Canon 50D or 600D?

[Thrash]

Hi guys,
Im asking this on behalf of a friend whos looking to get into photography a bit more. Theyre looking at getting a used 50D or 600D, apparently they go for a similar price used but of course other suggestions are welcome (550D?). They came to me for advice as obviously I enjoy photography but I am not really familiar with the 50D at all!

I briefly owned a 600D and 650D which seemed very similar, I owned a 500D for just under a year so im fairly familiar with these bodies and I know the relative pros and cons, just not sure how they match up to the 50D.

I did a bit of research myself and apparently image quality is better on a 550D and above than the 50D, can anyone confirm this? How about ISO performance? Im guessing the 600D will be better just because its newer and has a newer processor?

Basically, if you were in their position, what would you pick? Baring in mind I doubt theyll be shooting sports or in extreme weather, negating the weather sealing and faster FPS.

NB. They already have 2 Canon lenses so no Nikon suggestions

 

[Razor-BladE]

For me, 600D over a 50D because I like to shoot video. You should ask if that's a factor in their decision. Purely for photos, neither. I'd pick myself up good condition, fairly low-used 5DI.

 

[CMCImages]

I had a 550D for a while and it was a great camera to use, I have a link full of images which can be seen using a 550D here http://www.cmc-images.com/p697533651 they were taken in low light levels with iso at 800, I have now upgraded to a 7D and second body of a 1D and there brilliant. If u want to upgrade to a 50D then try saving a bit longer and get the 60D which is a great camera.

 

[big soft moose]

For me, 600D over a 50D because I like to shoot video. You should ask if that's a factor in their decision. Purely for photos, neither. I'd pick myself up good condition, fairly low-used 5DI.

I wouldn't as that would limit him to Full frame lenses only , plus the 5D classic is getting on a bit now.

My experience is that the xxD range handle better and feel more substantial than the xxxD range (particularly if you have big hands), so if its purely between those two cameras i'd go for the 50D if he's not interested in video. (or a 40D and save some money towards lenses)

 

[Thrash]

Thanks for the replies, no interest in video as far as im aware and the 5D is out of the question as one of their lenses is a Sigma EX DC 17-50mm f2.8.

Am I right in thinking that in fact, they wouldnt go wrong with any of these cameras? As I said in the OP ive owned the 500D, 600D, 650D and 100D and tbh I didnt see much different in terms of images in any of them really.

Also, ive managed to find a 600D cheaper than a 550D so it makes sense to go for that over it right?

 

[big soft moose]

Pretty much they won't go wrong with any of the newish DSLRs

On the latter point it depends on how many actuations and what condition, as the 600D ought to be more expensive all else being equal so ones thats cheaper may be knackered.