I didn't see how old this camera was before I ordered it online. Getting it for 1500$ cdn with the 18-200IS Lens. http://www.futureshop.ca/en-CA/prod...spx?path=242bf35347fd365fbb0ffac3862d3f63en02 Considering it's from 2009. In your opinion am I better off with a newer camera? Has this one fallen behind in image quality and features? i see the newer cameras, are a LOT more money. For example: Canon EOS 6D 20.2MP DSLR with 24-105mm Lens Kit 2900$ And to be frank, I'm not spending that much money on a Camera. I had to dig hard to justify spending the 1500 on the 7D. The reviews all like the camera, but they were written when it was new. I just want to make sure I'm not making a mistake by getting this one with newer ones coming out. Thoughts?
It depends what you want to use it for. This is a very capable camera for sports, fast, accurate AF, 8fps (when firmware upgraded) with a crop factor etc. But the ISO (low light) performance is no different from a 550D, which is ok, but not great and not as good as others (5D, 6D, 1D) If portrait is your thing then the full frame 5D mkII would suit better (its also good for landscape as is the 6D). It performs better indoors and has better image quality than the 7D at the expense of slower fps. The 5D or 6D are both full frame cameras, so depending on whether you already have some lenses or not that might impact you decision. What are your main uses going to be?
I don't have any lenses. This is my first venture into a dslr after wanting to upgrade from shoot and point cameras. (one of the reasons why the 1500$ is my upper limit and since this camera comes with a lens for that price...) Mainly, outdoor shots. I want to be able to do close up shots. Zoomed in shots. I get around a lot and want to be able to take pictures of the scenery. For low light events I have my cell phone which does the job as they are usually parties and not the place for a nice camera. edit: I looked at the 5D MkII and without a lens it's 300 bucks more expensive that the 7D with a lens. How much of a difference in image quality are we looking at? second edit: To be fair, I can wait another paycheck or two and have an extra 500 or so to throw at this. That would bring the 6D and 5D MkII into range.
Okay, first you need to understand the difference between the cameras. The 7D is an APS-C size sensor (smaller than a piece of film), which results in all focal lengths being multiplied by 1.6, and is the standard for all Canon cameras in that price region or lower. The 7D itself is the flagship model for these APS-C cameras, and has a very good autofocus system, fast speed and so forth. It produces excellent images. The 6D, 5D Mark II and so on are full-frame sensors, which means they have an imaging sensor the same size as an old piece of film. This means there is no multiplication factor (aka: crop), and as the sensor is physically larger it means they cost significantly more to make due to yield. Full frame cameras perform better in low light conditions, as the pixels on the sensor aren't as tightly packed, and they generally have a higher megapixel rating as well (20+ being the norm for Canon). The 6D is a new camera, whilst the 5D Mark II has actually just been retired by Canon after a very very long run of being the best on the block. Full frame is where the absolute best quality is at, but to be honest, the 7D is going to produce very good images as well. So, for your intended use, one of a varied workload (outside, close-ups and telephoto work) I would personally be recommending you buy a 7D and invest the spare money in the key to all photography, lenses. The 5D Mark II is unfortunately coupled with a very limited autofocus system (it was pretty poor at the time, and we're now 5 years down the road) and I personally think you may get frustrated by it. The 6D is better in terms of AF, but the 7D is better still, despite being older. The crop factor on lenses can be compensated for to an extent through lens choice. If you want an ultra-wide lens (typically seen as 16mm) then you can buy the EF-S 10-22, which when multiplied is basically the same focal lengths as the classic EF 16-35. The crop factor will also give you an advantage with any telephoto lenses as you get "free" extra reach (so a 300mm lens effectively becomes a 480mm). My personal kit bag, if I was shooting with a 7D (as an amateur) would be: EF-S 10-22mm EF 24-70 f/4L IS USM (this is a new lens) EF 70-200 f/4L USM Alternatives: EF 24-105 f/4L IS USM (alternative to the 24-70L, slightly longer reach) EF 70-300L IS USM (alternative to the 70-200, longer reach) You'll notice that the above is actually spending a lot of cash on the ideal set of lenses - it may take you a while to get there, but I absolutely cannot understate that lenses are the make and break of a dSLR system. You can put a crap lens on a fantastic camera, and you'll get crap pictures. You need both to be of the same quality level to get the best out of it.
Might I suggest the OP looks up 'DigitalRev' or any other camera reviewer/ photography tips chanel on youtube for camera reviews and comparisons; there is a wealth of information & knowledge to be gained which will help you get the best from your new camera. Personally, I like the 7D for being cheaper than most other DSLRs & having the 8fps burst rate, though due to it's age you are limited to compact flash memory ( no SD cards! ) and the image sensor is not as sharp as more modern cameras when you look at fully zoomed in images. I'm hoping for a 7D mk2 sooner rather than later...
If its your first dslr then i would consider getting a 550d or 650d instead. The 550D uses the same sensor as the 7D, but it lacks the speedy auto focus and high burst shooting but its no slouch either. Buying one of these first would ease you into the world of dslrs without costing the earth.
I was going to mention that but forgot. Yes, buying a cheaper camera (especially as this is your first dSLR) might be a good plan - you could go for the xxx series (eg: 650D) or the xx series (eg: 60D)which then means even more cash to spend on lenses. Quality is still very good - I have a 1000D as a backup body (this is an old-ish entry level dSLR) that I'm still impressed with in terms of images.
The 7D is a very high level DSLR and not an ideal starter camera...it has a lot of features that are suited to professional use. Not only that, but the 7D is BIG and HEAVY and you should really hold a camera before dropping $1500 on it and finding that you don't like the feel of it. I agree with bdigital and would recommend a smaller camera like the 650D or even the 60D, which is slightly bigger but still smaller than the 7D and definitely aimed more at the consumer market.
Thanks for all of the advice gentlemen! It's why I come to Bit-tech. The camera hasn't even shipped yet and I can always return it. I'll be sure to come back if I have any more questions. Thanks again!
I wouldn't say it's that heavy. I'd like to echo this. You would probably be better off buying one of these cameras, and spending the rest of the money on good lenses. The lens is more important for image quality than which of these camera bodies you get.
Agreed with buying one of the XXX bodies and spending some more on glass if you must. Personally I'd get a 550, or a 600 with the kit lens, use it for a bit, then see what you feel you're missing out on. RwD
To be honesty i'm not concerned about heavy. I pick up 75lbs at work all the time so how heavy can a camera be? With any of these cameras, i'm going to see a huge difference over a point and shoot right? That's my main concern. That and I want the ability to have more control over the camera compared to what a point and shoot gives you.
Regarding seeing a big difference, yes and no lol. In my opinion they are more 'real', therefore it can sometimes be difficult to achieve great results without knowing how to control and use the camera. They dont just magically give you better results. If you want to just point and shoot, then a top end point and shoot would be better for you (perhaps consider the EOS M?). However, if you want to learn how to use a DSLR over time, you will be able to take advantage of their real capability and get better results than a point and shoot. They dont really do the work for you though, you need to manually adjust the camera depending on the conditions and the effect you want. Im buying a 7D as an upgrade to my 550D, but only because I use my camera heavily for motorsports, and therefore the faster AF and burst is a big plus. But as a walk around camera for general use there really isnt much difference between the two....except the 7D is MUCH more expensive.
Indeed after getting a 600D for xmas things I thought would be easy are proving very hard. I mean how hard can it be to get a lovely picture of the moon right.... Very at the moment. I have retreated back indoors to consult youtube and my manual. Great fun so far though. With out Hyjacking this thread what lens's would be good for a starter like me? I have the 18-55 kit lens that came with it.
Votick - you'd be best starting your own thread, it depends massively on budget, and what you're trying to shoot! chrisb2e9 - you'll get just as much of a learning experience from a 550 as you would from a 7 if you'd just starting out. As bdigital illustrates, the 7, and cameras in its range are usually upgrades when you realise you're missing something - but it depends what you're missing as to what you'd get (burst rate for sport - 7D, want to print massive posters on billboards - something full frame etc)
Although no DSLR wiz, I'd recommend having a hold of a couple in store if you get the chance. I had a 400D initially and it always felt kind small in hand, the 7D is much nicer feel for me so given the cost I'd say its worth making a trip to a local camera store to see what you think. If you seriously are coming straight over from a point and shoot, I'd lean towards getting something a little lower down the model range and maybe better lens being that if you really get into photography you can always take lens to the next body (ok not always but if you stick to canon and keep aware of the differences between EF-S and EF lens). That being said, I love my 7D - just wish I was more naturally talented to make better use of it
Thank you for the advice everyone. After thinking about it I decided to cancel the order. I'll revisit it in a few more months after doing more reading and with more money to consider. Thanks again!
Even if you have doubts, pick up a T4i, as the price is just outstanding. Even if you don't like it, you can always sell it in a few months and perhaps make a few bucks on the transaction. http://www.memoryexpress.com/Products/MX39951 If you live in calgary, I have a mint 18-55 IS that I'd trade for a bottle of scotch, as the above is body only.
7D - amazing camera that in many ways is better than 6D and 5D mkii Mine has aged gracefully and makes my 6D look rather amateurish next to it (while hiding a gargantuan sensor in its pants) That said in your case I would get a Canon Rebel and buy lenses. By the time you learn all the crap of photography and settings of 7D/6D/5D two years will have passed and you'll wish you had more lenses to play with and less professional setting on your menu. A camera body is a very very very small part of what makes a photograph.
