Thinking...about upgrades for practical reasons.

[form]

Finally got a 5D II, have yet to receive any of the extra batteries I purchased around the same time. Hopefully they will arrive before my next full wedding on June 5.

So I sit with a 5D II, 2x 5D classics, and a 40D...my lens lineup is sufficient for now, and I'm generally content with my flash setup (though in the future more 580EXs and battery packs will be called for to replace my Sunpaks).

On comes the new question: Should I sell one 5D and the 40D to get a 7D?

Here's my reasoning...First, I don't need 4 cameras. Next, I use the 40D most often in dark churches where I need to turn my 70-200 into a 112-320mm. However, I have to shoot wide open and at max ISO (or almost) to get acceptable shutter speeds even with IS during the slow moving parts of the ceremony. I am also not completely satisfied with the image quality the 40D gives under the circumstances, and if someone moves quickly I get motion blur. The 7D would help with that by offering usable ISO3200 and 6400...so I could double my shutter speed at least and possibly retain better detail. Also, since I've got 8 batteries coming for my 5D II (4 supposedly OEM, 4 generic), I should have plenty to go around between 2 cameras.

The 5D II would give me the extra shutter speeds/etc. as well, but I would lose more than 1/3 of my reach. Comparing base resolution and assuming similar per-pixel detail, the 5D II cropped to match the framing of the 40D (resolution of 1.6x 3888px = 6220.8px) would not be quite the 10mp 3888px width (5616px divided by 1.6 = 3510px).

My main question is...is it worth it? I know the 7D will offer some improvement, but 95% of its use to me will be that specific situation: Ceremony, dark, long telephoto zoom to give me extra reach.

Thoughts?

[alainvd]

YES you should. High ISO noise hanldling is much better with the 7D compared to the 40D. This is a photo shot at 3200 ISO with the 7D. Be the judge but, as a former 40D owner, all I can say is that the upgrade is really worth it !
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4027/4653946884_fcedf90b8a.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/alainvd/4653946884/)
(Click to see it full size on my flickr)

[nicksan]

You'll gain some in the high ISO dept from the 40D to the 7D but not so much from the 5DC to the 7D...maybe 1/2 stop at most. However, the 7D trumps both of them with its far superior AF system.

Given what you described, I say go for it! :)

[tim]

The 7D is obviously superior to the 40D, it'll give you a stop, maybe a little more. It's also nicer to hold, nicer to use, etc. If you can fund the cost from selling a 40D and a 5D then yes, do it. If you have to put in a bunch more money, then probably not.

[RT McAllister]

You want a 7D just to get 300mm out of your 70-200?

I'd sell a couple of cameras, pocket the dough and just move closer.

Or better yet, use some of the money to get a 1.4 extender for the 70-200 and put it on the 5DII. You'll lose a stop but gain it right back with the higher ISO capabilities of the 5D.

Not sure how much EF-S glass you have though.

[SuzyView]

I love my 7D, but not as much as my 5D2. I'm using the 7D more with the 70-200 exactly for the better reach at concerts and events, leaving the 40D at home. It is worth the money, it is a better camera than your 40D and if you have the money after selling the other cameras, go for it! I use the 5D2 and 7D combo now at weddings and it's wonderful.

[Billo78]

Slightly off topic, but 8 batteries? Last wedding I shot on my 5D2 I had over 2000 shots with a bar of charge still remaining on my first battery.

[tim]

People often don't realise how good the new batteries are until they use them. Video sucks them up pretty quickly though.