Replacement for 400D

[Gold]

Hi all,

Currently contemplating an upgrade to my aging 400D before it gives up the ghost and would welcome any advice. Current gear is my much loved but battered 400D, Sigma 17-70mm, Canon 55-250mm & 50mm f1.8. Most of my photography is travel, events and hiking.

Hoping for an upgrade in higher ISO performance. Initially looking at 600D and 700D although the discontinued 60D is only $150 (Currently in Aus) or so more. It appears the 600D is cheaper and has same sensor, 700D better AF, and 60D better build and AF (although heavier which is downside travelling). Any recommendations as to which to go for would be welcome! (Or are any new models looming?) What is the usable ISO from these cameras (the 400D craps out above 400)?

Also interested in upgrading lenses. Love the image quality and aperture of the 50mm but quite an awkward length on aps-c and autofocus in lowlight can be atrocious, especially considering that's when it's most needed! The Sigma 30mm f1.4 appears to fit my needs and budget. Any users or thoughts on this lens?

Would also love an ultra-wide lens? What's the current best value for money crop wide angle?

[Mr Will]

The biggest advantages to the 60D are the ones you won't notice on the spec sheet. Small things like the top-mounted LCD, the second control wheel on the back and the brighter viewfinder. Would be my pick of the three.

[LongQ]

I have a 400D and agree about ISO over 400 BUT some of the latest editor updates look like they may help to extend that a little. (Provided you shoot RAW files).

I also have a 600D - a big step up from the 400D in many ways although perhaps the additional resolution tests the lenses somewhat more. The articulated screen is excellent and of course it has video - though I have hardly ever used it. Quite large files though, compared to the 400D. Fast memory cards a benefit or maybe a requirement.

You didn't mention the 650D but I would have thought that too would be an option.

I don't know the others.

Given the travelling/small/light benefits have you looked at the 100D?

[tenohfive]

Gold said:

Would also love an ultra-wide lens? What's the current best value for money crop wide angle?

Some will argue to Sigma 10-20mm is good value (albeit you have to try and find a good copy) but the Tokina 11-16mm f2.8 gets my vote. Very sharp lens and it's built like a tank - handy for surviving careless packing whilst travelling but with a weight penalty. I've had mine a couple of years and love it, even on a 400D.

[CBW]

Treated myself to a 70D to replace my 400D earlier this year. Happily using up to ISO 3200 vs ISO 400 for the older camera (RAW files and Lightroom BTW). Great upgrade if your budget will stand it.

Sigma 10-20 is a cracking wide angle lens. Heard good thing about the Tokina mentioned above but never used one.

[Gold]

Thanks for all the comments - if new will probably go for the 600D just to give some more cash to spend on lenses but found a secondhand 60D (18k clicks) being sold locally at a good price so will go have a look at that. The 100D does sound interesting but seems more of a second body.

The Tokina 11-16 does tempt but the slight increase in length for the Sigma and particularly the Tamron 10-24 would appear to make better walkabout lenses.

Anyone with experience of the Sigma 30mm out there? Doesn't appear to be much competition for normal crop body primes.

Edited by Gold on Thursday 8th May 13:26