body choice

[narlus]

so depending on a couple of things (high ISO performance from users; year-end bonus size), i am likely going to get the 5D mkII in the early part of '09.

which leaves me w/ a choice...should i sell my 2.5 year old 30D, sell my 1 year old (bought it used, but still fairly low shutter counts) 5D, or hang on to both?

either way i definitely want to hang on to one, as shooting w/ two bodies is so much easier than just one, and it's nice to have a backup in case things go wrong.

sometimes having the reach of the crop body is nice, but the 1600 performance of the 5D is clearly better than the 30D, and having the FF perspective is an advantage for most of the venues i shoot.

just curious what others would suggest.

[AdamGasson]

I'd get rid of the 30D, it's a bit long in the tooth now. The 5D with a fast prime lens is good enough for most lighting situations I find.

[bacchanal]

I know what you mean...I'm definitely in the same situation. Well, I've already sold my 5D and I'm getting the 5DII, year end bonus or not, but other than that...
I'll probably keep the 30D around because it isn't worth a lot, and at venues where I can shoot at ISO1250, the 30D + 135L is one of my favorite combos. Of course, the kicker is that it has the same pixel density as the 5DII, so it isn't exactly getting any more "reach". If money weren't an issue, I probably would have kept the 5D...because I really do find the FF ideal with my lens lineup and for what I typically shoot.
I've thought about just about everything from selling the 30D and getting a 40D, to scrapping the idea of a 5DII and getting a 1DIII, but I have a feeling the 5DII is going to be a winner for me.

So my point is...I don't really know what to tell you. :rolleyes::D

[skifurthur]

One of the things that I find attractive about the 30D, although it can be any 1.6 body in the XXd series, is the extra reach because of the crop. I often have to shoot from a soundboard in an arena or larger venue. 1.6 x 300mm is an effective 480mm that can be handheld for a whole show if needed. Add a 400mm to the equation and you have an effective 640mm f/2.8. I dread to think what that lens would weigh. A full frame and a 1.6 crop body makes the most versitile combo I can think of. And let's face it, there is nothing wrong with a 30D and upwards. If the high ISO is a concern, go to the 50D.

[bacchanal]

One of the things that I find attractive about the 30D, although it can be any 1.6 body in the XXd series, is the extra reach because of the crop. I often have to shoot from a soundboard in an arena or larger venue. 1.6 x 300mm is an effective 480mm that can be handheld for a whole show if needed. Add a 400mm to the equation and you have an effective 640mm f/2.8. I dread to think what that lens would weigh. A full frame and a 1.6 crop body makes the most versitile combo I can think of. And let's face it, there is nothing wrong with a 30D and upwards. If the high ISO is a concern, go to the 50D.

Right, but with the resolution of the 5DII, you can crop and get basically the same image as you would with the 30D. The only reach you gain is in the FOV through the viewfinder. With the higher resolution 5DII it's possible that crop cameras are becoming a little less relevant.

Also, many tests show that the 50D isn't really much better than the 30D in high ISO performance.

[narlus]

i hear you on the reach bit, but i rarely am required to shoot from a distance...i could always borrow my co-worker's 40D :D

if i could get $600 for a gripped 30D that wouldn't be so bad...more cash for that 16-35L i've been lusting after!

the other option i was sorta considering was this:

sell both 30D and 5D and buy a used 1D MkII N...but i have zero experience w/ this body.

[bacchanal]

sell both 30D and 5D and buy a used 1D MkII N...but i have zero experience w/ this body.

Now you're talkin! Have your pro AF camera and your no light camera.

[johnms88]

I have a 1d2 and 1d2n and love them... looking to trade my 1d2 to try out the FF of a 5d for concerts.

Nice to be able to shoot 8fps sometimes!! And the AF definitely helps with the dungeon venues. 1.3x is a mix between the 1.6 and FF.

You would get used to the new body...its not that much different as a whole (just a different layout).

[blackshadow]

Sell both and go for the 1D Mark IIN - it won't give quite as good high ISO as your 5D but handles 1600 very well but it makes up for that in the way it handles, it's build and AF ability. You won't regret it!

Johns swap deal above looks pretty decent!

[johnms88]

Johns swap deal above looks pretty decent!


Haha...wasn't saying that as an offer but what the heck!! Too bad im trading the non-N or else he would prob be all over it by now (since hes looking at the N).

[blackshadow]

I have used the N and know how good that is. A photographer for Getty here reckons the II gives the best colour of any Canon camera he has used.

I know the N gave longer battery life - I'm not sure what the other differences between them are exactly.

[bacchanal]

Change of plans for me. I just sent payment on a 1DmkIII and a 16-35L...couldn't pass it up. So I guess I'll find out what life in the 1.3x lane is like. I guess I'll be keeping the 30D so that I have a lightweight body for general shooting.

[johnms88]

I have used the N and know how good that is. A photographer for Getty here reckons the II gives the best colour of any Canon camera he has used.

I know the N gave longer battery life - I'm not sure what the other differences between them are exactly.

Not really a whole lot. The screen is smaller. Some say it has a different AA filter but no one seems to be able to prove it (or tell the difference). Battery life isn't an issue for me....I never shoot a million pics in a day anyways. They are definitely both nice cameras (that's why i bought a 2nd).

I think no matter what narlus chooses, he will be happy. Any choice made will be a good one (all the bodies will give great performance).

[johnstoy]

I just hate to change lenses, while shooting shows, or anything for that matter...

Carry three cameras w a wide, medium and long lens on them...

I'd have a field day with good glass, and the versatility of the three.

[narlus]

three bodies is overkill (though jay connor who shoots for the Globe does this). i'd rather bring a couple of other lenses so i'm prepared for any conditions rather than another body to keep track of.

[blackshadow]

For some shows I'd love 3 bodies.

1D Mark III + 5DM2 with either 70-200 and 24-70 on each body.

5D as third body with fisheye or UWA.

[Skrim17]

I think the 40D handles noise better than the 30, sell the old 5D and the 30 and get a 40D and money in your pocket.

[johnms88]

I just hate to change lenses, while shooting shows, or anything for that matter...

Carry three cameras w a wide, medium and long lens on them...

I'd have a field day with good glass, and the versatility of the three.

Not a chance In hell i would be able to do 3 bodies without putting one down. Im going to invest in a couple rapid straps and see how those work (they seem AWESOME).

[johnstoy]

Not a chance In hell i would be able to do 3 bodies without putting one down. Im going to invest in a couple rapid straps and see how those work (they seem AWESOME).

There is a multi camera chest harness available for at least two cameras... One hung high on chest, one hung low, and why not one more over the shoulder...

I see photogs on TV covering various events with three cameras often...

[johnms88]

There is a multi camera chest harness available for at least two cameras... One hung high on chest, one hung low, and why not one more over the shoulder...

I see photogs on TV covering various events with three cameras often...

link?

[johnstoy]

link?

Adorama had it a couple of yrs. ago... It's an odd ball item, and I can't seem to find it in the cases or harnesses or belts section... Best thing to do if you use more than one camera is to call them...

http://www.adorama.com

...and ask if they still carry a chest harness for carrying more than one camera.

[The_Camera_Poser]

I'd keep the 30D and sell the 5D- you'll want the combination of crop and full frame when you get your 5D MkII, and you'll get a lot more $$ for the 5D, which will be redundant when you get the 5D MkII anyhow.