350D vs. 30D vs. 5D vs. 1D for motorsports?

[marka123]

Howdy,

Newbie motorsports guy here... Currently I use a 350D with a cheapie Tamron 70-300 f/4-5.6. I also have a recently purchased Sigma 100-300 f/4, but that's at Sigma getting a focusing issue looked at.

I'm wondering what the practical differences are between the 350D, 30D, 5D, 1DM2, and 1DsM2 bodies with regards to motorsports photography.

From reports, it seems like the 1D bodies have a good edge in terms of weather sealing. Is the weather sealing on those bodies good enough that you no longer need one of the protective rain covers?

What are the differences in the size & clarity of the viewfinder between the bodies?

How do the autofocus systems compare?

Is there any reason to go full frame with the 5D vs. a 1.3 crop with the 1DM2?

I'd appreciate any "been there, done that" experiences. When I get to the point of a new body, a 1DM2 isn't completely out of reach, but I'd want to have a pretty clear idea why I'm spending all that extra money over a 30D. ....Or if I'd be better off with a 5D...

Thanks!

Mark

[MrChad]

The 30D and 1D have the speed edge over the Rebel's and the 5D. I'm sure most serious shooters would use a 30D or 1D mII.

But I've been using a 300D for more the 2 years now without issue. Having a speedy tele and knowing the cars-track is more important IMO then the camera body.

You should be set with the 350D and your tele's. I have plenty of good panned shots from my 300D and a 75-300 IS lens, you can't get much slower then that combo. And a 1/2000 shutter will freeze most anything as well.

Your Sigma would be a good lens for the track I think. Your Tamron is slower then most will recommend, but it can't be slower then my IS tele.

Technique > gear.

[marka123]

Howdy,

Oh, don't get me wrong, I'm not going to replace the 350D just for the heck of it... I've gotten some good shots with the 350D/Tamron. In fact, I discovered the focusing issue with the new Sigma 100-300 at an event and went back to my cheapie Tamron... Still got plenty of good shots.

But I'm still wondering about the differences.

When you say the 30D and 1D have a "speed edge" what do you mean? Burst speed?

Mark

[scottbergerphoto]

I have a 1DMII. The AI Servo AF is incredible for tracking moving objects. Those of us with less skill then the experienced motorsports guys need all the help we can get.

[Gadget-Guy]

Upgraded from a 20D to a 1DMKII N for several reasons as i mainly photograph MX or bike trackdays.
1-Better autofocus
2-8.5 second framerate
3-Weather sealing

A lot of people knock using the high speed frame rate and call it pray and spray but sometimes no matter how good you are you will not push that button at the correct moment no matter how much you try.On the weather sealing front it also helps to keep out dust etc as long as you are not carrying out frequent lens changes trackside,you still need to be carefull and not get the camera soaking wet but have used mine in light showers etc and it still works ok(Dont take it swimming).The auto focus on any of the 1 Series cameras knocks spots of the 20Ds etc but then again you get what you pay for IMHO.Still a lot of it is about the person taking the picture and if you look through the galleries on this forum you will see some excellent work from people using 20D,30D and even 350D cameras that still are stunning images.I cant coment on the 5D or the s but i will say that the 1DMKII or the N are great and many of the photographers i see around and about the different tracks mainly use these cameras.Hope this helps.