Upgrade to 50d, 5dII, or t1i ??

[jgoodstein]

Here's my breakdown: I shoot currently with a 450D and an 40D. For all of my jobs from weddings to swim wear. I also use these camera's as my home camera's for family photography ( Snapshots)

So as the autumn rolls around, I'm looking to upgrade to a new body. I am perfectly content with my XSi and the 40D has seen better days.. but is reliable!!!

So Of course the 5dmII is on the list. Here's its winning points to me: 21.1 MP, 98% viewfinder, 50-25600 ISO settings (100-6400 Standard), 1/8000 shutter speed, HD Video, and Micro Adjustment. The FF functionality doesn't excite me or scare me away. I'm totally accustomed to the 1.6 I'm shooting now.

Next up is the 50D. Its winning points are the 9 cross AF points, sync speed at 250 instead of 200, 6.3 FPS, 15.1 MP, and micro adjust

The T1i. Price, Video, 15.1 MP


No i won't wait for the 60D, I either get one of these in august or i don't get anything as that is what my budget allows. My lenses are fine and my lighting is fine( different budget then camera budget), right now I'm looking for advice on another camera body for work and life. At which point the 40d Goes to my brother, I keep the xsi as my backup body (with the 40d available for backups with one call)

Video is a huge add on for work and personal use. I have no issues having one device do both and yes i realize that seperate devices would work better or have more functionality, however video with some limitations is better then no video (what i currently have). Any of the cameras MP are higher then what i currently shoot, so any one of them is an upgrade. They are all digic IV chips. The 5dMII and 50D are both magnesium bodies, however the difference between the 40D and the XSi is minimal to me. Both my cameras are gripped and the grips negate and body size issues for me.

The sucker in me says go with the 5dMII cause it will make you look and feel even better then you do, but in actuallity thats just a mental thing and has no effect on IQ or my skills (whatever level they may be). The sensible guy in me says go 50d it'll be a workhorse and has everything you need (minus video) at a good price point. The cheapskate in me says you've taken great photos with the XSi, save your money and get the t1i. The 17-55 makes me lean towards the 50d, but then i give up the video for home use and some possible work uses. I'm not thrilled at the idea of another 24-70 (would be my third from canon). I have no gripes about the t1i, except I have to do my due dilligence on how it handles the high ISO shots.

Your opinions are welcome !!! I won't drink the canon kool-aid so make sure your opinions have some meat to them ;). Thanks for reading

[amonline]

Unless you're ready to have a major overhaul in your lens box, I'd say swap the 450 for a 50D. If you're doing a lot of work for press (you mentioned swimwear), then I'd consider the 5DII - but again, you're probably going to find yourself wanting a lot of new glass. I think the 50D is a no-brainer, but I don't know how much (and if) commercial work you do that warrants more resolution. The 50D would be the choice if your answer is "some". Just IMO.

[FZ1]

If photography is how you make your living, I'd go with the absolute best you can afford. If it turns out it's overkill, you can always sell it for most of what paid for it assuming it is well cared for. IMO it would more disappointing if you went with a lesser camera and wished you hadn't in the middle of a shoot.

[form]

I would probably buy a 5D II if I didn't have to devote all my remaining funds to college for the next 2 years.

[bric-a-brac]

I recently bought a 40D to compliment my 50D. I love it.

some things you might want to consider:
- button layout between the 40D and the 50D are practically identical
- for what you save on a 50D over a 5Dmkii you can also buy a nice piece of glass
- depending on how you shoot, you'll lose reach with the 5Dmkii as opposed to staying with crop bodies. then again, you'll gain a lot in ISO...

I don't know, for what I do and for my budget, the 50D was the perfect choice for me when I was in your shoes a month ago.

[tim]

I think the 40D has nine cross type sensors too, with one high precision point in the center. The 50D is meant to be a little better at focusing though.

The 5DII is a huge investment, especially since you probably have to get a new lens or two for it as well. Personally I can't justify it given my 40Ds work just fine. I'm not a full frame fan though, never used it much, just on a 5D I use occasionally.

[form]

Yes it's very expensive for a camera body for this type of work, but something to reach for in the future or buy if money is no object.