T4i or 7D upgrade

[Juga]

I currently own a T3 because I didn't want to spend too much if I didn't like photography but now I want to upgrade. I plan on using my camera for taking pictures of my kids and family, friends, and maybe some work on the side but nothing 'professional' However I don't want to sell myself short of anything. So my question is should I go with the T4i, which I can get for an excellent price now, or the entry professional 7D?

 

[Justman1020]

What lens set up do you have?

 

[Juga]

What lens set up do you have?

My wife bought a bundle that had the standard kit lens 18-55mm,75-300 (no IS), and 50mm f/1.8 II.

 

[bigal1000]

Don't get angry,but those lenses are not very good, I'd keep the T3,upgrade your lenses when you can and then think about a new body. The 501.8 has the best IQ.Id keep that one.Only my opinion though.

 

[Juga]

Don't get angry,but those lenses are not very good, I'd keep the T3,upgrade your lenses when you can and then think about a new body. The 501.8 has the best IQ.Id keep that one.Only my opinion though.

haha, why would I get angry? They are basic lenses...which is why they include them in the kit. Thanks.

 

[enzodm]

T3 is a good camera to start with, as any other entry level (you'll miss spot measurement). ​

The 18-55IS is not bad from many points of view, for its cost. The only questionable lens is the

75-300, Canon released a 55-250IS which is cheap and better. ​

However, for a beginner, the bottleneck is elsewhere (read: behind the camera ), and quality issues become secondary. So, before any upgrade, just try what you have: this helps to learn their limits and choose the right body and lenses to go with (e.g., T3i has the same sensor as 7D, 60D, T2i... if you do not need 7D autofocus and ergonomics, you might just go with one of the others). After three years, I switched from 18-55 to Tamron 17-50/2.8, better in low light (kids in mind too ). Furthermore, I suppose sooner Canon finally will release a better APS-C sensor, to cope with competitors that are currently slightly better. I would wait to have a significant upgrade.

 

[Juga]

T3 is a good camera to start with, as any other entry level (you'll miss spot measurement). ​

The 18-55IS is not bad from many points of view, for its cost. The only questionable lens is the

75-300, Canon released a 55-250IS which is cheap and better. ​

However, for a beginner, the bottleneck is elsewhere (read: behind the camera ), and quality issues become secondary. So, before any upgrade, just try what you have: this helps to learn their limits and choose the right body and lenses to go with (e.g., T3i has the same sensor as 7D, 60D, T2i... if you do not need 7D autofocus and ergonomics, you might just go with one of the others). After three years, I switched from 18-55 to Tamron 17-50/2.8, better in low light (kids in mind too ). Furthermore, I suppose sooner Canon finally will release a better APS-C sensor, to cope with competitors that are currently slightly better. I would wait to have a significant upgrade.

Thanks for this advice. I am comfortable with the lens which is why I want to upgrade the body to have better low light shooting where I can expand the ISO settings. I have even thought of going full frame to the 6d but I don't like the fact that it doesn't have a built in flash. IDK upgrading is a difficult decision.

 

[pgriz]

Actually, you're lucky the camera doesn't have built-in flash. More images are ruined by this helpful accessory than you can imagine. Buy a good flash unit that allows you to shoot manual or E-TTL, and gives you the ability to swivel the head (especially useful for bounce light). Both the canon 430EX II and the 580EX II are very good units. Less expensive are the Yuongo units. For family shots, I use a 580EX II in bounce mode almost all the time and the results are pretty good. At some point, you'll want to move to off-camera flash, and cheap radio triggers will allow you to do that. At the same time, shooting in bright sunlight, you can use the flash to fill in the shadows (here, shooting direct doesn't impact image quality too much), and with features such as HS (High-speed flash) you can do things that would have been difficult with lesser gear.

In order of preference, I'd get the flash unit first, then a tripod. With those two accessories, you'll dramatically increase your ability to take great photos under less-than-ideal circumstances,.

 

[Juga]

Actually, you're lucky the camera doesn't have built-in flash. More images are ruined by this helpful accessory than you can imagine. Buy a good flash unit that allows you to shoot manual or E-TTL, and gives you the ability to swivel the head (especially useful for bounce light). Both the canon 430EX II and the 580EX II are very good units. Less expensive are the Yuongo units. For family shots, I use a 580EX II in bounce mode almost all the time and the results are pretty good. At some point, you'll want to move to off-camera flash, and cheap radio triggers will allow you to do that. At the same time, shooting in bright sunlight, you can use the flash to fill in the shadows (here, shooting direct doesn't impact image quality too much), and with features such as HS (High-speed flash) you can do things that would have been difficult with lesser gear.

In order of preference, I'd get the flash unit first, then a tripod. With those two accessories, you'll dramatically increase your ability to take great photos under less-than-ideal circumstances,.

I know that the flash is better external in most cases but I would like one built in for the sake of convience and the effect it has on my wallet...haha.

 

[2fastlx]

This is a no brainer. The 7d over a rebel all day long. Pick up the 7d and a 24-105L.

 

[jaomul]

The 7d is a great camera, but the t4i is good to. The image quality of both will be similar but the t4i has a few bells and whistles for video that are better than the 7d. However using the 7d with 2 wheels for adjusting parameters make it easier to use, it does also have a very fancy af system and is generally a fast camera for everything. If you are dead set in upgrading your camera try to see and hold both models. If you currently like the feel of your t3, the rebel will be similar (maybe just a little better). I would however consider if you upgrade your camera are you going to upgrade your lenses. If so I would go with them first as sometimes people buy good lenses and it improves their photos.

 

[texkam]

Relax, your camera body is more than adequate for your needs. Upgrading to the 7D or T4i will give you a negligible upgrade. High quality, fast glass will give you better results than a new body. Learning to shoot in raw, process images well and master off camera flash, will give you the greatest results, even while using your existing glass.

I know that the flash is better external in most cases but I would like one built in for the sake of convience and the effect it has on my wallet...haha.

Then accept the fact that the quality of your pictures will reflect that. Your problem is not your camera.

 

[Juga]

The 7d is a great camera, but the t4i is good to. The image quality of both will be similar but the t4i has a few bells and whistles for video that are better than the 7d. However using the 7d with 2 wheels for adjusting parameters make it easier to use, it does also have a very fancy af system and is generally a fast camera for everything. If you are dead set in upgrading your camera try to see and hold both models. If you currently like the feel of your t3, the rebel will be similar (maybe just a little better). I would however consider if you upgrade your camera are you going to upgrade your lenses. If so I would go with them first as sometimes people buy good lenses and it improves their photos.

I have a limited budget right now but whenever I do upgrade the body I plan on getting another lens as well. I have used the 7d and like the feel of it and the AF system has MANY more focus points which is great but I also like to manual focus. Thanks for the advice. When I do upgrade I am sure I will post to flaunt my new stuff.

 

[Juga]

Relax, your camera body is more than adequate for your needs. Upgrading to the 7D or T4i will give you a negligible upgrade. High quality, fast glass will give you better results than a new body. Learning to shoot in raw, process images well and master off camera flash, will give you the greatest results, even while using your existing glass.

I know that the flash is better external in most cases but I would like one built in for the sake of convience and the effect it has on my wallet...haha.

Then accept the fact that the quality of your pictures will reflect that. Your problem is not your camera.

I think you have me mistaken kind sir. I enjoy my T3 very much and think it is a quality camera for the price I paid and I don't like to use my flash unless I am front lighting. I rather have a noisy picture than overexposed or causing harsh shadows. When I do upgrade I want it to be an upgrade that is going to last for a while so I can buy quality supporting pieces (lens, flash, etc). Thanks for the advice though.

 

[arin04]

I have a t3i and researched and asked so much about upgrading the camera and considered everything out there. I have the 50mm lens and with much advice went and spent my money on a flash and two very nice and expensive lenses. My picture quality is much better and the external flash has helped a lot for indoor and some outdoor pictures. My opinion would also be to look at a lens first and one that will also work with a full frame when you decide to upgrade. But end of the day it is whatever you are comfortable with and if it is to upgrade then do it. Also see if you can rent a slr for a few days to see if you notice a difference. Good luck

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