When do I upgrade my EOS Rebel XSi???

[msawa]

I have taken over 25,000 photos with my Canon Rebel XSi and have had it for about 5 years. It has traveIed over 60,000 miles and has absolutely seen better days. I have purchased some lenses and started to begin making large prints.

When do I upgrade?

How much do I upgrade?

I am willing to spend $1,000 on a body.

Do I buy a nice used?

or a fresh new?

I am leaving for europe in 2 weeks and am seeking advice.

Help!

Examples of photos I take:

http://500px.com/MaxSawa

[hsbn]

I have Sigma 10-20mm. It's a good lens but not great. Although both Canon and Sigma 10-20mm is not a fast lens, they're extremely wide angle so you can shoot with slower shutter speed 🙂 ..

[ebiggs1]

"I am willing to spend $1,000 on a body."

This puts a servere limit on any meaningful upgrade.   Any of the new Rebels will be better spec wise but may not be better results wise.  Plus any will gain you video but the ideal best choice for you, IMHO, would be the ESO 7D.

A true professional level camera especially when comparing to a Rebel series camera.

It will use any lens that you may already have but any of the large assortment of 24-70mm f2.8 lenses out there will make a true upgrade.

This could double your $1000 budget limit, however.

[hsbn]

Canon EF-S 17-55 F2.8 is also a pretty good lens for under $1000.

[ebiggs1]

"Canon EF-S 17-55 F2.8 is also a pretty good lens for under $1000."

Yes, sir, it is a very good lens.  A second choice is the Sigma version 17-50mm f2.8 EX.  I was lucky enough to get it for $400 bucks because of a sale at Adorama.  Personally I probably would not have bought it for $600, full retail is $900, but at $400 it was irresistible. It has a silly quirk of the focusing ring moving as it focuses.  A little tricky to get used to.  But all in all a very sharp lens with IS and maybe even better IQ than the Canon version.

[hsbn]

I know that we're giving him a lot of option now, but I forgot about the 18-35 F1.8 lens from Sigma. It's the fastest zoom lens for crop body. 🙂

[msawa]

I love all the feedback!

Thank you everyone!

I just picked up a 50mm 1.4

( I love fixed lenses)

....and decided to get more the wide angle, thanks everyone!