Upgrading from the Canon Rebel t3i

[mstu33]

Hello all! I would like some professional perspective on upgrading my Canon Rebel t3i.

Here's a little background: I bought the t3i in 2013 with little to no photography knowledge. After college, I landed a job as a reporter for a weekly newspaper, which put my t3i and skills to the test. My t3i was used pretty much everyday in the field for community events, portraits, breaking news shots and sports. It has been through a lot of wear over the past three years. 

I have since left the world of community journalism and now serve as the Marketing and Communications Director for a private boarding school. I am the school's primary photographer and have been shooting with my t3i. I have recently purchased a 50mm/f1.8, which has significantly upgraded my photos. I have also used it for producing short videos for the school. Other lenses I have include the kit 18-55mm (rarely used now that I have the 50 prime), Sigma 70-300mm/f5.6 and a 24-85mm f/3.5-4.5. I also have a cheap macro/wide angle lens extender. 

What would be a good upgrade for the t3i? I have been looking at the Canon 80D or 70D, but not sure if these are the best option for my work. I also use the camera for personal photography. 

Also I'd appreciate opinions on lenses - should I upgrade the body or just purchase more lenses? Thanks in advance for your expertise! 

[Waddizzle]

---

@mstu33 wrote:

Thanks to all for your advice! 

I have been scoping the Canon refurbished cameras online. First, I have never purchased a refurbished camera, but from some reviews I have read, it is the way to go. 

Now I am torn between the 80D and the 7D Mark II. I know the 80D is newer, but what features does the 7D Mark II have that will make it more desirable for my work? 

---

The 7D Mark II is definitely the better camera for shooting sports, and other moving subjects.  The 80D doesn't have the sophisticated AF tracking system, weather sealing, nor the dual CPUs for speed, of the 7D Mark II.  On the other hand, the 80D can autofocus while shooting video, which the 7D Mark II cannot do.

[ebiggs1]

"Now I am torn between the 80D and the 7D Mark II. I know the 80D is newer, but what features does the 7D Mark II have that will make it more desirable for my work?"

My suggestion is based on your opening post.  It sounds like you are ready for a more professional camera.  All the xxD cameras are what is called prosummer models.  They are nice but not to the level of the 7D and 7d Mk II.  I owned a pair of 7D's for a long time.  I just loved them.  I got the chance to borrow a 7D MkII for a day and loved it even more.

The 7D Mk II is an all around better camera.  Consider all the specs, including the build.  So, the question is are you ready for this step?  A xxD will certainly do the job but so would your T3.

[jrhoffman75]

70D has dual pixel auto focus in Live View. 80D has a dual pixel technology that is recorded into the RAW file.

[RobertTheFat]

---

@jrhoffman75 wrote:
70D has dual pixel auto focus in Live View. 80D has a dual pixel technology that is recorded into the RAW file.

---

True. But has anyone actually come up with a sensible use for that aspect of the technology?