Upgrading

[James Ragen]

Using a cheap 'ol Rebel T3 right now with a 18-55mm lens.

After I sell my T3, my upgrade price range will be around $1500.

Any advice? (I mainly do action shots IE: Motorsports,etc...)

 

[astroNikon]

If you do action shots are you looking for a faster frames per second camera? and also faster glass/lenses?
These will dictate what you can get per your budget.

are you looking for new or would you also look at used ?

 

[ronlane]

The new Canon 7D mark II will be on shelves next month. It is just a little bit higher than your budget at $1799 (body only) but for action and sports, the 10 fps would be good to have.

But astroNikon is right, lenses are a big deal too.

 

[cynicaster]

Another benefit you'll see with the 7D or similar vs. your current camera is the more advanced AF system.

 

[Ido]

Either a Canon EOS 70D or the original EOS 7D. As Gary A. suggested below, buying manufacturer-refurbished can really save you a lot of money, while you get a mint-condition product that's been tested and repaired by Canon itself. Both the 7D and 70D are sold for under $1000 refurbished.

What lens(es) do you currently own?

I'd also like to point out that B&H offers those two cameras very often in a package that includes a Canon printer (usually the Pixma PRO-100) and Canon paper with some nice savings. If you've been thinking about buying a photo printer, this is a great opportunity to do so.

 

[Gary A.]

Going used or refurbished may pay out dividends by getting better stuff at significantly lower costs. Factory refurbished comes with a warranty.

Gary

 

[Derrel]

Going used or refurbished may pay out dividends by getting better stuff at significantly lower costs. Factory refurbished comes with a warranty.

Gary

And keep this firmly in mind: when a BRAND-NEW product hits the streets, probably 95 percent of the refurbished cameras are returned items that were returned because of buyer's remorse/impulse buys/"You payed how much for that!!!?" spouses,etc.. Returned cameras cannot just be re-boxed and sold as new; the majority are converted to refurbished cameras.