Upgrade from 450D to 77D or m4/3

damcify wrote:

TL;DR Should I get a newer model Canon SLR or should I be switching to mirrorless for a more compact solution, but keeping image quality.

I currently own a 450D with 18-55 kit lens, 50 mm portrait and a 55-250 mm. Purchased in 2008/2009.

I enjoy photography just as a hobby, and I would classify myself as a holiday / family photographer, although I prefer taking pictures of non-people to my wifes dispair.

I will be the first to admit that I have started to use an iphone 7 plus for the family snaps, and use the SLR for shooting outdoor football (aka soccer) and indoor floorball (Swedish indoor hockey in sportshalls).

On holiday the SLR has served well for shooting windsurfing photos aswell as the touristic shooting.

I have read too much about what has happened the past 9 years, wrt m4/3, bridge (fz1000) cameras etc.. Have tried some different models in the store, and find many of the mirrorless models to have viewfinders I don't like - wavy / hard to see the full viewfinder due to being a glasses wearer.

After some persuasion from my eldest son I am looking for an upgrade. The reasons are: video support, better ISO for indoor sports shooting, and the fully articulated screen will be a joy (I missed that when going to the 450D from a powershot).

The question is, should I aim at a 77D/800D (or even a 760D) or is it time to switch to mirrorless e.g. m4/3 DMC G80. I feel the market is changing and SLRs are kind of old school. I enjoy taking photos, but don't have the ambition to have a great collection of lenses. If a bridge camera had been good enough I would get one.

Any good advice?

Thanks!

Daniel

I like both the g80/85 and the 800d/77d. Both have their pros and cons. But since you mentioned you like to shoot sports, ,then go for the 800d (or 77d). That has better AF in action or continuous AF than the G80/85.  Since you don't upgrade often, though the 760d is also good, best to go with the better AF of the 800d/77d. It has slightly better low light capabilities too with digic 7 (vs digic 6). In fact, the 800d/77d is the same sensor and AF points used in the 80d.  Both g80 and the 800d/77d have fully articulating touch screens.

What you will lose with the 800d is the 4k video. Some size and weight advantage. If you don't mind this, then the 800d/77d is the better choice. You also don't get the nice EVF, only the OVF. But you gain about 1.3 stops of better high ISO with the canon.

If you choose 800d/77d or the g80/85, for sports, it is still important to get fast lenses to stop motion. Yes, you can crank up to iso 3200 or 6400 but fast lenses can make you operate in lower ISOs, hence less noise. I would recommend the 50 f1.8 stm for such a task. If you need more reach, go for the 85 f1.8 usm. Both are a bit affordable.

I know where you are coming from as I had the 20d and the 400d. Sold the 400d and just held on the 20d for sentimental reasons. Besides, I can only get U$100 at most if I sold it. Having used newer mirroless cameras and even newer sensors, what you will soon find out is the big difference in AF speed and accuracy (way faster than the 450d even in the dim light), the sharpness an color accuracy of LCD screens, the convenience of touch screens, the accurate AWB, the high resolution (24mp of the 800d), the ease of use. higher dynamic range, less noise in high ISO (3200 is ok to use, with 6400 very acceptable), etc. etc.

So, yes, I would upgrade if I were you. It is worth it. I know because the improvements are really amazing and a big jump from my old cameras. Even my 3-year tech fz-1000 can see in the dark, and has good EVF/LCD that it is fun to shoot even in the very dark situations. The 800d should be better. If you want the intervalometer, top display screen, the AF-On button (useful if you want to separte focus and exposure), and find a round dial an advantage, get the 77d instead.