Canon 7D vs Canon 60D - Can't decide which to upgrade to.

[Synomis192]

I'm looking to upgrade my Canon T1i after 2 years. I'm not sure which one I should upgrade to though. I'm not thinking about going full frame either, it doesn't really suit me.

My approximate budget for these two cameras is around $1700:
-If I purchase the 7D, I'd only be able to get the body. It's not that much of a big deal seeing that I already have some lenses (Canon 18-55, 55-250, and a Rokinon 35mm) But I'm worried that having a 7d with kit lenses, isn't going to really benefit me, seeing that most people say it's the glass that really makes the images. But I do like the 8fps burst rate, fast AF, and the amazing low light performance.

-If I purchase the 60d body, I'd be left with about $500-ish, which means that I could save a bit more and get the Canon 15-85mm lens. But to me, I honestly don't see it as a full upgrade from a Rebel camera. It's more like a SUPER Rebel. I just don't know if it will be worth it in the end.

Can I get everyone's opinion to help me figure out which camera to get?

(My main focus is portraits, landscapes, group events, and occasional basketball games)

 

[Random Orbits]

The 60D and the 7D are pretty similar except that the 7D has better AF, a higher burst rate and more weathersealing. The sensor is the same, but most of you photo interests would not make use of the 7D's capabilities except for the basketball games. If you must upgrade now, then I vote for the 60D and saving for a better lens (15-85 or 17-55). If you can wait, I suggest getting the 17-55 or 15-85 first, and then waiting to upgrade the body once the next generation crop cameras come out.

 

[wickidwombat]

If you can wait, I suggest getting the 17-55 or 15-85 first, and then waiting to upgrade the body once the next generation crop cameras come out.

this is the best option i think as once the new models are announced the price of the current 7D and 60D are going to drop nicely. curently you have a camera so just keep using that one and save up, get the better lens now to scratch the gear accquisition itch either of the above mentioned two lenses wll be good then see what rolls out with the next announcements.
I think the next rebel will be better than the current 60D anyway and I think the 7Dmk2 will see the same AF as the 5Dmk3 with the 70D getting the 7D AF as a minimum possibly better with rebels getting a much improved AF (possibly the current 60D AF as a bare minimum but i think it will be better)
Canon have realised they have to pick up their game regarding AF to compete with Nikon who put great AF systems even into their low end models

 

[solarpos]

What I'm pleased with after upgrading

I went from the T2i to the 7D. What I like:
Weather Sealing
Feel (large hands)
FPS
AF points and selection
Wheel on rear
CF Card as opposed to SD Card

Whatever you choose they are both great camera bodies.

 

[KKCFamilyman]

I have the 60d and like that its lighter than the 7d and like the flip out screen for video or taking a shot over a crowd. I
Also have both the 17-55 and 15-85. I primarily use the 17-55 for low light but i did a christmas trip to disney for 7 days and over 5k pics with just the 15-85 and a 270ex ii. Great travel setup and bot have fast focus.

 

[Marsu42]

I'm looking to upgrade my Canon T1i after 2 years. I'm not sure which one I should upgrade to though. I'm not thinking about going full frame either, it doesn't really suit me. (My main focus is portraits, landscapes, group events, and occasional basketball games)

* "amazing low light performance" on the 7d )) ??? Whoever told you that? The 7d has got the same sensor as the 550d/600d/60d, and it's main drawback is that above iso 800, noise reduction will blur you picture at crop sizes noticeably. And af is determined by the lens' light capability, too, so for fast phase detect af in low light you should have a 2.8 or better open aperture.

* weather sealing: The 60d is weather resistant, too, much more than the cheaper rebels. But that won't do you any good: your *system* isn't sealed if you use non-sealed lenses, and all of yours aren't! And you could think back of how often you were tempted to shoot in the rain anyway.

* I try to be not in the habit of recommending my own gear (60d), but I cannot resist: It's drawbacks over the 7d are less weather sealing (see above) and much worse af (do you track moving objects often? for "occasional basketball games" it'll do, too) and 8fps instead of 6fps (if you're not into pro event photography, do you think that'll make a difference)? And the 7D doesn't run magic lantern, which is a must for video and has great value for still shots, too.

* My recommendation: 1. get better lenses. 2. get more better lenses. 3. get the 60d if you must upgrade now and need more megapixels to be able to crop more... did I say better lenses do make the difference? Now I wouldn't recommend anyone to go over the top and buy a 24-70ii for a 1000d, but your current lenses are crappy, the 15-85 is worlds better, not to speak of a good macro (like the 100L as a combined portrait lens), fast quality primes or L tele lenses.

 

[nesarajah]

7D . better feel.

 

[D_Rochat]

It sounds like you already know which one you want. I agree that getting good lenses first is more important, but why buy a 60D if ultimately you aren't going to be entirely happy with it? I'd go for the 7D as well. Here are some options to think about.

1- Keep the T1i a little longer and upgrade at least one lens

2- Assuming you're in the US, B&H has a 7D with 28-135mm for $1799. Sure it's a little over budget, but something to consider

3- Buy used. It won't be too hard to find a 7D plus lens for $1700 or under right now.

 

[D_Rochat]

Something else to keep in mind.

http://youtu.be/hk5IMmEDWH4

 

[briansquibb]

Something else to keep in mind.

Totally agree. Any modern body will give excellent images.

I started digital with the 40d and added the 17-40f/4L, 24-105 f/4L and 70-200 f/4L (no IS)

Even today the 4 year old body delivers excellent images - which is why I still have the 40d (and use it) as a backup/walkabout/street camera. It was the lens that unleashed the potential of the body.

Not sure why the OP is wanting to upgrade though looking at the lens I could see that upgrading those would bring big benefits. If reach is paramount then a 70-300L would be a good start

 

[loudpictures]

Great - I really like the crazy DigitalRev guys.

Something else to keep in mind.

 

[wickidwombat]

D-Rochat that video is always good value

 

[ruuneos]

60D is better for video and 7D better at sport photography.
I chose 7D and never thought that choice could been mistake.

 

[Physicx]

Please dont fall into the trap of upgrading "just because".

Your camera is good enough there is little reason to upgrade. You are probably just doing it to make urself feel a bit better. am I right?

Your camera almost has the same sensor as the 60D and the 7D ( if you had the T2i, Id just wont bother). The cameras are not going to get you better images qualities by very much. ( in fact none if you had the T3i as they all share the same sensor). As you dont want to go Full Frame then why change?

Put all your money into better lenses. Then 2 more years later, you are able to change a body with a bigger difference and more value for your money, esp. now when the 60D and the 7D has been out for some time, you are better waiting a few months for the newer releases. I mean maybe even the 650D might be better value for money and a better improvement than the current 60D/7D.

 

[bbasiaga]

I agree with the sentiment that upgrading glass would do you much better than upgrading bodies right now. Of your 1700, spend half on good glass mentioned above, then save for another year. Buy a 7d or 60D second hand then after their replacements are out and used prices drop some.

-Brian

 

[TexPhoto]

I have a 7D and love it, but cannot believe the price difference from a 60D to a 7D. I think the 60D is definitely the better buy, and if the savings got to better glass, it's almost certianlly going to deliver better photos for you.

 

[elflord]

I'm looking to upgrade my Canon T1i after 2 years. I'm not sure which one I should upgrade to though. I'm not thinking about going full frame either, it doesn't really suit me.

My approximate budget for these two cameras is around $1700:
-If I purchase the 7D, I'd only be able to get the body. It's not that much of a big deal seeing that I already have some lenses (Canon 18-55, 55-250, and a Rokinon 35mm) But I'm worried that having a 7d with kit lenses, isn't going to really benefit me, seeing that most people say it's the glass that really makes the images. But I do like the 8fps burst rate, fast AF, and the amazing low light performance.

-If I purchase the 60d body, I'd be left with about $500-ish, which means that I could save a bit more and get the Canon 15-85mm lens. But to me, I honestly don't see it as a full upgrade from a Rebel camera. It's more like a SUPER Rebel. I just don't know if it will be worth it in the end.

Can I get everyone's opinion to help me figure out which camera to get?

(My main focus is portraits, landscapes, group events, and occasional basketball games)

Upgrading the body won't make a substantial impact on image quality, the sensors are all neck and neck. Low light performance won't be any better than the Rebel you currently have. The main advantages are the faster burst rate, better autofocus, weather sealing, micro focus adjustment, better build and ergonomics. So I'd say get some better glass. The 7D really will be reduced to a "super rebel" if you cripple it with substandard optics.

http://www.dxomark.com/index.php/Cameras/Compare-Camera-Sensors/Compare-cameras-side-by-side/%28appareil1%29/663|0/%28brand%29/Canon/%28appareil2%29/619|0/%28brand2%29/Canon/%28appareil3%29/586|0/%28brand3%29/Canon


The T1i is positioned as an entry level model, but it still capable of producing some stunning images if paired with good glass. My inclination would be to spend as little as possible on upgrading the body and put it into glass. For example, you could sell the T1i and get a 40D and more or less break even.

 

[Synomis192]

Whooops. I forgot to say that I'm upgrading not because I want a new body. It's because my T1i has a scratched senor. It happened quite a while back and the scratch doesn't show unless I'm at about f/8 - f/6.3. It gets quite bothersome haha.

 

[Mt Spokane Photography]

Whooops. I forgot to say that I'm upgrading not because I want a new body. It's because my T1i has a scratched senor. It happened quite a while back and the scratch doesn't show unless I'm at about f/8 - f/6.3. It gets quite bothersome haha.

If you are willing to consider a refurb, you might be able to squeeze out a 7D plus a lens. The Canon CLP (customer loyalty program) will let you trade in your old broken powershot or film slr for a nice discount. off the price of a refurb body. I did that when I bought my 7D, and its a wonderful camera. I use it as a companion to my 5D MK II for situations where I need two bodies, need the accurate autofocus, or am focal legnth limited. I also use it for product photography.

 

[tuankid]

I would recommend the 7D. more solid built and better AF.