Canon 550d or 60d

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ajpix

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hi Guys

I have been working as an assistant over the last year and am now wanting my own camera. I've been using the 40D and loved it. I am now looking to start up on my own and not sure which camera to get. I like the price of the 550d but the lens is not so great, love the 60d but not the price as this doesn't include the lens. What really is the difference if i get a better lens for the 550d. Either way, I see it, the 550d with a better lens = £1000, or 60d with good lens is £1000. Have I just answered my question?

was looking at 17-85mm usm .... is this a good starter, I will be doing location and studio so need a good allrounder.

Look forward to getting some help !!!!
:help:
 
I'd go and hold them in a shop if I were you.

If you're used to a 40D, the 550D will probably feel like a cheap little toy camera (it's not but it will feel like that as it's much smaller than the 40D).

The 60D is the same form factor, pretty much as the 40D (although I think it's a bit lighter due to the plastic body).

As always, depends what you're going to be using it for. The 60D has a better Frames Per Second if you're shooting bursts. Not too sure on other performance differences though.

If you're used to a 40D then look second hand. The 40D and 50D are both still amazing cameras and will do pretty much everything as well as the 60D (with the exception of video).

My personal view is that the 450D / 500D / 550D form factor isn't as well balanced if you're sticking heavy lenses and a flash on so if you're using it for more than just a hobby, the 40D / 50D / 60D line is probably your best bet....
 
I have the 40d and 550D and the only downside to the 550D is that it takes different batteries, remote switch, memory cards and doesn't have back button focussing which is very annoying!! The 550D does take great shots and I normally use both cameras alternatively and have my tamron 28-300 on one and the 50 1.8 on the other.

I don't know anything about the 60D so can't help there.
 
Get yourself a minty second hand 40D and a good lens. You like the 40d and it's a great camera.

I've just purchased a 40D of another TP member at a really good price that is absolutely brand new in condition.

If you have a grand to spend you'd have about £600 left over for a more than decent lens.
 
thanks guys for you help, I'd quite happily get myself a 40d or 50d but my partner is interested in the HD movie mode, anyone know if it is any good and worth it.

ok, so if I were to go for a 40d or 50d whats a good lens to start with for studio portraits and general location shoots?

Thanks
 
Get whichever camera you like the feel of and has the right features you need. In terms of the end result, there's nothing to choose between different cameras these days, pound for pound.

17-85 is not Canon's greatest lens. It has great range and is nicely made, good to use etc, but optically very average. The kit lens 18-55 IS is underrated and very good value. New 15-85 has fantastic range and is very sharp, but only f/3.5-5.6. Most folks think the best option is the Canon 17-55 2.8, at a price. Consider third party options for less money.

It's a choice between focal length range, low f/number, IS or not, quality, price. And you can't have it all ;) Choose the bit that is most important to you first, eg range/cost, then see what the options are.
 
Thanks everyone!!!

I got a 50D + Sigma DC 17-70mm 2.8-4 in mint condition.... , didn't feel that I needed the HD movie to justify the price.

Very happy now...:)
 
I am looking at the 550D due to its small size.

Looking to set up a compact system 550D, 15-85, 70-200 F4 none IS.

Much smaller and lighter than my 3 x 2.8 and D30 body, what do you think.
 
Robmellor said:
I am looking at the 550D due to its small size.

Looking to set up a compact system 550D, 15-85, 70-200 F4 none IS.

Much smaller and lighter than my 3 x 2.8 and D30 body, what do you think.
Click to expand...

If you want small/light, maybe swap the non-IS 70-200L for the 70-300 - cheaper and you get IS, which I wouldn't want to be without at that focal length.

The 70-300 can hold its own against the L lens pretty well, it only falls off a bit at the very long end.
 
if you're fixed on those two models I'd go with a 60D just because of the better build quality
 
ajpix said:
I have been working as an assistant over the last year and am now wanting my own camera. I've been using the 40D and loved it. I am now looking to start up on my own and not sure which camera to get. I like the price of the 550d but the lens is not so great, love the 60d but not the price as this doesn't include the lens. What really is the difference if i get a better lens for the 550d. Either way, I see it, the 550d with a better lens = £1000, or 60d with good lens is £1000. Have I just answered my question?
Click to expand...

Both bodies have the same (or a very very similar) 18 megapixel sensor. In terms of image quality, you will be hard pressed to find any difference in the output between the two bodies. Ditto when it comes to video - both are equally capable. However, the 60D has a few key advantages:

- Better AF system (9 point all cross type)
- Higher maximum shutter speed (1/8000)
- Wireless Flash Control
- Higher Continuous Shooting (5.3 fps)
- Pentaprism viewfinder
- Articulated LCD
- Second top LCD

And of course, the 60D body is slightly bigger and heavier (which might be a good thing if you have large hands).

was looking at 17-85mm usm .... is this a good starter, I will be doing location and studio so need a good allrounder.
Click to expand...

It's a decent lens but not without its flaws. The good: silent and fast AF with the USM motor, excellent IS system, a very handy 5x zoom range and good colour, contrast and resolution. The bad: really bad distortion at 17mm, some CA issues and vignetting at the wide end and it is fairly slow at f/4 at the wide end. From about 22mm, it is pretty good and I would regard it as a decent walkaround/travel lens.

A couple of reviews:

http://www.photozone.de/canon-eos/402-canon_1785_456is_50d
http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Canon-EF-S-17-85mm-f-4-5.6-IS-USM-Lens-Review.aspx
http://www.dpreview.com/lensreviews/canon_17-85_4-5p6_is_usm_c16/

Cheers
HighPriest
 
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