t4i vs 70D vs vs 6d D7100?

Hi everyone,

Looking for some guidance here. After shooting for around 8 years, I finally upgraded from my Rebel XS last year to a t4i. Part of upgrading was to be more serious and intentional, and as a result, I've started getting a couple paying gigs here and there, which is great!

But as I've gotten paying gigs that make me look at my results more critically, I've become less and less happy with the t4i's performance. The biggest thing right now is low light performance, as even with a 2.8 lens, I'm having to use high ISOs and I'm getting frustrating amounts of noise. I'm also frustrated with how hard it is to deeply customize some settings and, even though the t4i's a much better burst shooter than the XS, it still feels limited (slow to start firing, not a deep buffer, esp for RAW).

I'm looking at possible upgrades (again) that address my issues, and here's where I'm at:

-70D: Better ergonomics, great AF, better burst shooting, more customizable, but IQ and low light performance about the same as the t4i

-6D: Full frame! Cool, and significantly better low light performance, but aging internals and much higher price point. Might be more camera than I really need.

-D7100: Seems that it speaks to lots of my needs, including great low light performance, significant upgrade in sports situations from the t4i, reasonable price point, very fast. But, man, do I want to switch? Feels kind of intimidating.

Has anyone faced a similar question, switched from Canon to Nikon or, frankly, think I'm approaching this from the wrong perspective? Any feedback/challenges/stories are welcome.

Thanks in advance!
-Jeff

I avoid high ISO in many cases by adding light.  Either a speedlight, or in my home studio, a studio strobe.  You did not mention whether you were using a speedlight much.  Anyways, my "add light" approach has kept the need for the latest greatest body down to a dull roar.

For crop sensor DSLR I'm very happy with Canon, but I don't do much photography in coal mines.  If you want a blazing buffer there is always the 7Dii.  And the 750/760D has been blessed with a new sensor (finally).  Depends somewhat on your shooting style, but the more pro work you get, the closer you may be edging to a full frame body.  At that point I start taking Nikon more seriously.  Not so much for the bodies as the FF lenses.  Interesting linky -

www.imaging-resource.com/cameras/canon/6d/vs/nikon/d610/

Kelly Cook

Because adding light isn't always an option, you have to decide on:

1) getting the best crop sensor camera you can for low light performance. And learn how to process images to compensate (which is the best thing you can learn to do).

2) Get a full frame sensor camera. The modern ones allow shooting at 1250 or 1600 without concern on your part, simply because of the electronics involved. You might think a FF camera is more than you need, but you'll likely grow into it.

Yes, full frame sensors make a difference. There's a reason that the new Nikon D4s, at $6500, is still only a 16MP camera.

Get a 6D if you have the budget. It's hardly showing it's age; it was only introduced in '12. I would not consider a D7100, despite the fact that I prefer Nikon. Either a D610 or a D750 would be fine, but you already have Canon, and unless you have a compelling reason to change systems, don't.

Hi guys, thanks much for the info!

Yeah, unfortunately, adding light isn't always an option. It's fine if I can, but even at the event I was doing the other night, a flash would've been distracting/not cool.

So, it sounds like I need to just start saving for a full frame. 6D's are a bit more affordable than I first realized, and I have to admit, I would like a camera whose capabilities I don't feel like I'm stretching right out of the box.

That said, Kelly, I haven't yet read the article you posted, but I've filed it to take a look at this week.

Thanks again, really appreciate the guidance!

-Jeff

garyrhook wrote: Because adding light isn't always an option, you have to decide on:

1) getting the best crop sensor camera you can for low light performance. And learn how to process images to compensate (which is the best thing you can learn to do).

2) Get a full frame sensor camera. The modern ones allow shooting at 1250 or 1600 without concern on your part, simply because of the electronics involved. You might think a FF camera is more than you need, but you'll likely grow into it.

Yes, full frame sensors make a difference. There's a reason that the new Nikon D4s, at $6500, is still only a 16MP camera.

Get a 6D if you have the budget. It's hardly showing it's age; it was only introduced in '12. I would not consider a D7100, despite the fact that I prefer Nikon. Either a D610 or a D750 would be fine, but you already have Canon, and unless you have a compelling reason to change systems, don't.

Just to round this out, I got a great deal on a used 6D. I also got an even better deal on the 24-105 lens. Both arrived about 10 days ago and have been put to extensive use. The capabilities of the camera are incredible...I didn't realize how frustrated I was with the t4i. In contrast, shooting with the 6D has been fun again.

Thanks for the advice folks!

Thanks for the update