upgrade options

Johnyy wrote:

Hi Everyone:

I bought a 1000D with kit lens 18-55 several years ago. It now belongs to my mom. She is generally happy with the camera. But compare to her friend's nikon D700, this camera's picture looks much less sharp, and the color isn't nearly as good.

So, I want to upgrade for better image quality. My budget is 2000~2500. It is not much, so I am mostly considering a decent used body and a few good quality lenses.

Usage would be mostly landscape during travel. Less weight is worth considering.

60D body $550
650D body $550
D7000 body $680
Wait for 70D to come out, less lens.
6D body $1500, maybe only one lens.

What else should I consider? What do you guys think ?

Agree with both poster above. First you can try to match the picture style for the color and sharpness.  If you still don't get the sharpness, get descent lens for that. For lens I suggest EF-S 15-85mm, the 15mm is nicely wide for landscape.

If she's still not happy then, new body is the next option. Make sure she tried the camera, 60D, 70D, D7000 are about 250gr heavier than 1000D. So, something like SL1 or 650/700D are more to her liking.

Remember that 1000D and D700 are from different class even though they were launch on the same year. IMO that might explain some of the differences.

I help her friend bought that D700. At the time it was a $4000 package. I understand the price different.

I still remember the first time that friend took it out for shooting. Many pics were all white because of over exposure.