New camera for my wife?

[Gnome_parody]

My wife has a Canon EOS550D camera which she has had for 10+ years. She also has purchased some decent lenses to go with it, ISM 18-55 and 70-300, also Canon.

We are going away on Safari soon for her birthday and I would like to buy her a new camera - ideally focussing on a camera that would be compatible with the existing lenses.

Budget would be £500-£1,000 unless there's a strong argument for going beyond this!

Thanks in advance!
GP

[steveatesh]

You won’t go with this but push the boat out and get a Sony A7iii for the animal eye focus and tracking ability on your safari. You’d need the canon - Sony adaptor but hey, you’re only here once.

Plus I’ve no doubt she will reward your outward expression of love and affection in special ways.........

[Simpo Two]

If I may just steal the win...

'Seems like a fair swap guv!'

[Gnome_parody]

steveatesh said:

You won’t go with this but push the boat out and get a Sony A7iii for the animal eye focus and tracking ability on your safari. You’d need the canon - Sony adaptor but hey, you’re only here once.

Plus I’ve no doubt she will reward your outward expression of love and affection in special ways.........

A bit of research suggests that's going t be £2k or more - not really an option for how often she'll use the camera.

For me the big question is whether to get another EOS DSLR camera (e.g seems to fit the bill price wise) or whether to go for an EOS M/R mirrorless camera with an adaptor to allow her to use her existing lenses.

I'm out of depth on this, so all advice gratefully received!
Thanks

[Tony1963]

Maybe consider a used Canon 7D MkII, used, from MPB. £500. Great autofocus and frame rate. Will make the best use of the 70-300 lens without any silly adapter kerfuffle. If you still want to spend the remaining £500, 'maybe' look at upgrading the big lens. On safari, most animals are most active in low light, so a good lens gives better autofocus and better images.

Edit: buying a Sony for her now might be a terrible idea, as she has ten years of Canon's far easier menu system behind her. The 7D2 will be very familiar.

Edited by Tony1963 on Sunday 13th October 15:36

[K12beano]

Simpo Two said:

If I may just steal the win...

'Seems like a fair swap guv!'

Took nearly 90 mins. Losing your touch there....

[Nerdherder]

Tony1963 said:

Maybe consider a used Canon 7D MkII, used, from MPB. £500. Great autofocus and frame rate. Will make the best use of the 70-300 lens without any silly adapter kerfuffle. If you still want to spend the remaining £500, 'maybe' look at upgrading the big lens. On safari, most animals are most active in low light, so a good lens gives better autofocus and better images.

Edit: buying a Sony for her now might be a terrible idea, as she has ten years of Canon's far easier menu system behind her. The 7D2 will be very familiar.

Edited by Tony1963 on Sunday 13th October 15:36

Great advice.

[Zad]

The new Canon EOS 90D is due out soon isn't it? Same crop sensor but 32.5MP, capable of recording full-sensor 4K video. It will be at the top end of your budget though.

[RobDickinson]

I wouldnt take a lower end sony mirrorless to Africa and hope it works/battery lasts etc!

Gnome_parody said:

My wife has a Canon EOS550D camera which she has had for 10+ years. She also has purchased some decent lenses to go with it, ISM 18-55 and 70-300, also Canon.

We are going away on Safari soon for her birthday and I would like to buy her a new camera - ideally focussing on a camera that would be compatible with the existing lenses.

Budget would be £500-£1,000 unless there's a strong argument for going beyond this!

Thanks in advance!
GP

What is the 70-300 model?

A 7d mk2 would be great its canons top crop camera for wildlife etc, the 90D just out is close. An 80d would be pretty decent too.

[Gnome_parody]

RobDickinson said:

What is the 70-300 model?

A 7d mk2 would be great its canons top crop camera for wildlife etc, the 90D just out is close. An 80d would be pretty decent too.

I think it’s this one:
https://www.canon.co.uk/lenses/ef-70-300mm-f-4-5-6...

[RobDickinson]

I think that's relatively new and decent?

[Gnome_parody]

RobDickinson said:

I think that's relatively new and decent?

Not very new (maybe 10 years old) - maybe I’ve linked the wrong one! I’m not very clued up on cameras, it’s really her domain.

I do know it’s 70-300, Canon and with image stabilisation. And it weighs a tonne as I have to carry it!

[Tony1963]

The two safaris I’ve been on had a total baggage limit of 12kg per person. That’s hold, carry on, camera gear etc. Have you checked that side of things?

[Gnome_parody]

Tony1963 said:

The two safaris I’ve been on had a total baggage limit of 12kg per person. That’s hold, carry on, camera gear etc. Have you checked that side of things?

That’s not an issue for us, but thanks for the warning!

[Gnome_parody]

Thanks to all for your advice / I’m looking at the new EOS 80D or 90D.

[Jasey_]

My Recommendation - do a google search of "coolpix p1000 safari shots".

I've got an EOS 80d with a canon 100-400 L Lens which replaced another EOS Model / lens combo similar to your wife's - Resultant Images were much more to do with the lens.

Not sure replacing the Camera body will result in that much difference.

This camera is a one trick pony - but I reckon it's the trick you need .

[Tony1963]

Jasey_ said:

My Recommendation - do a google search of "coolpix p1000 safari shots".


Not sure replacing the Camera body will result in that much difference.

A ten year old camera body is ancient. The sensor tech alone will make a huge difference. Combine that with excellent autofocus, and the OP’s wife will see huge improvements, whether she’s using a 7DII, 80D, 90D, or anything else fairly recent.

[RobDickinson]

I would be tempted to rent a 100-400L mk2 and use the 80/90d