Upgrade from Digital RebelXt?

When I upgraded from my 8mp Olympus E-500 and 10mp Olympus E-510 to a 18mp Canon T2i (550D) camera about four years ago, I noticed a huge improvement.  My Olympus cameras were excellent; it was just the technology gap was too great.  I would expect that you would see the same improvement if you upgraded to any of the newer 18mp or 24mp Canon Rebels (or a lot of the newer cameras as well).  If it were me, I would stay away from the T5 (1200D) or T6 (1300D) cameras because they are missing too many features etc.

Can you try a new Canon DSLR at a retail store?  Some of them might let you take a few sample pictures with it with your own memory card (in the store).  Then you could check the images out on your computer.

Digirame wrote:

Can you try a new Canon DSLR at a retail store? Some of them might let you take a few sample pictures with it with your own memory card (in the store). Then you could check the images out on your computer.

There's a new place not too far from me.  They seem pretty customer friendly.

I guess you're recommending that I try the T5i or T6i, correct?

Yes, that would be good.  Of course the 24mp Canon T6i/T6s (750D/760D) cameras are better than the 18mp Canon T5i (700D) camera.  But at least that would give you an idea.  A good used 18mp Canon T2i (550D) or 18mp Canon T3i (600D) with low shutter clicks is an option also.  The 18mp Canon SL1 (100D) is one that some people like.  But I thought it was a little small for me when I looked at it about two years ago.  You can read all about them on the reviews.

deanimator wrote:

While reading a really good book on macrophotography and watching a number of macrophotography videos, I've been repeatedly exhorted to use live view.

You do not have to use live view, but sometimes it is a big help. It depends on subject, style, light and circumstance whether live view is of help or handheld OVF shooting is better.

Unfortunately, my camera is a Rebel Xt/350D, which does not support live view.

I haven the following questions:

1. Do I need to upgrade to something newer?

Yes, everything, really EVERYTHING is nicer/better/easier on cameras since the 450D(XSi).

The ergonomics (feel/controls/menus/features), battery life, LCD, sensor output, features, everything. Even the new DPP4.x is so much better.

I went from 350D to 450D (12mp) many years ago, and the difference in ease of use was big. With the later 18mp sensor, the difference in IQ at higher ISO settings took another big leap.

Now I use a 6D. Particularly for possible more shallow DOF.

2. If the answer to 1) is "yes", upgrade to WHAT?

To anything like the 600D, 650D (introduced swivel screen), 700D, 750D, 760D. And also, the 100D (smallter body).

I don't have a lot of money to spend. Since I want to stick to APS-C and already have lenses, tripods, etc., I don't need a kit; body only will do.

Take any of above cameras which best suits your budget. Personally I am charmed by the small 100D, and otherwise I'd get a model with swivel screen.

I'm reasonably happy with the 350D, and have gotten some nice images with it. Will I really benefit from a newer body,

Yes!

or should I stick with what I've got?

No!

Do you use a tripod, manual focus for macro? if no, then live view won't do you a bit of good

RedFox88 wrote:

Do you use a tripod, manual focus for macro? if no, then live view won't do you a bit of good

Yes and yes.

Any opinions on a used 60D as an upgrade path?

I hear good things about them, and the prices are attractive.

The short answer is that it's an excellent 18mp Canon DSLR camera upgrade.  Hopefully you can find one with low shutter clicks for a good price.

The Canon 60D is similar in image quality and high ISO performance as the Canon T2i (550D) and Canon T3i (600D) cameras. Without looking it up, I think the Canon 60D is slightly better in that regard. The Canon 60D also has 1/3rd incremental ISO levels in Aperture priority where the other Rebels I mentioned do not. That's what I remember from memory. Check the reviews to get more details.

Digirame wrote:

The short answer is that it's an excellent 18mp Canon DSLR camera upgrade. Hopefully you can find one with low shutter clicks for a good price.

The Canon 60D is similar in image quality and high ISO performance as the Canon T2i (550D) and Canon T3i (600D) cameras. Without looking it up, I think the Canon 60D is slightly better in that regard. The Canon 60D also has 1/3rd incremental ISO levels in Aperture priority where the other Rebels I mentioned do not. That's what I remember from memory. Check the reviews to get more details.

The reviews I read were all quite positive, and the used prices are very attractive, so it's another option.

RobBobW wrote:

If you have limited money to spend, you may get better bang for your macro buck by keeping your 350D and picking up the 60mm macro lens.

https://www.dpreview.com/products/canon/lenses/canon_60_2p8_macro

http://www.photozone.de/canon-eos/162-canon-ef-s-60mm-f28-usm-macro-test-report--review

Used, they are extremely affordable.

It is an incredibly sharp lens even with your old camera. By the way, the 350D is still a great camera and the lowly 8 MP images can be enlarged quite a bit with still acceptable results. I have a great many wonderful macro shots done with my 350D, some of which have been blown up to 24" x 36" and they look great. A better lens on a poorer camera will always outperform a better camera with a poorer lens.

Something to think about...

There are not really poorer macro lenses, and any  camera will do much better at ISO 400 and up (where one will be for macro quite often).

So in this case, a poorer lens on a better camera will actually be preferable.

Personally i'd not get that Canon 60mm as the Tamron renders nicer and is also a nicer portrait lens.

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Cheers,
RobBobW
http://www.revelationimages.ca

RobBobW wrote:

If you have limited money to spend, you may get better bang for your macro buck by keeping your 350D and picking up the 60mm macro lens.

https://www.dpreview.com/products/canon/lenses/canon_60_2p8_macro

http://www.photozone.de/canon-eos/162-canon-ef-s-60mm-f28-usm-macro-test-report--review

Used, they are extremely affordable.

It is an incredibly sharp lens even with your old camera. By the way, the 350D is still a great camera and the lowly 8 MP images can be enlarged quite a bit with still acceptable results. I have a great many wonderful macro shots done with my 350D, some of which have been blown up to 24" x 36" and they look great. A better lens on a poorer camera will always outperform a better camera with a poorer lens.

Something to think about...

I've heard a lot of good things about that lens.  I currently have a Tokina 100mm Macro, with which I'm very satisfied.

I really do need to replace the 350D, but not instantaneously.

I bought a T4i from B&H for under $400.  Looks like it's in excellent condition.

I just need to learn the controls now.  I bought a Busch field guide today.  It should be here next week.

Thanks to everybody who had suggestions.