Camera buying choices (Canon)

[Alz_D]

Afternoon,

I know that the following two cameras have been compared countless times in the past. I have googled and read / watched / listened to a huge amount of different peoples opinions on the pro's and con's of each…. but I thought I would ask for the thought's of you guys + girls before making a final decision as you are very rarely wrong.

So here is my situation. Current camera is a 550D which I have had for a couple of years. Love it and have been having loads of fun with it. Also have a few lenses but nothing expensive (18-55 kit lens, a 55-200 canon same quality as the kit lens and a 50mm 1.8 canon) and a 430 ex II speedlight.

Now there is nothing wrong with the 550D but my other half has been pining after it for a while now. She had a new laptop for her birthday and PS elements but her camera is pants. I was planning on getting her one for Christmas but at the same time I am thinking of upgrading mine and was just about to buy myself a 24-105 f4 L before I came up with this idea.

The two cameras that I am looking at (yes you guessed correctly ) the 7D and the 5D MKII.

So I can get the 7D for £1900 with the above mentioned L lens. It’s picture quality is going to be the same as what I have now as I believe it uses the same sensor as the 550D, but it has a faster burst speed, better AF system and still retains the pop up flash. I am sure if I go this way I will want to upgrade again to full frame sooner rather than later.

The 5D MKII can be had with the same lens for £2200 and is full frame which I think will suit me better as I mainly shoot portrait and landscape. I do think I would miss the pop up flash (for convenience as I do have a speedlight but it’s massive).

I can’t afford a MK3

Reading this back I do think I am selling myself the 5D MKII

What are your thoughts? Am I leaning the right way.

And sorry for the wall of text – Thank you if you made it to the end.

 

[Alz_D]

Thank you everyone for the replies - it seems that both have their merit. I'm sticking with Canon because A) The Mrs will be having my 550D so it makes sense to stick to the brand and B) Dad has just retired and taken up photography and has bought a Canon (And he keeps looking at expensive glass that I can borrow ) So there is method to the madness - Unlike my AMD fanboism

So just say I did go for the 7D - what glass would you pair it with?

Would you still get the 24-105 f4 L? The two together come out at around £1900 leaving me £600 from my budget. The 7D is also offered as kit with the EF-S 15-85 mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM for £1650.

Either way I will need to factor in a couple of CF cards

Sorry to take so long to get back on here - I was in work when I posted and have just got home.

 

[Alz_D]

What sort of photography do you want to do mate?

I like to shoot portraits and landscapes - haven't tried macro at any point but I guess my kids would love pictures of giant spiders etc so might have a look at that in the future. I think the 7D is sounding more versartile especially as I am no pro

 

[Alz_D]

I have a Peugeot 306, it get's me from A-B. Should probably cancel my order for a BMW Z4 as there are still things I could learn about driving with my 306. There also isn't any journey the Z4 can do that my 306 can't, besides it won't make me a better driver.

That is the best way I have ever seen that point put across anywhere.

I do have the money and I do want to spend it I know that my 550D is great - I am giving it to the Mrs so will have no camera.

Photography is something that I am keen to spend more of my free time doing having just changed from a high pressure job with little or no time off. I am quite aware that better equipment doesn't make you a better photographer and I can't ever remember saying it does

My thinking is that as my experience grows then I may need something better than the 550D in the future.

That is why I am leaning towards the 7D and a few more lenses as I think this is more fit for the stage I am at. Thank you for all the helpful replies..