Should I upgrade from my Canon EOS 350D/Rebel XT in the near future?

Question

I currently own the Canon EOS 350D. Yes it's 2014 and its almost 10 years old and blah blah please don't mention its age, I love it for the features it gives me and the images are great. I also love the features it has, I learned how to go slr with this camera years back and I would never need anything more in image quality.`

The one thing I'm really concerned about is the build quality. I'm worried, that if I drop it it will shatter. I have big hands and a big grip, it feels a tad small and plasticy for my tastes. I like the fake leather design and heavier and metal clad build of the amateur and professional bodies.

I could just buy a battery grip and keep it, this is where I ask your advice.

Other things, such are burst fps, the clickwheel for adjusting in manual mode (soooo much faster than the buttons on the Rebel lineup) and the weather sealing are other factors that make me consider another camera.

Now, since I have a Canon I am looking at other Canons. I like the looks of the 20/30/40D, but I've even looked at some professional models such as the 1D mkII. I also am fond of Nikons, but once again I would have to state a new inventory of lenses if I bought one.

I don't want to pay over 350$ for the body really. I don't need much better image quality or noise performance than my 350D has, either.

I plan on using the body for general purposes (all scenarios, the lenses are what I change regularly).

And please don't question my shooting experience.

Answer 1

To take your points in order:

Build quality - but as you say it is 10yrs old and hasn't broke yet! Build quality appears to be OK



Rear clickwheel - I have a 450D with controls like yours and an EOS 50E film SLR with the clickwheel. It is marginally more convenient to reach your thumb out to the wheel rather than find the AV button and hold while rolling the single wheel. But to be honest it would never be a deal breaker for me.



I have battery grips for both the above cameras - mostly I use them because I have a minor problem with my right hand and they greatly improve the security of my grip. But they add a lot of weight so I do sometimes use the cameras without grips.



Weather sealing - how often do you get the urge to use your camera in the rain! And don't forget you also need weather sealed L series lenses - £$£$£$£$£$£$!!!



It seems the 350D meets most of your needs. If you just WANT a new camera then buy one! Don't spend hours trying to justify it on operational grounds - it's your hard earned cash and you deserve new toys occasionally.



For the record - I just bought a 350D in almost new condition off Ebay for £35! Boxed with all leads, manuals, CD but no memory card - I forgot they don't use SD so can't use it until I get one! Just to play with for a while before I sell it on! And a couple of months ago I bought a similar condition EOS 620 for £15. Buy 'em, play with 'em for a year or so then sell 'em on! Provided you don't break them and don't wait too long you generally get your money back.

Answer 2

Realistically the only significantly better older camera you could buy would be a Pentax K5 (just check the DSOmark sensor data and you'll see why). But then you'd have to change all your lenses.

A couple of years back I upgraded a 2004 camera to a more modern one (Konica Minolta 5D to Sony A57) and the extra features and improvements in image quality and handling were quite obvious, and there was a useful video function too.

So for you I'd say keep the lenses you have and put them on a 600D or 650D (T3, T3i) body.

Here's a refurb:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/827671-REF/Canon_5157B015AA_EOS_Rebel_T3_Digital.html

Answer 3

To replace or not to replace, that is the question.



You are happy with the XT's image quality. - not replace

You are concerned about dropping it. No DSLR can be dropped. - not replace

Feels small and plasticy (sic) - replace

Like the other bodies - replace

Battery grip, addresses the small size - not replace

Burst rate, do you really do that? I've played with it, but never found a real use for it. - replace or not, depends on you

Clickwheel - replace

Weather sealing - replace

$350 budget, could get another lens - replace/not replace



You've had your XT long enough to appreciate using a fine camera. I'd look for a gently used or a refurbished Canon. The problem with the 1Ds Mark II is that it is a full frame sensor, which will obsolete some or all of your lenses. Plus, when you go to buy a new lens, it will be much more expensive. The 20/30/40D route is very attractive. But I would save up for the 60D. Before you do anything, call Canon and ask about their "customer loyalty program". My buddy got a hell of a deal on a 50D.

Answer 4

Your question is really a breath of fresh air..!



This is exactly how someone more interested in photography does business...you aren't trying to impress anyone by having the latest and greatest kit...you prefer using kit you are comfortable with and understand what it is capable of...



It's a really sensible approach...you have an advantage...you can decide on a budget...and then...work out which direction to go in...I would send you in the direction of the second hand/used market...you realise what makes you happy and what is really important so it doesn't matter where you invest your cash...it will be money well spent.



Have a look at some of the used Pro-models...even though it's used the build quality will be much better and the actual performance will be better than what you get from your current camera...You could buy an 'upgrade'...a used Pro spec Canon camera...that will give you everything you want for around the same money as one of their brand new in box rebel models...that's the best way to buy your gear.

Answer 5

To minimize the chances of breaking it. if you are not already doing so,

transport it in a padded case, and in use secure it with the neck strap provided or with an SLR wrist strap.

Answer 6

If it ain't broke, don't fix it.

Answer 7

Many people have chosen these products because they are satisfied with what has been obtained. Also many costumer to review it. More details go HERE: _http://amzn.to/1l7uk4k