Upgrading from T2i to T7?

[hmercer23]

I purchased a T2i several years ago and I used it a lot, life got busy and photography was pushed to the side. I'm starting to get back in to photography and was thinking about getting a new camera. I was thinking of buying the T7 due to budget, is the T7 a downgrade from the T2i? I have also thought about moving to the mirrorless.

Any advice would be great

[Waddizzle]

The T7 is a performance upgrade, but it is also somewhat of a build quality downgrade. The T2i was a well built body.  

Without knowing your budget it’s hard to advise you. Canon does offer Sales advice to customers looking to purchase an upgrade. 

[Tronhard]

If you are prepared to consider mirrorless, then I would do so seriously.  As Bill said, we can't give great advice without a $value to limit our enthusiasm.   Depending on what lenses you have, if you want to keep them, then stick to one of the crop-sensor bodies: that would be R7, R10, R50.  If you have only the kit lenses for the T2i, then look to getting an RF-S 18-150 lens kitted with the body of your choice.  I would personally suggest the R10, as it has the best features for the investment.  If you use EF or EF-S lenses you will need an EF-RF adapter.

[Tintype_18]

I bought a T7 about 2018 and am happy with it. I have no qualms about the purchase. I get ads for Canon mirrorless cameras but the price is prohibitive. I don't have a lot of $$$ to go mirrorless so I'll keep my T7. You can see my signature for my lenses collection. But, it's your call.

[shadowsports]

Hmercer23,

Go mirrorless if you can afford it.  It's a wiser investment in the long run.  It costs a little more, but you get more for that money, in performance, features and longevity.

The T2i is 14 yrs old

T7 is 6yrs old.

R50/R10 1-2 yrs old

[stevet1]

hmercer23,

You asked, " is the T7 a downgrade from the T2i?"

You can go to the CameraDecision website and compare the features of both cameras side by side and judge for yourself.

Here is their website:https://cameradecision.com/

Steve Thomas

[zakslm]

hmercer23,

I too have a T7 that I bought about 1.5 years ago and I enjoy using it and like my results.

Back when I got off the couch and back into photography, I knew little of mirrorless cameras or the state of the technology at the time.  I'm glad I chose the T7 and don't second guess my decision.  It was the right decision for me at the time.  

However knowing what (I think) I know now, I would suggest you take a look at the mirrorless choices available that others have mentioned and  some of the new technology and features in those cameras vs. the T7 that I think would be nice to have.  Some features that come to mind are (again based on what I think I know):

1. Better autofocusing performance with more focus points that the T7 (the T7 has 9 focus points).
2. Better high ISO performance.
3. More advanced Digic processor (the T7 has a Digic 4 processor), some of the cameras mentioned have a Digic X processor and enable more features and options vs. the Digic 4 processor.
4. Subject tracking and neat features that prioritzes focus on faces, the eyes, humans or animals.
5. Faster continuous shooting (T7 shoots at 3 FPS).

Other things to consider are:

1. Canon (and 3rd party manufacturers) have not produced a lot of RS lenses for crop sensor bodies.  But the EF to R adapter enables the use of just about any EF and EF-S lens ever made.  
2. The learning curve for mirrorless vs. the T7 may be steep and require a significant investment of time and a lot of trial and error to get the results you desire.
3. Cost.

The above are items that come to mind and are not based on any in-depth research, etc.  

I hope the above in some way helps you make the right decision for you.

Regards,

LZ

[shadowsports]

Thumbs up for your post.  I suppose you could say there's a learning curve with mirrorless because of all the great features these body's have over DSLRs. The learning curve between the two is essentially the same.  The same principles to exposure apply.  You just have to get used to a camera that does more for you. Generally speaking, mirrorless does what a DSLR does, just better/faster.👍

[zakslm]

Rick,

I agree 100% with your statement, "The learning curve between the two is essentially the same.  The same principles to exposure apply.  You just have to get used to a camera that does more for you."

The original poster has a Rebel T2i and a T7 should be similar in layout and function to that camera.  My assumption is that a R50, R10 or R7 (or curren full frame mirrorless body) may be slight less familiar.  In any case, you're stressing the principals of exposure and if I might add, the principals of composition, etc. is spot on.

I may be a bit crusty and curmudgeonly, but I bristle a little bit when someone likes or admires a photo I took and asks, "what kind of camera do you have?"  The implication is that it is the tool and not the workman was the key factor in the creation of a pleasing photo.  The proper tools do may make it easier though.

Regards,

LZ

[hmercer23]

$600-700 is what I would like but at that rate if its a $1,000 for the better option I could swing that. I know that is kind of low for camera but I am okay with getting refurbished. I have the T2i kit lens and I been borrowing a 75-300mm lens. I am not out too much if I switch to mirrorless. Thank you very much for the help.