What camera body should I upgrade to (from SL1)?

[knitgirl]

I need some help...

My beloved SL1 is, I think, starting to fail. (It gets twitchy about reading SD cards - as in, it won't turn on sometimes with a memory card in, regardless of size or brand card - and sometimes I have to turn it on and off a few times for it to agree to try autofocusing, regardless of the lens on it.) Given the sheer number of photos I've taken with it (I'm pretty sure I've rolled over 9,999 five or six times now), plus the entry-level price point, I'm guessing repair isn't going to be worthwhile.

I primarily shoot photos of my own family and of product shots for my small sewing business, but seasonally I also shoot field band photos of my daughter's band - at night, on a high school football field.  Tricky lighting.  The only lenses I have and use are prime lenses - a 24mm EF-S f/2.8, a 40mm EF f/2.8, and an 85mm EF f/1.8.  (Though there might be an ancient kit lens from my very first rebel kicking around my basement somewhere...)

My favorite feature of the SL1 is it's size, but it definitely lacks the ability to push the ISO for those low light photos.  I personally find anything past ISO1600 to be too noisy.  I do shoot RAW, and am comfortable editing in both Lightroom and Photoshop, I just prefer to start with a cleaner image than higher ISOs give me on this camera.  I suspect a higher end sensor would improve that, though I have no place local to go try out cameras to prove that theory.

My question is, should I upgrade to a better crop-sensor body, or a full-frame body? I have basically no budget, but I need a camera that works consistently so I'll find a way - I'm just definitely not on the "money is no object" end of the spectrum!  I am willing to buy used/refurbished.  The 6D looks like it might meet my needs, but I am open to suggestions.

And then as a follow-up, if I go full frame, what can I do for longer-reach field band photos, as my 85mm will no longer work for that?  (It isn't really long enough anyway even on a crop sensor, but it is fast enough!)  I'm a prime girl all the way, but I have considered a zoom for this but the fast ones are *so* expensive.  Would a full-frame body and an f/4 70-200 zoom lens be a reasonable combo, or am I going to need a faster zoom even with the full-frame?

Thanks so much for any advice!

[Waddizzle]

---

@Tronhard wrote:

I tend to agree with Rick (Shadowsports) on this one... we have no idea of the OP's budget and that is a critical piece of information.

That said, from what I have viewed in this thread a Canon SL2 (offering considerable performance upgrades over the SL1), combined with a 70-200 F4 lens would give a much better reach for the images of individuals on the field.  The other lenses would work as they do with the SL1.  Based on the images the OP has posted those seem to be working out well for her.

---

Budget?  The OP mentioned considering the 6D in the original post.  I understood the question to be, SL2 or 6D.  With a EF 40mm STM and a EF 85mm f/1.8 USM, there is not much to hold you back from going full frame.

As for the 70-200mm f/4L, I have never used it, so I can offer no opinion.  I went for the EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM right from the start.  I had already learned my lesson about buying the “next best” lens, instead of the one I really wanted.  I am sure the 70-200 f/4L is a quality lens, and can do pretty decent job shooting Friday Night Lights with a 6D.  

While the posted SL1 images look pretty good, its’ AF sensor may not realize the full potential of a fast lens.  The SL bodies are also pretty small, so I would suggest using a monopod with a 70-200mm, or larger, lens.  Moving up to a 6D and a 70-200, from a SL1 and 85mm, is going to feel like a cinder block.  Again, I would suggest a monopod for when your arms get tired, which they will.

[seoratdp3]

I have the same question, and I'm struggling between options. Please someone answer as soonas possible. Thanks iun advance. Have a good day. krogerfeedback winners find more about me there at Kroger.

[henry46725]

Cano is the good brand...This is my primary camera I have used before..Now I got Advanced Camera..but still I am using Canon only.