SheilaO wrote:
Would any Canon afficionado be able to assist me? I need to update my camera
Hi Sheila'. Welcome!
+1 to what Helen writes. She's been around the block a few (dozen ) times and speaks from plentiful experience.
My present camera is a Canon DSLR 300D, and it’s twelve years old.
The advances in technology over the past 12 years are real game changers. The improvements in image quality and resolution mean that you can print larger and crop in further (effectively giving you more "telephoto" ability at the longer focal lengths).
Improvements in high ISO noise mean that you can now take photos in situations that were all but impossible previously. Just think what being able to increase your shutter speeds 4-fold would mean in low light, or when shooting action! Your keeper rates will skyrocket, and in my case my tripod has gone into permanent storage.
Canon has also improved both the autofocus hardware and firmware (algorithms) substantially during this period as well. I can tell you that my AF hit percentage has increased by a huge amount, even shooting the most difficult subjects (indoor sports and BIFs especially).
And as substantial as these types of improvements are (and there are a lot more), the real benefit IMHO is that they will change how you can and will use your camera.
You'll find that your camera is much more capable and useful in so many more situations. And the improvements to the user interface and speed of operation make the shooting experience so much more enjoyable. You'll kick yourself for not upgrading sooner, I guarantee!
On top of these improvements is the advent of a little feature called Live View. DSLRs can now take pictures using the back LCD for both shooting and reviewing. And having a twisty LCD plus a touchscreen means that a person can now take pictures (very easily) from so many more (and varied) angles. Waist-level or chest-level candid portraiture is a cinch. Landscapes (from a tripod) are easier to shoot, and IME it's been transformative for macro shooting. In fact, I've been shooting most of my pictures using just the back LCD for a while now (for most fast action I still use the traditional ol' viewfinder tho).
If you've been one to eschew video thus far, these cameras really make you want to shoot it! And with Dual Pixel autofocus, the great swivel touchscreen, and smooth silent STM lenses, IMHO Canon's implementation is absolutely first class.
If you want to be able to access these Live View/Video features using the viewfinder, that's where mirrorless comes in. Additionally Canon's M-Series mirrorless lineup sports small bodies and even smaller lenses (if minimal size is a factor). But DSLRs and mirrorless both still have their advantages and disadvantages, and are talked about to great length on the other forums.
I would appreciate some advice on the best model to get
I would absolutely get a camera that has the new Dual Pixel sensor technology, since they benefit greatly from all that Dual Pixel Autofocus goodness.
The aforementioned SL2 (200D) is your entry point. And the refurbs are a tremendous value. If you want a little bigger grip (and body) plus more features, then the T7i (800D) is next up the food chain, with the 77D giving you a more featured UI (User Interface: ie top LCD and more controls). 80D and 7D2 round out the crop sensor lineup.
I'd really recommend heading to a store and handling the various cameras (test shooting would be even better). See what feels best to you!
I will be staying with Canon as my lenses are all that make (28-135 mm, 50 mm and 18-55 mm).
I'd like to start out by saying that the performance of your existing lenses will not be degraded on any of these new cameras. Your lenses are even Dual Pixel AF compatible. What they gave you with your current 300D, you will get with one of the newer bodies. In fact you'll like them even better on these new cameras (the improved AF alone will see to that). So if you were satisfied with their performance on your older body, then you have nothing to worry about. 👍
Having said that, today's newer lenses make life sooo much sweeter.
I'd highly highly recommend at least purchasing a kit with one of the new STM kit lenses in it. You'll save a lot of money that way, and reap the benefits of fast, smooth, and virtually silent autofocus. Your confidence behind the camera will go way up. Believe me, I own a passel of STM lenses now, and love every one of them.
The 18-55 STM is a very proven lens, and if you don't mind a larger rig then the 18-135 USM (or STM) will add tons more range, and save you lots of lens changes. Up to you though. I'd also put the 50 STM on your roadmap, as it's so much better behaved than the older 50, and it's so inexpensive that it's almost a no-brainer. The sky's the limit after that!
and whether it would be a good idea to buy secondhand.
I've always had great luck with Canon's Refurb offerings. The equipment I've bought there has always been in perfect condition. You can save big bucks this way, esp during the occasional sale.
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Well, sorry about the huge post. I'm just so enthused when someone has the opportunity to make a big upgrade!
Best of luck to you Sheila',
R2
ps. Samples from a bunch of cameras (and lenses) in my galleries. Link is in my sig. EXIF is left intact. R2
