From a 400D to what?

2StepSteve · 7 Oct 2012 at 19:04

I'm looking at upgrading my ageing 400D.

I've been out of the loop with what's current with photography so please forgive me!

I've been looking at the 650D but I'm looking at with with mixed feelings. I'm not totally convinced by it. It looks a little toy like, and much like the 400D it looks like I will need to buy the grip to accommodate my large hands. The video function appears to be a little gimmicky as videos that I have seen which have been shot on the 650D suffer from focus hunting. I'm not entirely sure I require a video camera feature bolted on to my DSLR.

Something a little more pro in size and build would be preferable, but I'm not sure where to go and I'm not sure if I should depart from the Canon brand entirely.

I have invested in the below Canon items.

Canon EF-S 18-55mm 1:3.5-5.6 IS*
Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS
Prime 50mm 1.8
580EX II flash

I keep looking at Nikon's offerings and it appears they offer larger and more professional bodies for the money, specifically the D7000 is catching my eye. But I'm not clued up with Nikon's range of lenses or if it is even worth me jumping to Nikon.

Budget is around £700 for the body.

Thanks for any help or pointers.

2StepSteve · 8 Oct 2012 at 11:24

Amp34 said:
I went from the 400D to the D7000 recently because there just isn't anything in the Canon range that really covers what the D7000 does. It's similar to the 7D in many respects (weather sealing etc) but it's lighter, smaller and cheaper.

You haven't really spent too much on the Canon system so buying used replacements wouldn't cost much compared to selling what you have so the D7000 is definitely nothing to be sniffed at. On the other hand make sure you check the Nikon lens range as it is different to Canons, you may find it lacking in some areas (I am).

I definitely agree about the lack of options that Canon have to offer in this price bracket. It's a little frustrating. But as you say I'm not tied to Canon and I haven't invested too much in lenses or accessories.

What areas are you finding that Nikon is lacking in the lens department compared to Canon?

An Exception said:
D7000 from ******* £5XX
28mm 1.8G
50mm 1.8G
85mm 1.8G
Maybe 18-105
SB700

Don't look back...

p.s. I wouldn't even consider a 7D personally as IQ is yucky. Others however are very happy with theirs.

I was considering the 7D but yes, I've also seen a few examples from different sources which show inferior IQ to the D7000, especially at higher ISO settings.

It's tempting. After watching a few videos of the D7000 it appears you get an awful lot for your money.

******* would definitely be my chooses source, great price!

I probably need to sit down and think about this for longer. If I do decide to make the move from a 400D to D7000 then I'd need to first sell my Canon lenses and accessories to raise the funds for the D7000.

Can you recommend a good walkabout telephoto lens?

2StepSteve · 8 Oct 2012 at 13:51

2Thumbs said:
Try a D7000, you may find it a totally alien experience compared to what you're used to. Or you may take to it like a duck to water, but you won't know until you give one a go.

Depending on what you shoot I'd recommend between a 40/50D and use your current lenses, or a 5D, sell the EF-S lenses along with the 400D and put the money towards a nice zoom like a 24-105 F4L IS. You can pick up 5D's now for between £400 and £500, sometimes even with a genuine grip. If you're happy with the circa.2005 menu systems and lack of fancy stuff, you'll be rewarded with superb image quality.

I've owned a 40D and currently own a 5D so I have good experience of both and recommend both, but which I specifically recommend depends on what you shoot...

Interesting points there I'm not too sure that I would like to have such an old body though. I'm upgrading the 400D mostly due to wanting newer features such as improved ISO sensitivity, faster AF and better build. While I think the 5D would do very nicely ticking some of those boxes, I'm just not sure I'd like to invest in such an old body with god knows how many shutter clicks from the previous owner/s.

As to regards to what I'd be shooting, abit of everything, I know that's not helpful. Mostly wildlife/landscapes if I had to say!

Moving to the otherside does worry me somewhat. Things like flash performance on Nikon's, are they in the same league as Canons offerings. Also I've always been hoping to one day own an L lens, a little bit silly; I know. Moving to Nikon will obviously pop this dream. But I'm trying to look at the overall picture and on paper the D7000 looks fantastic step up from Canons XXXD range and from looking at lenses availiable for Nikon, I can't see too many problems with gaps in the range.

As for handling.. To be honest I have never been entirely thrilled with the 400D handling and feeling. It has always felt a little awkward to me.

2StepSteve · 9 Oct 2012 at 19:10

I can't see myself investing in mega expensive lenses I think the most that I would be whiling to spend on a lens would be around £600, but christ I would have to have a very good reason, such as a walk around lens.

The lack of mid range Nikon telephotos is a slight concern, but not too huge to me. Are you finding it to be a problem Amp34? You've moved from exactly what I have at the moment to what I am thinking about jumping on. How do you find the D7000? Could I ask what lenses you have for it?

I'm becoming seriously confused. Bouncing around thinking perhaps I should go down the second hand Canon body route as mentioned by 2Thumbs, and invest in some good L glass.

I'll take the advice of heading down to a shop to have a look at the D7000. I might look at it and after 5 minutes realise that it isn't for me at all.

2StepSteve · 10 Oct 2012 at 22:09

It's true that I would be looking for an upgrade in glass, not all at once as wouldn't be able to afford it. I think overall I want a total upgrade of body and glass. I've realised that I currently own a small collection of cheap Canon lenses.

The Nikon primes do look like great value sharpness. I've had much fun with the Canon nifity fifty, the wider focal length of the Nikon 35mm prime looks fantasic. I could see myself leaving it on the camera most of the time.

2StepSteve · 17 Oct 2012 at 16:42

I went to look at the D7000 at the weekend and from my brief play with it, I think it's great. Definitely leagues ahead of my 400D quality and build wise.

I still feel funny about leaving Canon though! The fact that Canon have the 70-200L which is sensibly priced, it isn't out of reach for me.

I don't think I want to leave Canon. But the only choices I have for new cameras are the 60D or 7D. Neither of which thrill me to be honest.

Crazy that I'm even looking at the 5D mkIII on finance.. Stupid idea!!! Forget it!!

2StepSteve · 20 Oct 2012 at 11:46

Raikiri said:
http://www.petapixel.com/2012/10/17/nikon-to-unveil-a-70-200mm-f4-lens-next-week-with-fancy-vr/

I can see that lens costing £1000, easily.

2StepSteve · 20 Oct 2012 at 19:05

iamtheoneneo said:
Well it looks like you want to upgrade but without the finances is a bit difficult!
I'd say the 60d is a good step up from the 400 both in size, quality and added features - top screen for example. The next up is really only the mark 2 or 3 but you need cash and if you don't have it then you either stay put or you go somewhere in between

It's hard to say if I'll be truely satisfied with the 60D. Coming from the 400D I'm sure I will be, but the want is for something which is huge in terms of an upgrade jump.

I think you are right about the next step being the mark 2 or mark 3. The cost of full frame cameras are hilarious though at this moment in time.

Just wish Canon had a camera which was closer to the spec of a D7000 for the monies.