canon camera - which one?

[david156]

Hi canon users.

Am looking to upgrade from my 1000d which I started with and have thought about the 7d but not to sure if I can justify spending that much. Then I decided on the new 550d at about half the price but have also considered the 50d at a similar price to the 550d. So now I am not sure what to go for. Have red a lot of reviews across the net and threads on here and thats just made the choice harder.
So can anyone tell me how the 50d compares to the 7d, image wise and also has anyone used the 550d and how does this compare.
One thing I'm not worried about is the video capability.

Any helpful advise would be appreciated.

Cheers David

[Ollie]

Hi David.

I use a 7D and although I have never used a 50d I have a good friend who had one. Image quality wise there is very little difference between the 50D and the 7D. Where the 7D does score over the 50D is in it's lower noise capabilities at high ISO speeds.

My mate wouldn't use above 800 ISO with the 50D because of the amount of noise it generated in the images. I can use up to ISO 1250 with the 7D and although there is some noise at this ISO it's acceptable and can be dealt with via noise reduction software when editing the images.

Another point where the 7D scores over the 50D is that you can crop the photos a little harder having more mega pixels to work with. The auto focus system on the 7d is also far superior to the 50D.

Please remember though that whichever body you use the final image quality is more down to the lens you are using than the camera body. I use a Canon 400mm F5.6L USM lens with my 7D and the image quality is great just check my Gallery for photos taken with this combination.

If you aren't bothered about the video and can't stretch to the 7D then in my opinion a 40D would be just as good a buy as a 50D. I used and still have a 40D and I was always happy with the image quality from that.

I have never used a 550D and don't know anyone with one so can't comment on that one.

[Geoff F]

My thoughts were exactly the same as Ollie.

If you don't want video see if you can find a 40D, which should be available at a realistic price. I have one and fully recommend it.

The Canon semi pro 00D cameras (like the 40D) are a little dearer than the basic 000D models (550D etc) and a touch heavier if you carry them around all day. But they are a stronger build with controls/dials etc that are easier to see and use.

The 7D has more pixels but for general use, the 40D is quite sufficient. I won't be upgrading until the 60D has been produced, and fully tested by someone else!

[baggybill]

Hi David, I've spent some time wondering this since I sold my 300D mid-January. 7D seemed just a jump too far for me, price wise (and experience!) at the moment. Choice I had was the same - 40D, 50D or the new 550D. I have no interest in video but the 550D did look good - until I had a play about with one in shop (as recommended by a few people - don't buy till you try!). I just don't like the size, feel, button layout compared to something like a 50D, which is down to personal choice really. Also, I figured getting to grips with using a 50D would be benefical to me in future if I make the step up to a 7D or 5D mkIII once it's invented :-) Canon has a £65 cash back on the 50D now (Spring offer) and a large online retailer (think 'river') just dropped their price to £650 so mine arrives on Wednesday for ~£590 all in. 40D's were too close price wise for refurb/secondhand and I feel better with brand new, again personal choice. Hope this helps, I'm now having a nightmare trying to figure out which glass... <groan>

[Gaza]

Hi David
I have been using the 50D for 6+ months now. Having stepped up from a 400D
I couldn't justify spending nearly twice the amount on a 7D Although i was very tempted.
I cant give a comparison on the other cameras that you have mentioned. But i have noticed that the 50D is a very popular camera, and i have thoroughly enjoyed using it.

[david156]

Thanks all,

Spent an hour in warehouse express this morning having a play with these 3. The 550 has all the gadgets but doesn't feel right. (hard to explain!!!) The 7d is a fantastic bit of kit but don't think its worth double the price of the 50d. The 50 also seemed a little bit easier to use and being a novice this appealed to me.
Think i've made my decision, just need to sort out the money now.

Thanks David

[glsammy]

Originally Posted by david156

Thanks all,

Spent an hour in warehouse express this morning having a play with these 3. The 550 has all the gadgets but doesn't feel right. (hard to explain!!!) The 7d is a fantastic bit of kit but don't think its worth double the price of the 50d. The 50 also seemed a little bit easier to use and being a novice this appealed to me.
Think i've made my decision, just need to sort out the money now.

Thanks David

On the cost side, I suppose how important getting an AF system that seems to work really well on the 7D against one that's frankly poor on the 40/50D is.
To me it seems to be money well spent, although I hasten to add I haven't spent it yet!
It all depends on the type of shooting you might do. If your forever chasing birds in flight as I was earlier this year, you'll soon find out why I think the 40D AF performance is so poor.