Decisions on new gear..

Ben:

Ben:

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Ben
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Hey everyone :)
Recently I posted a thread about buying a 60D.

Currently using:
Canon 400d
50mm 1.8
18-55mm 3.5-5.6 (kit lens)
28-200mm 3.5-5.6 (which I recently found out is one of the worst Canon lenses you can buy :\ great..)

I'm trying to justify getting a 60d :p
Want to buy new, and something that will last and be 'up to the job' in time to come.
This is only a hobby covering all aspect though - wildlife, people, flowers, still life etc.

Just wanted some advice, would I be better off...
Selling the 400d and a lens (which one?) to help fund the 60d body?
Just sell the 400d body, keep current lenses and get a 60d body?
Sell 400d and/or lens and buy a 60d body AND new lens?

Just wondering which would be my best option in your opinions?

Is the 60d the best body to get for around £700 NEW?

:wave:
 
From personal experience, whilst getting a new body is always nice the real deal breaker when it comes to producing first class results is the glass.

Given the lenses you have I'd seriously be considering getting something a bit better if you really want to see the benefits of upgrading to the 60D.
 
If you insist on a new body what I would do if I were you would be to sell the 400D and either 2 lenses (except the 50mm) or all 3 if you have to and get the 60D and a second hand Tamron 17-50mm f2.8.
 
Well I just see the 400d as abit of a toy, compared to the higher range canons.
Also I have it in silver....which isn't particularly nice :suspect:

Surely the functions on the 60d vastly outweigh the 400d?
Aiding better results.
I know glass is key and therefore would possibly look at selling both lenses (keeping the 50)
 
I would be looking to get better glass 1st, sell the 18-55 and 28-200 and buy a tamron 17-50 f2.8 and save up for a canon 70-200 f4.

If I was looking to replace the 400D body I would be looking for 2nd hand canon 50D or maybe a FF 5D.

There is always a lot of love for the 40D too.
 
Keep the Body, sell the 28-200 and the 18-55. And buy a Siggy or Tamaron 17-50 f/2.8 or a used canon 70-200 F4 L. New Bodys are nice, but Glass first! Which is the mistake i made!
 
So sell the 400d and 2 lenses, get a 60d and use my 50mm 1.8 (people, still life etc), then save for a zoom lens for wildlife ISN'T a very good option? :\
 
Ben: said:
So sell the 400d and 2 lenses, get a 60d and use my 50mm 1.8 (people, still life etc), then save for a zoom lens for wildlife ISN'T a very good option? :\
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IMO no not really :) Sell the 2 len's, keep the 50mm. And then save for a Canon 70-200 L :)
 
The colour of the camera doesn't make any difference to the images. Most of the SLRs in the 60s and 70s were silver, but some manufacturers started offering black - they usually cost more - and the perception that this was more "professional" developed. It stuck, and the old black bodies often sell for more, even today.

The 60D has more features, not functions, than the 400D. This makes some things a bit easier to do, but where is the 400D holding you back? It has a lot more features than the great manual SLRs of the glory days in the 70s and 80s!

The best reasons for replacing or upgrading a body are that it's broken or worn out, or that you have hit its limits, or that you just want a new one. Nothing wrong with that, but better lenses will give you more immediate results.
 
I fully except your point about the colour, it was just a passing comment tbh.
And yes features not functions, my mistake.

Basically I've had my 400d for 3-4 years now and was looking for an upgrade.
Something bigger, better build quality, more features, more 'professional' than the 400d, the 18mp, 1080p video, led me to believe it could potentially help me take better quality images. I know good glass is a must and the 50mm was recommended as the lens to have due to price and performance. I just thought this paired with a new, higher spec'd body would benefit me.
 
Ben: said:
I fully except your point about the colour, it was just a passing comment tbh.
And yes features not functions, my mistake.

Basically I've had my 400d for 3-4 years now and was looking for an upgrade.
Something bigger, better build quality, more features, more 'professional' than the 400d, the 18mp, 1080p video, led me to believe it could potentially help me take better quality images. I know good glass is a must and the 50mm was recommended as the lens to have due to price and performance. I just thought this paired with a new, higher spec'd body would benefit me.
Click to expand...

Absolutely nothing wrong with wanting an upgrade Ben. Better glass will give you more immediate improvements in IQ, but there's a lot to be said for using what you really want too. Pros generally use what they need, we have the advantage of using whatever we like and can afford.

The XXD series are bigger and more comfortable for me. I delayed buying a DSLR because I just didn't like the feel of the small, entry level, bodies at all. I wanted a D200 because I used Nikon in the film days, but it was way beyond my pocket, and I eventually bought one of the last 30Ds in South Africa, new in box with the 17 - 85mm kit lens, for less than 50% of the D200 body only. No regrets.

How do you find the f1.8 50mm? I've used it, but never been tempted to buy. The price/performance is excellent, but it's too long for a walk around lens for me, and too short for anything else (I don't shoot portraits), and the build quality is legendary, for all the wrong reasons. I looking at a fast 30mm - 35mm instead.
 
I totally agree with 'not liking the feel of using an entry level body'.
3-4years ago I was fine with it as it's all I knew. Now however I feel I have gained alot of knowledge in photography (still infinate amounts more to learn yet of course).
I just feel I'm ready for a higher level body now that I have progressed in skill.
Partly wanting something with more performance, features, partly just to own something more professional, to take out and shoot with pride :L
And therefore I think a 60d is the way I'll probably go.
(if it is the best new body for around £700? Advice anyone?)

Regarding the 50mm 1.8, i've used it alot the last 2 days and I like it alot.
Image quality seems to be pretty good, lots of light at f1.8.
Build quality, well... light and plasticy.
I agree, 50mm maybe alittle too long. Even in a decent sized room I find myself backing into a corner to get the full subject in.
But for the price, can't fault it.

Thanks for your help :)
 
Hmm age, less features...including higher MP, video, tilt screen.
Just kinda feel like treating myself to a new, high quality, modern camera...
Or am I being stupid :\
 
I thought the 60 was not built to the same std as the 40d, 50d & 7d etc I thought it was mainly plastic, I might be wrong.

Its also smaller than the 40d, 50d & 7d.

Do you want/need the video ability?

If it were me I would still buy a lighty used 2nd hand 50d and with the cash you save buy a tamron 17-50. Then buy a 70-200 f4 when you save some more cash.
 
Btw I have found the 60d body, new online for £640.
Warehouse express are £780! :O

Although I've now found a 50D body, extra battery and 3 memory cards for £300 on ebay. That is a BIG saving.
How does the 50d compare to the 60d? Similar?
 
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50d are around £460-540 2nd hand.

It sounds like you have aready made up your mind, I'm sure you will be happy with your choice.
 
Ben: said:
Btw
Although I've now found a 50D body, extra battery and 3 memory cards for £300 on ebay.
Click to expand...

50D for that price :nono::nono:
 
Found 3 on ebay after a quick search.
3-4days remaining still.
Ranging from £100 to £300.
Body and batterys.
One has a grip which is quite a nice bonus.
From prices like that the 50d looks tempting
 
With 3 days to go the price will rise a far bit yet as I said they go for £460+

The canon 60d is nice I like the flip out screen, wireless flash option and high iso handling, 63-zone exposure metering system

I don’t like the size, build, ergonomics, lack of microadjustment, No CF card, No flash sync socket, slightly slower 5.3 fps
 
So it seems a 50d is the way to go?
40d possibly alittle too old and lacking some features.

If I was to pay around £400 something for just a body (maybe the odd extra) That would be a fair price yes?
 
It’s a personal choice they both have positives and negative, you need to work out which features are important to you. If you want/need video don’t get a 50d.

For me I would not swap my 50d for a 60d even if it was a free swap.

If I were to change my body it would be for a 7d or 5d mkII.

You would be doing very well to get a 50d body for £400 most I have seen sell around the £500 mark.
 
Ok, so thanks to everyones input on here I have decided to go for a 50d.
Hopefully one from this site.
Next question is the lens....I'll start a new thread so things don't get confusing.
Thanks for everyone's help (saved me lots of money :P)
 
NOT because I have one for sale, promise, but don't disregard the 40D - I've owned both and prefer the high ISO images from the 40D by a LONG way, to those of the 50D.

Cheers,
James
 
40d are very nice too and a bit cheaper than the 50d. But the better screen, higher mp, microadjustment would be just enough for me to part with a little more cash.

But Its a personal choice.
 
Thanks for the offer James but I'm sticking with a 50d :P
 
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