When to buy a DSLR?

[sherman1]

I have two 7D cameras and love them. However, they are older technology. So, I purchased a mirrorless Canon EOS R. I used it once and I hate it. The buttons feel all wrong, the touch screen is too small to see without glasses, and the viewfinder lags. I also photograph sports and the blackout in the viewfinder prevents me from tracking action accurately.

I would love to buy a 5D Mark IV but it is too expensive. A 6D Mark II has its limitations but it is full frame. It is also within my price range and it would be a step up (for the most part) to my 7D cameras. Since Canon is moving away from the DSLRs, should I buy the 6D Mark II now or is there a possibility of a 6D Mark III in the near future? I know Canon is secretive about upcoming cameras, but it would be helpful to know should I buy now or wait?

While mirrorless cameras are now the rage, I think DSLR cameras do have a place in the photo world. Optical viewfinders allow for easy tracking of objects both in athletics and nature. Canon should consider keeping at least one entry, intermediate, and advanced level DSLR in their lineup. Just a thought. 

[ebiggs1]

It is unlikely there will be any new DSLR model. There will not be a 6D Mk III.  You are in the mirrorless age as Nikon is doing the same. The 90D is the last and perhaps the greatest in that line. I certainly would not hesitate in buying one if I were in the market.

All the tips, above,  and how well certain modules work is fine but the fact remains what is out there is what is out there.  And, unlikely to be any better choices. Remember just because new models come out your older cameras still work as well as they ever did.  You were happy with them at one time and they will still offer that same service for a very long time.

[sherman1]

EB,

The 90D looks like a fine camera. Thank you for the suggestion. I appreciate the time you took in the response.

Cheers,

Mike

[ebiggs1]

I am a person that "upgraded" whenever a new model came out. I had all the models from the 1D to the 1DX where I stopped. There is very slight "upgrades" between models from one to the next but there is a huge difference between the first and last 1 Series cameras. 

Only one combo really blew me away recently. It was the 90D with a Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 DC HSM Art Lens. I had the use of one for a day and was very impressed. Great combo!

[snapetom]

Just adding my experience to all the great replies here, which I agree with.  I dabble with sports and wildlife.  For a while now, I had a 70D.  It was "good enough" but a trip this past summer it was made apparent the tech in the newer mirrorless cameras would make things a lot easier.  The question was, since mirrorless does have drawbacks, would the benefits overcome them, or should I just go with a 90D or 5D. 

I was vehemently opposed to mirrlorless in the beginning.  I hated even the idea of an EVF.  The battery life, UI, and blackouts were also concerns.  Long story short, I actually tried out an R I borrowed and found the EVF to be not as bad as I thought.  For the others, especially blackouts, in researching I concluded the R5 to be the best option.

It's been amazing.  Everything is so much easier with the R5.  The controls are so customizable, once I thought about it, ends up being more consistent than the previous cameras.  Sure, they're in new positions, but the process of customizing forces you to think about it, and then you realize how much it all makes sense (at least to you).  I haven't even begun to push this camera, but it's clear it can handle it.

I'm definitely relieved I did not jump into the first generation of mirrorless cameras, but I'm quite happy with this R5.

To make things easier, I purchased a refurb to save a few hundred bucks.  Also, the battery in the 7D/70D/R5 is the same.  I didn't have to buy new batteries for it.

[Kenneth4019]

It may not have as many features as the EOS R or the 5D Mark 4, but I can take pictures of just about anything. The 6D Mark 2 would be a step up from the 7D, for the most part.

[Tronhard]

I agree.  The question is which element(s) are the most critical to the OP's mode of photography, only they know that.