation 7D but recently sold it. While I'm in between cameras I have been using my wife's T4i and have grown to really like it. My plan was to get the T6s since it has the top panel window for easier settings access however I'm rethinking I might spend a little extra money and get the relative new D80 (upgrade for the D70) which is on sale for $1,099 ($100 off). Sales runs til Dec 17 so have a little bit of time to consider.

Curl Loc: Toronto, Canada

Your note says that your primary use is to photograph old tools indoors in a studio setting. I don't think you mentioned specifically what type of lens you are using for this purpose. I agree with some of the earlier folks that, in general, spending the $ on glass may take you a lot further. Have you considered renting or borrowing a lens to test this theory? Someone else mentioned that improving your lighting might also go a long way. This is also a good point. How large are the tools that you are photographing and how much space do you have to work in?

fourg1b2006 Loc: Long Island New York

I got the 7D and it does not disappoint. A wonderful camera...i love it.

pyroManiac Loc: HIXSON,TN

Doesn't there come a point where the lens resolving factor overrides the sensor/megapixel count? I remember in film days where Tri x with a good lens could produce very sharp photos where Plus x with a mediocre lens produced mediocre photos.

SportQue

I have a 70D and love it.

Impressionist

In the category you're looking at the 80D is the top. Many here including myself have reached a point where need isn't as honest a word as want or deserve after all this time. Your hobby is what you do for you. There will be enough difference to show others but hardly as important as you really did earn it and have no reason to feel guilty. The word "need" also carries a big warning for you. There will be a learning curve. I find myself using older equipment more then I would have thought. No better feeling then knowing your set. Suggestion here is to try and manage the 80D if your set on new. Ask significant others to contribute what you can't afford. Saves them from getting you a tie you need to pretend to like. What you have works for you and the 80D is at the top of this category. Canon will tweak it but not beat it. Others here who are rightly pleased with the choices they made of cameras inbetween suggest the technology has reached its crest. If want is more honest then need get the 80D guilt free. If GAS has passed touch sensitive gloves might be better appreciated for nature photography with winter being here.

davyboy Loc: Anoka Mn.

I own the t6s it's got an upgraded sensor like the one in the 80d processer is also upgraded with a focus system like the 70d 19 focus points all cross type. Fast focus this isn't your grandmas entry level camera it's sweet!

Zaruka Loc: Illinois

Because of the wide variety of options I have been forced to look at the kind of photography I am doing and find the best tool. My T2i was getting on in years and so I looked at what was available. I am doing travel photography, sunsets and I am cropping. I definitely needed more megapixels but I needed image clarity. I was pushing the limits of the T2i by increasingly using HDR to compensate for the lack of dynamic range. So I needed more megapixels and dynamic range. I was impressed with the T6s but I noticed that I was not getting the image clarity that I was used to with the T2i. I compared images and concluded the anti-aliasing was what was different. I upgraded to the 5DS R and I have been very happy with the image quality. My first photo book was published and I took the money from that and purchased the 5DS.
I do not shoot video so when comparing the Sony A7rii to the Canon 5DS R I did not care but I know some people need 4K video. I am a megapixel snob so the ability to crop is important and I know some do not mind. I looked at the 70D and the 80D and almost went with one of those. Note that some of my old EF-S lenses now are only being used on my old T2i but my EF lenses are now used on my 5DS R.
I think you need the right tool for the job. Wedding photographers would use different lenses and cameras for their specialty and outdoor photographers the same would apply.

revhen Loc: By the beautiful Hudson

I'm happy with my 70D. Since you have the EF-S lenses it would be best to stick to t6i, 70D, 80D.

Plieku69 Loc: The Gopher State, south end

Curl, your point is good. I do have to crop nearly every picture, some a lot others not so much. They are for publication in a magazine that I write so getting the best I can is important. I have not worked long with a prime lens to see if it is better then the Tamron 35-105 zoom I normally use.
I do have a 50mm Canon prime though I have to get too far away from the subject thus requiring even more cropping. 30 or 35mm prime might be the way to go.

The tools range in size from tiny, size of my hand to 24 inches tall and 12 inches wide. I use a self built light box of sorts. Lots of tweaking and asking UHH questions worked out solutions to problems I was having. So I am content with it. Space is a factor.

All the responses here got me to thinking new lens with old camera.

What I have not been able to determine is picture quality between camera models. I know more MP will give a sharper picture when cropped. But I cannot figure out what else is going to change. Why will the 80D give better results than the T3i, or the T6i?

Ken

JBruce Loc: Northern MN

OK, I'm going to fuel your desire. I posted on the 25th that Canon had a package deal including a refurbished 80d with a 18-55 STM lens for $899. I ordered and it arrived here two days ago. It is brand new and has zero shutter clicks, and so far seems to have no requirement to do any AFMA on the lenses I've tested! I passed my 70d on to my wife and will be selling her 60d. So this way we both get a "Christmas" present!! Just checked and they are still in stock. Here's the link to Canon: https://shop.usa.canon.com/shop/en/catalog/eos-80d-ef-s-18-55mm-f-3-5-5-6-is-stm-kit-refurbished?cm_sp=CD-_-HP_Takeover-_-BF

JBruce

leftj Loc: Texas

More MP also gives a sharper picture out of the camera as well, not just when cropped.