Should I upgrade my Canon Digital Rebel XTi?

My background

I purchased a Canon Digital Rebel XTi shortly after it came out in 2006. I didn't know much about photography, but since then I have taken 2 photography classes and purchased a few upgrades for the camera. I have learned a lot about photography and would like to think I am getting better at it. I was at Best Buy a while ago and played with the new Canon 60D - it was amazing. I've never used any other camera outside of my XTi - the 60D felt great, and from exploring the menus/controls it is obviously way better than my current camera.

Starting to look around...

I've been doing research for a while on the 60D and the T2i (probably the current version of the XTi when I got it) and then started wondering if there really is any sense in upgrading?

My gear:

Body:

Flash:

Lenses:

Typical Use:

I usually photograph people - mainly my kids, but I have done engagement and graduation photos for friends and family.

My Question:

Not being made of money, I don't want to upgrade just to have the newer model, but I would appreciate advice on this one.

Would I benefit by upgrading my camera body, or would it be better to get nicer lenses? Is the 60D too big of a step for me, or should I be looking lower or higher?

Thanks in advance!

Brian

Answer

Here is how I look at body upgrades (when budget is a factor): Upgrading makes sense if there are specific features that your current body lacks that would benefit you.

Said another way, is your body holding you back?

As an example: perhaps you do a lot of indoor, low-light event photography and the ISO range of your body is a hinderance. In that case, the high-iso abilities of the 60D might be worthwhile.

Or you find that you end up having to fumble around with menu settings a lot, and the streamlined menus of the 60D would save you a minute or two. Another good reason.

If you are looking to buy a body solely because it is newer, then you would probably be better off spending your money else where.

Now, because you do shoot some event photography, having a backup camera is definitely a musthave (of course you can just rent a spare body)

However, given the gear you have listed, I would prioritize upgrading that instead.

You are actually in a really good position because you have a selection of lenses that cover a nice focal range. Which lens do you goto more often than the others? That should be the lens you upgrade first.