Canon 50D too heavy for me. Help!!

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cam1986

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Guys, had the 50D for a week now and I can't get on with it!!

I suffer with Arthritis in one of my wrists and it is becoming a problem as the camera is too heavy for me to hold it for any length of time! It feels like a brick in my hand.

So, obviously, I am thinking of selling it on here when I gain access to the classifieds but in the meantime can anyone recommend a lighter 'Canon' DSLR?

I was thinking of the 500D or 550D? Are they a good substitute for the 50D? Not too bothered about the highest pixels or Video. Just that the camera has to be lighter than the 50D.

I have held the 500D / 550D and they seem quite a bit lighter!! I already have my 50mm f1.8 so want to utilise that.

I tried strapping my wrist up but the problem still persists

I dont want to spend more than what i could get for the 50D body.
 
Hi,

You might want to look into bridge cameras instead? Very light. Although the 400d and 450d that people had on the meets are pretty light too.

Best thing it pop to a jessops or jacobs... handle as many bodies you can. See which is feeling the right weight - oh and if you have any special lenses, bring them so you can see the balance/weight with the lens on.
 
Bridge camera would be much better and you wouldn't have the faff of lens swapping either... but if you're wedded to a 50mm then it would be hard to get the same effects.

I'm sure I saw some kind of chest strap arrangement that someone cobbled together to take more of the weight of a dslr. You'd need rucksack kind of straps and a tripod screw mounty thing. That might take some of the weight off.
 
I'm in a similar situation, I have arthritis too and just upgraded to D7000. I'm going to give it a go and if too heavy will drop back down to a D5000 or so. And if the worst comes to worst will get a good bridge or Four Thirds camera.

Can you use a monopod at all? Might be a bit of a nuisance but could help.
 
cam1986 said:
I was thinking of the 500D or 550D? Are they a good substitute for the 50D? Not too bothered about the highest pixels or Video. Just that the camera has to be lighter than the 50D.

I have held the 500D / 550D and they seem quite a bit lighter!! I already have my 50mm f1.8 so want to utilise that.
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The 550D would be an excellent alternative.

In terms of body weight the 50D is 822g (1.8lb) and the 550D is 530g (1.17lb) so it's about 1/3 lighter.
 
Hi. Saw your post title. I have a 50D and love it, but then I use a big heavy lens. I'd ask what sort of photography you do most, where is your main interest? Working that out would possibly point you in the right direction (e.g. bridge camera or small DSLR). Try a monopod if you are out and about with your camera. They are cheap enough to get one and experiment with. A bit cheeky, but if you are thinking of selling your 50D, I might well be interested in a replacement for my old 20D second body ... :)
 
You could also look at the CSC cameras (m4/3 and NEX).. smaller, lighter and with interchangeable lenses.
 
As has been said I'd guess alot would depend on what lens your going to be looking at buying in the future. A 550D would save you almost 300 grams of weight(and offer a better sensor) but its not going to cut down on the weight of the lens, not as much of an issue if your only using small primes like the 50 1.8 but a micro 3/4rds would mean zoom lenses were alot lighter.
 
As above. The XXD series are quite a bit heavier than the XXXD cameras. Some people prefer the heft, particularly with the bigger lenses, but that's fairly irrelevant if you find the camera uncomfortable. A 500D or 550D would be quite a bit easier to carry and use, but I agree with the previous posters that it's really not going to help very much if you buy heavier lenses in the future. Why don't you go to a dealer and try them out, with other lenses, and have a look at the Micro 4/3 and bridge models at the same time?
 
Johnnybugs said:
WHEN you gain access to the classifieds ... you have over 300posts, how many do you need these days to get access :thinking:
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25 posts but you also need to have been a member for 2 months and the OP hasn't yet :)

To the OP i agree with Moreorless as its going to be any future lenses that will make it heavy so you really need to think about what lenses you will buy in the future ?
 
There's also the 600d which has the advantage of having an articulated screen. It's only a wee smidge heavier than the 550d. Would be easier to use with a monopod or other device to take the weight off.

It might seem like heathen talk but check out the Sony dslr bodies while you're in the camera shop. They do lots of small, light weight primes - 35mm, 50mm and 85mm. They weigh next to nothing as they're plastic bodied. The kit lens 18-55 is also very light.
 
The 550D would be an excellent choice. Packed with features but very light indeed. I added a grip to mine to give it a bit more weight.

Shame you are so far away as I am currently looking to upgrade and possibly could have offered you a trade.

Dazz
 
One issue might be the way your holding the camera Cam, do you use your left(or right if you lefthanded) hand under the lens to help take the weight?

I'v not owned one but might the 50 1.8 be making that harder aswell? is so short afterall that I could see it making it harder to support the camera with your other hand.
 
Apart from a lighter camera, I'm wondering how you're holding the camera. If you do it right, there should be almost no muscular strain on the wrists.

Your left hand should support all the weight, cupped under the lens/camera. Your forearm should be almost vertical, bicep held to the side of your chest.

If that doesn't work, there are numerous support accessories available, a lot of them intened for video use but could be just right for you. Chest pods and short monopods that locate on your belt, that sort of thing.

Edit: Moreorless!
 
I've never held the 50D but I have held the 7D, and sort of know how you feel, they can be incredibly heavy especially if you hold them for long periods of time. I have the 550D and it's definitely quite light, so long as you don't put a heavy lens on it (24-70L I found is actually quite weighty...), and it's also - in my opinion - a fantastic camera. Think it cost me something around £500, so it's not too expensive either.
 
Iphotouk said:
The 550D would be an excellent choice. Packed with features but very light indeed. I added a grip to mine to give it a bit more weight.

Shame you are so far away as I am currently looking to upgrade and possibly could have offered you a trade.

Dazz
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If u r looking to upgrade then why go backward and get the 50D? Seeing as the 550D is a creation of the 50D and 7D combined together!
 
Iphotouk said:
Agreed there but better controls, better built body and faster frame rate would be handy at times. Maybe wait a bit longer and save for the 7D instead.
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Now you are talking 7D all the way, well maybe 60D too to consider. :-)
 
HoppyUK said:
Apart from a lighter camera, I'm wondering how you're holding the camera. If you do it right, there should be almost no muscular strain on the wrists.

Your left hand should support all the weight, cupped under the lens/camera. Your forearm should be almost vertical, bicep held to the side of your chest.
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This was my first thought exactly. I see a lot of people holding DSLRs by the sides as they would a little compact, which must require a lot more grip with a heavier DSLR, and put an undue strain on anyone with arthritic hands I'd think. It's something I'd certainly eliminate before you go getting rid of the camera if you're otherwise happy with it.
 
Tried a monopod as my wife bought me one. Great yes but not needed for majority of shots.

Went to Currys today to see how the xxxD cameras felt and i have to admit they felt a lot lighter!!! This will be my purchase route now.

I have the 50mm 1.8 and love it! I definitely want to stay with a DSLR. Bridge, no thanks.

500D or 550D. Is the jump to 550D really worth the extra cost? I am not bothered about pixels.
 
lucky_13 said:
If u r looking to upgrade then why go backward and get the 50D? Seeing as the 550D is a creation of the 50D and 7D combined together!
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550d and the 50d/7d are totally different cameras in terms of handling, it's certainly not a mix of the 50d and 7d.

The 550d body wise is nowhere near as ergonomic as the 50d/7d but is quite a bit lighter. So would be ideal for the op though.

As would the 600d!
 
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600D is out of my price range. Ergonomics is not the main factor but weight is.
 
Ava said:
I've never held the 50D but I have held the 7D, and sort of know how you feel, they can be incredibly heavy especially if you hold them for long periods of time. I have the 550D and it's definitely quite light, so long as you don't put a heavy lens on it (24-70L I found is actually quite weighty...), and it's also - in my opinion - a fantastic camera. Think it cost me something around £500, so it's not too expensive either.
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Just a thought Lucy. It's not only the weight of lenses like the 24-70L, they don't balance very well on an XXXD body, which makes them seem even heavier. Some people add a grip to help to counterbalance things. Might be worth considering?
 
cam1986 said:
600D is out of my price range. Ergonomics is not the main factor but weight is.
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Just be aware though, while you may lose 200g by swapping the body, the lenses arnt any lighter. Decent lenses, especially fast zooms, can weigh as much, sometimes more than the body.

So if you intend to buy decent lenses changing the body will most likely make no difference.

So if weight is the main issue you mat be better looking at something like the Sony Nex5 or similar 'evil' type camera.
 
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MartynK said:
Just a thought Lucy. It's not only the weight of lenses like the 24-70L, they don't balance very well on an XXXD body, which makes them seem even heavier. Some people add a grip to help to counterbalance things. Might be worth considering?
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Thanks for the suggestion. Luckily, it's not actually my lens so I rarely borrow it - I usually use the 100mm macro which is lighter and I generally have no problems with that :) However, if I start using heavier lenses in future I'll bear it in mind.
 
One of the problems with downsizing DSLRs is often the viewfinder size. How about going leftfield and grabbing a Sony DSLT with EVF? That way you can get a small, light body (A35 or A55) with a large viewfinder :) I'd definitely recommend trying models in a shop first though, to ensure that the ergonomics will work for you.
 
550D is well worth the extra over the 500d, better everything especially the great auto iso feature, nicer screen and quick set up menu, video is improved too if you want it

My daughter has one and its a brilliant little camera, must be one of the best for value ever made and not surprised its held its price so well despite the 600D coming along
 
DSLR it has to be. As for lenses, i aim to use only the 50mm and maybe a 55-250 for now.
 
odd jim said:
Just be aware though, while you may lose 200g by swapping the body, the lenses arnt any lighter. Decent lenses, especially fast zooms, can weigh as much, sometimes more than the body.

So if you intend to buy decent lenses changing the body will most likely make no difference.

So if weight is the main issue you mat be better looking at something like the Sony Nex5 or similar 'evil' type camera.
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I'd say its perhaps more of an issue if he wants to go longer than his 50mm 1.8, pretty much any lens I can think of longer than about 60mm is going to be around 400 grams.

If he wanted to go wider than 50mm then 18-55 kit, the 35mm f/2 and 28mm f 2.8 are just over/under 200 grams respectively.
 
The 55-250 is not that heavy when i looked at one today
 
cam1986 said:
The 55-250 is not that heavy when i looked at one today
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Thats just about the lightest zoom you'll find(390g) that goes longer than 50mm, sposed to be very good value at the moment if you buy the old mk1 version.

If you wanted to go ultrawide Canon does have the advanatge that the 10-22 is the lightest ultrawide zoom I can think of at 380g, most others are around 100g heavier.
 
The 55-250 is an exceptionally light lens for the money (its a very good EFS design) and is a superb lens for the money.

However, I say exceptional for a reason. You really are going to be restricted with lenses if weight is an issue for you on a DSLR. You might find yourself restricted to the kit lens, 55-250 and a few light primes, which is no bad thing in itself but might not suit you.
 
Whilst the XXXD range is lighter than the 50D, it's not really that much difference once you start putting lenses on, but you do notice the pivoting with the longer, heavier lens on. My 100-400 feels strange on the 400D, but not on the 50D (although my youngest does brilliantly with it).

If you are just going to use the smaller lighter lenses then it's certainly a possibility.

DLSR video supports could help, but are pricey (sometimes I think because they can charge that amount), but you'd be best to find somewhere to try them out. Focus on imaging show in March always has a couple of stands with huge selections, but I know that's a fair way away. Just google 'DLSR video supports' and a fair few pop up.

Depending on what you shoot, have you tried sitting down and resting your elbows against your body/seat arms. You can get some lightweight seats these days that are easy to carry. Otherwise a monopod seems another good compromise without weighing too much/being awkward/low cost option.
 
Will be taking shots of my daughter / family. And out and about on holiday etc. Nothing needing long lenses as such.

Thanks to everyone for your advice so far. Cheers :thumbs:
 
Going into town again today to check out the cameras in Jessops. Got a friend of a friend who works there and he said i could go in and 'handle' a few of the DSLR's. Really got my mind set on a 500D or a 550D though.

Once i sell the 50D i will scour the market for one!

Didn't realise it would cause me problems with ite weight.
 
cam1986 said:
Going into town again today to check out the cameras in Jessops. Got a friend of a friend who works there and he said i could go in and 'handle' a few of the DSLR's. Really got my mind set on a 500D or a 550D though.

Once i sell the 50D i will scour the market for one!

Didn't realise it would cause me problems with ite weight.
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Get the 550D it is an exceptional camera the only thing the 600D has over it is the rotating screen.
 
Took my 50D out with me and my daughter today as the weather was stunning. Took some fab shots of her with the 50mm. Took about 175 pics today (Filled card, 4gig, as shot in RAW) mostly of my daughter.

Signed myself up for a 3 day course, over 3 saturdays, on beginner DSLR. £30 fee for the 3 days, 3 hrs each day. At my local museum!! DSLR taster it is called. I really do need to learn the basics.

Still got to decide about the 50D. It was heavy today, for me. Can't gain access to the classifieds for a week or so, so i will use this time to get to know the camera and see where it takes me. It will be a deciding time for me as to wether or not i can 'handle' it or not.
 
cam1986 said:
Signed myself up for a 3 day course, over 3 saturdays, on beginner DSLR. £30 fee for the 3 days, 3 hrs each day. At my local museum!! DSLR taster it is called. I really do need to learn the basics.
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What a reasonably priced course! 9 hours for £30 is a bargain. I can't seem to find anything less than £100 here in London. Need to keep an eye out for those groupons!
 
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