Have been using good ole cannons from 70 h 80's for years.Need to update and understand new technolo

Question

Have been using the cannons for many years mostly scenic areas. Quit using them eight years past.
I am retired and need to update and understand what you have so l can start over.Thanks for your help, Edgar.

Answer 1

Hi Edgar,
While there are occasional Canon tech wizards on here to help out, mostly it's conversations among Canon users.
You are basically wanting to go from film to digital, which can be both easy and very, very complex. Some of the modern DSLRs can be used in a highly automated, almost "point n shoot" manner. Or you can get as involved in using them as you wish, using less of the automation, usually with more consistent and pleasing results... but a much steeper learning curve.
If your Canon are from the 70s and 80s, they are manual focus lenses and cameras with the FD mount. Some of those were fantastic, but simply aren't usable on modern Canon, which use EF mount. So you are most likely starting from scratch.
I'd recommend one of the more entry-level models, perhaps with one or two kit lenses to get started learning to shoot digital. But it sort of depends upon your budget, how much you want to spend. I don't know where you are in the world... I'm in the US so below I'm refering to the current US model designations Canon offers (and international designations are in parens). All these models are "EOS".
The Canon Rebel T3 (1100D) is the most entry level model. If bought in kit, it usually comes with EF 18-55mm lens.
Rebel SL1 (100D) is a very compact camera, in kit usually comes with 18-55mm lens.
Rebel T3i (600D) is a bit larger and adds some features... in kit it's often offered with 18-55mm, or sometimes with 18-135mm, or sometimes in a 2-lens kit with 18-55mm and 55-250mm.
Rebel T5i (700D) is the top of the Rebel series line and mostly adds features related to videography. It can be found in kit with the same options as the T3i.
EOS 60D is a mid-grade model, using a true pentaprism (the Rebel series use a penta-mirror). With higher top shutter speed (1/8000 vs 1/4000 on the Rebels), somewhat different controls (more direct access to things commonly used by more advanced photographers). The 60D is being discontinued right now, but you will still see a lot of them in stores.
All the above have essentially the same "APS-C size" 18MP sensor (except T3/1100D which uses a 15MP sensor). T5i and 60D have a similar, more advanced autofocus system.
EOS 70D is the new model that's replacing the 60D, has a new 20MP sensor, as well as a more sophisticated autofocus system than any of the above.
60D and 70D in kit usually come with 18-135mm lens, but sometimes there are alternatives.
The EOS 7D is the top of the line APS-C size sensor, a fairly pro-oriented camera with less support for new digital shooters, a sophisticated and fast autofocus system. .
Finally there are also and so-called "full frame models EOS 6D, 5D Mark III and 1DX (sensor is 24x36mm, same image size as most 35mm film cameras shoot). The 6D is essentially an entry-level, more compact full frame model. 5D Mark III is a mid-grade model, and the 1DX is an uber expensive pro-oriented, high speed model. You might be tempted by these initially, coming from film cameras. But be aware they not only cost more initially, are a bit more limited in lens choices, plus the lenses for them will generally tend to be larger, heavier and more expensive. The APS-C or "crop sensor" models can use all EF and all EF-S lenses. While the "full frame" models can only use EF lenses. EF-S lenses are specifically designed for crop sensor cameras. EF lenses were designed for film or have been designed for full frame, but are also fully usable on crop cameras. So, crop cameras can essentially use any lens Canon has made since around 1990 and onward.  
I'd recommend you start with one of the crop sensor models.... graduate later to one of the full frame models, if you find that necessary. Today's crop sensor cameras are actually quite capable. You can make a pretty large print from them, with little loss of image quality. You'll just have to "re-think" focal lengths, from what you are accustomed to. For example, a 50mm lens on a crop sensor camera is no longer a "standard" lens. It acts more as a short telephoto, like an 80mm would on your film cameras (nice for portraits). If you want a standard lens on a crop sensor camera, you'll want something around 30mm. The 18-55mm kit lenses, for example, cover approx. the same angle of view range as a 28-90mm zoom would on your film cameras.
Now, seeing that you are an experienced SLR user, you probably don't need the automation and newbie support of some of the most entry-level models. But also going from manual focus to autofocus (which, when used right is faster and more accurate than I ever was with manual focus, and I was pretty good!)... I'd suggest starting out with one of the simpler AF systems.
The T5i or 60D might be good choices for you. Go compare in a store, if at all possible.
Just as was true in the days of film, lenses still tend to make more of a difference than the camera they are used upon. In other words, the entry level kit lenses might be a low cost way to get into modern, autofocus, digital cameras... but if you're budget allows you might want to consider some more advanced lenses. In the kit lenses, I would recommend the "STM" (stepper motor autofocus drive) models... they are the latest and greatest. But there are even better, in particular the USM (ultrasonic motor autofocus drive) which are often found in otherwise upgraded lenses. For example, for crop cameras there are the EF-S 10-22mm, EF-S 15-85mm USM, EF-S 17-55/2.8 USM and EF 70-200/4L USM lenses. These are fast and accurate focusing, with top quality optics. Most of these lenses also have or are optionally available with Image Stabilization (IS), which is great and allows handheld shots that were near impossible with your older gear. Highly recommended.
Shop around and don't forget to allow some room in your budget for other necessities. You'll need memory cards (the entry level models and T5i, 60D that I recommended all use "SD/SDHC" memory cards). You also might want a spare camera battery (most entry level models use LP-E8, the 60D uses the larger LP-E6 to get about twice as many shots per charge). There are also accessory battery grips available for most models mentioned, which give secondary controls that are nice when shooting with the camera in portrait orientation, as well as adding a second battery to double the number of shots you can take. Most of the lenses mentioned don't include the lens hood, which I highly recommend buying, too.
All these Canon cameras come with a complete software suite, all you really need to get started cataloging and editing your images on your computer (some other manufacturers sell certain softwares separately). However you still might want to look into some third party softwares. Adobe Elements is an excellent and affordable introduction to Photoshop, which is arguably the "big daddy" of all image editing softwares. There are others... some cheaper, even some free... and you don't really need to rush into adding softwares unless you simply want to. The included Canon software is fine to get started.
I guarantee you will find yourself shooting a lot more digital images, than you ever did with film. For one, after the initial cost of the camera, lenses and basic gear, you will feel like "shooting digital is free!". It's not really (camera and memory wear out eventually, upgrades come along, and digital storage & backup fill up rather quickly). But it's certainly cheaper than shooting film. Last time I shot a lot of film I figured it cost a minimum of 50 to 75 cents per shot (common 35mm film with local, consumer grade processing, 4x6 prints or contact sheets... $15 to $20 per 36 exposure film). Digital reduces that to around 5 cents per shot, on average.
You'll also love high ISO shooting with your new DSLR. Any of the above cameras can be used at ISO 1600 with much better results than any film at that rating. With a little extra work, ISO 3200 and 6400 are quite usable... perhaps even higher! I rarely use lower than ISO 200 now, where with film the bulk of my work was at ISO 50 and 100.
You also will enjoy the immediate feedback you get being able to review your images on the spot, right on the LCD screen on the back of the camera. The histogram, in particular, is very helpful once you learn to use it. Heck, you can even shoot tethered to a computer and see your images full size on a computer monitor immediately, if you wish... Or download them and view them just minutes after pressing the shutter release button!
Get some books about digital photography. In addition to something more general, I also highly recommend getting one of the guide books specific to whatever camera model you choose. That will complement the manual that comes with the camera. If you get an image editing/cataloging software, I'd recommend a book specifically for that, too. Another book I recommend is "The DAM Book - Digital Asset Management for Photographers"... which can be found and bought online. It's very helpful setting up your "workflow", and the sooner you do that, the better (it's the pits having to go back, reorganize and potentially redo thousands or hundreds of thousands of images).
There are also good online tutorials about many aspects of digital photography. For example, I highly recommend the three half-hour videos on YouTube about Canon autofocus systems and how to get the best results with them... beginning with this one: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iAx86nblZ2g This is a few years old now, but still quite relevant... the 50D is discussed at length, but it uses an AF system that's virtually identical to the 60D, for example. It also might help to know some of the features of the more recent, more spphisticated AF systems, which are discussed a bit. There are other videos and online tutorials at the Canon Learning Center, on YouTube, and elsewhere. Some are model specific... such as the AF system of the 7D (which is largely carried over into the 70D now).... and the even more advanced 5D Mark III/1DX AF system.
Other users here and at other forums online can be a big help, too. Don't be afraid to ask questions (we've all been there at one time or another).
Alan Myers
San Jose, Calif., USA
"Walk softly and carry a big lens."
GEAR: 5DII, 7D(x2), 50D(x3), some other cameras, various lenses & accessories
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