Photographer
Amul La La
Posts: 885
London, England, United Kingdom
I did a search to see if there was any other thread on this, couldn't seem to see anything, sorry if there is.
I just wanted to ask about views on upgrading from a canon 300D to Canon 550D.
I'm under no illusions, I understand a better camera won't make you a better photographer, lots and lots of practice and lots more practice is what will.
I just feel I've had my 300D for a year and a half, and frankly I'm a little bored of it, and kinda feel like I've outgrown it, like I need a new challenge > something with a little more punch, something that I can use along side my creativity to help convey it with a little more quality.
I like my 300D, it has served me well, but it seems quite slow these days, it's clunky, I feel I know the settings so well now, and just want more.
probably be going after a second hand canon 550D (seems like a very good candidate), what do you think?, hoping to get one for less than £300 pounds.
Photographer
You-In-The-Lens
Posts: 133
Grays, England, United Kingdom
I have had the canon 550D for a year now and very happy with it,i have a 50mm 1.8 prime lens on it and most of the photos shot on my portfolio were with the 550D
Photographer
B R U N E S C I
Posts: 25319
Bath, England, United Kingdom
If you really want an upgrade you'd probably be better off with one of the "semi pro" crop bodies like a 7D or used 50D. The little thumbwheel on the back and the joystick control that you can use to switch focus points with your thumb while shooting are a great improvement over the control layout of the XXXD bodies. Just my $0.02 Ciao Stefano www.stefanobrunesci.com
Photographer
Amul La La
Posts: 885
London, England, United Kingdom
How much did you snap up your 550D for a year ago?.
Oh yes I have the 50mm 1.8 awesome lens, I've heard people say it's a little tacky and flimsy, and it's better to go for the 1.4 but that cost a bomb (I'm losing no sleep over not being able to pay a bomb for something I can barely afford) - I love my 50mm lens.
the 550D seems like a great camera, pixels for a start 6.3 vs 17.9 or 18.0 is it that's a massive jump in picture elements, 100 - 6400 expandable to 12800, apparently the image quality is better, I'll be able to shoot more frames.
thank you street shooter.
Photographer
Amul La La
Posts: 885
London, England, United Kingdom
-B-R-U-N-E-S-C-I- wrote:
If you really want an upgrade you'd probably be better off with one of the "semi pro" crop bodies like a 7D or used 50D.
The little thumbwheel on the back and the joystick control that you can use to switch focus points with your thumb while shooting are a great improvement over the control layout of the XXXD bodies.
Just my $0.02
Ciao
Stefano
www.stefanobrunesci.com The canon 5D seems absolutely MEGA, if I could afford it I'd buy that, okay I'll have a look at the canon 50D, thank you Stefano.
Photographer
Amul La La
Posts: 885
London, England, United Kingdom
Do you mind me asking what you use Stefano?.
Photographer
Viator Defessus Photos
Posts: 1259
Houston, Texas, US
A M U L wrote:
I just wanted to ask about views on upgrading from a canon 300D to Canon 550D.
I'm under no illusions, I understand a better camera won't make you a better photographer, lots and lots of practice and lots more practice is what will. I use a 600D, which I think uses the same sensor and processor as the 550D (or something very close to). They're both very nice cameras.
Something you might want to include in your budget: I think the older rebels (The XTi/400D and older) use Compact Flash Cards. The XSi/450D and newer models use SD cards.
Photographer
PIEntertainment
Posts: 1308
Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
I think if you have the cash you should go for the 60D, I upgraded last year from the 450D to this and it's much much better. You can shoot at higher ISO's more often, the moving screen actually is very useful as well and so is having the LCD screen on top to change setting faster.
Photographer
You-In-The-Lens
Posts: 133
Grays, England, United Kingdom
I paid about £495.95 and i think i got 35 pounds cash back an i think the 650D is out now so it would have gone down in price.
Just do a google search and see what is around.
Yer great lens the 1.8
Photographer
Jay Leavitt
Posts: 6745
Las Vegas, Nevada, US
The 550 is a great camera. Most of my port is with one.
Same image quality as the 600/650/60/7D (same sensor and processor for the most part) mine focuses great.
Got mine for $340 (£215)
Photographer
Ultimate Dream
Posts: 860
London, England, United Kingdom
Why don't you just go for the 650D, its a brilliant camera.
Photographer
Darker Muse Images
Posts: 10
Pawcatuck, Connecticut, US
A M U L wrote:
Oh yes I have the 50mm 1.8 awesome lens, I've heard people say it's a little tacky and flimsy, and it's better to go for the 1.4 but that cost a bomb (I'm losing no sleep over not being able to pay a bomb for something I can barely afford) - I love my 50mm lens. I too have been using the 550D for the last year and bought the 50mm 1.8 about 4 months ago, love both the camera and the lense.
I have been working with the 50mm in some close up portrait/detail stuff and just now started exploring it's use in a wider spectrum of things, landscapes primarily.
I also went with the lower cost 50mm lense as I didn't have the cash for the $300+ one and I have been really happy.
Photographer
Phil Drinkwater
Posts: 4814
Manchester, England, United Kingdom
If you're bored, invest in a new lens as it will get you much more back in terms of creative photography than a new body will, unless you need the new body..
Photographer
fotopfw
Posts: 962
Kerkrade, Limburg, Netherlands
Phil Drinkwater wrote:
If you're bored, invest in a new lens as it will get you much more back in terms of creative photography than a new body will, unless you need the new body.. +1
Look for another prime, lasts longer than a body too.
Photographer
Amul La La
Posts: 885
London, England, United Kingdom
Everyone is similar or varying in opinion, some even said get better glass,
well I'm not shooting action (sports/lots of fashion movement>jumping etc) so I know I don't need the camera to be crazy responsive, and I'm a hobbyist/ aspiring photographer.
I'll take what everyone has said into account, n then I guess make the plunge. Great stuff guys thank you.
(;
Photographer
Amul La La
Posts: 885
London, England, United Kingdom
Phil Drinkwater wrote:
If you're bored, invest in a new lens as it will get you much more back in terms of creative photography than a new body will, unless you need the new body.. What could/would you suggest looking at, in terms of glass to get, I have the 50mm 1.8 so far, everything in my portfolio has been shot with that lens.
Photographer
Amul La La
Posts: 885
London, England, United Kingdom
-JAY- wrote:
The 550 is a great camera. Most of my port is with one.
Same image quality as the 600/650/60/7D (same sensor and processor for the most part) mine focuses great.
Got mine for $340 (£215) thank you J, great shots btw 
Photographer
Velvet Paper Photo
Posts: 468
Lexington, Kentucky, US
I have the T2i & upgraded from the XSi. Much, much better. Most people say that that a better camera won't make you a better photographer, but I say that's bullcrap. If you have a crappy camera, there's only so much you can do with it. If you feel your camera is limiting what you can do & think you can do better, then go ahead & buy it!
That's why I got mine.
Now, you shouldn't upgrade just because you think it will make you better, because it won't. I knew I was better than my camera was letting me be, though.
Photographer
Ultimate Dream
Posts: 860
London, England, United Kingdom
Phil Drinkwater wrote:
If you're bored, invest in a new lens as it will get you much more back in terms of creative photography than a new body will, unless you need the new body.. Even though you are right about investing in a new lens, i personally would definitely update my camera first (if its the 300D) before going for a new lens. The 50mm 1.8 is a fantastic lens.
The 300D was my first ever camera (in 2004) before updating to a 20D a year and half later (now i use a 5DII), and i definitely noticed a huge deference in image quality even though all i had was the 50mm lens at the time.
Even though some photographers may not agree with me, i personally think, the 300D doesn't hack it anymore in this day and age. Once you lay your hands on the 550D or 60D, you'll never want to touch the 300D anymore.
Photographer
Ralph Easy
Posts: 6426
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Upgrade bigtime
Buy a new camera.
(a new 550D, if you can find one...)
Buying a run down used item is not a satisfying "upgrade".
.
Photographer
Viator Defessus Photos
Posts: 1259
Houston, Texas, US
Raoul Isidro Images wrote:
Upgrade bigtime
Buy a new camera.
(a new 550D, if you can find one...)
Buying a run down used item is not a satisfying "upgrade".
. I agree to a point, my 600D was bought new, my 450D was bought used as a 2nd body/back-up. However, there are some really nice, gently used cameras out there that were bought by some soccer mom or some guy about to take an expensive vaction that then put the camera down and never used it. Used doesn't mean run-down, you just have to be careful about what you buy.
Photographer
HO Photo
Posts: 575
Los Angeles, California, US
If you can't articulate with any specificity what the new camera will let you do that the old camera is keeping you from doing -- then I submit you don't need it.
Photographer
Phil Drinkwater
Posts: 4814
Manchester, England, United Kingdom
ultimate dream wrote:
Even though you are right about investing in a new lens, i personally would definitely update my camera first (if its the 300D) before going for a new lens. The 50mm 1.8 is a fantastic lens.
The 300D was my first ever camera (in 2004) before updating to a 20D a year and half later (now i use a 5DII), and i definitely noticed a huge deference in image quality even though all i had was the 50mm lens at the time.
Even though some photographers may not agree with me, i personally think, the 300D doesn't hack it anymore in this day and age. Once you lay your hands on the 550D or 60D, you'll never want to touch the 300D anymore. Well I don't know about the camera but the 50mm 1.8, while good for the money, definitely isn't "fantastic". I have the 50 1.2 and IMO that really is fantastic. The other problem with a 50 is that's all it'll do. It won't go wider or longer.
Op there's a world of lenses out there, and even lens attachments like the lens baby which can create interesting effects. However lenses (like cameras) should be bought to solve a problem or get a specific effect, so work out what you want to do first. Then find the kit to produce it
Photographer
L o n d o n F o g
Posts: 7497
London, England, United Kingdom
The 7D is available as a brand spanker for around 750-800, at that price level there is nothing to touch it! Come to think many cameras at twice that price level would have trouble with it!
Yes, I like (love actually) my 7D lots!
Photographer
Michael Broughton
Posts: 2288
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
Raoul Isidro Images wrote:
Upgrade bigtime
Buy a new camera.
(a new 550D, if you can find one...)
Buying a run down used item is not a satisfying "upgrade".
. i couldn't disagree more. i care about results, not how shiny and new my equipment looks when i get it. never knowing what sort of obscure vintage gear i'm going to stumble upon at a thrift store or paying a tenth of what something would cost new is far more satisfying than paying retail and dealing with a pushy salesperson.
Photographer
Kevin Connery
Posts: 17824
El Segundo, California, US
A M U L wrote:
I did a search to see if there was any other thread on this, couldn't seem to see anything, sorry if there is.
I just wanted to ask about views on upgrading from a canon 300D to Canon 550D.
I'm under no illusions, I understand a better camera won't make you a better photographer, lots and lots of practice and lots more practice is what will.
I just feel I've had my 300D for a year and a half, and frankly I'm a little bored of it, and kinda feel like I've outgrown it, like I need a new challenge > something with a little more punch, something that I can use along side my creativity to help convey it with a little more quality.
I like my 300D, it has served me well, but it seems quite slow these days, it's clunky, I feel I know the settings so well now, and just want more.
probably be going after a second hand canon 550D (seems like a very good candidate), what do you think?, hoping to get one for less than £300 pounds. In what way is your current equipment limiting you?
Until you can identify that, any upgrade is as likely to not help as help.
If the limiting factor is that you're bored with the gear you have, examine how you're using it, as it has a higher image quality than a camera I used for 3 years and sold many large (20 by 30 or 30 by 40) images captured by it. Yes, it's.imiting, but HOW is it limiting you? Low-light? Frames/second? Angle of view? Image quality? Focusing limits? (That was why I switched from a D60 to a 1D Mark II). Something else?
FWIW, a new camera with the same technique will not give you more punch. A new lens might, but probably won't either.
Photographer
Velvet Paper Photo
Posts: 468
Lexington, Kentucky, US
London Fog wrote:
The 7D is available as a brand spanker for around 750-800, at that price level there is nothing to touch it! Come to think many cameras at twice that price level would have trouble with it!
Yes, I like (love actually) my 7D lots! Um... Where?! I'd really like to know. I've not seen it below $1200 body only.
Photographer
Mike Kelcher
Posts: 13322
Minneapolis, Minnesota, US
In a general sense, I think that 99% of the images one is likely to create could be created with either body and the results would not be significantly different. The body simply is a box that holds a lens, houses a light metering system, controls the shutter and aperture and has a sensor to capture the images and a card to hold the recorded images.
Unless something doesn't work on your current camera, or there's a "must have" feature on a new one, there's little reason to spend money on a new body...especially a move like this one.
Photographer
Mike Kelcher
Posts: 13322
Minneapolis, Minnesota, US
Velvet Paper Photo wrote:
Um... Where?! I'd really like to know. I've not seen it below $1200 body only. I believe you are confusing US dollars with British pounds (or possibly Euros). London Fog is in the UK.
Photographer
Velvet Paper Photo
Posts: 468
Lexington, Kentucky, US
Mike Kelcher wrote:
I believe you are confusing US dollars with British pounds (or possibly Euros). London Fog is in the UK. Dang it. I didn't even notice that. Lol Thanks.
Photographer
Tom Nardi
Posts: 9
Denver, Colorado, US
Kevin Connery wrote:
In what way is your current equipment limiting you?
Until you can identify that, any upgrade is as likely to not help as help. +1 You mentioned the 50 1.8. Do you have anything wider? That lens can be a little long on your camera. But it all really depends on what you want to shoot. You might also want to consider getting a flash.
Personally when I switched to a digital SLR my widest lens leftover from my film days was 28mm. On a cropped sensor I found it to be too long for a walk around lens. Therefore a wide angle was my next upgrade.
Tom
Photographer
SoCo n Lime
Posts: 3283
Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom
Photographer
B R U N E S C I
Posts: 25319
Bath, England, United Kingdom
SoCo n Lime wrote:
it sounds like you've hit (experiencing) the aps learning curve roof
{nonsense deleted} Congratulations! Full frame snobbery and purchase-justification at its best! 
OP, your current body while admittedly a little long in the tooth will certainly still provide good results if you use it right, especially if your output is likely to be web-only.
As others have mentioned, an investment in glass could provide you with more creative options that will help expand your photography skills a lot more than buying a new body, which will effectively allow you only to take the same photos but with better 'quality' at the pixel level.
If you're really desperate for a body upgrade, then consider the xxD series or the 7D as these will give you better sensor quality, better focusing and and better ergonomics (easier access to change aperture/focal points etc. while you're shooting).
For model photography I'd be surprised if anybody really needs a FF sensor unless maybe they're shooting high-end (and I mean really high end) beauty or catalogue work, or making massive art prints for gallery displays.
As for the nonsense about 'red casts' from APS-C sensors.... well....
Just my $0.02
Ciao
Stefano
www.stefanobrunesci.com
Photographer
Hugh Alison
Posts: 2125
Aberystwyth, Wales, United Kingdom
30D, 40D, or 5D mark 1.
All great cameras for not a lot of money.
Photographer
SoCo n Lime
Posts: 3283
Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom
Photographer
B R U N E S C I
Posts: 25319
Bath, England, United Kingdom
SoCo n Lime wrote:
im sure you being a 50d crop user have jumped in being defensive on all things APS If I felt I needed a FF body I'd buy one tomorrow. The 5d3 is a bit of bargain even at UK prices.
SoCo n Lime wrote:
having been schooled Oh yes, I forgot you went to some college somewhere and got a bit of paper that says you're a photographer, so clearly you know better than everybody else.
SoCo n Lime wrote:
unfortunately not all self taught people have their equipment related and work flow problems / issues pointed out to them. (they cant see it / still need their eyes trained to it) so until someone points these common issues out to you personally, please by all means carry on regardless By all means, if you can see any technical "issues" with my photos at web-resolution that could be fixed by using a FF sensor then feel free to point them out.
SoCo n Lime wrote:
THE OP mentioned he needed a bit more punch to his work (and does not mention web only). You don't get more "punch" by changing cameras; you get it by improving your photography.
Sure, as I agreed, his 300D is getting a little long in the tooth, but suggesting that he needs to buy a FF camera because he's 'outgrown' crop sensors after a whole one and a half years of shooting is palpable nonsense.
Ciao
Stefano
www.stefanobrunesci.com
Photographer
Jay Leavitt
Posts: 6745
Las Vegas, Nevada, US
I agree that the 300D with a 50mm 1.8 and good technique is still capable of good images. I have one i still shoot with for fun. I picked up a 5DI a while back - ditched it (though its a great camera) for a T2i. Was considering a 7D/60D but with near identical image quality, i went with the cheaper one so I could spend more on lenses and lighting. 300D - 50mm 1.4 - generic speedlite: ![https://jayleavitt.com/links/misha_1.jpg]()
Photographer
A-M-P
Posts: 18465
Orlando, Florida, US
-B-R-U-N-E-S-C-I- wrote:
Sure, as I agreed, his 300D is getting a little long in the tooth, but suggesting that he needs to buy a FF camera because he's 'outgrown' crop sensors after a whole one and a half years of shooting is palpable nonsense.
Ciao
Stefano
www.stefanobrunesci.com +1
Photographer
L o n d o n F o g
Posts: 7497
London, England, United Kingdom
SoCo n Lime wrote:
seriously pal im not sure wether to read this as sarcastic BS or not
for the record im not impressed. im sure you being a 50d crop user have jumped in being defensive on all things APS
snobbery..? my experience is having been schooled and plenty of real world experience on both crop canon's and full frame's. I found the limits to each piece of equipment before taking the next step up, over a number of years because my budget dictated that i squeesed the most out of what i had for as long as i had it. if you call that snobbery you really are in cloud BRUNESCI
unfortunately not all self taught people have their equipment related and work flow problems / issues pointed out to them. (they cant see it / still need their eyes trained to it) so until someone points these common issues out to you personally, please by all means carry on regardless
THE OP mentioned he needed a bit more punch to his work (and does not mention web only). my reply was my experience directed to the OP having assumed he has hit the same point around the same time that i did when finally realizing the limits to the canon equipment (body) in hand (if you missed it he has been shooting a year and a half)
the comments where not directed at you nor did i invite you to bring personal "nonsense deleted" pish to my post. by all means give your own experience and opinion to the OP but please keep to your side of the table The only limitation that exists is in the mind of the photographer! No amount of equipment can ever change that!
On that note, there is nothing wrong with a crop at all, the 7D as an example is man enough for any job, in fact it's man enough to wipe the floor with many FF's, and my other camera is a D800!
Photographer
SoCo n Lime
Posts: 3283
Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom
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