help! which camera! ive been battling myself between these!

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Bryanpic114

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Hi everyone. I'm sure there has been a post about this before, but I'm in the middle of this situation and I was hoping I could get some advice. I'm extremely TORN between the two cameras, the canon 7D and the canon T2i/550D. I know, I know, the next question is gonna be what am I going to use it for, and frankly I would like to have a camera that could at least do a little bit of everything. What I'm most confused about is if the features that the 7D has that the t2i/550d doesn't have, is worth paying the extra 459 pounds (or 715 dollars in america).
I know in terms of video, they both do the same, and in terms of image quality they are the same. The features that I see the 7D has over the t2i/550d are the 8fps, 100% pentaprism viewfinder, weather sealed and magnesium alloy body, 19 AF points and system, and double the battery life of the t2i/550d.
The features I see the t2i/550d has over the 7D are the clearer LCD screen with the 3:2 aspect ratio (same as camera's sensor), and a more accurate count (on screen) of shots left on memory card (as the 7D shows "999" if there are over 1,000 shots left on your card, the t2i/550d shows the exact number).

Are there other features that one camera has over the other that I missed?

Well those are the features that I have noticed each camera has over the other, but what is bothering me is if the features the 7D has over the t2i/550d is worth the extra money. Thats the biggest thing, are the features worth the extra money!
As far as the battery situation, I could probably just get a battery grip and an extra battery for the t2i/550d and solve that problem. Then I am still down money (there will be 324 pounds/505 american dollars left after the battery grip) in which I could have purchased a 7D. (As you all can see this is really bothering me)

As far as still photography, right now my plan is to shoot model/portraiture and do some action shots (I want to make money doing these). I want a camera body that will do me good and last me a while. I want to make sure I'm spending my money for the right feature set and not on extras I probably won't use or ever value much.

Could someone PLEASE HELP! I'm stuck right now. Thanks.
 
The 7D also handles a lot better with the big rear wheel, topside LCD. Less menus and hold+scroll action. Bigger for a better grip (then again I have large hands) and will probably take a few knocks.

For action shots, the new AF is great. The old 9-point AF is nowhere as good in locking on or tracking as the 7D AF system.

If you're looking to make money from photos, why not look at a low mileage 1Dmk3 also?
 
vaizki said:
The 7D also handles a lot better with the big rear wheel, topside LCD. Less menus and hold+scroll action. Bigger for a better grip (then again I have large hands) and will probably take a few knocks.

For action shots, the new AF is great. The old 9-point AF is nowhere as good in locking on or tracking as the 7D AF system.

If you're looking to make money from photos, why not look at a low mileage 1Dmk3 also?
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As far as the 1dmk3, I would like video capabilities as well, so the 1dmk3 doesn't offer that.

Do you know if the 7D will be replaced soon by another camera? or how long does canon usually take to replace cameras? I don't want to buy one and then find out that a newer camera just hit the shelf.

Also, are you happy with your 7D? thanks for the help.
 
Bryanpic114 said:
As far as the 1dmk3, I would like video capabilities as well, so the 1dmk3 doesn't offer that.

Do you know if the 7D will be replaced soon by another camera? or how long does canon usually take to replace cameras? I don't want to buy one and then find out that a newer camera just hit the shelf.

Also, are you happy with your 7D? thanks for the help.
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The 7D was released in september (i think) last year so Canon won't replace it for a while yet;)
 
Stupid question time, have you budgeted for lenses?

If you want to do action photography, the 7D autofocus wise is streets ahead of the 550D, but the 1D MKIII is streets ahead of the 7D. All to do with shutter lag. A larger buffer, weather sealed, but nowhere near 1D series protection. 19 point AF system. ISO performance of the 7D would be better than the 550D, also sync speed for flash is 1/250 compared to 1/200, has PC sync for your studio work, but you need to put better quality lenses on the 7D due to the extra resolution.

You also have to remember that a 1.6x crop doesn't really work as well as a full frame camera for studio work, but then the extra 1.6x crop factor for action photography has benefits over FF because of the framing factor, but the 7D is definitely a step up from the 550D.
 
pete.rush said:
Stupid question time, have you budgeted for lenses?

If you want to do action photography, the 7D autofocus wise is streets ahead of the 550D, but the 1D MKIII is streets ahead of the 7D. All to do with shutter lag. A larger buffer, weather sealed, but nowhere near 1D series protection. 19 point AF system. ISO performance of the 7D would be better than the 550D, also sync speed for flash is 1/250 compared to 1/200, has PC sync for your studio work, but you need to put better quality lenses on the 7D due to the extra resolution.

You also have to remember that a 1.6x crop doesn't really work as well as a full frame camera for studio work, but then the extra 1.6x crop factor for action photography has benefits over FF because of the framing factor, but the 7D is definitely a step up from the 550D.
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Right now I have a 50mm 1.4. I believe for now that will be good until I save up more. If i did get the 550d, I would probably spend the extra cash on lighting equipment.

I will probably be doing mostly portraits and models, so action photography is not going to be my "main" type of photography (but I certainly will be doing my fair share of it). ISO performance is better on the 7d due to the dual processors? is that why? and what is PC sync?
You mention that I would have to put better quality lenses on the 7D because of its extra resolution, but I thought the 550d and 7d both have the same resolution..?

I don't have the cash for Full frame, so i have no choice but to go with the 1.6crop factor.
Again, thanks for the help.
 
Bryanpic114 said:
The features I see the t2i/550d has over the 7D are ........ and a more accurate count (on screen) of shots left on memory card (as the 7D shows "999" if there are over 1,000 shots left on your card, the t2i/550d shows the exact number).
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Sorry wondered into a Canon thread by accident BUT does anyone actually care if the camera only shows 999 if there are more than a thousand shots left? If there are that many then there are currently plenty :shrug: Not criticising or anything I just noticed this point and thought it kind of funny :D
 
cowasaki said:
Sorry wondered into a Canon thread by accident BUT does anyone actually care if the camera only shows 999 if there are more than a thousand shots left? If there are that many then there are currently plenty :shrug: Not criticising or anything I just noticed this point and thought it kind of funny :D
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I was thinking that too. I have a 7D and have never even noticed that before!

The 7D is miles better than the 550D in every way to be honest. If you have the money to go for the 7D instead, do it. You wont regret it. The problem I have with the xxxD series or the "rebel" series as you call them over the pond, is the feel. Each and every one feels like plastic, lightweight toys. Put any quality glass on them and they feel out of balance too. The 7D is a beast of a camera. Much heavier, a thousand times better construction, weatherproof, I don't need to list these, just go to Canon's site and compare the two. End of the day, buy once and buy good. Don't buy a rebel, then 5 months down the line get irritated at it and move up to a 7D or 5D, just go for the good one first if you can afford it.
 
A few other differences:
  1. 7D uses CF vs SD on the 550D
  2. 7D has additional mRAW and sRAW
  3. 7D has built-in Wireless Flash Control

Cheers
HighPriest
 
highpriest said:
A few other differences:
  1. 7D uses CF vs SD on the 550D
  2. 7D has additional mRAW and sRAW
  3. 7D has built-in Wireless Flash Control

Cheers
HighPriest
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Is there anything else that the t2i/550d has over the 7d that you know of?

And does anyone know anything about this rumored canon 60d?
 
Bryanpic114 said:
8fps, 100% pentaprism viewfinder, weather sealed and magnesium alloy body, 19 AF points and system, and double the battery life of the t2i/550d.
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Simple really, If you can afford the 7D buy it, if you buy the 550D and have regrets it'll be an expensive mistake, the list above would make me buy it over the 550D.

I've said it before and i'll say it again, it's mostly about the lenses, A Canon 10D shooting through a 70-200mm f/2.8 IS will take a better picture than a 1D mk IV shooting through a £30 vivitar lens.
 
i find this a really strange question ! I have the 7d after i upgraded from a 40d, and i would never have gone to a 550d. My assistant has one and although its a good camera, its not a patch on the 7d

if you can afford it, get the 7d
 
Bryanpic114 said:
Is there anything else that the t2i/550d has over the 7d that you know of?

And does anyone know anything about this rumored canon 60d?
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There are rumors the 60D was meant to be released last month, ive just seen pictures on the Ti website and now its saying Canon will release it at the end of September 2010.

I personally am waiting for the 60D to come out and watch the prices drop on the other DSLR's as im after a 50D with about 600-1000 to spend on a lens.
Cant buy one off here though due to rules of 100 posts and 30 days membership :bonk:
 
john182rs said:
Cant buy one off here though due to rules of 100 posts and 30 days membership :bonk:
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You should actually read the rules before criticising them :nono:

Classifieds Rules
Minimum criteria for posting (Excluding new members if you are buying)* : You are not allowed to offer items for sale or trade , nor advertise for wanted items until minimum membership criteria is met. We also do not bend this rule, accept bribes or begging letters. So please do not ask.
 
Skyline On Fire said:
I was thinking that too. I have a 7D and have never even noticed that before!

The problem I have with the xxxD series or the "rebel" series as you call them over the pond, is the feel. Each and every one feels like plastic, lightweight toys. Put any quality glass on them and they feel out of balance too.
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I've got to disagree with this. I changed to a 550D this year after owning a 30D for 5 years or so. Most would consider this a downgrade but I found I left the 30D at home most of the time as it was too heavy and bulky. The 550D has re-kindled my interest in photography and is a superb piece of kit. I used it with a 100-400mm lens at a recent airshow and found it to be better balanced than the 30D on the same lens. There seems to be a lot of urban myths appearing about the 550D (it's a toy, inferior AF, too small, no balance etc) that those who actually use the camera would disagree with.
 
wack61 said:
You should actually read the rules before criticising them :nono:

Classifieds Rules
Minimum criteria for posting (Excluding new members if you are buying)* : You are not allowed to offer items for sale or trade , nor advertise for wanted items until minimum membership criteria is met. We also do not bend this rule, accept bribes or begging letters. So please do not ask.
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Im not criticising them, simply stating them, i dont disagree with the rules and i am obiding by them.

I dont think i have broken any rules when i said i will wait for the 50D and said how much i have saved for one ready for when the time comes.

Had i said "the rules are **** as i want to buy a 50D an cant because im new" then yes fair enough i would not fault you comment, but i didnt!

On the note of the 60D i found this stating it will be out in November this year.

http://ylovephoto.com/fr/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/dxo_canon_eos_60d.jpg
 
My point is there isn't a rule that says you can't buy a camera on here until you've hit 100 posts as you seem to think
 
If you can afford the 7D then go for it BUT, as you will be mostly doing studio work then the 5DII would be a much better choice IMHO (or even the 5D MK1)

And yes, you cannot sell until you have 100 posts and 1 month, BUT you can buy from day 1.

Good luck with whatever you choose :)
 
Get the 7D, the AF system is great and the quality of construction is much better. If you want to rely on the kit and don't have a backup, then don't skimp, it'll be more expensive in the long run (and 8FPS vs 3.7FPS for action, where you want to make money? No brainer!)
 
Bryanpic114 said:
Is there anything else that the t2i/550d has over the 7d that you know of?
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Examined the specifications with a fine-toothed comb and couldn't spot anything other than what has already been covered :D

Apart from the 3:2 aspect screen on the 550D, the 7D is better specced in every other aspect. Ergonomics, button placement, size/weight is all down to personal preference obviously.

Cheers
HighPriest
 
I have also found that the 7d has more variable ISO increments in which to manually choose from. The ISO in the 7d can be manually selected in 1/3 stop increments whereas the t2i/550d can be selected in 1 stop increments.
 
micloi said:
The 550D also offers a 7x video recording zoom mode (@640x480) which is very useful when recording birds at a distance
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The movie crop function that you are talking about, can that only be used where recording clips in SD, or can it be used also when recording HD clips?
 
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