Canon upgrade advice

Bobby uk · 15 Jul 2013

Hi people was just after some advice? I have had my 1100d for a couple of years now and was thinking of upgrading but not sure what to, as I have only a small budget! I know that a second hand camera will prob be best but not sure what sort of shutter count I should be looking at and which also is not going to be too complicated as I do still only see my self as amateur!
Thanks in advance guys

jamez2013 · 15 Jul 2013

Don't get a 1d etc i did....massive learning curve too heavy etc etc to cut a long story short I now have a 50d and sold the 1d mk2. Anything like 650d is a good buy or even a 550d from mbp would be a good buy if your after making a small step up, or if your happy with the body always invest in glass, I'm now finding glass is a better investment, hope that helps

veedub · 16 Jul 2013

As jamez2013 suggests, a 650D or 550D are good alternatives. You're probably best to spend the money on glass really though. Bodies and lenses are nearly always determined by a balance between options/features vs budget. Decide how much you want to spend and go from there.

Petri · 16 Jul 2013

I'd agree you'll likely see a bigger improvement with a nice lens than either of the bodies mentioned - they're good, but they're not massively different to what you've got. At least with the 1100D you know it's history and approximate shutter count etc - chances are it's got a good few years in it yet.

Have a look at lenses now, and then maybe look at a new body a few more years down the line when things will have really moved on.

drounding · 16 Jul 2013

I recently contemplated the same thing. I have a Canon 400D with a couple of cheap EF kit lenses (22-55mm, 55-200mm, and a nifty fifty 50mm f1.8). I was seriously looking at a new body like a 650D.

I managed to rein in the emotions and instead bought some better second hand lenses, still not expensive ones mind - my budget won't run to it. I got three lenses Ef-S IS 18-55mm, EF-S IS 55-250mm and a better portraite lens EF 50mm f1.4.

Even without breaking the bank the lenses are quite a lot better than the ones I had before. I've still got eyes for the new body but the lenses have certainly given my old body a new lease of life and can be used on to a new body in the future.

(Wish a new set of glasses would give my real body a new lease of life!)

andrewc · 16 Jul 2013

What do you feel your current body can't do that you want it to do?

Bobby uk · 16 Jul 2013

Hi guys thanks for all the input. I have recently purchesd a 28-135 is usm which I'm loving but thought I was getting to a point where my lens is out doing the camera. Sometimes I feel as though the image quality struggles with the 1100d and I know this might sound silly but also with the 28-135 or my sigma 70-300 on, the camera feels abit small! I have got battery grip for it but to be honest it feels cheap and nasty. Again I know its a bit of a stupid thing to say but i feel as though I m not taken seriously with it. For example there is a fantastic camera shop in my local town of Chelmsford and before I got the 28-135 I went in there for some advice and to look at there prices, and when he asked what camera it was for you should have seen his face! And then he lost all intrest and I'm sure if he could then he would have asked me to move on! So another reason for an upgrade is a bit of a status issue aswell I suppose.

Bebop · 16 Jul 2013

Bobby uk said:
. I went in there for some advice and to look at there prices, and when he asked what camera it was for you should have seen his face! And then he lost all intrest and I'm sure if he could then he would have asked me to move on! So another reason for an upgrade is a bit of a status issue aswell I suppose.

That surely was his big mistake - he should have realised your potential as a customer for many years to come!! Poor show!

I upgraded my camera body when I felt I really wanted more frames per second to shoot sport and wildlife. i think like others have said, you need to pinpoint how your current body is letting you down.

I had the 550D and I suspect it's not that different from the 1100D in terms of use. The 600/650/700D are all pretty similar too I think.

jamez2013 · 17 Jul 2013

Bobby uk said:
Hi guys thanks for all the input. I have recently purchesd a 28-135 is usm which I'm loving but thought I was getting to a point where my lens is out doing the camera. Sometimes I feel as though the image quality struggles with the 1100d and I know this might sound silly but also with the 28-135 or my sigma 70-300 on, the camera feels abit small! I have got battery grip for it but to be honest it feels cheap and nasty. Again I know its a bit of a stupid thing to say but i feel as though I m not taken seriously with it. For example there is a fantastic camera shop in my local town of Chelmsford and before I got the 28-135 I went in there for some advice and to look at there prices, and when he asked what camera it was for you should have seen his face! And then he lost all intrest and I'm sure if he could then he would have asked me to move on! So another reason for an upgrade is a bit of a status issue aswell I suppose.

Best advice I can give with regards to the camera shop is take your business elsewhere if they won't take you seriously, I can understand the want to upgrade but look at what features you will gain if its purely for improved ergonomics, maybe look at something a bit bigger ie 50d (like mine) or even 40d if you don't mind used or loosing video? The you save some penny's to spend on good glass, I learnt more than ever today good glass will transform a camera....got my first L lens today i'd recommend saving up for one if you want to see some big performance jumps.

John Mc · 17 Jul 2013

andrewc said:
What do you feel your current body can't do that you want it to do?

This. What do you shot is also a primary question. And your budget would help for better suggestions. Upgrading from an 1100D to a xxxD may only give you marginally better results to which you may be looking for more. Your lenses would work with Full frame slrs, you could look at a 5D mk1. Second hand you'll be able to pick up one for £400/500. (Less dependent on the condition)
Ignore the "step learning curve" comments. You seem to have alot of experience with your camera, you should do fine with a more comprehensive camera.