Buying second hand?

[stealthwolf]

Heart says 7D
Head says 60D (or maybe 70D when it's out)
Wallet says £1000 max.

I know the 7D is getting old now but prices are still £1000 for just the body. I was looking at secondhand deals on ebay but wondering whether it's worth going for. I've seen 7D cameras looking in excellent/near mint condition for £600-700 for just the body. This could leave approx £400 for a decent lens.

Alternatively, I could just go for a brand new 60D where the body is £600.

What do you think?

[DubFan]

Heart says 7D
Head says 60D (or maybe 70D when it's out)
Wallet says £1000 max.

I know the 7D is getting old now but prices are still £1000 for just the body. I was looking at secondhand deals on ebay but wondering whether it's worth going for. I've seen 7D cameras looking in excellent/near mint condition for £600-700 for just the body. This could leave approx £400 for a decent lens.

Alternatively, I could just go for a brand new 60D where the body is £600.

What do you think?

What's your current camera?
How much of a jump will it be if you go straight for the 7D?

The 7D and 60D (and 600D/650D/700D) have the same sensor, so the only real difference is that the 7D has a faster processor, meaning you can shoot more photos before you fill the buffer. The only other difference is that the 7D has weather proofing and a metal body (meaning it's stonger and heavier).

The 60D is currently on offer a lot lower than £600. And I would personally go for a brand new 60D over a s/h 7D, unless you need the weather proofing and metal body.

Canon 60D body for £465 (plus £10 deliver)
Canon 60D body for £469 (free delivery)

Then you can spend the other £500 of your budget on some nice glass 

The 60D is going to be replaced by the 70D towards the end of the year, but that will depend on when Canon run out of stock of the 60D.
So, 7D will eat your £1000 budget, 60D will give you almost the same quality but in a lighter cheaper package (and leave change) or wait for the 70D which will probably be about £800, but probably wont be £300 better than a 60D.

My vote: 60D. Tempted by one myself at £465 (which is about the price of a used one on ebay)

[stealthwolf]

Currently running around with a powershot G12. Whilst it's great for learning composition and getting used to manual/Av/Tv control, I just find it too limiting to achieve certain photos/technique.

I've read about HDEW earlier today but turns out they're like digitalrev et al which are all grey imports. Only concerns are around warranty. They have the 7D for £700 which would mean I could avoid the ebay issue. Have you or anyone else used the likes of HDEW?

[Jack3559]

I bought a 5D MkII from Gumtree about a month ago for £900.

My 50mm 1.8II was about £75.

[T_J_G]

Worth noting that the links posted by DubFan are items that are grey imports. So canon would just laugh at you if you wanted to make a warranty claim. You may also get stung for import tax (although highly unlikely).


Have you looked at Canons refurbs on ebay? Some good deals to be had (UK) 7d for £700

[ajmoir36]

I have to admit I have had a 450D then 7D and now a 5D mk3, I was never really that impressed with the 7D (pants ISO) and though my 450D took better pictures have you consider the 650D? It can focus in video which is the only Canon to do that (apart from the really expensive 1D I think and maybe the 700D).

[stealthwolf]

I wouldn't be able to make a warranty claim if I bought secondhand which is why I was considering grey imports. The concern is whether authorised repairers would repair them.

The 7D is more of a desirable thing. The 60D is adequate for me. I'm not into movie making so mainly stills - landscape/nature/cars would be what I'd photograph.

[T_J_G]

I'd consider the 7d just for how solid it is.

[ajmoir36]

I'd consider the 7d just for how solid it is.

Its true it is a well put together camera, I sold mind for £715 second hand and it had taken maybe 4000 photos and was immaculate. Provided its been looked after there should be no issue buying second hand.

[T_J_G]

I got a refurb model for £700 direct from Canon. When put with the 60d it makes the 60d look like a toy. I also didn't like the buttons/controls on the 60d.