Upgrade for 550D

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velocemitch

Original Poster:

3,840 posts

225 months

Sunday 29th October 2023
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I’ve had my 550D for quite some time now, used with a couple of decent lenses (Sigma and Tokina) it’s done good service. But I think I’d like something a bit more up to date. It’s performance in low light isn’t so good, nor does it seem to track moving subjects very well with the focus.

I don’t think my budget will stretch to mirrorless, though I realise that would probably be the answer. Same with full frame as I don’t want to start again with lenses.

So that leaves me looking at stuff like the 80D and the 7D Mk2, I saw one of those at a bargain price on Facebook, but the seller is pissing me about so I doubt it will come off.

What’s the thoughts from those that have used the above pair?

The 80d is much lighter and I (think) I like the built in WiFi ( can I connect that to my iPad?) but the 7D seems a more professional piece of kit, with possibly better focusing.

Main use would be Landscapes, Wildlife, Railways, plus probably some motorsport.

Tony1963

5,172 posts

167 months

Monday 30th October 2023
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What is your budget?
Are the two lenses you have only suitable for use on EF-S bodies?

velocemitch

Original Poster:

3,840 posts

225 months

Monday 30th October 2023
quotequote all
Tony1963 said:
What is your budget?
Are the two lenses you have only suitable for use on EF-S bodies?
Up to about £500. ( used obviously)
Yes EF-S

Tony1963

5,172 posts

167 months

Monday 30th October 2023
quotequote all
I’d go 7D Mk2 I think, otherwise you might end up frustrated when photographing motorsport and wildlife.

velocemitch

Original Poster:

3,840 posts

225 months

Saturday 4th November 2023
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Any more thoughts from the collective on this?
The 7D ii fell through, the seller being a total dick! Ideally I’d like to go and get the feel of each of them, but buying used that means finding a shop with them in stock. The 80D seems quite rare on the used market, so only perhaps MPD would have that option. I live in the north, so a trip to London isn’t really on the cards. The smaller light size, closer to my 550D of the 80 might sway the decision.

Can I ask what the functionality is of the WiFi? Either the separate card for the 7 or the built in on the 80. I’d like to be in a position to transfer RAW files over to my IPAD so I can edit them in Lightroom, without having to take them through my Laptop. It’s quite likely I will be doing a lot of my photography on holiday in a touring caravan van, where 4G signal or site WiFi is poor.

Tony1963

5,172 posts

167 months

Saturday 4th November 2023
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I think it looks like you’ve already decided to buy the 80D! wink

No camera meets all requirements, they’re all a compromise. So, for your travel requirements I’d say the 80D’s feature list suits your needs much more closely.

So, next step… you need to find someone who’ll let you try one out, either in-store, at home on a trial, or at a private seller’s house. Time to start communicating!

velocemitch

Original Poster:

3,840 posts

225 months

Saturday 4th November 2023
quotequote all
Tony1963 said:
I think it looks like you’ve already decided to buy the 80D! wink

No camera meets all requirements, they’re all a compromise. So, for your travel requirements I’d say the 80D’s feature list suits your needs much more closely.

So, next step… you need to find someone who’ll let you try one out, either in-store, at home on a trial, or at a private seller’s house. Time to start communicating!
To be honest I’m still think 7D, I would just like to be able to compare. What’s the situation with the WiFi? It’s all a bit new to me that.

Tony1963

5,172 posts

167 months

Saturday 4th November 2023
quotequote all
I had a WiFi card in one of my cameras, used it once or twice, never again.

The Bluetooth and WiFi in my current camera combined with Camera Connect on my iPhone is brilliant, an excellent and highly useable feature.

velocemitch

Original Poster:

3,840 posts

225 months

Saturday 4th November 2023
quotequote all
Tony1963 said:
I had a WiFi card in one of my cameras, used it once or twice, never again.

The Bluetooth and WiFi in my current camera combined with Camera Connect on my iPhone is brilliant, an excellent and highly useable feature.
Ok, that sounds like a reasonable reason to head towards the 80D.

velocemitch

Original Poster:

3,840 posts

225 months

Sunday 5th November 2023
quotequote all
Tony1963 said:
I had a WiFi card in one of my cameras, used it once or twice, never again.

The Bluetooth and WiFi in my current camera combined with Camera Connect on my iPhone is brilliant, an excellent and highly useable feature.
Tony, what was the problem with the WiFi card?
Does it not work with the camera connect app?

The app does sound like the tool I need when I’m away, so it could limit me to the cameras with WiFi built in.

Tony1963

5,172 posts

167 months

Sunday 5th November 2023
quotequote all
From memory, it was due to firing the app up on my iPhone, the phone and camera saying hi to each other, and then the fingers-crossed moment hoping images would transfer. It took ages. Edit to add: I think the card had its own app.

As an example of now: I photographed some BMX racing last weekend. During one of the many downpours, I was taking cover under one of the team gazebos when two young girls asked if I’d photograph them. Their mum was there, and within a couple of minutes, I’d taken the photo, imported it to my phone, Airdropped it to mum, and it was on Facebook. Perhaps the cards improved over the last ten years, but I’d avoid them if at all possible.

Another edit: you’re limited to the card you’ve bought for capacity (not such a problem now) and speed. For high frame rates, the card was a limiting factor. Again, perhaps that has changed.
I used an Eye-Fi card and app, which I think became Keenai. It wasn’t a pleasant experience.

Edited by Tony1963 on Sunday 5th November 10:00



Edited by Tony1963 on Sunday 5th November 10:09

velocemitch

Original Poster:

3,840 posts

225 months

Sunday 5th November 2023
quotequote all
Ok thanks, it’s looking more and more like an 80D then.
I think the WiFi will sway it over the ‘quality’ and probably focusing abilities of the 7D mkii
Stuff like the folding touch screen are a bonus I guess.
There’s a decent looking one local to me, but has a couple of Canon lenses with it, not sure if it’s worth getting them and moving them on. Looks like the kit lens and an 18-135, can’t see which one.