T2i or 7D

[VSUScotty]

Looking for opinions on my upgrade decision.


I've been using a 20D with a 28-105 3.5 that was given to me. I want to upgrade equipment for the obvious reasons the new technology can give.


I'm debating between saving money for the lighter T2i that was just announced, or getting the 7D.


I mainly shoot recreational photos of either landscapes or people, depending on where I am. I also do some sports/ action photography and will eventually be getting a 70-200 2.8 IS.


Since I've been using a 20D, I like the controls on the 7D better, but learning the T2i couldn't be too difficult I would hope.


With either camera, I would replace my current lens. Probably get the 28-135 with the 7D or the 18-55 with the T2i.


Any input?

[ddt0725]

OMG! I was faced with this same dilemma all week! Finally, decided on the 7D today upgrading from a T1i.
If you decide on the T2i, I will sell you my 18-55mmso you can just buy the body only and save some $$. I only used it a couple times and I just got it in September. Let me know if interested.

It is a tough decision. The T2i has made some very nice improvements over the T1i and the price is very atractive.Less weight isalways a plus. I probably would have gotten that and put the saved $$ toward a lens but since I sold my T1i yesterday, I don't have the patience to be without a camera for an entire month!


Denise

[Brendan7]

Scotty,


Comparing the 7D and T1i is like comparing a BMW and a Lamborghini. The 7D is better at everything. If you can afford it, go for the 7D.


However, I will advise you to buy neither. You need a better lens, a 20D and L-series lens will give you far better results than a 7D and 28-135. So, I'll suggest you buy a 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM lens for your 20d. Glass is always the #1 factor, an amateur body and pro lens will make better images than a pro body and amateur lens. Get some good glass first, then buy a better body.


my 2¢: Glass before body.


Good Luck!


brendan

[Brendan7]

It is a tough decision. The T2i has made some very nice improvements over the T1i and the price is very atractive.Less weight isalways a plus. I probably would have gotten that and put the saved $ toward a lens but since I sold my T1i yesterday, I don't have the patience to be without a camera for an entire month!

Denise, you said that your T1i was "slow and small". The T2i is both of those things, the 7D is in a whole other class of camera. Believe me, you made the right decision. The 7D is a huge step up for you, I'll think you'll benefit from it more than a T2i.


Good Luck!


brendan

[VSUScotty]

Thanks burns.


That definitely changes the way I am thinking. The lens may need ot be the first upgrade before the camera. My 20D was my father's, and thinking of it now, he purchased his 70-200 and 28-70 before switching to the pair of 1D's that he uses now. I've been told that the glass will always last longer than the camera b/c of technology changes.

[Brendan7]

I've been told that the glass will always last longer than the camera b/c of technology changes.

True dat. Lenses have a 6-10 year product cycle, Bodies have a 1-3 year product cycle. Lenses also last longer, and are not subject to digital rot. In general, glass is a better investment.


brendan

[iFloyd]

7D for sure!

[Fast Glass]

I'd go with a glass upgrade, it makes more sence in your position.


John.

[HiFiGuy1]

Skip the body for now, and get the 70-200 f/2.8 L IS that you had your eye on. The 20D is still a good camera, but as John says, glass is king. It will work on whatever body you may end up with in the future.

[Daniel Browning]

Probably get the 28-135 with the 7D

That's $1900 right now, and I don't think it would be the best choice for what you want to shoot. Here are a few alternatives for a similar amount of money:

• 20D + 70-200 f/2.8 IS ($1800)
  
• T2i + 70-200 f/4 + Tamron 17-50 f/2.8 ($1900 - best for people/landscapes)
  
  
• 7D + 70-200 f/4 + Canon 18-55 IS ($2400 - best for sports)
  

It sounds like people and landscape is most important, so I suggest the second option: T2i + 70-200 f/4 + Tamron 17-50 f/2.8 ($1900). It gives you the best all-around quality and capability I think.


If sports and action is most important, then I suggest the 7D+70-200 f/4, and replacing your 28-105 with the kit lens (18-55 IS). Your people/lanscape shots will be a huge step up from the 20D+28-105, but they wont be as good as the Tamron 17-50 f/2.8.


The 20D and f/2.8 will still be much noisier than T2i at f/4. And sometimes you will have to stop down to f/4 anyway to get sufficient DOF, making the noise situation even worse.


For sports/action at high speeds (1/500+), the I.S. will be no benefit, so you can save a lot of money by getting the non-IS version. But then the same lens wont be as useful for landscapes or people. (If people are more important, go with the f/4 IS.)


The T2i has many features over the 20D that I consider vital, such as live view, video, screen size, anti-dust, etc. Your mileage may vary, but I would much prefer the T2i with 70-200 f/4 IS than the 20D with 70-200 f/2.8 IS.


In turn, the 7D has many vital features over the T2i: microadjust (makes autofocus much sharper for me), frame rate, autofocus, ergonomics, build quality, etc. It's really great for sports/action.


Hope that helps.