Need help with choosing a suitable camera.

[MissMeraaitjie]

First of all excuse me if I sound super rookie in this post! I am still a beginner after all.

I want to study photography next year and would like to maybe upgrade from the Canon EOS Digital Rebel kit I started out with about 3 or four years ago.
I have tried working with a friend's Nikon (D7000) and really struggled with how different it was. It might be because I'm still pretty new to photography and I am a bit impractical about it but the Nikon was just way too fancy and complicated for me, don't get me wrong a few new or different settings or features are okay but I love the simplicity my Canon has (or seems to have?).

Anyway after a few years of using my trusty little Rebel I decided it was time for a second camera body and maybe a lens, just as a backup or variety since I have missed a few weeks of photographing due to repairs and a few mishaps here and there. I have looked at a few reviews on dpreview.com but I want a few 'outside' opinions I geuss.

So the basic mission here is to find a fairly simple but slightly less outdated version of what I already have which is my Canon Digital Rebel with it's kit lens (18-55 mm).
If it was an affordable option that would be a bonus point but I do have enough money saved up not to compromise too much.

I am a really cautious shopper and this is a pretty big decision to make so your help/humble opinion would be much appreciated. ^_^

 

[Robin Usagani]

You cant go wrong with either Nikon or Canon. The most important thing I think is the lens. If you are only a hobbyist, I think having a 2nd body is a little overkill. I rather sell the first camera to fund my next camera, or just keep the camera and use the money to buy a new lens.

 

[chaosrealm93]

^ agree. buy an entry level body and spend the bulk of your money on the lenses.

 

[KmH]

The only real difference between your Rebel and the D7000 is that a lot of the needed adjustments on the D7000 are made using buttons and controls on the outside of the camera, so the photographer doesn't have to take their eye away from the viewfinder and can quickly make the adjustment.

The Canon Rebel's have essentially the same adjustments, but they are buried in menus that take time to get to, and require the photographer lower the camera from their eye.

 

[MissMeraaitjie]

So my Rebel isn't as outdated as I thought?
Yeah I really don't want to sell it since is was my first 'proper' camera but a lot of places I looked at to study at next year said I wouldn't be able to keep up because of it. I was a bit skeptical because I didn't have any problems in any of the previous courses I have taken but they should know better than me with all that experience and so on, right? Guess not ^_^
I personally love it to bits though! Don't think I could ever sell it...

Thanx for the much needed advice everyone!

 

[Tomasko]

Outdated? It's outdated, when it either stops working or it stops being enough for your photographic needs If you're happy with the results and gives you all what you need from the camera body, stick with it.