Hi all, I'm curious to know what the owners of each of these cameras think of them, and what anyone thinks about a new purchase which one of the two would they buy, if they were in the market for a new Canon. Long story short, towards the end of last year my 60D was stolen and I thought I would just get a straight replacement with my insurance, but they are paying me money and letting me buy my own, I know there is a price difference in the two, does the 7D justify the extra expense? Should I stick with the 60D and spend on some new glass or upgrade to a 7D kit ?
Thanks
I went with a 60D when I upgraded my body because it left me some money to put into savings for L series glass....... I rented the L series lens I am saving for and the results were amazing!
Steve, for what it is worth, here is my six penn'orth. I bought my 7D three years ago, shortly after they came out. I have been disappointed with the camera for a variety of reasons. The original camera suffered from a focussing problem that was widely reported at the time and scoffed at by "the experts". I had the camera replaced and the focussing problem went away (stick that in your pipe you "experts"). I am still very ambivalent about the camera, I don't think that it lives up to its original promise. If I had the money and could make my decision again, I would go for the 5D MkII (or the MkIII as it is now). Before the 7D fanatics start railing at me, I take my photography seriously and work hard at it. Having a 7D is like not quite having the right tool for the job.
i went from a 550d to a 7D, i went for the 7D as i like shooting wildlife, aircraft, ie fast moving, and the 8 fps comes in invaluable for this. i also like the 19 focus pints it gives you, and that it feels like a 'proper' camera if that makes any sense. I will eventually go for the 5D but will keep the 7D as the crop sensor enables me to get in closer. Im very happy with the 7D.
I have a friend who's professional... he advised me... go better glass and lighting (if you're into that) ... the 60D is a great camera, as you would know... what are you gaining is the question. I haven't used a 7D, so can't answer it completely. I can answer the difference between my 18-55mm kit lens and my 50mm f/1.4 lens... it's just amazing the clarity out of the better lens but same camera.
Hi Steve, I've had my 7D for nearly a year now. I upgraded from a 1000D, and got fed up of waiting for Canon to release the 650D. I tried the 60D and just didn't like the feel of it in my hand.
Like @steampowered , mine has been back to Canon under the guarantee - my issue was to fix the horrible vertical noise banding.
For what it's worth, the things I like about it are:
- the frame rate. 8fps for action shots & track days is an awful lot of fun
- how it feels - it's not a toy and doesn't feel like one
- the 100% viewfinder
- the high ISO performance, esp with an IS lens on it
- the 3 custom settings on the dial
- the focus speed & accuracy when in single focus point
Things I don't like are:
- low ISO performance - this still disappoints me though it's better since the sensor was replaced
- the shutter noise - subtle & quiet it most definitely is not - a side-effect of the frame rate
If I had my time over, on balance, I probably wouldn't buy the 7D. That said, going back to my 1000D whilst it was away being serviced was very hard. There were lots of little features that I missed a lot - like the joystick to move focus points.
Lots of people love the 7D, but it can be very unforgiving. In the end, it depends on what sort of photography you do as to whether it is the best option for you. I'd often like the swivel LCD of the 60D.
As an aside, I had a play with a 6D in a shop just before Christmas, and was struck by how much of a downgrade - features-wise - it felt from the 7D.
Thanks for the responses, I must admit I like the flip screen on the 60D and I'm also used to using one, but I do like the feel of the 7D, everywhere I look online puts them pretty close, a 5D might be out of my price range unless I can find a bargain some place.
@serpantmedia I think the 7D might be a bit more weather-sealed. I've certainly used it in the wet without worrying about it.
It is also very heavy - it can be a bind to carry around all day.
Steve, I've no experience of the 60D. I jumped from a 550D to a 7D because I could get one new in the UK for under £1000 with a 15-85mm lens, which was an astonishing price.
The frame rate is fantastic and AF system are fantastic, whilst the build quality is sublime. I like the camera, though It's stills performance is barely a change over the 550D.
I think the main question to ask is will YOU use the extra features over the 60D. In my opinion you're not going to see a difference in stills image quality between the two.
I haven't had any of the focus issues discussed above. I have had the 7d for about a year and really like it. The 7d has a dual processor, 8 fps, some added features, one I like is the micro lens adjustment. They are both great cameras. Good luck on your choice.
I've had my 7D for about 3 years & love it, I haven't had any of the problems that others have complained about so can't say anything about them but mostly it's what feels best in your hands & what you want it for!
I wanted the fast frame rate & use it a lot, it's amazing! I don't feel the need to upgrade & don't find the camera heavy even with the grip on which I have permanently attached!
I have a 7D and wouldn't be parted it. I actually convinced myself to put it up for sale to fund a 5d ii but ended up pulling it and buying a 1ds ii as well as keeping my 7D. Great camera. Can't comment on a 60d as never used one.
Thank you all for the posts, I'm edging towards the 7D, I do like the screen on the 60D it really the only thing I would miss, I did use it a lot on my 60D
Looking through the 7D specs I see it uses Compact Flash, I don't know why but I see that more of a con than pro as I have loads of SD cards but is that a good enough reason to not move to CF,
I recently upgraded from a bridge camera and did LOTS of research into the 7D v 60D thing. The reviews of the 7D generally seemed to be better, but it was the FPS that swung it for me in the end because I like to take wildlife/animal shots. I must admit I really miss the flip out LCD screen that I had on my bridge camera. I have no regrets about getting the 7D and have been thrilled with the results so far. I really love the build quality of the 7D too.
I grabbed a pair of 8G CF cards (for my 40D) from Tigerdirect for about $35. It's not that big of a problem - but annoying that I need an card reader to dump images to my laptop...
Also using the 60D. Am beating the crap out of it as I carry it very much like a journalist. It is with me, unprotected all the time. Heavily used for two years now and still doing great.
I have a 7D. It is HUGE compared to some of the other higher end DSLRs put out by Canon. I wish I had gone with a less pricy body and gone with the higher end glass.
i think everyone's pretty much said what needs to be said about the two... I have a 7D but not tried the 60D but imagine its still a good camera
the still images will pretty much look the same.
60D will be lighter
60D fully articulated screen would be a plus if you're shooting at weird angles
7D is built sturdier but is heavier... add an L lens to that and you wont care about the weather - I have my 24-105L on it and just walk around in the rain
As for the CF over SD... CF is built sturdier and you'll find that in general, its faster than the SD. Eg the extreme III in SD vs the Extreme III in CF, the CF is faster. You'll be surprised how many frames you can shoot a second.
I really like my 7D. I went in to a shop thinking I was going to get a 600d, 60d or nikon D7000 but the 7d felt so much better in hand and you could get it in a package with the 15-85 which is a fantastic lens. I have never been let down by it. I have never felt I wish it could do xyz...
I have only very briefly used other peoples 5D II, 650D and nikon 3100s. So I am no expert on other DSLRs but for what I want I prefer it to all of these. The 7D is fast and built like a brick (watch the digital rev video on youtube) I am happy as can be with it!
@petja Thanks for the input, I have ordered 7D with EFS 18-55 and the 70-200 L plus a CF, it's blown most of the budget so the sigma is on the back burner for now :)
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Like @steampowered , mine has been back to Canon under the guarantee - my issue was to fix the horrible vertical noise banding.
For what it's worth, the things I like about it are:
- the frame rate. 8fps for action shots & track days is an awful lot of fun
- how it feels - it's not a toy and doesn't feel like one
- the 100% viewfinder
- the high ISO performance, esp with an IS lens on it
- the 3 custom settings on the dial
- the focus speed & accuracy when in single focus point
Things I don't like are:
- low ISO performance - this still disappoints me though it's better since the sensor was replaced
- the shutter noise - subtle & quiet it most definitely is not - a side-effect of the frame rate
If I had my time over, on balance, I probably wouldn't buy the 7D. That said, going back to my 1000D whilst it was away being serviced was very hard. There were lots of little features that I missed a lot - like the joystick to move focus points.
Lots of people love the 7D, but it can be very unforgiving. In the end, it depends on what sort of photography you do as to whether it is the best option for you. I'd often like the swivel LCD of the 60D.
As an aside, I had a play with a 6D in a shop just before Christmas, and was struck by how much of a downgrade - features-wise - it felt from the 7D.
It is also very heavy - it can be a bind to carry around all day.
The frame rate is fantastic and AF system are fantastic, whilst the build quality is sublime. I like the camera, though It's stills performance is barely a change over the 550D.
I think the main question to ask is will YOU use the extra features over the 60D. In my opinion you're not going to see a difference in stills image quality between the two.
I wanted the fast frame rate & use it a lot, it's amazing! I don't feel the need to upgrade & don't find the camera heavy even with the grip on which I have permanently attached!
http://www.canonrumors.com/2012/09/eos-7d-mark-ii-eos-70d-700d-in-2013-cr1/
Looking through the 7D specs I see it uses Compact Flash, I don't know why but I see that more of a con than pro as I have loads of SD cards but is that a good enough reason to not move to CF,
the still images will pretty much look the same.
60D will be lighter
60D fully articulated screen would be a plus if you're shooting at weird angles
7D is built sturdier but is heavier... add an L lens to that and you wont care about the weather - I have my 24-105L on it and just walk around in the rain
As for the CF over SD... CF is built sturdier and you'll find that in general, its faster than the SD. Eg the extreme III in SD vs the Extreme III in CF, the CF is faster. You'll be surprised how many frames you can shoot a second.
I have only very briefly used other peoples 5D II, 650D and nikon 3100s. So I am no expert on other DSLRs but for what I want I prefer it to all of these. The 7D is fast and built like a brick (watch the digital rev video on youtube) I am happy as can be with it!
Sigma 50mm f/1.4 EX
Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L USM Telephoto
Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS
Does anyone have any advice on these lenses or recommendations ?
@petja @toast
I think you will be happy with the 7D, good choice!
I think the 50 is a good addition so is the 70-200. I would consider getting the 7d in a bundle with the efs 15- 85 instead of the 18-55.
Also get a fast CF card so you can make the most of the 7d's rapid fire capability.
Good luck I am excited for you and look forward to seeing some of your pictures.