Which Camera/lens - Canon 750D/760D or 70D?

[EnthusiastOwned]

Hello All,

I'm a beginner in all intents and purposes, I've never owned a DSLR however I love taking photo's and I have dabbled with my fathers Canon 1000D over the years. I almost bought a DSLR a few years back and had my heart set on a 650D, so naturally I researched these first. The 700D is it's current equivalent, but then I noticed the 750D/760D which seems a much better camera, but it's close enough to the 70D price bracket to consider that too.

The camera will be for general use, photo's of cars (obviously ), portraits, landscapes etc. Although I'm a beginner I have high hopes and I get fairly intense with anything I do so I don't expect I'll be a beginner for too long - I want the camera to last a good few years.

What would be best, a 750D, 760D or 70D - I'm swaying 760D, it's a little cheaper, lighter, better resolution with the newer processor. But I'm worried the 70D will work out better in the long run as I progress.

Lens wise I was thinking the general purpose EF-S 18-55mm and the EF 40mm F2.8 for shooting cars. Could my money be spent better elsewhere?

Help people!

[DibblyDobbler]

If you're keen I'd get the 70D as you'll probably end up upgrading anyway.

Lens choices sound ok but you'll probably end up wanting something a bit longer - 55-250 maybe?

Good luck

[EnthusiastOwned]

DibblyDobbler said:

If you're keen I'd get the 70D as you'll probably end up upgrading anyway.

Lens choices sound ok but you'll probably end up wanting something a bit longer - 55-250 maybe?

Good luck

Thanks.

I looked at the cameras last night in Jessops, initial thoughts was the 70D looked more professional, better built, higher quality and more sturdy. Heavier but just felt more 'right' in my hands. It made the 760D feel more toy like.

The salesman pushed me towards the 70D too, a lot of his reasoning was rubbish but he did say if I get into it I'll grow out of the 760D quickly and want to upgrade anyway. Which was my initial thinking.

I'm popping into my local specialists, a place called Harrison Cameras - last time I looked they were very helpful, they let me have a proper play, try different lenses and took some real time to show me the difference with impartial advice.

The likelihood is ill be coming home with a 70D.

As for lenses I'm still stumped. The 70D comes with the 18-55 for an extra £30 so it's a no brainer. I liked the look of the 18-135mm lense but it's a tad out of my budget at the moment.

As for the shorter lens I'm undecided on the 24mm or 40mm. I'm thinking car shows where I'll need something light, compact with a tight viewing angle. Any advice?

[DibblyDobbler]

Hmm - you already have the focal length covered by the 18-55 so I'd be tempted to go with the kit lens alone to begin with.

I take it you mean static cars? For track shooting I think you'd need something longer...

[EnthusiastOwned]

DibblyDobbler said:

Hmm - you already have the focal length covered by the 18-55 so I'd be tempted to go with the kit lens alone to begin with.

I take it you mean static cars? For track shooting I think you'd need something longer...

Yes, static cars - Shows etc.

[Ultuous]

I had the same dilemma over the previous generation (650/ 700 vs. 60D) and glad I plumped for the 60D as the controls etc. are 'better' if you're a little more serious about photography... The one feature I'd really like that higher-end cameras have is micro-focus adjust, which I believe is on the 70D, making it a clear winner IMHO.

I also have the 55-250 and think it's a great lens for the money!

[DibblyDobbler]

EnthusiastOwned said:

Yes, static cars - Shows etc.

Ok - the kit lens will do you fine then - wait until you think 'I need wider/longer/sharper' etc then buy what you need

[An Marcach]

I had a 550D for a few years and recently upgraded to a 7D mark 2 and the difference between the lower-spec and higher-spec cameras in the Canon range are like chalk and cheese so I'd definitely say go for the 70D

[outnumbered]

+1 for the 70D. Mine was a worthwhile upgrade from a 550D.

[DavidY]

Review in Digital Camera suggested that the images from the 760D are as good as the 7D MkII, so maybe buy the 760D and better glass over the 70D, depends on what features you require.

[EnthusiastOwned]

Well,

Thanks for all your advise guys. I went for the 70D with the 18-135mm kit lens. After a good play in various shops I just found the 70D felt more natural in my hand and more sturdy, was worth the bit extra for that alone. The camera felt quicker and more responsive too, not sure how much of that was in my head though. As for the lens, The 18-135mm felt a little better in quality and the extra zoom will come in handy day to day as a go-to general purpose lens. When using my fathers 18-55 I always felt I wanted more.

I absolutely fell in love with the 50mm f/1.4 USM lens though and I'm looking for the cheapest place to buy this. The second I had a go I wanted it, gorgeous shot's out of the box.

I'm also considering the 10-18mm lens for my static car photography too, although I've been recommended the Tokina 11-16mm. But the Canon 10-18mm is relatively cheap with £25 cash back so might just go for it, I'll loose little on it should I not get on with it. Decisions decisions..

[DibblyDobbler]

Well done - good choices

Not sure about the wide angle for your car shots (you may find some odd looking distortion) I would definitely see how you go with the 18-135 first. Look forward to seeing some results on 'Random'

[rich888]

EnthusiastOwned said:

Well,

Thanks for all your advise guys. I went for the 70D with the 18-135mm kit lens. After a good play in various shops I just found the 70D felt more natural in my hand and more sturdy, was worth the bit extra for that alone. The camera felt quicker and more responsive too, not sure how much of that was in my head though. As for the lens, The 18-135mm felt a little better in quality and the extra zoom will come in handy day to day as a go-to general purpose lens. When using my fathers 18-55 I always felt I wanted more.

I absolutely fell in love with the 50mm f/1.4 USM lens though and I'm looking for the cheapest place to buy this. The second I had a go I wanted it, gorgeous shot's out of the box.

I'm also considering the 10-18mm lens for my static car photography too, although I've been recommended the Tokina 11-16mm. But the Canon 10-18mm is relatively cheap with £25 cash back so might just go for it, I'll loose little on it should I not get on with it. Decisions decisions..

Sounds like you've done considerable research with your choice of camera and lens, might I ask where you eventually purchased from. I've been looking at used cameras but by the time a lens has been costed in, it would appear that buying new may well be the best option?

Any help is much appreciated because I just seem to be going round and round with the decision making process!!!

[EnthusiastOwned]

rich888 said:

Sounds like you've done considerable research with your choice of camera and lens, might I ask where you eventually purchased from. I've been looking at used cameras but by the time a lens has been costed in, it would appear that buying new may well be the best option?

Any help is much appreciated because I just seem to be going round and round with the decision making process!!!

Well, I wanted the 12 months interest free a few places were offering on the 70D, and a few places came with some freebies.

I was initially going to buy from Jessops - they are surprisingly very competitive on bodies, lenses and filters and I spent around 1.5 hours in the shop looking over stuff, but I was declined the credit. The shop assistant said their credit company was a nightmare. I was going to buy it outright but I'd rather have the money sat in my bank and I knew I had a few options available to me. I went home and ordered from Clifton Camera's with the interest free 12 months, the combo was a little more expensive but came with a free SD card and I found out after I ordered 2 years warranty which was worth the extra (about £40 difference). Jessops came with a free bag I didn't need and 1 years warranty. Swings and roundabouts really - but worked out for the better with the warranty.

Wex Photography were very competitive too, but out of stock on something else I wanted and only 1 years warranty.

http://www.camerapricebuster.co.uk - I found this website upto date on 99% of prices and offers. Well worth a look.

Digital Rev and SLR Hut are Grey Imports who supply their own warranty . They work out a few hundred quid cheaper but with the risk of rubbish warranty, VAT/Custom charges and generally buying expensive electrical goods from Hong Kong it wasn't worth the savings in my opinion. Reviews are hit and miss for these places - the short of it is, you pay your price and you take your chances.

Good luck in your hunt though!

Edited by EnthusiastOwned on Sunday 21st June 09:51

[rich888]

EnthusiastOwned said:

rich888 said:

Sounds like you've done considerable research with your choice of camera and lens, might I ask where you eventually purchased from. I've been looking at used cameras but by the time a lens has been costed in, it would appear that buying new may well be the best option?

Any help is much appreciated because I just seem to be going round and round with the decision making process!!!

Well, I wanted the 12 months interest free a few places were offering on the 70D, and a few places came with some freebies.

I was initially going to buy from Jessops - they are surprisingly very competitive on bodies, lenses and filters and I spent around 1.5 hours in the shop looking over stuff, but I was declined the credit. The shop assistant said their credit company was a nightmare. I was going to buy it outright but I'd rather have the money sat in my bank and I knew I had a few options available to me. I went home and ordered from Clifton Camera's with the interest free 12 months, the combo was a little more expensive but came with a free SD card and I found out after I ordered 2 years warranty which was worth the extra (about £40 difference). Jessops came with a free bag I didn't need and 1 years warranty. Swings and roundabouts really - but worked out for the better with the warranty.

Wex Photography were very competitive too, but out of stock on something else I wanted and only 1 years warranty.

http://www.camerapricebuster.co.uk - I found this website upto date on 99% of prices and offers. Well worth a look.

Digital Rev and SLR Hut are Grey Imports who supply their own warranty . They work out a few hundred quid cheaper but with the risk of rubbish warranty, VAT/Custom charges and generally buying expensive electrical goods from Hong Kong it wasn't worth the savings in my opinion. Reviews are hit and miss for these places - the short of it is, you pay your price and you take your chances.

Good luck in your hunt though!

Edited by EnthusiastOwned on Sunday 21st June 09:51

Thank you so much for the info which has been very useful indeed, must admit I would prefer to deal with a real shop rather than online just in case something breaks, the 0% interest deal over 12 months looks appealing.

I've not heard of Clifton Camera's so will Google them to see what they have on offer. Must admit whenever possible I try to buy from John Lewis but I'm not sure whether they are offering 0% finance deals on camera equipment, or any equipment for that matter, though they do offer an extended 3 year warranty for a small cost. Jessops used to have a fantastic reputation many years ago when their main shop was near Leicester, I spent many hours with my Dad wandering around their store to see all the camera and darkroom gear, etc. and he spent quite a lot of money with them over the years, though feel that this has all probably changed nowadays in order to stay more competitive. Wex seem to have an excellent reputation with a shop full of camera goodies but they are just too far away to visit, though of course they do have an excellent website.

I hear what you say about the grey imports, though spending a few thousand pounds I would be looking to save more than a couple hundred pounds. I stayed over in Hong Kong for just one night before flying home and had a wander up the main street (which was utterly chaotic), and noticed the prices for camera and electrical equipment was astonishingly cheap and many of the shops had cameras for sale that weren't listed here, but it was all very hard sell and we were absolutely shattered from travelling down from Shanghai so I didn't buy anything, and like you say, in the event anything went wrong it's an awful long way to return the goods.

From what you've said I think I will have a look round John Lewis and Jessops to compare cameras to see which ones I prefer to use, I really don't mind paying a little bit extra for the privilege of actually handling the cameras before purchase especially if they have some knowledgeable staff member on hand to advise rather than to hard sell.

Once again, thank you for your advice.

[EnthusiastOwned]

rich888 said:

Thank you so much for the info which has been very useful indeed, must admit I would prefer to deal with a real shop rather than online just in case something breaks, the 0% interest deal over 12 months looks appealing.

I've not heard of Clifton Camera's so will Google them to see what they have on offer. Must admit whenever possible I try to buy from John Lewis but I'm not sure whether they are offering 0% finance deals on camera equipment, or any equipment for that matter, though they do offer an extended 3 year warranty for a small cost. Jessops used to have a fantastic reputation many years ago when their main shop was near Leicester, I spent many hours with my Dad wandering around their store to see all the camera and darkroom gear, etc. and he spent quite a lot of money with them over the years, though feel that this has all probably changed nowadays in order to stay more competitive. Wex seem to have an excellent reputation with a shop full of camera goodies but they are just too far away to visit, though of course they do have an excellent website.

I hear what you say about the grey imports, though spending a few thousand pounds I would be looking to save more than a couple hundred pounds. I stayed over in Hong Kong for just one night before flying home and had a wander up the main street (which was utterly chaotic), and noticed the prices for camera and electrical equipment was astonishingly cheap and many of the shops had cameras for sale that weren't listed here, but it was all very hard sell and we were absolutely shattered from travelling down from Shanghai so I didn't buy anything, and like you say, in the event anything went wrong it's an awful long way to return the goods.

From what you've said I think I will have a look round John Lewis and Jessops to compare cameras to see which ones I prefer to use, I really don't mind paying a little bit extra for the privilege of actually handling the cameras before purchase especially if they have some knowledgeable staff member on hand to advise rather than to hard sell.

Once again, thank you for your advice.

No Problem at all. I always prefer buying locally too, if only to support my area. I wanted to buy from Jessops initially as they were uber helpful, but financially with the 0% it didn't make sense; which was a shame, I was so close to buying it outright but as I researched process based on the 0% free I wanted a think at home which prompted me to buy online. I prefer John Lewis too, but they aren't doing the 0% offer and my local store was out of stock on the lens. My local specialist was really unhelpful this time around too - they are having a clear out so the store is a mess, they didn't have many lenses or bodies to try and they were pushing their used 60D's on me (obviously trying to get rid of stock), completely different to my last experience of them. I am buying my lenses from John Lewis though - 2 year guarantee and around £15-30 for 3 years cover per item (however I can cover ALL of my equipment for £20 a year with my home insurance on a stand alone cover) and they'll price match if you have a friendly chat with them.

Clifton has a lot of varied reviews across the net from over the years and the majority being very good, no warning signs for me and no issue ordering from them, they have a physical store in Gloucester if need be.

I probably would have ordered from Wex as they were a little more competitive but I wanted to leave a deposit to reduce the payments which wasn't available with them, but was with Clifton. I'm sure they would have been fine though.

My package what I was after worked out just shy of £1500, I would have saved around £200 with the Importers, just not worth it for me should something go wrong. There are some great reviews and some very bad ones. Bit of a risk for not much of a saving, all things considered.

[Mr Will]

EnthusiastOwned said:

I absolutely fell in love with the 50mm f/1.4 USM lens though and I'm looking for the cheapest place to buy this. The second I had a go I wanted it, gorgeous shot's out of the box.

The buzzy little plastic bodied 50mm 1.8 is about 80 quid. Doesn't feel as nice but offers almost identical image quality.

[EnthusiastOwned]

Mr Will said:

The buzzy little plastic bodied 50mm 1.8 is about 80 quid. Doesn't feel as nice but offers almost identical image quality.

I did look at that, and they have released a metal bodied one recently. But after trying both out, I fell for the 1.4.