Which DSLR?

[Rice Reef]

Originally Posted by Seriak

Okay, I originally purchased the first Canon DSLR years ago. (300D) I thought it is about time to upgrade. I only take hobby pictures, nothing professional. I have a few questions for you gurus.

1) Are my original lenses worth keeping. I see that all the new lenses have IS and possibly other improvements. So should I buy the body with the new lenses or save money and use my old lenses.

2) I was looking at the 70D. Is this a good choice or is their a better one to look at.

3) For macro lenses is it worth spending twce the money for the IS lense (Canon EF 100mm f2.8L Macro IS USM) overtop of the the regular lense (Canon EF 100mm f2.8 USM Macro)

4) Best place to purchase the camera and lense. Camera store, bestbuy, future shop, online vendor, etc.

Thanks in advance.

1) I think the new 70d is an entry level to the full frame market so I EFS lens will not work unless the lens you have are EF lens. If you wish to continue using the old lens then you will have to look at the EFS lines.

2) the 70d seems to have some decent reviews. I'm a Canon guy so I will say yes. However, you should look at the Nikon cameras too. You can't go wrong with Canon or Nikon... Lots of lens option and resalability is better.

3) if you can budget for the IS go for it however the non IS works just as well. You are going to be using a tripod most of the times so the IS feature is not necessary.

4) look around for when Canon has the rebate programs. Most dedicated camera stores can generally tell you this

Good luck with your buy and happy shootn!

[sphelps]

I know nothing about canons so if you're open or considering switching brands I'd highly recommend the Nikon D5300 or D7000. I just bought the D5300 for my wife and I prefer it over my D300, it's amazing how easy it is to get really good pictures right off the camera and with built in wifi and gps on such a small body it's much more practical as well. The D7000 is a bit more advanced but doesn't have the wifi or gps built in. I'd avoid a full frame body unless you're looking to shoot more professional, you need full frame lenses to match which are significantly more expensive.

[Seriak]

Originally Posted by sphelps

I know nothing about canons so if you're open or considering switching brands I'd highly recommend the Nikon D5300 or D7000. I just bought the D5300 for my wife and I prefer it over my D300, it's amazing how easy it is to get really good pictures right off the camera and with built in wifi and gps on such a small body it's much more practical as well. The D7000 is a bit more advanced but doesn't have the wifi or gps built in. I'd avoid a full frame body unless you're looking to shoot more professional, you need full frame lenses to match which are significantly more expensive.

I was thinking of looking at the Nikons, but I remembered I also have a fancy external flash I bought for my Canon that should still work with newer Canon models. I would hate to have to buy another one of those as well. From what I have read, Nikon is pushing past Canon recently in performance.

[Ross]

Originally Posted by Rice Reef

1) I think the new 70d is an entry level to the full frame market so I EFS lens will not work unless the lens you have are EF lens. If you wish to continue using the old lens then you will have to look at the EFS lines.

The 70 is a APS-C sensor, not full frame. So EF-S lenses will work fine.

1) Have you out grown your current gear? If you are unaware of the limitations of your current kit then I'd say no, it's not worth while replacing them. If you have been unsatisfied with the photos your taking then perhaps its time to invest in better optics.

If your camera never leaves the green square or pre-set modes, then I'd say your better off learning how to push the limits of what you have first.

2) 70d is a good camera. (I prefer the extended range the small sensor cameras provide over full frame) but, I tend to shoot more telephoto shots.

3) I debated between the two lenses before settling on the non L lens. while the IS is nice, it didn't help enough to justify the extra $400. I feel a GOOD tripod will help more with macro shots than IS.

4) In terms of stores, I agree that "The Camera Store" is the best in Calgary. The do have a get you in get you out atmosphere however. I've seen many people go to the store to try the gear then tell the sales men that they are going to buy it online to save a few bucks.

If you want to try any canon gear go to Eight Avenue Place and check out
IMAGE SQUARE - The canon experience center.
This is a trail location only, no sales, so they are there to answer questions and help inform you, not up sell you to reach sales targets.
Play with all the lenses, from 8mm to 800mm!!

If you want to order online, B and H Photo is the best source IMO.
Check out http://www.photoprice.ca for a comparison of a lot of stores in Canada and the States.