Canon 5D vs 7D vs 60D vs 50D vs 550D / T2i

August 26, 2010 in Canon 60D, Canon 7D, Canon dSLR, Gear, Photography | Tags: 50D, 550d, 5D, 5D Mark II, 5D Mk II, 60D, 7D, Canon, compare, Rebel, Rebel T2i, T2i

I am moving my blog from here at WordPress to my own website. This post comparing the Canon T3i, T2i, 60D, 50D, 7D, and 5D Mk II can now be read here:

http://blog.dojoklo.com/2011/02/20/canon-t3i-600d-vs-t2i-550d-vs-60d-vs-7d-etc/

Thanks for following me to my new blog home!

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37 comments

September 1, 2010 at 9:32 am

Rob

Great post, cuts right through the BS and is very informative. Thanks!

September 4, 2010 at 8:30 pm

pedro

for me the most important part is VIEWFINDER. i cant stand the little ones in Rebels like, and the 7D seems to be much better (i wish i were fulframe, but got no $ for top of the line lenses)

September 12, 2010 at 12:32 pm

Alex Palmer

Nice I like the advice. The 7D is still past me but I think i’ll kick myself if I don’t get it.

September 12, 2010 at 1:13 pm

Hopefully you will “grow into it” as you gain experience!

September 16, 2010 at 3:17 pm

Mark

Excellent Post and very informative. I’m considering buying the 60d over 7D coz of the articulating LCD. I just returned my T2i coz’ it had some limitations like while composing a shot if you want to switch metering modes or white balance etc you have always end up push several buttons..I like the top lcd dedicated for viewing the camera settings.

I also considered splurging 2500 and indulging in 5d Mark II but the omission of inbuilt flash control and very slow continious frame rate was a deal breaker for me..

Thanks for the tid-bit to wait a little while before a camera is launched so the manufacturer could iron out all the little things they might have missed during quality control

September 17, 2010 at 8:33 am

Jon

With the expected price for the 60D i can’t really see a reason for not directly buying the 7D? You can get it online for even less.. Am i missing something? And apart from fps which might be useful for a lot of people, as you said the quality of the images wouldn’t differ in any of the models.. Having said that one killer feature for me with the new 60D is to take pictures at 1:1 aspect ratio.

September 17, 2010 at 12:38 pm

This came in via email, so I’ll post it here:

I just read your review on 7D vs. 60D and found it very informative.

I currently own a Rebel XTi and am now getting to the point of wanting to upgrade camera bodies. Based on my homework and needs, I wil likely be going with the 7D.

Right now, I’m using an EF-S 17-85 IS USM F4-5.6 lens on my XTi.

This made a big improvement over the kit lens.

I’m wondering whether the 24-105 F4 L lens would make much difference in picture quality over the same range. I know the build quality of the L lens is superior, but I’m curious if I would actually be able to see a difference in my pictures.

Likewise, I also read your article about not buying the kit lens.

If I end up purchasing the 7D body, will my 17-85 lens be able to take advantage of this camaras features.

Thanks in advance for your time!

Sean

September 17, 2010 at 1:08 pm

Sean, thanks for reading and for your comments and questions.

The 24-105 f/4L will make a big improvement over most any non-L-series lenses. Yes, it’s true, you definitely get your money’s worth with the L lenses. I did a lot of work with an older 28-105mm, non-L-series lens, and once I upgraded to the 70-200mm f/4L, I never use the old one again. The images just didn’t look as nice, as sharp, and the color and contrast just aren’t as appealing.

Now, this difference may not be as immediately noticeable to everyone. But I look at photos all day, every day – my photos, other people’s photos. I work on them in Photoshop and see and “feel” the differences. When I was working on my photos from a trip to Guatemala, most of which were taken with L lenses, I had a some photos that just didn’t feel the same as most the other ones. I kept wondering what was wrong with them. Turns out, they were the 28-105 photos.

That being said, can you tell which one is which in these photos? (these are both unprocessed JPEGs)

http://www.flickr.com/photos/dojoklo/4999287270/

I couldn’t immediately tell myself in small preview sizes. But when I open them up in PS, it becomes very noticeable. The old 28-105 image is “flatter” and more contrasty in a bad, loss-of-image-information way. It has darker blacks but not nearly as much gradation from dark to black or gradation in the colors. While these 2 photos aren’t exactly the same for comparison sake, the issue with the blacks, contrast, and gradations was common to all the 28-105 photos. Who knows the actual variation of the women’s textiles and the lighting since they were in different locations of the market, although I know the right one was direct sun (11:59am), and it appears the left one was too (10:48am). Though on the left there were tarps around that could have acted as reflectors, so the lighting on the women’s forearms may have been different from photo to photo. But based on other images, I know that some or most of that variation in the gradation in tones is due to the lens.

These lens issues, though, aren’t necessarily obvious unless you are doing side by side comparisons of lenses and images. Your 17-85mm will work just fine with the 7D, but obviously won’t be as nice as an L lens. And it is said that the higher megapixel count of the 7D will make the shortcomings of cheaper lenses more noticeable. I have to agree. An L-series lens with a 7D is definitely a good idea.

I recommend renting the 24-105mm for a weekend (you can typically get the one day rate for Fri-Mon) and try it with your XTi. ~~And since the 24-105mm is the kit lens for the 7D, you can save a few hundred dollars buying them together. It is one of the few times I recommend the kit lens!~~ My mistake, that is the kit lens to the 5D MkII.

September 17, 2010 at 7:39 pm

Sean

Thanks Doug!

Your pictures make a very compelling argument.

I’ve not yet seen the 7D packaged together with the 24-105mm L. I’ve only seen it with the 28-135 or 18-135.

If you know of any retailers that do, let me know.

Thanks again!
Sean

September 17, 2010 at 9:20 pm

You’re right, my mistake! I was thinking of the 5D MkII kit lens, which is the 24-105mm.

September 18, 2010 at 1:25 pm

Luke

@Jon (or to anyone who knows)
Where can you find a 7D online for even less than the 60D? I’ve looked everywhere and can’t say I’ve been successful.

September 18, 2010 at 2:23 pm

I think maybe he meant less (than the typical retail price)…? Amazon and B+H typically have the best prices. I wouldn’t buy camera equipment from some unknown online retailer.

September 18, 2010 at 5:14 pm

Luke

So if I have the option to win a used 7D off eBay for $1200, or buy the 60D for $1100, what should I do?

September 19, 2010 at 10:04 am

Try to verify that the 7D on eBay has a reasonable shutter-use count. It is rated for a life of 150,000 shutter actuations, so you don’t want one that has already taken 75,000 pictures.

September 21, 2010 at 9:45 am

Geoff

Gday

Thanks for the great advice,I own a 400d with a 24-70L,10-22,50mm 1.8 and the regular kit lenses and its time for an upgrade and after reading this I think I will go for the 60d.I was going to buy the 7d but it might be wasted on me.

Cheers Geoff

September 21, 2010 at 10:35 am

Thanks for reading! I’m glad you understand the concept of buying the camera that fits your needs, and not buying a more expensive model just because it is “better.” That’s what I keep trying to explain here! Be sure to check out my eBook Your World 60D when you get the 60D:
http://dojoklo.wordpress.com/2010/09/16/canon-60d-users-guide-and-tutorial/

September 27, 2010 at 11:54 am

Karthik

As many folks have said before, this is a great article. Thank you so much for sharing this knowledge. I have a film EOS 7N, which is a few years old. I am planning to switch to DSLR and was debating b/w 7D and the new 60D. This article helped me reflect on my 7N usage over the years. Over the past week, i’ve tempted to cheap prices of 7D online…placed order & cancelled them when they tried their ‘bait/switch’ on me. I am glad I had the will to say NO. :-)
Ok, my typical usage: Cityscapes, Landscape/nature, people/babies, candid shots.
I do NOT take sports action shots(atleast not yet), am not a wildlife photographer, and I certainly dont take 126 consecutive shots.
I think 60D would be a better choice for my needs and I guess I’ll use the money saved towards a better lens.
Thanks again for steering me towards my needs than my wants!

September 27, 2010 at 12:08 pm

Thanks for the comments! Yes, if you don’t really need the complex autofocus system and other advanced features of the 7D, I think you will be quite happy with the 60D and a nice lens. The Canon L-series lenses can really make a big difference in image quality.

Regarding buying camera equipment online, it is best to stick with the big name retailers: Amazon.com, B+H, Adorama, Best Buy. Be sure you know their return policies and time frame before you purchase in case there is an issue.

November 3, 2010 at 5:57 pm

Emmy

Thank you for this post! Exactly the question I am struggling with right now.

Which of the 3 cameras has auto focus on the HD video? I keep seeing reviewers complain about having to manually focus during video.

November 3, 2010 at 9:51 pm

I work mostly with still photography and have yet to do much with HD video, so I don’t know as much as I’d like to about it. The 7D, 60D, and T2i do have autofocus capability in Movie Mode, but I believe that it is not continuous auto focus, instead you press a button to refocus when you wish – either the Shutter Button by default or another button that you customize in the Menus or Custom Functions.

But I have read that for serious videographers, manual focus is in fact the desired method. You either pre-focus on the subject then start shooting, or use some of the available video accessories, like a magnifying loupe to better view the LCD screen and a follow focus mechanism for precise focus while shooting. Auto focus with video is similar to auto focus on a digital SLR during live view shooting. It is slow, awkward, and cumbersome, and the noise the autofocus motor makes would interfere with the built in video mic. So at this point, until the technology improves, you pretty much want to manually focus with video whether or not a camera has video auto focus. Manual video focus will also give a more professional look in most every video situation. If you have ever watched anyone’s camcorder video, you can see how easily continuous autofocus jumps around from one distance or subject to another or loses focus, and a videographer who wants control of their camera does not wish for this to happen.

November 9, 2010 at 4:10 am

Merlina

WOW!! 2 thumbs up for your post. Really makes my life easier. I owned a 400D with 50 mm and 18-55mm (just sold it this morning :):)) and really got sick of it after my brother bought a 50D and the difference is just too great. (or maybe i just didnt know how?? im not sure..)

I am basically a laid back working woman, a mother to be who likes to take picture of myself and the family and travel ALOT.. so, i really need a camera with a lighter body but can do wonders. so.. im still stuck between 550D and 60D comparison. my baby boy is coming in february, so, the new camera will take mostly of my little one’s pictures..

THANKS ALOT again for your POST. I like this quote alot.. “If you don’t understand the relationship between aperture, shutter speed and ISO you don’t need a 60D.” HAHAHA. and honestly, i dont. SO, please just convince me which cam i should get.. (given the fact that I CAN LEARN those someday..)

Have a great day there!!

November 9, 2010 at 7:08 am

Thanks for your comments. Actually, I should modify my comments and be a bit more lenient. If you don’t yet understand more advanced camera controls, BUT are willing to learn and think you may grow into a more advanced camera, then that needs to be taken into consideration too! Go to the store and hold the T2i and the 60D and see the difference in size and weight. That may help make up your mind right away.

November 9, 2010 at 10:42 am

Vinicius

I use a super zoom model, a sony H9 and I am taking pictures in manual. But the controls for manual and the viewfinder is terrible, I need something better. Do you think it´s better to skip the t2i and go straight to 60D?

And, about the lens, why don´t you recomendo the canon 17-55 2.8 ? For what I have read, this lens has the quality o a L lens, it is not classified as a L because it is for cropped sensor. Can I stick with the 17-55 2.8 to be my main lends?

Thanks in advance!
Vinicius

November 16, 2010 at 10:08 pm

Kenn

As previously mentioned, super great article!! Thanks for writing and making me realize I don’t need a 5d mark ii because I don’t use the manual mode much. Maybe I should just spend money on more quality lenses!! Great job!

November 19, 2010 at 7:30 pm

eric

Hello all,

Very exciting article, I was hoping to learn about about the 5D mk i. I’m currently deciding between that and the 60D/7D. I tend to shoot more wide angle, so the crop factor would usually be working against me. I have shot with a canon rebel G2 since it came out. This will be my firest Dslr camera. I tend to mostly shoot full manual and often am unhappy with how my autofocus works, so I go to manual. Additionally, I’ve gotten by with stock Tamron lens for the last 6 years, the 28 to 80 and the 70 to 300 (both slow at 3.5 to 5.6). YOu could say that I’m not really attached to canon, but It would be nice to stay with them, since thats what I know, I’m thinking about upgrading my film camera to an older pro camera and most have told me that it doesn’t really matter. I would like to eventually purchase the 17 to 40 L lens or equivalent soon (hopefully if I sell some prints, a faster lens). Video features are interesting, but not the most important. I have about 1500 to spend, so the mk ii is not an option.

Any info is helpful,

e

November 22, 2010 at 2:02 pm

Kris

Thank you for your article. I had thought I wanted a Canon 50d but after reading your article, I am not so sure. I am now thinking the Canon 60d or the 7d. I love taking sports photos of my kids and others and have recently been taking sports photos for the local paper. I still have a lot to learn but very much want to take professional looking photos. I currently have a Canon Rebel XTi with lenses EF 24-70 f/2.8 and a EF 70-200mm f/2.8 . Any suggestions you have would be appreciated. I am open to learning and don’t want to buy something to then wish I had gotten something else.
Thanks!
Kris

November 22, 2010 at 10:24 pm

You have really great lenses, and you should definitely hook them up with a larger, sturdier body. Since you shoot a lot of sports photos, you should definitely consider the 7D. Its sophisticated autofocus system and its 8 frames per second burst rate are perfect for sports and action. The 60D is also a capable camera, but for photographing sports, you may want more than its simpler AF system and 5.3 fps burst rate.

November 22, 2010 at 8:09 pm

Your article was like ice cold water in my face. All my life (33 now) was trying to get away with low end camera and for once I decided enough is enough. Then I read this (by accident). Long story short – third day reading brought me down from 5D to 7D, then your ‘vague’ paragraph about 5D.. smack in the face. Now I will be getting the 60D(more cash for lens).. You definitely know how to write – thanks a million.

Any advice on good 60D matching lenses for portrait and landscape photography?

btw, would love to use your amazon link when I but, I am in UK. Any alternative that can be of any use to you?

Thanks again,
Pimmy

November 22, 2010 at 9:13 pm

Thanks for your kind words!

Try this referral link for Amazon UK – thanks for your support!
http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.co.uk%2F&tag=dojoklo-21&linkCode=ur2&camp=1634&creative=19450

As far as portrait lenses, the 50mm f/1.8 or 50mm f/1.4 are amazing portrait lenses. And for other lenses, I don’t do much landscape work, but I put most of my knowledge into this post:
http://dojoklo.wordpress.com/2010/04/13/best-lenses-for-travel-and-humanitarian-photography/

November 29, 2010 at 12:12 pm

jtb

Thank you, thank you, for this article! I have read reviews, and researched and waffled back and forth between the 7D and 60D, and finally, I think I’ve made my decision to get the 60D. I’m upgrading from the Xsi (450D). I played with my DIL’s 50D with my 50mm 1.4 (sweet combination!) and thought maybe that’s what I would do, but your comment about the 2-3 year old technology in that being even more behind in a year or so, did it for me.

I’m not doing shots of sports anymore, SIL can do that, but I take photos traveling, grandbabies, indoor shots, landscapes, and some macro.

The Xsi has taken good photos and has been pretty dependable (maybe mostly because of my lenses — the 50mm 1.4, 24-105mm L, and my 70-300mm IS DO). I’m spending more time using manual, and fighting with the buried menus, where changing things means 2 hands and tinkering looking at the back of the camera instead through the lens! So do those lenses sound like a good match for the 60D?

November 30, 2010 at 11:36 pm

Those lenses will definitely be happy on the 60D! I’m glad you found the info helpful. Don’t forget to check out my ebook “Your World 60D” to help you dig into the menus and custom functions of the 60D!

December 5, 2010 at 2:17 pm

BigDaddyFromCincinnati

Fantastic post! I think I am going to work myself into the 7D. Seems to me it will hold my attention for my more experienced days coming up. I think I will have fun rediscovering more of the features in the future. Thanks!

December 12, 2010 at 7:49 am

Hey thanx for the lovely explanation, was really debating between the 60D, 7D and the 5D MarkII. But seems like the lack of internal flash in the 5D and the lovely articulating screen in the 60D will make me go for the 60D. I owned a 550D which i just sold yesterday. I do a lot of travelling in the world and shoot interiors so hope the 7D is not required. Have a tamron 18-270 and a 10-24mm lens to go with.

December 15, 2010 at 11:10 pm

RobH

Fantastic article. I just about purchased the 7d the other day to upgrade my 2006 Rebel. Based on your “Get a ____” statements above the 7d would probably be too much for me. The 60d may still be a bit much for me but I do have the desire to learn more and grow with the camera. I have 3 kids all involved in school activities particularly sports and other out door sporting activities. I think with the money saved between the 7d and 60d I will go ahead and bite the bullet and purchase my dream lens the L series 70 – 200 2.8 lens. The lens will probably do more for me than the advanced options of the 7d would ever do at this juncture in my life. Thanks for a great article that is very well written.
Rob

December 15, 2010 at 11:36 pm

Thanks for your feedback! Enjoy the 60D and your dream lens!

Be sure to have a look at my eBook for the 60D – “Your World 60D” now available as a PDF from this blog, Kindle version on Amazon.com, or Nook version at BarnesandNoble.com.

December 17, 2010 at 2:12 am

Now i am in a mess! I am on a point and shoot canon S3, so confused whether to buy the 60D (for the manual audio gain/articulating screen) or the T2i (for saving $)! :(

Can someone just give me nudge! :)

Regards,
Dr. Barry Diamond

December 17, 2010 at 10:08 am

If you plan to use the camera beyond Auto or P mode, and know how or will learn to change ISO, apertures, and custom function settings, get the 60D. In that case you will outgrow the T2i, but it will take quite a while to outgrow the 60D.

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