Dilemma of the next upgrade

January 28th, 2011
So, I'm made a decision to transition from my Rebel XT (my very first DSLR). I feel like I'm ready for the next step. However, I'm torn between the 60D and the 7D. I'm just wondering if the heft price difference of $600 is a well worth invest in terms of choosing the 7D over the 60D. Gah...

And for those who you are current 60D users, how durable is the swivel LCD?
January 28th, 2011
i would definitely go for the 60D, unless you are going to be in rugged environments and your camera may get knocked around
January 28th, 2011
really the argument is: Do you want to pay $600 more for, durability, no swivel screen, 8fps instead of 5.3 and 100% viewfinder as opposed to 96%
January 28th, 2011
Thanks Tom! I can see that the polycarbonate body of the 60D make it feel "cheaper" but I was wondering about that too. Is the difference in durability that significant in comparison to magnesium alloy body of the 7D?
January 28th, 2011
The price difference between the bodies in the UK isn't so much. I had the same dilemma; upgrading from the 450D to either the 60D or 7D.

The swivel head is, in my opinion, more of a hindrance, because I don't trust it to not break! I use my camera every day, so it's important that I have the durability. Thing is, @stoksy mentions all of the above but he omits the most important distinction, which is the 39 focus points. Once you've tried both and compared the two, I think you'd prefer having 39! Also, the 100% viewfinder is more important than people realise; I now know that what I shoot is what I'll capture.
January 28th, 2011
@vikdaddy @deliriousoul ahh yes the af points forgot about those, still with the 7D only 9 are cross focus, but still it is slightly better yes...
January 28th, 2011
Nod
If I want to stick to cropped sensor, I will go with 60D. It's lighter and should be more fun to use. The swivel screen to me is a plus as it allow more creativity and provide more flexibility. Otherwise, I'd go full-frame to 5Dmk2.
January 28th, 2011
I just received my 60D yesterday, I've loved it now for 26 hours and counting

I say buy the most expensive one you can afford... As the old saying goes: you get what you pay for!
January 28th, 2011
I just bought a 60D a few weeks ago. Love it so far, although at the store, the 7D next to it was calling my name and I had to ignore it....made me sad. But I didn't see the need to go that far quite yet. I'd rather put the extra money I saved on the 60D toward a couple of L series lenses.

Can't go wrong with either camera.
January 28th, 2011
@stoksy That's not correct - it has 19.
January 28th, 2011
Anyway, both are excellent cameras. The upgrade is worth it if you're willing to or can afford to pay the extra, because you get what you pay for. But if you're still learning the 60D is great and will still do the job - it's your eyes that count! I'd suggest that it depends on your collection of lenses; if you don't have any decent ones and you're on a budget, get the 60D and get either the 17-55mm f/2.8 or 15-85mm. If you have one of those or even an 'L' lens, get the 7D.
January 28th, 2011
Justin. I'm a Nikon shooter, so I can't really help you. However, I'd recommend reading the product reviews at bhphoto.com and amazon.com.
January 28th, 2011
@stoksy thanks for pinpointing the key factors @vikdaddy thanks for being thorough with your responses. btw, that ruddington photo was epic. @viranod yes, a friend of mine likes the swivel for his video work. so yeah... so torn :( @keithdavid i would love to get the BEST one, but i have a son to feed. hahah @shutterbug0810 tell me about it... i think the 7D & Mark II entered into my dream world. i've been incepted... @paulcleveland i've read some of the amazon.com reviews, but i thought it would be good to ask here since i can actually see the work of the folks who will be providing their input... there are days when i wonder if i should have gone with nikon, but the EF lenses that I purchased over the years keep me grounded with canon...

thanks everyone! this really helps! :)
August 28th, 2011
@deliriousoul Sorry to pull up this old topic Justin but it is asking the exact question I'm facing.
I want to upgrade my camera and hoping I can save up for it. I can either buy a 60D with a kit lens or a 7D body for about £100 difference. I've been reading all the reviews and am leaning towards the 7D but still hesitant.

Which one did you go for? Any regrets over your choice? Would you make the same choice now?
September 15th, 2011
My second camera is a Canon G11 (P&S). I mention this because it has a swivel screen and is basically my wifes camera... She works at a zoo and that camera goes through above average abuse. When she's not taking photos, she throws it in her purse.
-Point of all that jabber being that the swivel screen has withstood moderate abuse for over a year without any problems what-so-ever. So don't let fear of breaking the screen be a concern (unless you're really rough on your camera)
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