Is this a worthwhile upgrade ?

reaper7534 · Jan 13, 2013

Going from a 450d to a 60d ?

The main type of photography that interest me are macro and moving objects (animals, cars, etc. )

From what I can see the upgrades from what I currently have are :

Better build quality
Slightly larger
Better viewfinder
Top LCD
Faster burst mode
More autofocus zones

Things that don't really matter to me are :

More megapixels
HD movie mode

This is my current crop of equipment

450d
18-55mm kit lens
50mm 1.8
Tamron 90mm macro
70-200mm f/4 L ( on the way )
battery grip
Yongnuo 468 II flash ( just ordered this, took a chance )

The price of the 60D is right in my ballpark, I had considered the t4i, but them I'm right at the smaller size again.

For what I'm looking to do, what's the recommendations. I'm strictly recreational, but like a good picture as much as anyone.

spd · Jan 13, 2013

7D?

If you're shooting moving cars, 7D will give faster burst rate, less shutter lag (if that's even measurable in real shooting), more cross point focus points and a 100% viewfinder...over the 60D.

Also, i think not having a flip out screen makes it better (one less thing to break) than a 60D...

I also have no interest in the HD video side, and do wonder why they bother including it...especially as it doesn't work (no continuous focus)...:er:

SamiJoSchwirtz · Jan 13, 2013

60D is phenomenal.

gw2424 · Jan 13, 2013

Canon 5d Classic. Oh yeahhhh, that's an upgrade.

I want one myself!

FS: Canon 5D body, Sigma 50mm f/1.4, 17-40mm f/4L: For Sale and Wanted Forum: Digital Photography Review

rexbobcat · Jan 13, 2013

spd said:
I also have no interest in the HD video side, and do wonder why they bother including it...especially as it doesn't work (no continuous focus)...:er:

A large majority of feature films are made using rail focusing systems and manual focus.

Fixed gear bicycles aren't broken just because you can't switch gears. :/

spd · Jan 13, 2013

rexbobcat said:
spd said:

I also have no interest in the HD video side, and do wonder why they bother including it...especially as it doesn't work (no continuous focus)...:er:

Click to expand...

A large majority of feature films are made using rail focusing systems and manual focus.

Made on a 7D are they? No, wait a minute, they use dedicated cameras because a 7D ISN'T a movie camera and can't be one without a hell of a lot of modification, making it irrelevant!

Fixed gear bicycles aren't broken just because you can't switch gears. :/

I didn't say it was broken, i said it didn't work...and i stand by that.

A fixed gear bicycle may well be useful at a certain speed, but for all practical purposes, it doesn't work for the majority of people (hence why it's a specialist device).

That's why we have multi-geared bicycles, and that's why the 7D should never have been sold as HD movie capable, because for 99% of users, it just isn't!

If i want a pick up, i buy a pick up; i don't buy a station wagon, cut the rear roof off and weld up a rear bulkhead behind the seats just so i can use it as a pick up...

reaper7534 · Jan 13, 2013

7d is a little more than I want to spend. Of course if its a vast improvement, I'd save for it.

salalone · Jan 13, 2013

Having shot with both in my tenure, yes, the 60D is an upgrade from the rebel series... absolutely. Is it where you'll want to end up? Likely no, but it's a great camera for now. It will handle ISO better, be easier to manipulate while shooting, and has higher fps.

rexbobcat · Jan 13, 2013

spd said:
I didn't say it was broken, i said it didn't work...and i stand by that.

A fixed gear bicycle may well be useful at a certain speed, but for all practical purposes, it doesn't work for the majority of people (hence why it's a specialist device).

That's why we have multi-geared bicycles, and that's why the 7D should never have been sold as HD movie capable, because for 99% of users, it just isn't!

If i want a pick up, i buy a pick up; i don't buy a station wagon, cut the rear roof off, weld up a rear bulkhead behind the seats just so i can use it as a pick up...

I don't understand what you mean by saying it doesn't work. It's not even built to work in the way you think it should...

99%? Is that an actual statistic sampled from a sizable population. A DSLR is not a camcorder. It's not supposed to be. It's not meant for Joe-Schmo to pick it up and make lazy, easy, home movies. Just because a tool doesn't cater to the lowest common denominator doesn't mean it doesn't work.

You missed the point Of my metaphor. You don't buy a fixed gear bicycle and then complain that you can't change gears.

How is it not capable? Can you capture HD video with it? Yes. Is it quality video? Yes. Lacking the skill to use a piece of equipment to its fullest potential is not the fault of the manufacturer. It's not a matter of not working. It's a matter of knowing how to make it work.

Your pickup analogy doesn't work because you don't lose any functionality of the DSLR by adapting it to video use. If I learn how to use my DSLR as a still camera and a video camera then, guess what...I don't have to spend twice the money buying a station wagon and a pickup.

Google a list of high-end productions made using the piece of equipment that doesn't work, which is a very misleading statement to say about something that has garnered international praise since its implementation.

Also; there was a time when video cameras didn't have autofocus, and I highly doubt that you would consider a Leica to not work just because it doesn't have 60+ autofocus points like the newest Canons. Different tools, different functionalities, different applications. None of them are non-working unless they say they can do something but they can't (DSLRs can record quality HD video therefore...), which as far as I can tell isn't the case here. Man, I can't believe I just typed such a long paragraph explaining that.

But it's w/e, preaching to the choir.

07Vios · Jan 13, 2013

I'd say save up a little more and get the 7D. It's more suited for your main photography.

o hey tyler · Jan 13, 2013

On top of what Dave has already said...

I shot a wedding where the videographer had 4 7D's, a vest based steadicam, external monitor, and two copies of every L zoom lens. He seemed to be pretty comfortable with using that setup. Seemed to work for his production. If you want to do video, DSLRs are highly capable.

Also, as someone else stated, a 5D1 is a totally viable upgrade without breaking the bank.