T3 to 7D.....the right thing?

[Marsu42]

The 7d was going for around $600. I'm reading alot of options here in the thread, so I may just hold off and see what's a good fit for me. All of your input is valuable, and I thank you all very much!

That's a great price, if you want an even cheaper good camera look at the very nice 60d (sd cards, swivel screen, a bit smaller/lighter).

The 7d1 has the oldest incarnation of Canon's long-running 18mp crop sensor which can result in visible banding when raising shadows, it's bit better on 60d, it depends on how heavy your post-processing is. The good thing about the 7d1 is this is the cheapest Canon body that is designed for tracking moving objects like birds in flight.

Oh and btw, i'm a she

Oh my, what are *you* doing on a tech nerd internet forum then ?

 

[FTb-n]

The 7d was going for around $600. I'm reading alot of options here in the thread, so I may just hold off and see what's a good fit for me. All of your input is valuable, and I thank you all very much!

That's a great price, if you want an even cheaper good camera look at the very nice 60d (sd cards, swivel screen, a bit smaller/lighter).

The 7d1 has the oldest incarnation of Canon's long-running 18mp crop sensor which can result in visible banding when raising shadows, it's bit better on 60d, it depends on how heavy your post-processing is. The good thing about the 7d1 is this is the cheapest Canon body that is designed for tracking moving objects like birds in flight.

Oh and btw, i'm a she

Oh my, what are *you* doing on a tech nerd internet forum then ?

60D is another fine choice. I have both the 7D and the 60D. Even though I have upgraded to the 5D3, I've kept these crop bodies mostly for my wife and kids to use. But, I still grab the 7D once in a while. Lately, I've been using it with the 35 f2.0 IS. But, I digress.

A few notes. If you are having trouble with the AF, then it might be the mode. Are you using single-point focusing? The 7D is a better option with 19 focus points and it locks on quite well with it's "single point expansion". Assuming limited action, you shouldn't have any problem locking on focus with the right AF mode with either camera.

The 7D will come into it's own with action shots. It has a processor dedicated to the focus system and two Digic process to speed up the processing of the images. The buffer may not be bigger, but the camera is much faster at grabbing an image and moving it to the card. Because of its superior tracking, my in-focus keeper rate went up when I upgraded from the 60D to the 7D.

I use 32G Transcend 400x and 800x cards. They sell for $30-36 on Amazon. They were closer to $60 when I first ordered mine. These have been quite reliable and I don't see a difference between the two speeds.

Buffer can certainly be a concern with the Rebels. For the most part, it shouldn't be an issue with the 60D and 70D, unless spray and pray is your shooting style.

I've stopped shooting JPG and shoot nothing but RAW. The RAW burst mode on the 60D, 70D, and 5D3 are quite similar -- in the 15-18 range. I shoot mostly action with the 5D3 (around 40K images annually) and rarely have to wait for the buffer. I do lean heavily on timing to get the shot and not on burst. The 7D can shoot about 24 images in RAW before buffer delays.

For what it's worth, if I grab a crop body, I still prefer my 7D over my 60D. I also like its heavier build. So, if it's a choice between these two bodies and pricing is close, I'd recommend the 7D.

Lastly, the new breed of sensor in 70D has about a "stop" advantage over the 7D/60D in noise when shooting JPGs. This is because the 70D's DIGIC 5+ chip better at converting RAW images to JPGs. But, if you shoot RAW, this is a moot point. The "noise" advantage of the 70D isn't as great when comparing RAW images.

 

[pcdebb]

Thinking about it more, the weight of the camera could be a drawback. Even with my previous Nikons, they were lighter, and when I'm out and about it could be an issue. I'd hate to miss a shot because I put the camera down to rest. I've never held a 60d, so I'd have to see if I can check one out. I never even considered the T5i or even the SL1, but right now the 70d is still in the lead

Marsu42, I've been a nerd for many moons

 

[greger]

MY wife loves her 70D. I am getting better at using my 7D that I might be ready for an upgrade. I haven't used the
70D but enjoy the results my wife gets with the 70D. I don't know which camera is better at action and BIF but feel in
The long run you would be happier with the 70D. I think you said you were more interested in Landscape and Portrait.
The weight of the 7D and my 100-400 zoom can get a bit heavy feeling after awhile. The 70D and 70-200 lens is no
Bother but the last time we went out she used her 18-135 IS STM lens that came with her camera. The touch zoom
When looking at pics on the 70D is a feature I want. Good Luck in making your choice. Come back and let us know
What you purchased and how it's working out. I know a guy who bought the 70D and 100-400 Zoom when the 70D
First came out. I have yet to see a pic using AI Servo, but birds flying high in the sky are sharp and blur free. The swivel screen on the 70D is very useful for pics at weird angles.

 

[Valvebounce]

Hi pcdebb.
Anyone worried about camera body weight better get good at stalking their wildlife shots, long glass weighs more than most bodies, 1Dx might outweigh some of the shorter tele lenses. The difference in body weight in the range you are looking seems fairly insignificant to me, get a decent strap that gets the camera off your neck and you won't really notice weight.
Buying the ergonomics that fit your hands best is to me more important than the weight, yes the 7D is a bit heavier than the other cameras but if it fits you get it if it feels wrong in the hand DON'T, you will not enjoy using it so your phone will get more use!
I have large hands, and a rebel range camera is too small to hold comfortably, I have to rest from holding small light cameras but I can hold my 7D for much longer 2-3x longer before strain despite the weight.
I think I would order my selection priorities image quality, ergonomics, weight to select from within budget bodies.

Cheers, Graham.

Thinking about it more, the weight of the camera could be a drawback. Even with my previous Nikons, they were lighter, and when I'm out and about it could be an issue. I'd hate to miss a shot because I put the camera down to rest. I've never held a 60d, so I'd have to see if I can check one out. I never even considered the T5i or even the SL1, but right now the 70d is still in the lead

Marsu42, I've been a nerd for many moons

 

[FTb-n]

Thinking about it more, the weight of the camera could be a drawback. Even with my previous Nikons, they were lighter, and when I'm out and about it could be an issue. I'd hate to miss a shot because I put the camera down to rest. I've never held a 60d, so I'd have to see if I can check one out. I never even considered the T5i or even the SL1, but right now the 70d is still in the lead

Marsu42, I've been a nerd for many moons

My most used camera is a 5D3 with the 70-200 f2.8L IS II. Together, they weigh about 5 pounds. I like my 60D, but sometimes it feels too light. But, this is just me.

If the 70D is in lead and in your price range, don't look back. I think you will be happier with it than any of the other Rebels or the almost discontinued models (like the 7D and 60D). The road up from a 70D is the 7D2 or the 6D. Of these, I'd opt for the 6D. Despite being full frame, it weighs about the same as the 60D/70D.

The 7D2 is best for action. The 6D is best for image quality and low light performance. Full frame is a huge upgrade over crop. But, if the price of these bodies is out of your range, then the 70D stands out as you next camera.

 

[Deleted member 7828]

The 7D is a fine camera. Used one to shoot ice shows for a couple years. I utilize both the 5D3 (full frame) and 7D2 now.

I think for what you are describing, I think either a 60D or 70D would be a solid upgrade over what you are currently using. Unlike the above poster, I would not consider a 6D - while the image quality and low light performance are definitely better, there are trade offs - it's more expensive, plus if you have any EF-S lenses you won't be able to mount those on the 6D or any FF camera, and you'll have to invest in new lenses (an added cost which can be substantial). FF sensors tend to offer clearer, sharper images than cropped sensors (especially indoors), but you give up "reach" (i.e., your telephoto lenses will not zoom as far), you have less depth of field (area of focus is smaller for a given aperture). Also, the 6D is not action oriented - the AF is not as sophisticated as on the 70D/7D2.

I think you'll find that the 70D is better suited for everyday, all-purpose shooting on a budget. The 7D2 is the next step up (as previously mentioned) and is the top of the line cropped sensor camera - but I don't know if your budget stretches that far. It is also a bigger, heavier camera and if weight is an issue I wouldn't recommend it anyway.

Also - two new Rebels were announced last month - the T6i and T6s. Similar price range. Have you had a look at those?

 

[Tinky]

The 7D is a great buy just now.

Although the T3 is newer on paper, it's image sensor is from the older 450D. Same Digic Generation although the 7D has two of them, plus a dedicated AF processor.

It's a leap on in terms of AF, but not BETTER as such for everybody. If you are prepared to spend some time with the manual and tweak a bit it can be a very very rewarding camera to use, things like AiServo customisation and Micro Focus Adjust are only worth having if you are going to use them.

For many people the 7D was a backwards step right out of the box, it only really shines if you take the time to set it up properly, and then it really really shines.

Great frame rate, great images up to around 3200, great af, especially with better lenses.

If you shoot sports or action it's a worthwhile upgrade. The 70D might be a gentler step (all of the good bits of the 7D, better sensor, better processor, less complicated custom settings - I hope this doesn't sound patronising, apologies if it does, just want to hammer the point that the 7D is an enthusiasts camera, not a magic bullet solution to automatically better pics) though not as quite a great deal just now.

The logic of better lenses holds true somewhat. Brighter glass gets the best out of any AF system, things like USM motors, ring type motors, really speed things up, as does focus limiting etc.

Outdoors in good light, the kit f3.5-5.6 aperture lenses do really well. If you start getting a bit more demanding they falter.

I can't say favour lenses or camera until I know a bit more about your circumstances..

I can say the 7D is great camera to use, and once you are in harmony with it, it has the potential to vastly up your keeper rate.

 

[pcdebb]

Thank you Tinky for your feedback. One thing I've learned that sometimes it really doesnt matter what camera you have, it's the person behind it. I may make a decision soon, and I"ll be sure to update you guys. I'm also looking for some glass and might come to you all for recommendations

 

[pcdebb]

The person selling me the camera is not a stranger to me. He's letting me "rent" the camera for a few days. He had a 70d a week ago but sold it, so I took him up on his offer. While it's heavier than my T3, I actually like the sturdiness of it. I really like it. I have to learn the buttons again as the layout is a little different.

The only thing I hate is that CF cards are expensive! Any recommended brands to get and/or stay away from? Right now I have a Kingston.

 

[jdramirez]

The person selling me the camera is not a stranger to me. He's letting me "rent" the camera for a few days. He had a 70d a week ago but sold it, so I took him up on his offer. While it's heavier than my T3, I actually like the sturdiness of it. I really like it. I have to learn the buttons again as the layout is a little different.

The only thing I hate is that CF cards are expensive! Any recommended brands to get and/or stay away from? Right now I have a Kingston.

Lexar and Sandisk. CF is much much faster than SD cards... so embrace it... you aren't just paying more, you are getting more... provided you take successive shots.

Also... other brands are ok... all have a failure rate... but I think I speak for most of us when I say that Sandisk seems to be at the highest possible level when it comes to not losing data. You might not have experienced this yet... but when it happens, it is devestating.

While you are learning the layout... you may want to consider back button focusing. I do it because all the cool kids do it. It isn't bad... it just takes some getting used to... and there are many who swear by it.

 

[pcdebb]

I've heard of back button focusing but never tried it. I wanna be cool too so I will learn it lol 8)

 

[FTb-n]

The person selling me the camera is not a stranger to me. He's letting me "rent" the camera for a few days. He had a 70d a week ago but sold it, so I took him up on his offer. While it's heavier than my T3, I actually like the sturdiness of it. I really like it. I have to learn the buttons again as the layout is a little different.

The only thing I hate is that CF cards are expensive! Any recommended brands to get and/or stay away from? Right now I have a Kingston.

Lexar and Sandisk. CF is much much faster than SD cards... so embrace it... you aren't just paying more, you are getting more... provided you take successive shots.

Also... other brands are ok... all have a failure rate... but I think I speak for most of us when I say that Sandisk seems to be at the highest possible level when it comes to not losing data. You might not have experienced this yet... but when it happens, it is devestating.

While you are learning the layout... you may want to consider back button focusing. I do it because all the cool kids do it. It isn't bad... it just takes some getting used to... and there are many who swear by it.

I'm one who swears by back button focusing. My kids took to it as well, it's quite natural.

As for cards, I've had good luck with Transcend UDMA 400x 32GB cards. While I have several, there are two that I use most often (one for each 5D3). It's safe to say that each has held over 20,000 images and still work fine.

Once you copy your images to your computer and made two additional backups (on separate devices), erase your card by formatting in the camera. Do NOT delete the contents from your computer. In-camera formatting is the safest way to clean a card.

The Transcend 32 GB cards (in 400x and 800x) cards are selling for $30-36 each on Amazon -- which I think is cheap.

 

[jdramirez]

Also... pay attention to write v. read speeds... sometimes a card will advertise 1000x read speeds, and the write speeds are only 400x. So just make sure you know what you are getting.

 

[pcdebb]

I copy images to my computer at the end of the day, and back up to cd/dvd every month. At some point I want to back up to the cloud, I think I have 74gb of free space on Dropbox.

 

[Valvebounce]

In-camera formatting is the safest way to clean a card.

Yes right up to the point you put Magic lantern on then you have to have to delete the files from the card on the PC.

Cheers, Graham.

 

[FTb-n]

In-camera formatting is the safest way to clean a card.

Yes right up to the point you put Magic lantern on then you have to have to delete the files from the card on the PC.

Cheers, Graham.

I never explored Magic Lantern. I'm guessing that the code lives on the card?

 

[Valvebounce]

Hi FTb-n.
No expert on ML, but as far as I know the camera boot is interrupted and diverted to load ML from the card, I believe you can boot without ML if you put a clean card in.

Cheers, Graham.

In-camera formatting is the safest way to clean a card.

Yes right up to the point you put Magic lantern on then you have to have to delete the files from the card on the PC.

Cheers, Graham.

I never explored Magic Lantern. I'm guessing that the code lives on the card?

 

[Marsu42]

No expert on ML, but as far as I know the camera boot is interrupted and diverted to load ML from the card, I believe you can boot without ML if you put a clean card in.

Correct, you can also boot w/o ML at any time simply by pressing a designated key (varies between camera models, usually SET).

 

[Valvebounce]

Hi Marsu.
I thought you would be there to catch me if I slipped up! Glad I got that much correct.

Cheers, Graham.

No expert on ML, but as far as I know the camera boot is interrupted and diverted to load ML from the card, I believe you can boot without ML if you put a clean card in.

Correct, you can also boot w/o ML at any time simply by pressing a designated key (varies between camera models, usually SET).