Do I upgrade my DSLR?

I am going to take a view that I think is different than most here.

I agree creating great images is done by the photographer but I also think that if you move to the Canon 500D or the just recently announced 550D then it could very well be worth it.

Below is a link that lists your present camera (450D) side by side with the 500D and the 550D so you can compare features and specs. This web page also has links to reviews of the 3 cameras that include sample images from the cameras. You will gain a greater high ISO range and ability with the newer models for one thing.

I say go for it if you want to. I think you are making a leap that will get you some worthwhile gains.

And coming from a Nikon user like me, that has to count for something.

Mark

marksablow.com

Shan't repeat all that's been said about the photographer not the equipment.

350D to 500D isn't really much of an upgrade, you get much of the same problems, lacking a rear control wheel, lack of second curtain sync, pentamirror viewfinder, plastic construction, low frame rate...you also lose the secondary LCD screen displaying shooting info in favour of using the large LCD which eats up battery. All in all you won't get a better user experience from a 500D, and you will feel as stunted.

You're better off upgrading lenses, getting a flashgun or a battery grip. Since you have the cash for a 500D, you might consider the EF-S 17-55mm f2.8 or perhaps the EF70-200mm f4L. Plus you may want to have a look at a 50mm f1.4 USM too.

A battery grip will also be useful when working in portrait orientation, and a flashgun will open up a whole bunch of options too.

Basically upgrading your camera should be done in time, and to a more serious piece of kit, such as a 40D or a 50D.

Repeat this 1,000 times: "It isn't the camera, its the photographer." Now repeat it another 1,000 times. Beginning to get the idea? Someone somewhere will always have the (supposedly) latest and greatest equipment. If you buy a 50mm f1.4 lens they'll buy a 50mm f1.2 lens. If you buy a 5D Mark II they'll buy a 1D Mark IV or 1Ds Mark III.

At the end of the day all that really matters is who has used their equipment to make the best possible pictures. It will, of course, be the person who has the greatest knowledge of light, composition, exposure and the skill needed to use that knowledge to make the picture.

If you are really in need of video capability then look at the Canon T2i, also known as the 550D.

If you think your 350D is old, check out this picture I made:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/drifter45h/4504341818... Taken 4-6-2010 using a Minolta XE-7 35mm film camera, from around 1974, and a Minolta 21mm lens. Kodak Ektar 100 film. Print scanned using an HP Scanjet 4850 flatbed scanner.

The 350D is a great camera and if you're only wanting to upgrade for a bit of willy waving then you're wasting your time and money. Someone else will always have better kit than you. Spend the money on a new lens, a filter set, whatever, learn to use them properly and concentrate on the job not the tools.

The video capability of the new cameras is rubbish. It's better than nothing but with decent enough HD video cameras coming in from about £150 then if you want to play with video get one of those.

it is talent that maked a pic, NOT the equipment...

i thought that when i moved from a bridge to a DSLR... since having my DSLR, my abilities have improved significantly that i can take some pretty stunning shots with a point and shoot i bought...

really, learn the basics and get stuff working with your existing camera and only upgrade if you TRULY need to... but if you do it right, you won't need to, unless your camera falls apart...

For video get a well-specced camcorder. For stills stick with what you have got, you wouldn't notice so much difference in a slightly higher model - get inspired, don't get kit!

so you know that it is the photographer, not the equipment, so no reason for me to also point that out.

but I will say this, I wouldn't upgrade to a 500D, I would upgrade to a 40D

camaera wont improve your pictures that much, its the way and subject that matters, stick with what you have for the time being

why don't you just keep your camera and buy a white L lens to go with it.