Poll

Which camera or course of action?

Only registered users are allowed to vote for this poll.
14 votes were received.

Evaluate and repair 30D	1		7%
Canon 7D	9		64%
Canon 60D	3		21%
An other camera, I'll explain below	1		7%

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I may be in the market for a new camera. I've been having odd problems with my Canon 30D, sometimes the flash wants to engage even if the scene is bright, sometimes the picture taken has totally blown out highlights, also the focus just does not seem crisp. I took the camera in to our local photo shop and the person there played with it, he couldn't get the camera to act up too much, but what he did find was that the camera was back focusing, and based on my description, he surmised that the shutter was becoming faulty. Also, the front setting ring was not always clicking, but was smoothly turning. He said they could ship it off for an estimate for repairs, but he said that if it is the shutter, then that would be at least a $200-$300 repair bill. Based on the age of the camera, he said it would be more cost-effective to look at a new model, as the new models are far superior to mine.

He showed me the Rebel T3i and the T2i, the T2i as that would be a new camera that would cost about as much, a little more than repairing mine, but be more capable. I then asked about the replacement to the 30D, the 60D, he showed me that as well, but thought that I should get a less expensive camera like the T3i and spend the difference on glass. When mentioning the 7D, he didn't even show me that, stating again that camera bodies aren't as important as the glass.

When I got home I started doing research online and found a few places that compared all three of them, and they gave props to the 60D , but argued that it was more for video. Still the reviews were split.

I'm mostly shooting my 9 y.o. daughter playing sports (indoor basketball and volleyball) and shooting activities at the camp that she attends. I also would use it to shoot group portraits, some wildlife, some portraiture, some nature and still life. I'd also be shooting the occasional high school football game as my nephews are playing this year.

60D takes SD cards, 7D takes compact flash.

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The standout feature of the 7D is the autofocus sensor array. It is superior in low light sensitivity and tracking to 60D or T series cameras. It has a sturdier build quality due to the metal skeleton and more weather resistance.

Seeing as you are shooting low light sports with subjects that will not stay the same age for long, I would spend the extra $ to get in focus images. You might want to look into an 85mm 1.8 or 70-200mm 2.8 USM type lens. Indoor gyms that are not NBA arenas have horrible lighting.

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Ways to improve web conference image and sound quality. [forums.macresource.com]

I have a 7D as my main camera and a 60D as my backup. The 60D is a fine camera but pRICE cUBE is dead on. The focusing system on the 7D was the reason I finally upgraded from my Rebel XTi bodies. Now that I'm used to having the extra focus points, the 60D frustrates me at times when there isn't a focus point where I want one.

In addition, there is one other really nice thing to the 7D focusing system: there is custom setting for "Orientation Linked Focus Points." That's where you can select a different focus point for horizontal (landscape) and for vertical (portrait.) You set them independently and they automatically switch when you change from horizontal to vertical and back. I really miss that when I use my 60D.

One nice thing about all of the models you are looking at is the much-improved image quality of high ISO images. ISO 6400 on the 7D/60D looks better than ISO 1600 looked on my XTi. The noise is much tighter and even. I'm regularly amazed at how good the high ISO looks. (I would love to have a 5D Mark III because the high ISO images would look considerably better than what I'm getting now!)

30D and 60D basically have the same autofocus, and the 7D will trounce either, as pRICE cUBE said. I personally love a swivel screen, which the 60D has but the 7D not. There's no way I'd put $200 or $300 into a 30D. You can probably buy a used 40D for $300.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 05/11/2012 09:52PM by thermarest.

I liked the swivel screen as well, that was one reason that I was leaning toward the 60D. The other was the movie capabilities.

I regret now that I didn't get in on the $1299 7D body deal back in February. But then again, it wasn't as important then.

I take it that the 7D would be a better long-term investment than the 60D or T3i?



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 05/11/2012 10:29PM by Sam3.

$1299 if you don't mind refurbs [www.adorama.com]

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Ways to improve web conference image and sound quality. [forums.macresource.com]

the few canon refurbs I've bought have been like-new

Adorama refurbs from Nikon and Canon I have bought from Adorama have been pristine.

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Ways to improve web conference image and sound quality. [forums.macresource.com]

I have said it before and I'll say it again (some will disagree with me)...

The 7D is a really nice camera except in one aspect. Very good AF, nice features, great ergonomics, a real joy to use. Too bad the image quality sucks (IMHO).

Unless you want video or a lot of pixels, don't rule out a 1D Mark II (or IIn). A used Mark II will go for less than the 60D and has better AF than the 7D. Also, in my opinion, better image quality too. It doesn't have the mega-high ISO capability of the newer cameras. It tops out at ISO 1600 plus "High" (which is ISO 3200), while the 7D tops out at 6400 plus High. But the Mark II is cleaner at ISO 1600 than the 7D. Same file size as your 30D. The body is totally weather sealed.

Cons for the Mark II:
* the LCD is much better on the new models like the 60D or 7D (the Mark IIn LCD is a big improvement over the Mark II, by the way)
* max ISO is 3200 which is kind of ugly -- 1600 looks good, though
* different interface than you're used to: lots of "hold down this button while pressing another button or turning a control wheel" motif which was the way all 1Ds worked until the 1D Mark III
* heavy and built like a tank (also could be a pro depending on what you want and if you can handle the extra weight)

Quote
AllGold
I have said it before and I'll say it again (some will disagree with me)...

The 7D is a really nice camera except in one aspect. Very good AF, nice features, great ergonomics, a real joy to use. Too bad the image quality sucks (IMHO).

Unless you want video or a lot of pixels, don't rule out a 1D Mark II (or IIn). A used Mark II will go for less than the 60D and has better AF than the 7D. Also, in my opinion, better image quality too. It doesn't have the mega-high ISO capability of the newer cameras. It tops out at ISO 1600 plus "High" (which is ISO 3200), while the 7D tops out at 6400 plus High. But the Mark II is cleaner at ISO 1600 than the 7D. Same file size as your 30D. The body is totally weather sealed.

Cons for the Mark II:
* the LCD is much better on the new models like the 60D or 7D (the Mark IIn LCD is a big improvement over the Mark II, by the way)
* max ISO is 3200 which is kind of ugly -- 1600 looks good, though
* different interface than you're used to: lots of "hold down this button while pressing another button or turning a control wheel" motif which was the way all 1Ds worked until the 1D Mark III
* heavy and built like a tank (also could be a pro depending on what you want and if you can handle the extra weight)

What camera do you shoot with most AllGold . . . ?

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Quote
AllGold
I have said it before and I'll say it again (some will disagree with me)...

The 7D is a really nice camera except in one aspect. Very good AF, nice features, great ergonomics, a real joy to use. Too bad the image quality sucks (IMHO).

Unless you want video or a lot of pixels, don't rule out a 1D Mark II (or IIn). A used Mark II will go for less than the 60D and has better AF than the 7D. Also, in my opinion, better image quality too. It doesn't have the mega-high ISO capability of the newer cameras. It tops out at ISO 1600 plus "High" (which is ISO 3200), while the 7D tops out at 6400 plus High. But the Mark II is cleaner at ISO 1600 than the 7D. Same file size as your 30D. The body is totally weather sealed.

Cons for the Mark II:
* the LCD is much better on the new models like the 60D or 7D (the Mark IIn LCD is a big improvement over the Mark II, by the way)
* max ISO is 3200 which is kind of ugly -- 1600 looks good, though
* different interface than you're used to: lots of "hold down this button while pressing another button or turning a control wheel" motif which was the way all 1Ds worked until the 1D Mark III
* heavy and built like a tank (also could be a pro depending on what you want and if you can handle the extra weight)

Kind of depends on how many aps-c EF-s lenses a person has since the 1D Mark II is Aps-H

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Ways to improve web conference image and sound quality. [forums.macresource.com]

AllGold has a good point but don't forget that Photoshop has great noise reduction tools too so even using 1600 ISO in an older camera shouldn't be something to fear. If you don't have PS other image processing programs have improved noise reduction.

Based on your subject matter I would go for a 7D.

The 60D is a good choice also but not as nice for autofocus especially in indoor situations.

I would not get a Rebel series. It is a fine camera but the lack of the rear control wheel makes it much slower to adjust and compensate for exposure on the fly. Since you are shooting action this is essential.

I understand the reccomendation for nicer glass but I think that piece of advice is misplaced in this situation. For action shots I'd rather have a focused picture with lesser glass than nicer glass and a body that can't focus quickly or accurately enough.

Also the 7D is weather sealed as well when used with a weather sealed lens.

While I wouldn't say the ISO 1600 on the 7D is class leading, it isn't terrible. Plus the OP is considering all cameras that use the same 18mp chip so it comes down to things such as the AF system.

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Ways to improve web conference image and sound quality. [forums.macresource.com]

I think I've pretty much taken the 60D off of my list.

But, now you've got me really going. I started looking at the 1D MkII and I've found a one at Adorama for $550. However, the ratings say that it appears well used and may include dings, scrapes/scratches, heavy brassing on body or LCD, but is in fully functional condition.. I'd be afraid that I'd be buying into someone else's problems. Also, it is an 8 year old camera, is it that much better than a current generation model with all the technical advancements since then?

However, the $550 1D MkII is an option that I may be able to swing right away.

I only have one EF-S lens, the other two are EF lenses.

I did think that I'd want video capabilities, but it's probably not necessary as I have a 3 CMOS video camera.

Now that you've made my job even harder, I'll throw out this option- How about a used 5D MkII? Adorama has a body for about $1850. (That may not happen for a while, as I'd need to save up my pennies first.) But would that be a better option that going for a new or refurb 7D?

The 5d MkII has a notoriously bad AF system. The full frame sensor will drink more light and is great for portraiture, studio work, and landscapes but for action (sports, kids) it should not be an option at all.

OK, scratch the 5D MkII off the list.

It seems that I'm down to a used 1D MKII or a refurb/new 7D.

I did find a used 1D MkII N body for $800.

The down side on the 1D is that I'd have to relearn the controls and that it would be heavier, plus there still is the issue of buying a banged up but working used camera. I would hope that a reputable camera store should check the cameras out before selling them, yes? I take it Adorama is a reliable camera store?

I think you can probably find a used 1D Mark II in a lot better condition than the one at Adorama for around $550. The IIn is definitely a nicer camera but I'm not sure it would be worth the extra money.