60d buying advice - am I about to make a big mistake?

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boogaloo

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Hi all

I wonder if you can help.I've been using my trusty 350D for many years now, and whilst I'm still a pretty crummy photographer I do love taking photos, and would like to upgrade my gear a bit. After shopping round for a long time I'm reasonably settled on the following setup. I had considered going with SLRHut, but there were a few scary stories about them after a bit of research. Heard much better things aboud DigitalRev. The quote I have from them is as follows:

From DigitalRev:

Canon 60d body (£609)
Canon EF-S 55-250 F4-5.6 IS II (£124)
Speedlite 430EX II (200)
16gb Class 10 SDHC card (20)

Total: 954.98



In terms of usage, I'm intending to use it primarily for decent family shots, simple portraiture, landscapes and as a general record of our life (photos and videos). No fine art shots for me, sadly! I'm intending to reuse some of the lenses from my 350D - I have a 50mm Canon lens, and a Canon 18-135 IS II lens + polarising filter & tripod.

A couple of questions:

- Is DigitalRev a reasonably safe bet? I'm terrified that I'm making a big mistake by not buying from the high street, but the price difference is so extreme...
- Does the price seem decent?
- Do you think set of lenses is reasonably balanced? I'm intending to keep the current 18-135 largely on the old 350d for general use.
- Anything you think I'm missing from my kit? I've got a kitbag and tripod, but I do have another £50 or so budget.
- Is the 430EX overkill? Given that I'm not doing any complex shots is the stock flash good enough?

Any suggestions, critiques very welcome and appreciated. Thanks

Boog
 
Have you been into a store and handled the 60D? Its a bit larger and heavier than the 350D so might not be too everyone's tastes. It is a very good upgrade though as would be the 600D which is more like the 350D you currently have.

I've not used DigitalRev myself, but they do seem to get good reviews. They have their own section on here where you can post to ask prices or help, and if you order from them they offer priority postage to members here.
http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=108

I can't really help much on the lenses and stuff though as I'm not a Canon user.
 
The 60D would certainly be a good upgrade however I do think the overall package will be let down by the lenses being used. A 15-85 or a 70-300L would be a better combination. Are you planning on upgrading the lenses at a later date? Perhaps look at a lens upgrade first. Not as good feeling as having a new camera to play with I know but it may well give you the biggest improvement in picture quality.
 
50mm f1.8 won't go a miss, especially for portraits and indoor shots on a crop. Thats probably where you might struggle, not having a faster lens and the 50mm f1.8 not a big outlay.

DigitalRev are Hong Kong based, so you might get a shop warranty rather than a manufactures warranty (ie any problems you send it back to HK, rather than UK repairer), you might want to check this, but they get some good reviews. Kerso (IAN) on TP http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=401380 comes highly recommended, you could PM him with you list and see what deal he'll do. Comes with UK receipt, so warranty honoured in the UK.

And of course there are several other websites out there offering grey imports like procamerashop and hdewcameras that are competitive in price to HK, but with grey imports

http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=411960
 
pete.rush said:
50mm f1.8 won't go a miss, especially for portraits and indoor shots on a crop. Thats probably where you might struggle, not having a faster lens and the 50mm f1.8 not a big outlay.

DigitalRev are Hong Kong based, so you might get a shop warranty rather than a manufactures warranty (ie any problems you send it back to HK, rather than UK repairer), you might want to check this, but they get some good reviews. Kerso (IAN) on TP http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=401380 comes highly recommended, you could PM him with you list and see what deal he'll do. Comes with UK receipt, so warranty honoured in the UK.

And of course there are several other websites out there offering grey imports like procamerashop and hdewcameras that are competitive in price to HK, but with grey imports

http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=411960
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He already has a 50mm lens and is keeping it
 
sorry giving you info allready given
 
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Thanks all for the information. Very much appreciated! Am still researching and reviewing...
 
- Can't really comment on DigitalRev or their prices except that more camera reviews should have pretty asian girls in them ;)

- The 60D is a huge step up from the 350D and while I would normally tell you to spend on lenses instead, I think in your case it'll give you a big upgrade especially in terms of being able to use high ISOs which will (somewhat) compensate for the smallish apertures your lenses are capable of. Many will disagree as usual :)

- You are wise to spend a bit on the 430ex II, it's a world of a difference compared to built-in flash and so much more versatile. Also the built-in flash in the 60D works as a remote commander for the 430ex II so you are ready for off-camera flash photography straight out of the gate. Just USE the flash, don't leave it in the bag. Ok it's a big ugly clump on top of the camera but you'll get used to it AND once you learn to use it, you'll love it there.

- The lenses are the tough ones here. The 55-250 is a great buy for the money, although of course there are better options out there but they'll break your budget. The 18-135 is not a lens I've used but anything with a zoom range like that is always a compromise and as said won't do the 60D justice really.. Your budget won't fit a Canon 15-85, Tamron 17-50 or other better normal zooms to replace the 18-135 though.

In summary, if you think you'll be able to spare some cash later to take a look at a lens upgrade (f/2.8 zoom or 15-85 to replace the 18-135 for example) I think you'll do just fine with what you're looking to get. If you are going to be stuck with this upgrade at around £1000 for a long time, then I'd also consider going for a low shutter count 40D for less than £300, the 55-250 for tele and a larger aperture "normal zoom" such as the Tamron 17-50/2.8.

Sorry if I'm confusing you even more :)
 
vaizki said:
Sorry if I'm confusing you even more :)
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Not at all, hugely helpful. I understand the comment about lenses. It's hard to get out of the mentality that the camera's not the most important thing. I'm actually quite open to the idea of getting a better lens with a shorter range. It's definitely something I'll consider, and if anyone has any suggestions I'm all ears :)
 
Sorry, me being daft here... Just comparing my existing 18-135 with the 15-85 some have mentioned. Both seem to have the same range of apertures, but the price difference is huge, as is the available range of zoom. Is that genuinely down to the quality of the lenses and construction just giving less aberration and sharper picture?
 
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I think you've balanced things quite sensibly given your budget.

The 60D will be a huge leap forward especially in the way it handles shooting at higher ISO's and in low light conditions.

The lens choice is pretty sound, you obviously want more length and its not a bad choice of lens.

The 430 ex isn't overkill, you can use it for so much from portraits (and the wireless of camera use) to fill in flash when shooting wildlife or painting buildings or landscapes.

Again I don't know about digital rev but they seem to have built up a good reputation in the grey imports market..
 
I upgraded my 450d to 60d and love it, I was worried about the size difference and mind boggling settings but find the feel of it much more comfortable than the 450d it doesn't have that toy like feel that the 450d had and the settings and screen lay out were very easy to get to grips with!!
I'm looking to pair up a 15-85 with it soon!!
I bought just the 60d body from panamoz who were cheaper than digi rev and was very happy with the service!!!
 
You should also have a look at www.panamoz.com which is where I got my 60D from recently. I've just done a quick look on their site and if you click on here http://panamoz.com/index.php/checkout/cart/ you can see a better overall price too. I use my 60D as a backup to my 5D3 and the 60D gets more use than my 7D did when it was backup to my 5D2.
 
Hrrm, was very close to 'pulling the trigger' and buying the 60D yesterday (though I've changed my mind on the lens front, and am going for a Sigma 10-20 instead of the lens I originally considered). Rather glad I didn't now that I've seen the 650D specification. Tilt screen, touch, same sensor, improvements in many other features, same body materials... Am I right in thinking that the 650D is basically now a 60d in many key respects?!
 
The 650 will have some of the extra features the 60 had over the 600 but it will still be smaller and more plastically.
 
I just got my 60d last week I paid £550 for a reconditioned one from canon uk on ebay and bought the 55-250 for £120 new off ebay also.
I must say sofar I'm impressed with the camera but as yet I havnt had much time to use the lens. You could also consider a yn 565II flash only £95 I've 2 ordered atm can't wait to put them through there paces
 
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gblades said:
The 650 will have some of the extra features the 60 had over the 600 but it will still be smaller and more plastically.
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True, but in terms of actual picture quality it doesn't seem to be far adrift. Size and 'tactility' is secondary to quality of the end shot. I'm tempted to invest more in lenses now, and go for the 650d as a body.
 
eddyc said:
I just got my 60d last week I paid £550 for a reconditioned one from canon uk on ebay and bought the 55-250 for £120 new off ebay also.
I must say sofar I'm impressed with the camera but as yet I havnt had much time to use the lens. You could also consider a yn 565II flash only £95 I've 2 ordered atm can't wait to put them through there paces
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I work alongside some extremely experienced photographers who have advised me that the 60d is a great camera, irrespective of what happens next with other Canon launches. So glad you're enjoying yours - looking forward to enjoying my next, whatever it might be!
 
boogaloo said:
True, but in terms of actual picture quality it doesn't seem to be far adrift. Size and 'tactility' is secondary to quality of the end shot. I'm tempted to invest more in lenses now, and go for the 650d as a body.
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I would handle a 600d and a 60d and see how they feel. A friend got a 60d instead of a 600d purely because of the larger body as he found the grip too small and it difficult to reach the controls easily. Not a normal issue unless you have large hands.
The 650d I think is going to be especially good for video recording although you would probably want a STM lens to get the smoother and quieter autofocus.
 
boogaloo said:
In terms of usage, I'm intending to use it primarily for decent family shots, simple portraiture, landscapes and as a general record of our life (photos and videos). No fine art shots for me, sadly!
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Honestly? I reckon you should do with a Panasonic G3!
 
I would personally get the camera you want....
i went from a 20d to a 50d then to a 7d, which i love, buy what you think is best for you, go to kersos site though digital rev are funny sometimes with sending items from abroad.....
 
The wife is very interested in the new 650D after I told her about it yesterday. She's currently shooting with my old 550D and while it does look like it's a great camera I think I'll stay with the 60D as it's got the dial on the back where the xxxD bodies don't and I'm so used to the 2 dial models. Looks like I might be selling a very good 550D in the next few weeks by the looks of it though.
 
eddyc said:
I find the dial on the back handy too and the screen on the top also means you don't have to keep going back to the big screem to check your settings as there always readable on it
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[Speaking as a 50D user] The rear wheel and a rear-focus button make taking photographs so much easier - changing settings (especially in manual) and recomposing shots after setting focus [and exposure in Av or Tv] can be done with little effort without taking your eye from the viewfinder - something I found nigh-on impossible with my 350D.

I find that the top screen with its row of buttons is so much easier than the rear lcd screen for changing metering and focus modes etc. and is also easy to glance at and check settings before you raise the camera to your eye.
 
I had the 60D for a time, was a very nice camera, also I miss the swivel screen alot, it was a fantastic feature.
 
49Clicks said:
go to kersos site though digital rev are funny sometimes with sending items from abroad.....
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Do you have a URL? I did some searching and found a couple of Kerso / Kerzo people on ebay - was that what you meant?
 
This is Kerso's website http://www.flashcamera.co.uk/ he will take a bit off as you mention tp ...but I am sure he is away on his hols for a couple of weeks not sure ;) but kerso is fine you will not be ripped of great guy with great gear sources from the USA but you get uk warranty (receipt) I have spent a wad load over the years with not a problem ..:thumbs:
 
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I really don't think there is a right or wrong choice here. Both the 650D and the 60D are capable of taking great photo's so its really just down to which one is best for you.
Personally I'd be going for the 650D, but that is just my personal preference. The reason's being that its smaller in size which I personally find easier to handle, its lighter so obviously a little less effort to carry around, and its likely to be cheaper which will leave money for lenses.
 
Mandoo said:
I really don't think there is a right or wrong choice here. Both the 650D and the 60D are capable of taking great photo's so its really just down to which one is best for you.
Personally I'd be going for the 650D, but that is just my personal preference. The reason's being that its smaller in size which I personally find easier to handle, its lighter so obviously a little less effort to carry around, and its likely to be cheaper which will leave money for lenses.
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That's exactly how I'm feeling at the moment. Might get similar functionality and some bells and whistles for slightly lower cost, so shifts my focus towards the glass (which is always the more sensible thing).

Current thinking is to buy the speedlite and Sigma 10-20 for now and stick with my 350D for 6 months until the 650d price stabilises or the new 60d comes out. Out of curiosity, anyone know is the Sigma 10-200 F/4-5.6 really that far off the 3.5?!
 
boogaloo said:
Out of curiosity, anyone know is the Sigma 10-200 F/4-5.6 really that far off the 3.5?!
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Actually scrap that question. Just done a fair bit of googling and for my uses (reasonable light, at the 10mm end) I'm pretty sure I know which one to go for, particularly given the lower costs of C-PL etc.
 
I would go for a 600D, 430 exII flash and a used 70-200L f/4. I'd probably get the flash used as well because they're pretty reliable. That will take you to around £1000

My dads got a 350D and there's a huge difference with a modern camera. The 600D has a great sensor and image quality but you need to make sure you get decent lenses because it's a waste otherwise.

Ive just sold my 60D which I loved but the 600D gives very similar image quality. The key difference is the handling and build but there's nothing wrong with the 600D build.

Another decent option for a zoom lens is the 70-300 IS.

I would also sell the 18-135 and buy a Tamron 17-50 f/2.8. They're relatively similar used price but the Tamron will be far better in low light and will show off the 600D (or 60D) much better.
 
Mandoo said:
I really don't think there is a right or wrong choice here. Both the 650D and the 60D are capable of taking great photo's so its really just down to which one is best for you.
Personally I'd be going for the 650D, but that is just my personal preference. The reason's being that its smaller in size which I personally find easier to handle, its lighter so obviously a little less effort to carry around, and its likely to be cheaper which will leave money for lenses.
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As said here, you shouldn't choose a camera untill you have held it, I find the larger bodies to be more comfortable in my hands, but they won't be for everyone.
 
I felt the same the larger camera felt better I added a battery grip too and even though its heavy it balances the camera more it was the same with the k20d I had b4 the extra grip and battery balanced the camera better.
 
I upgraded, thanks to a generous Christmas present, from a 350d to a 60d and I absolutely love it. I have since bought a canon 28-135 lens and the 50 m 1.8 prime lens, couples with the 18-55 kit lens and a 70-250, I am covered for everything I need at the moment. I have borrowed a sigma macro and a 10-20 wide angle but don't think I would get ouch use out of the to warrant the cost. As I said I love my camera and it is the best thing since sliced bread, for me anyway!!
 
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