OMO: Which body do I go for?

OK so I couldn't resist the puerile title but I'm in a bit of a quandary.....
I'd LIKE to upgrade from my 450d (I'm not sure it is necessary which is one option) but the choices I've got are: 650D, 60D (my preferred option up till I started realising I COULD actually get one) or a second hand 7D

650D would make the most sense, I LOVED the flippy screen on the OtAL camera (S3 IS) and this is a touch screen which I was hesitant about but it'd mean when in a low mounted (or even inverted!) position on the tripod I can control stuff from a comfortable angle. It just doesn't FEEL like much of an upgrade, not for what I'm considering spending but I KNOW I'm doing it an injustice but I'm struggling to shake it.

60D this was my preferred option as it was the next model banding up and had come down to a price point that was similar to the 650D. It ALSO has a flippy screen but its not touch. Comparing pictures between the 650 and the 60 I can barely notice a difference even at higher ISOs which leads me to think I should save my money. The 60D is more substantial and well built compared to the 650D but as my friend points out, my 4-5 year old 450D (despite being in my less than careful care) is still in good condition, no major scratches anywhere, even the exposed screen.

Then that made me consider the 7D, that DOES result in visible image quality difference and the higher build quality (higher than the 60D as Canon cheapened the design a little after the 50D) BUT I'd have to buy second hand to get it within my budget. It also uses CF cards so I couldn't use my nice SD cards I've acquired.

And after all that I then wonder, well is it worth changing? will I actually be able to be any better with different kit and shouldn't I just stay as I am? Especially after being jealous of a person I know with a 5Dmk3 and L series lenses and then being able to produce (in my eyes at least) a comparable image from my 450D with a KIT Lens no less I question the value of me upgrading.

Thoughts and suggestions greatly appreciated

[jambo]

Last year I was bought a 7D as a significant birthday present. Previously was on a 400D, so a similar position to you. Some of my favorite pictures I ever took were with the 400, and I've taken some dross with the 7, however the biggest difference is in the viewfinder and handling. Having a dedicated AF point joystick by your thumb so you can change points while using the viewfinder is great. I'd also say the fit is better for my hands, and the viewfinder itself its much brighter and larger. All of that helps with composition and is, to my mind way more important than megapixels.

I've kept the 400 as a backup, but find it fiddly ands cramped to use, with poor battery life now. If something horrid happened to the 7, I'd be looking at a 60/50/7 to replace it depending on funds. Also note the 70D has just launched which may squish 7 and 60 prices in your favor

Jambo
Sent from my thingie

[Littlepeahead]

I have a 30D which I then upgraded to a 60D. Now I didn't choose to get a 60D, as the lovely rep from Canon gave me the 60D and the 580 EX as a gift after a visit to Lord's - so I didn't really do any research and it was probably the nicest thank you present I have ever received. However, I do love it. Having little hands and having to lug it about a fair bit I find the smaller body brilliant. I like the flip out screen, though mine is scratched badly and will need replacing at some point. But as I always say on here, the body is nothing without the lenses. So If I were you, I'd see if any 60Ds come up cheap now the 70D is launched, or even a good second hand model, and look out for a good condition L series lens or two. The f2.8 24 - 70 first edition is a brilliant bit of kit. I know Canon have launched a Mark II version which is almost twice the price now of the Mark I.

If you are coming to TOGMIE you are welcome to have a play with my kit! 70 - 200 F2.8 and 24 - 70 L series, plus a Canon wide angle and a 105 mm Sigma macro.

[Paul the 6th]

700D has just come out in April - I just bought one about a month ago love it, and canon are doing a £50 cashback deal at the minute

I need a tie breaker! I've had one opinion from an owner of each of my choices LOL.

Thanks for the replies guys, more food for thought and I'm digesting anything I can get at the moment. Gonna have a browse of some camera shops in Chester on Saturday I think and get my mitts on the 650d (its practically identical to the 700D, just cheaper as it's been replaced by the 700D) and the 60D, possibly the 7D but I think that is mostly wishful thinking for my £600 budget.

[Paul the 6th]

Yeah to be honest there seems to be very little difference between the 650 and 700, if any at all. With that in mind you may be lucky and find a few 650d's second hand - most of the 650d's I came across on 'legitimate' looking websites turned out to be grey imports with the companies head office as a domestic address in carlisle or dorset etc.... lots of very polished looking websites with no phone numbers etc. selling brand new 650D's for £385-£400.. Lots of reviews from people saying the product was fine but lack of warranty and the delivery took around 5 days to 2 weeks in places.

Admittedly I bought mine more for video work but still got some cracking shots at social stuff we've done recently... Ctrl and - to zoom out.. Can't rescale images posted on feckbook

Castle cameras still have a new one in stock so I'd likely opt for that but will see.
Those are some cracking shots, love the car one, right amount of blur to convey speed and focus is spot on where it needs to be to draw the eye. Nice!

Ferkin ell, my eyes!

Are those pics big enough?

[Paul the 6th]

If you missed my comment then maybe you need your eyes checking

Originally Posted by Paul the 6th

Admittedly I bought mine more for video work but still got some cracking shots at social stuff we've done recently... Ctrl and - to zoom out.. Can't rescale images posted on feckbook

Originally Posted by Paul the 6th

If you missed my comment then maybe you need your eyes checking

'Appen, but on the I-pad the wording is that small against those pics that the lens off your camera would be needed.