7d vs 60d

[mbhart19]

I currently have a rebel XS.  I waited for the 5D mkiii to come out so I could see if it would be affordable.  It's not right now so I'm going to hold off for a long while.  I'm not going with the 5D mkii because of the AF issues.  I can't continue to shoot with my XS because half the time I can't even get it to take a picture and for the money it costs to send it to Canon for repair, I'd rather spend it on a new camera.  So for now, I'm choosing between the 60D and 7D.  I'm going the CLP route so the 60D is $640 and the 7D is $1087 (plus tax). 

Can anyone tell me if I would notice a big difference in IQ between the 60D and 7D?  Aside from the additional AF features, dual processors and magnesium body, they seem to be quite similar functionality wise.  Is there something significant that I'm missing that would make me regret not spending the additional $$ on the 7D?  Thanks!

[JonJT]

I currently have a rebel XS.  I waited for the 5D mkiii to come out so I could see if it would be affordable.  It's not right now so I'm going to hold off for a long while.  I'm not going with the 5D mkii because of the AF issues.  I can't continue to shoot with my XS because half the time I can't even get it to take a picture and for the money it costs to send it to Canon for repair, I'd rather spend it on a new camera.  So for now, I'm choosing between the 60D and 7D.  I'm going the CLP route so the 60D is $640 and the 7D is $1087 (plus tax). 

Can anyone tell me if I would notice a big difference in IQ between the 60D and 7D?  Aside from the additional AF features, dual processors and magnesium body, they seem to be quite similar functionality wise.  Is there something significant that I'm missing that would make me regret not spending the additional $$ on the 7D?  Thanks!

Very generally speaking, no.  The 7D will not give you better IQ, assuming the 60D is capable of capturing exactly what the 7D is capturing.  They use the same sensor and, the 7D is only slightly better at high ISO.  When I say slightly, I mean slightly.

[RC]

No AF micro adjustment on 60D.


Edit:   Much nicer ergonomics on 7D IMO. 

[neuroanatomist]

Besides the better build and AF you mentioned, you'd be missing out on about 3 fps of frame rate, AF microadjustment (which is great - necessary even - if you have any fast primes, but dispensable if you've only got f/3.5-5.6 zooms), and 100% viewfinder coverage (60D is only 95%). 

With the 7D, you wouldn't have the articulating screen, and you'd have to budget for CF cards instead of the SD cards you have for your Rebel.

[picturesbyme]

Had both plus the 5D2.
The only thing I miss on my 60D is the ability to MA my lenses...
...on the other hand - maybe I was just lucky - I never really needed it on the 60D or on the 5D,
Again, the 7D is a wonderful camera I just rather spend money on lenses than on bodies... especially if there is such a small diff. Plus the money i saved back then was enough to get a 200L 2.8 and I love that lens...

Bottom line is always the same... What do you need it for...??

[daveheinzel]

I have both now, but I used to have neither and was in the same position you're in. I ended up going with the 7D because it just felt better in my hands. The plastic-y feel of the 60D and smaller grip just made it feel like a toy. After buying, using and loving the 7D for awhile, I then bought a 60D as a backup. It's a great second camera. If it was my primary camera, my photos would probably be the same. I can't say either makes better images. I've used both for sports, and the AF speed difference hasn't been a huge deal (because I shoot wide on the 60D and long on the 7D).

The biggest differences to me are the articulating screen and the general feel of the body in your hands.

[Mendolera]

Coming from an XSI I was kind of in the same predicament as you; pretty sure I was going to get a Mark III when it arrived but its higher cost and a kitchen remodel later I needed something cheaper.

Here was my thought process and why I actually choose the 60D:

Feature-wise the 7D is clearly better and would rather own it over the 60D.. however after owning the 60D for a few weeks now its still a very very nice camera. Huge step from the older rebels.. Even without AF adjust, my 50mm F1.4 seems to have a pretty good hit rate. Much much better then my XSI. The additional cross points is nice coming from a rebel..

Neuro also mentioned the storage cards as well which is a good point. I owned two class 10 32gb cards already so I was looking at another 100-150 dollars in cost going with CF.

Some may say its a slightly better rebel, however I disagree. The size, top screen, faster fps (even 5.3 from 3 is a big difference) just feel like a more substantial camera then the rebel.

I figure with this 500+ in savings I can apply it to a decent UWA or put it towards a Mark III in a year or so when the price might come down a little.

Either way the CLP program is way too go cause even resale on the 60D and 7D on Ebay are those prices.

[SSteveF]

Newbie question alert - what is the CLP program?

Be gentle with me 

[RC]

Newbie question alert - what is the CLP program?

Be gentle with me 

Canon Loyalty Program.   Trade in your old gear for new gear. 

http://canonloyaltyprogram.org/

[mbhart19]

Thanks for the input everyone.  The 60D should be here tomorrow.  Can't wait to play with my new baby :-)

[scrappydog]

Newbie question alert - what is the CLP program?
Be gentle with me 

From what I understand, it is a program where you can turn in a Canon camera that is out of warranty for a refurbished camera at a 20% discount off the refurbished price.  The refurbished camera will have a 6 month warranty rather than the usual 3 month warranty for Canon's refurbs.  I have never done it, so this is second hand information.

There are a few caveats: (1) you are limited to the cameras that Canon has available for its CLP program (e.g., if you want a 5D Mark II, it may not be available under the program); (2) people have commented that the cameras may have a fair number of actuations on them (i.e., 17,000); (3) if you are in the USA, you will have to pay tax (i.e., compared to a Canon refurb bought from Adorama, if you are outside NY, with no tax); (4) you must pay shipping (i.e., again, a refurb brought from Adorama may have free shipping).

I have an old A95 that went wonky on me one day.  I'm thinking about turning it in to the CLP program for a 5DII or 7D.