Upgrading XTi Camera Body or move to new system

[wanderingbull]

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.  

[jrhoffman75]

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.

[Stephen]

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! 😂

[wanderingbull]

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.

[LeeP]

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.  

[Ron888]

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

[wanderingbull]

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. 

[ebiggs1]

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.

[wanderingbull]

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. 

[ebiggs1]

"... 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.