topic Re: Upgrading XTi Camera Body or move to new system in Gear Guide

Upgrading XTi Camera Body or move to new system

wanderingbull — Sat, 04 Jan 2025 19:40:59 GMT

I started using the EOS system back in the 90s with an A2e film camera. Moved to an XTi in the 2000s. I loved the XTi with the EF 50mm 1.8 prime and the EF-s 18-200mm IS super zoom. I also still have the original kit lens and the EF 75-300 (420mm effective) zoom from my A2e. In the end I almost exclusively used the super zoom.

When I got an iPhone I slowly started only using that. Although convenient and very versatile, I miss the dslr.

now the question is do I upgrade to a new EF based body or jump ship to the newer R system. I’d hate to leave my existing lenses behind. My uses would be primarily travel and nature photography.

thoughts, opinions.

Re: Upgrading XTi Camera Body or move to new system

jrhoffman75 — Sat, 04 Jan 2025 20:05:13 GMT

With the Canon EF-RF lens adapter you could use all your current lenses on an R-series body. The R100 is the mirrorless equivalent of the Rebel series you currently have.

Re: Upgrading XTi Camera Body or move to new system

Ron888 — Sun, 05 Jan 2025 06:31:55 GMT

Like John says,your lenses are still usable with the R system. That said,if you do go with the R camera you may also want to get one of the kits that include RF-S lenses.It's much cheaper to buy them as a kit than separately later.Lens image quality has improved over the years,and they now have image stabilization, so worth thinking about.
Anyway,to your camera question: From what i read the biggest differences between the entry level DSLRs and similar mirrorless models is mirrorless have face/eye tracking autofocus,can meter and focus in dimmer light, and the viewing system is completely different.
Cheers,Ron

Re: Upgrading XTi Camera Body or move to new system

wanderingbull — Sun, 05 Jan 2025 08:54:26 GMT

I'Ve been carrying my current camera around and using it just to assess my motivation on carrying this while traveling and hiking. Did a little more research and the R100 seems a little basic, I'm amazed how little the R50 looks and suspect that my 18-200mm would be like a dead weight on the front of the camera once you add the adapter. I've got a local camera shop that I can go to hold them in real life and try out with my existing lenses. Thanks John and Ron.

Re: Upgrading XTi Camera Body or move to new system

Stephen — Sun, 05 Jan 2025 13:55:35 GMT

Just something to be aware of: the generation of lenses you have was not designed with any LiveView (LCD) photography or videos in mind, so when the AF motor is engaged, you will hear it. It will continuously make a kind of zipping noise. That is absolutely normal, but it will be heard in any videos recorded with your camera's onboard microphone. RF lenses all use (nearly) silent focusing motors.

TL;DR: Your lenses will function perfectly fine on any new Canon mirrorless camera you get with a Canon Mount Adapter EF-EOS R. They'll just be noisy about it! 😂

Re: Upgrading XTi Camera Body or move to new system

wanderingbull — Sun, 05 Jan 2025 15:08:27 GMT

Thank you, I would not have thought about that. It totally makes sense. I am used to the zipping noise when the camera and lens are working in continuous focus mode. Since the XTii does not have video capability, it wasn’t an issue. Smartphones were just emerging when I bought it. I don’t do a lot of video now, but that may change if I have a camera that can reach the wild life subjects I do come across, although the built in microphone might not hear them.

Re: Upgrading XTi Camera Body or move to new system

ebiggs1 — Sun, 05 Jan 2025 16:04:42 GMT

If you do intend on upgrading the best path is to go R series and the R100 is a logical choice. IMHO, and brutally honest except for the 50mil you do not have any good lens to take with you on the upgrade to mirrorless R series. And the 50mil isn't the best either but better than the others.

However a decent upgrade might be the 90D which is a DSLR but all your lenses will operate just like they always have. No issues, no adapters, no problem.

Re: Upgrading XTi Camera Body or move to new system

wanderingbull — Sun, 05 Jan 2025 17:16:51 GMT

Thanks, I have looked at the D 90 and like that camera. But unfortunately, size and weight are a consideration for me since I do a lot of long distance, hiking and traveling. You have voiced my fear about the current lens situation, which for a 10 megapixel camera was not an issue, but the new cameras have such high definition and better imaging quality that I am starting to make peace with the fact that it means leaving behind my old stuff.

Re: Upgrading XTi Camera Body or move to new system

ebiggs1 — Mon, 06 Jan 2025 15:33:09 GMT

"... I have looked at the D 90 and like that camera. But unfortunately, size and weight are a consideration for me ..."

It is 90D, not D90 which is more like a Brand-N model number. The 90D and XTi are similar in size and weight. It is a tad bit larger and heavier but not much. I can't see it making a significant difference.

Re: Upgrading XTi Camera Body or move to new system

wanderingbull — Tue, 07 Jan 2025 19:12:48 GMT

Hello everybody,

I wanna thank everyone for their input on this topic. I have rented and EOS R7 for a week and we’ll take it with me on a short trip to Northern California. I’ve spent less than 24 hours with the camera so far and it’s clear that it is quite an impressive machine.

Re: Upgrading XTi Camera Body or move to new system

wanderingbull — Thu, 16 Jan 2025 03:29:12 GMT

So I made a purchase. As much as I liked the R7 and testing it out with the long kit lens and all of my existing lenses, I've purchased the R8 and the RF 24-240mm IS lens. Before I started using the iPhone pro (always shot in RAW with that), I was already contemplating moving to a full frame body. I feel that this will be a good camera to return to, and I'll see if I move up from there. I will look at other lenses after I acclimate to this. I'll probably will get a prime lens and/or a longer zoom for wildlife in the future.

Thanks for all the input.

Re: Upgrading XTi Camera Body or move to new system

Boanerges — Thu, 16 Jan 2025 08:19:43 GMT

If you want to take advantage of the latest technology then go for a R camera. The adapters work well. Just keep in mind you have a crop sensor (APS-C) camera. If your lens are also crop lens (EF-S) and you move to a full frame sensor the camera will crop the in automatically. For example, a 24 mp Full frame sensor will crop the image down to a 9 mp image. They will work but be cropped. The low light capability of modern cameras are amazing on full frame sensors and the APS-C sensors are also good. You also get better auto focusing capabilities because the auto focus uses the image sensor and not a dedicated focus sensor on DSLR cameras. There is nothing wrong with picking up a new/used DSLR if you are fine with the auto focus capabilities of DSLRs, and don’t need improved high ISO, performance, and in body stabilization (IBS). For most hobbyists and even pros the DSLR cameras are well suited for their needs. There are a lot of YouTube reviews that explain the pros and cons of each system.

Re: Upgrading XTi Camera Body or move to new system

ebiggs1 — Thu, 16 Jan 2025 16:08:47 GMT

" I'll probably will get a prime lens and/or a longer zoom for wildlife in the future."

I certainly agree with buying zooms but not so much about prime lenses. Make sure you are covered with whatever zooms you think you need before you buy any prime lens. Primes lenses are more for a dedicated reason and lesser used as GP lenses. They are just more difficult to live with. Primes have their place for sure but just make sure you know what that place is.

Currently, IMHO, the two best tele zooms for wildlife are the Canon RF 200-800mm f/6.3-9 IS USM Lens and the Tamron SP 150-600mm f/5-6.3 Di VC USD G2. I love that Canon decided to make this lens and that they gave it a 200 to 800mm range.

Re: Upgrading XTi Camera Body or move to new system

ebiggs1 — Thu, 16 Jan 2025 16:19:25 GMT

"If you want to take advantage of the latest technology then go for a R camera."

???? 🤔 The OP already bought a new R8.

"So I made a purchase. ... I've purchased the R8 and the RF 24-240mm IS lens."

Re: Upgrading XTi Camera Body or move to new system

wanderingbull — Thu, 16 Jan 2025 19:22:33 GMT

Thanks,

I'm going to get used to the camera and figure out what I need once I've been shooting a while with this setup. In the end it was about little less weight and just a touch bulkier than my previous setup (see OP). I have a trip to Morocco soon, which is why I made this purchase now so I have time to become comfortable with the camera and lens. Following Morocco will be a trip back to Africa for wildlife photography.

Re: Upgrading XTi Camera Body or move to new system

LeeP — Thu, 16 Jan 2025 19:55:22 GMT

And the R100 is a great camera. I bought one as an emergency/backup camera and then used it to get used to it. Because it is so small it can go anywhere, so I take it everywhere. I do a lot of street photography and it is wonderful. The sneering camera bigots hate it but they think a fancy camera makes them a great photographer. I've been in this business 45 years and I love the simplicity of this camera vis a vis my "real' cameras, but also that it is really adept when you need to dig deep.