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Canon 60D vs T5i for beginner

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stupendous-man
Posts: 8637 - Karma: 13,293
I want a camera to take better videos and photos than my GoPro and iPhone. I also don't really want to sacrifice a lot of my free time for messing around with my camera. I know that is kind of backwards for someone buying a DSLR but I am basically looking for a really nice point and shoot that also takes great video, and these are what I'm considering. I want to use the camera mostly for filming ski edits with a basic stabilizing rig and taking photos of cool things that I see. Which of these two would be better for a beginner DSLR? My budget is $800 currently, hoping to get a good overall setup.

I can't really see myself upgrading the body for a while, just buying lenses where necessary. I'm looking at a new T5i on Ebay with the Canon 18-55 STM lens for about $500 versus a used 60D from a friend (he is the second owner) for $800 including a heavily used Tamron 17-50 and Canon 28-135 (both have a lot of dust and stuff on the inside). I will be buying a wider lens no matter what, probably a Rokinon 8mm.

I'm currently leaning towards the T5i because it is cheaper and seems more lightweight and beginner friendly (the 60D has much nicer lenses but they are both pretty dirty). The T5i also has better video auto focus than the 60D- will this make much of a difference when filming skiing?

Here is the T5i from Ebay- its about $150 cheaper than the same setup on Amazon, no clue why
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Canon-EOS-700D-T5I-Rebel-Digital-SLR-Camera-18-55mm-STM-Lens-BRAND-NEW-/111787973682?hash=item1a07151c32:g:u3wAAOSwwbdWLn3N
Nov 4 2015 11:24PM
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DorianF
Posts: 239 - Karma: 882
dust on the inside? does it affect the image quality? is it actually dust or fungus? if its fungus avoid it completely

take some video of a single colored surface (are there any specs?) a little bit isnt bad but if it affects image quality thats a no go

the 60d deal would be better if the lens dust doesnt compromise quality, and the shutter count isnt massive

anything else it comes with? extra batteries, cards etc?
Nov 4 2015 11:58PM
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stupendous-man
Posts: 8637 - Karma: 13,293
DorianFdust on the inside? does it affect the image quality? is it actually dust or fungus? if its fungus avoid it completely

take some video of a single colored surface (are there any specs?) a little bit isnt bad but if it affects image quality thats a no go

the 60d deal would be better if the lens dust doesnt compromise quality, and the shutter count isnt massive

anything else it comes with? extra batteries, cards etc?


I tried it on some white vinyl and didn't notice any specks, but it might be different in bright light (against snow on a sunny day for example). Is there an easy way to check shutter count? Looks like I might have to put magic lantern on it (I have the 60D because it is currently "on loan" to me by the friend but I need to make up my mind soon). Its just the body, two lenses, one battery, and a sketch universal charger.
Nov 5 2015 1:09AM
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HarkStudios
Posts: 243 - Karma: 121
stupendous-manI want a camera to take better videos and photos than my GoPro and iPhone. I also don't really want to sacrifice a lot of my free time for messing around with my camera. I know that is kind of backwards for someone buying a DSLR but I am basically looking for a really nice point and shoot that also takes great video, and these are what I'm considering. I want to use the camera mostly for filming ski edits with a basic stabilizing rig and taking photos of cool things that I see. Which of these two would be better for a beginner DSLR? My budget is $800 currently, hoping to get a good overall setup.

I can't really see myself upgrading the body for a while, just buying lenses where necessary. I'm looking at a new T5i on Ebay with the Canon 18-55 STM lens for about $500 versus a used 60D from a friend (he is the second owner) for $800 including a heavily used Tamron 17-50 and Canon 28-135 (both have a lot of dust and stuff on the inside). I will be buying a wider lens no matter what, probably a Rokinon 8mm.

I'm currently leaning towards the T5i because it is cheaper and seems more lightweight and beginner friendly (the 60D has much nicer lenses but they are both pretty dirty). The T5i also has better video auto focus than the 60D- will this make much of a difference when filming skiing?

Here is the T5i from Ebay- its about $150 cheaper than the same setup on Amazon, no clue why
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Canon-EOS-700D-T5I-Rebel-Digital-SLR-Camera-18-55mm-STM-Lens-BRAND-NEW-/111787973682?hash=item1a07151c32:g:u3wAAOSwwbdWLn3N




Let me tell you what I know. I skipped the T series and went straight to a 60D. The T series is marketed to beginners but it quite complex in my opinion. All buttons have multiple functions and it is like a puzzle learning how to use it or even changing settings. The 60D is well layed out, far more durable, and has more buttons/dials so you dont have to fumble through settings to use simple functions.

THe 60D is far more versitile and you will be much happier with. And the Tamron is a decent lens but the 28-135 is a dumb focal length to use, you would be better off picking up the 60D and then buying an 18-55.
Nov 5 2015 9:11AM
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DorianF
Posts: 239 - Karma: 882
EDolloStoneLet me tell you what I know. I skipped the T series and went straight to a 60D. The T series is marketed to beginners but it quite complex in my opinion. All buttons have multiple functions and it is like a puzzle learning how to use it or even changing settings. The 60D is well layed out, far more durable, and has more buttons/dials so you dont have to fumble through settings to use simple functions.

THe 60D is far more versitile and you will be much happier with. And the Tamron is a decent lens but the 28-135 is a dumb focal length to use, you would be better off picking up the 60D and then buying an 18-55.


the t5i has a touch screen, making it far easier to navigate than the 60d, however getting a tamron 17-55 f 2.8 with the 60d makes it worth going the 60d route, provided that the lens quality is not altered in any way.

the additional lens, while not great quality, is jsut a bonus really - im sure op would find use for it.
Nov 5 2015 2:29PM
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Chubz.
Posts: 13918 - Karma: 25,661
Buy a t2i for 250 and spend the rest of your money on glass and a tripod.
Nov 5 2015 6:41PM
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uturn
Posts: 183 - Karma: 380
why don't you just get a high end point and shoot
Nov 6 2015 9:08AM
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RW_Visuals
Posts: 219 - Karma: 248
uturnwhy don't you just get a high end point and shoot


Exactly that way it does everything for you and you will get great quality. If you don't want tk deal with exposure, white balance and everything just get a nice point and shoot. They are good quality anymore.
Nov 6 2015 9:20AM
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HarkStudios
Posts: 243 - Karma: 121
DorianFthe t5i has a touch screen, making it far easier to navigate than the 60d


The touch screen is great but i have played with the touch screen on the 70d, and it kills the battery pretty quick.

I guess it is neither here nor there, but i personally think the "screen" on the top right that has all the information is worth the extra money. Your batteries work longer and i feel like it is a better environment for learning.

Don't take me as some guy saying that the gear makes the photographer, that is bullshit, i know plenty of people who buy great gear and are absolutely awful.

That being said, i will stand by it till the day i die, learning with sharper tools makes it easier to build your skills. If you can get a good deal on a xxD, then go with it, you wont be let down. Yes it is the same sensor. Yes it is a glorified T series camera, blah blah blah. I have used xxD series cameras and i have used T series cameras and if someone doesn't want to upgrade their body after a few years i dont know why you wouldn't go xxD, especially with the lenses that come with it.

If you are looking at a t5i seriously, look at the t4i. http://petapixel.com/2013/04/24/a-brutally-honest-review-of-canons-new-rebel-t5i-the-t4i-on-placebo/

I have not had experience with t4i/t5i but from everything i have read it seems ludacris to go with the t5i.

And in my honest opinion, it seems ludicrous to not go with the 60D.

Just my two cents, i am not here to be a dick, i am just giving my opinion and insight, take it or leave it, the decision is yours.
Nov 6 2015 11:44AM
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ascent_studios
Posts: 2157 - Karma: 4,580
RW_VisualsExactly that way it does everything for you and you will get great quality. If you don't want tk deal with exposure, white balance and everything just get a nice point and shoot. They are good quality anymore.


I can guarantee that if you start to like it you are 100% going to want to learn exposure and all that. I thought i wasn't going to but you will.

Also OP i have an 18-55 brand new that i dont use if u want it. It came with my camera and I never needed it so. PM if interested
Nov 6 2015 2:38PM
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joey.badass
Posts: 25 - Karma: 16
60d
Nov 6 2015 2:56PM
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RW_Visuals
Posts: 219 - Karma: 248
If you don't go high end point and shoot, someone above said t2i and get good glass or get a t3i since it has the flip out screen. It honestly just depends on where you see yourself going with filming in the future.
Nov 6 2015 3:35PM
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stupendous-man
Posts: 8637 - Karma: 13,293
Took a few shots in with the 60D in bright light today and there is definitely some visible shit on the lens. Not terrible, but still noticeable. Also shutter count is 19k. Can anyone speak on the improved autofocus (its called hybrid AF i think) in the T4/5i compared to the 60D? Some reviews are hyping it but Im not sure if it actually makes much of a difference
Nov 7 2015 3:16PM
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DorianF
Posts: 239 - Karma: 882
stupendous-manTook a few shots in with the 60D in bright light today and there is definitely some visible shit on the lens. Not terrible, but still noticeable. Also shutter count is 19k. Can anyone speak on the improved autofocus (its called hybrid AF i think) in the T4/5i compared to the 60D? Some reviews are hyping it but Im not sure if it actually makes much of a difference


if there are noticable spots on the lens, then its not worth it.

dont bother with a t5i though, t4i is the exact same camera (minus a dial that doesnt spin all the way around and a different rubber compound in the grip) t4i is cheaper. and t3i is a t4i without a touch screen. (touch screen is pretty sweet imo, but it depends on the price difference)

as far as the autofocus goes, really the only upgrade from t3i to the t4i/t5i was autofocus during video. Which sounds really cool, but is completely useless. it "hunts" for focus, going past and then coming back. not a feature I ever used

auto focus for sports etc is pretty solid on the t_i series as well. my t4i finds focus faster than my 5dii.

if you do end up going with the rebel series (t_i) just dont go with the 18-55 kit lens. it is a great focal length for learning, but the quality of the optics is just awful. there is a noticable difference between it and higher end glass. Even if you opt to just go for the 24 mm pancake (f2.8), or a 50mm f1.8 you will be further ahead (both are pretty cheap)
Nov 9 2015 11:22AM
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