I started with the XT, then got a 5DI. I loved the 5D images, but I was using manual glass a lot. The idea of Live View was interesting so I got a Rebel XS. At some point I needed cash and because of the lenses I used and the fact that I could get more for the 5D I sold it. I really missed the IQ.
Fast forward a bit and I got a 7D. I thought about saving up more for the 5DII, but the thing I didn't like about the last 3 bodies with the limiting auto focus points (that are useable), and framerate. I felt that if I get the 5DII I would be annoyed with those things.
With the 7D in my hands I was blown away with finally having a respectable focus system. The perimeter points are useable and have better coverage. The custom focus settings like using separate focus points for portrait/landscape were new to me, but I instantly came to rely on them. With fast glass, they all work so well.
The wireless trigger is great as I had a 430 already. I take product shots of wheels I build and they have improved instantly without having to buy anything else. It's a simple setup and I haven't had any issues with it.
So far I've taken a couple of videos with it, but nothing fancy at all. I want to explore that more.
I process my images in DPP (raw files). All I have to do is adjust WB, crop and some quick adjustments of the sliders sometimes. The DPP noise reduction has been acceptable for me, but I haven't tried others to compare. I've been happy with the prints I've made so far. That's right, prints. I stopped caring about pixel peeping a long time ago.
Overall, I'm extremely satisfied with the camera. I miss full frame, but not enough to give up what the 7D gives me. I'd rather get the shot. Ideally, I'd have both, but that's not happening. The 1 series bodies are not in the cards. I don't want anything bigger than the 7D/5D bodies.
Quanger wrote:
Thanks for all the informative response. It looks like I am going to hold off a bit. The ISO performance beyond 1600 doesn't seem to justify the jump at this point. When looking at dxomark, is it fair to compare canon and nikon models? It seems like the nikon models score quite a bit better than its direct competitor ie. d7000 vs 60d, D5100 vs 600D
What I am looking for in my next body upgrade:
1. better ISO 1600 performance (I find the 450D's 1600iso barely usable unless I shoot RAW)
2. faster continuous shooting speed (at least 6fps)
3. remote flash control
Things such as better water seal, better and larger build, video and articulating screen does not really impact my style of shooting. I find a rebel body with a grip is good enough to handle even larger lens like my 17-55. ...Show more →
I think it is fair to compare Nikon vs Canon for ISO in Dxomark but you have to take into acount that a 12mpx camera should beat a 18mpx camera because the pixels are less dense but there is a tradeoff in less detail when you are shooting in better light. As well you should consider that older vintage bodies tend to do less well than newer vintage bodies. I suspect that the 1dx will be as good as the d4 and the next 5d3 will be as good or better than the d800.
More pixel spacing means better ISO. So FF is better. Less mpx is better. An new vintage is better.
The other thing to keep in mind is that the gains on cropped frame are marginal 1100 iso D7000 vs 800 iso on 7d is less than 1/2 a stop. 3200ISO on d3x vs 1800 ISO on 5dii is one stop but at a large hit on pixels.
After a bit more research, I am pretty certain a body upgrade isn't the best choice for me. After shooting in RAW and a bit of post-processing, the difference is too negligible between the 7d and my current body. I am going to pickup a 70-200 F4 IS or save up for a 70-200F2.8 II. I currently have 34,xxx clicks so the body should be able to last another 3years.
I must admit that I am quite impressed with nikon's D7000's iso performance. I'm actually glad that it is better than canon's offerings because it will encourage healthy competition. Fortunately, there's much more to photography than ISO performance.
