First DSLR - 70D 18-55 or 700D 18-135

marlosfm wrote:

After a few months using the Canon 700D (T5i), I can share my experience and overall feeling about it. When I wrote the first post, I considered some features a necessity. But now, with more experience, I have a different opinion. I hope these comments help others to decide the appropriate camera for them.

What I like / What I use often

• Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM
  Yes, I like this zoom lens. I know I get sometimes lazy when using a zoom lens, but I love the soft background when photographing near 135mm. And when travelling, it is great for photographing distance places (when you definitely don't want to go near the subject).
• DoF preview

What I don't use

• Touchscreen
  Sorry, but I can't use it. I prefer to use the camera buttons.
• Flip screen
  Too much time to flip the screen for a quick shot and then you need to change to live view... Forget about it. Ah, and yes, I tried to take selfies with the camera. #stupid, I know.
• Creative modes

What I don't like

• Auto white balance
  IMHO, it never looks right. I prefer to tweak it in Lightroom.
• I think the kit lens is not sharp enough.

Finally, if I would buy a new camera today, I'd consider the 7D Mark II. Or even a full-frame model. And a mirrorless. Sometimes this camera attracts too much attention (usually when travelling).

Whoa, before you graduate to ff, you have to learn the creative modes. It's almost a requirement!

Start by leaving it in AV mode for a few days and using the dial to try some different apertures. Small number, small depth of field. Large, large.

Then try shutter priority (TV). And mess around with different shutter speeds.

Then and only then are you admitted to full frame, grasshopper!