which camera - DPChallenge Forums

Canon EF 85mm f/1.2L II USM

02/21/2011 11:15:05 AM · #1

all being relatively similar in price, I'm trying to figure out which camera to get.

im trying not to spend a fortune on my new camera, but im going to put out good money because its probably the last one im going to buy for a while.

im not a pro, its just an expensive hobby. but i do a lot of low light candids and walkabout shooting. So here are the choices:

Canon T2i
Canon T3i (when it comes out)
Canon 50D
Canon 60D

its seems that the t2i, t3i and the 60D all have the same image sensor. i can get all four with 200-300 of each other.

which camera would you buy and WHY?

Cory

Canon EOS-1D Mark IV

02/21/2011 11:31:11 AM · #2

50D, as it's the only one in the list with a "real" mag body. It'll take more abuse, and 15 megapixels is already too darn many.

Zeissman

Canon EOS-500D Rebel T1i

Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS

02/21/2011 01:00:01 PM · #3

Popphoto review of 60D
T3i preview

The 60D looked pretty impressive in the review to me.

Yo_Spiff

Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III

Olympus 12-100mm f/4.0 M.Zuiko ED IS PRO

02/21/2011 01:14:10 PM · #4

I'm pretty darn happy with my 50D and I agree with Cory that the mag body is a huge plus. I would give some thought as to the features the others have and if those features are important to you. Features such as video and the flip n' twist display screen. Do you prefer the smaller Rebel body, or the more substantial feel of the larger xxD cameras? Each model has it's own pluses and minuses and you just need to figure out which are most important.

JokersSoul

Canon EOS-50D

Tamron AF 28-80mm f/3.5-5.6 Aspherical for Canon

02/21/2011 02:54:32 PM · #5

I love my 50D!!! It is my first "great" camera and I don't know what I would do without it. However, I suggest going to a store that has them all and hold them, check the features... etc. That way you really get a "feel" for the camera!!

Happy shopping!

PS... I want new GLASS!! I need new GLASS!! LOL

Canon EF 24-105mm f/4.0L IS

02/21/2011 04:32:21 PM · #6

i just went to the store. i really loved the 60d but i'm really like the smaller rebel bodies. i'm afraid if i get the 60d it will be too large. stupid best buy has the damn lock cord so its really hard to get a feel for the weight.

the t2i is great too, but i really love the swivel screen on the 60d and the live view auto focus which my xs is terrible at. i could really see my self just maneuvering around using the swivel screen and live view with my 50mm. i'd probably get much better pictures when my subjects don't see my eye behind the viewer.

i may hold off a little longer and see what the t3i has to offer. if the live view focus is comparable i may go with the t3i since it will have the swivel screen.

but the 60d was just sweet...

Garry

Canon EOS-7D

Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II

02/21/2011 04:41:17 PM · #7

Originally posted by mike_311:

I use the live-view maybe 1% of the time I have the camera on. For me, the swivel is irrelevant unless you want to do a lot of video shots. My 2c.

Quite happy with the T2i.

robs

Canon EOS R6 Mk II

02/21/2011 05:22:53 PM · #8

To me they made a real mess of that xxD line.... Do a careful feature compare as I hear a few features have been removed from the 60D.... It's not a clean progression of the 50D. If you don't care about whatever was dropped then your good.

I would hate the swivel screen - although at some point they will be on most (maybe all the non 1series) bodies at some point but if your into video then I can see it would be a boon.

Cory

Canon EOS-1D Mark IV

Canon EF 85mm f/1.2L II USM

02/21/2011 06:36:20 PM · #9

Originally posted by robs:

Hence the initial support for the 50D option. :)

GeneralE

Canon PowerShot S3 IS

Canon 12x IS USM (S3 IS built-in Lens) -- 36-432mm (35mm EQ)

02/21/2011 06:42:04 PM · #10

The tilt-swivel screen is one of Canon's best festures -- it lets you compose images at angles which would be impossible with a viewfinder or flat LCD. Some examples of where it's handy would be

-low angle macro, shooting up at the gills of a growing mushroom
-"stealth" street candids with the camera on the strap at waist-level and the screen facing up
-high-angle "photo-journalism" shots, like at the end of a sporting event or over the crowd at a concert; wildlife, like shooting down into a bird nest
-self-portraits -- face the LCD towards the subject; works more effeciently with a remote

Also, you can turn it all the way around and nest it in place to use as a flat-screen, like any other camera. Turning it back around when you're not shooting acts to protect the screen.

Message edited by author 2011-02-21 18:44:51.

Canon EF 85mm f/1.2L II USM

02/21/2011 07:01:21 PM · #11

i wish i had a swivel screen for my last challenge entry. i was laying on the wet ground looking through the viewfinder. why would you not want that option? the screen clicks into the normal space when you aren't using it.

Cory

Canon EOS-1D Mark IV

02/21/2011 07:33:41 PM · #12

Originally posted by mike_311:

As to why I wouldn't want that option, it's a simple matter of durability, the swivel and all of the associated complexity are just invitations for failure, much the same reason I prefer that my vehicles do not have a built in GPS, or a ridiculous amount of frills (read Mercedes/Lexus/Maserati/Etc).. But, clearly there is a market segment that not only prefers, but demands, those frills.

Zeissman

Canon EOS-500D Rebel T1i

Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS

02/21/2011 08:17:35 PM · #13

I have a swivel on my G11 and I love it. I miss it when I shot my T2i, especially when I want to get down to eye level with kids or shot some nature shot up high.

Also, I like that I can turn the LCD in on my G11 and protect it when stored, not sure that the T3i and the 60D allow that.

02/21/2011 08:34:53 PM · #14

Originally posted by Zeissman:

the 60d allows it to flip to protect it. I'd expect the t3i to do the same.

Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III

02/22/2011 04:05:38 PM · #15

man... i hate having this itch, all said the difference in the 60d and the t2i with the 18-135 lens is only $159.

i think its worth it to have the better body for that little of a price difference.

Yo_Spiff

Olympus 12-100mm f/4.0 M.Zuiko ED IS PRO

02/22/2011 04:10:25 PM · #16

Originally posted by coryboehne:

Agree. I enjoy having the swivel screen and have been using it on my new G11, but on my late departed (departed with this morning's mail, on it's way to

Monsterzero) Powershot S5, the screen did become a little finicky after a time. It's a very useful feature that is also a weak area.

RamblinR

Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III

Olympus 12-40mm f/2.8 Pro

02/22/2011 04:19:43 PM · #17

When you feel a camera in your hand to test it, it's best to have a moderately heavy lens on it (not just the 18-55 kit lens).

With the smaller bodies you will find the your hand is rolled forward and you are always trying to correct it.
It's just a balance thing and can be helped by a battery grip.
The bigger bodies do balance better due to their size and weight.