Is trading a 50D in on a 1D Mark III suggested?

[jhowdy]

Since getting a 7D last year and shooting primarily HS sports in low light gyms and night time football, baseball, softball, the 50D gets little use. Will the Mark III out perform the 50D in these conditions? I picked up a 300 f/2.8 and want the second body for the 70-200 f/2.8 or 85 f/1.8 when in the gym. Thank in advance for your input.

[-MasterChief-]

the only thing the 50D has over the 1D Mark III is resolution and a slight advantage in processor (Digic III vs IV). if the shutter count is under 100k id say GO FOR IT!

[arich]

the MkIII will make you wonder if the 50D was even a real camera

[dwarrenr]

I went from a 50D to a MkIII a couple of years ago...and yes the MkIII has more resolution and an updated processor...but the MkIII well out preforms the MkIII. And I also have a 7D, and I'll use the MkIII over the 7D. The only time I pull the 7D out is when I need a third body.

I will suggest to start looking for a used MkIV. With the 1DX shipping now, there are a lot of used MKIV's on the market and you could find a nice deal on one of them. The ability to shoot at ISO 12k would be well worth the investment for what you are shooting.

[Hannya]

I have just this season acquired a used 1DmkIII to go with my 50D. The IQ seems much better and the 1.3x crop affects the effective focal length, and the lack of MP is a bit challenging, but I haven't used my 50D much for sport since except as a remote behind the goal where the MP is a factor. The only downside to the 1D is the weight and size of the body for me. I've balanced that with a cross-body strap and avoid carrying it further than necessary. Am I glad I got it - unequivocally yes.

[jhowdy]

Thank you everyone, I really appreciate the information and you advise.

dwarrenr - I would really love to pick a a MKIV, The thoughts of ISO 12000 is nearly uncomprehendable. I always seem to be in the about 3 versions behind the latest and best. I'm blessed not to be still shooting this XT sitting on the desk next to me.

[waterrockets]

I went with a 1D3 and love it. It's so freaking fast (focus and FPS), and much better IQ than my Rebel. I know it only gets better from here with the IV and X, but the III is an impressive machine.

[dwarrenr]

Originally Posted by jhowdy

Thank you everyone, I really appreciate the information and you advise.

dwarrenr - I would really love to pick a a MKIV, The thoughts of ISO 12000 is nearly uncomprehendable. I always seem to be in the about 3 versions behind the latest and best. I'm blessed not to be still shooting this XT sitting on the desk next to me.

I fully get that. Most of the times there is enough light to get good images with the MkIII, but there are a lot of venues around me that require the 12k ISO. But only you can determine if the extra $2k is worth it or not.

[jdnan]

Originally Posted by Hannya

I have just this season acquired a used 1DmkIII to go with my 50D. The IQ seems much better and the 1.3x crop affects the effective focal length, and the lack of MP is a bit challenging, but I haven't used my 50D much for sport since except as a remote behind the goal where the MP is a factor. The only downside to the 1D is the weight and size of the body for me. I've balanced that with a cross-body strap and avoid carrying it further than necessary. Am I glad I got it - unequivocally yes.

I know this is a little off topic, but try the Spider Camera Holster (http://www.spiderholster.com/single-camera-system.html). I picked this up a few days ago and it's awesome. You can get it direct from spider or from B&H, Amazon, Adorama, etc. The spider takes all the weight off your back & shoulders, which is a huge issue for me. I tried a cotton carrier carry lite (didn't want the chest version because of Texas heat) but it just didn't feel like it handled the camera weight, it still put pressure on my shoulder because of the necessary shoulder support strap, it was much more awkward getting the camera out and the hub would losen after 3 or 4 times.

I picked mine up here locally at Arlington Camera, which was great because I could try both the spider & the Cotton & compare and their prices are competitive. If you have a good shop like that, it's a real plus to go and try them before you buy. I would have bought it from them even if it was a little more expensive just for the high level of service.

[FuriousNoodle]

Originally Posted by arich

the MkIII will make you wonder if the 50D was even a real camera

^This. I replaced my 50D with a 1DII and it does everything better. Controls get a little getting used to, but other than that its a great sports body.

[Hannya]

Originally Posted by jdnan

I know this is a little off topic, but try the Spider Camera Holster (http://www.spiderholster.com/single-camera-system.html). I picked this up a few days ago and it's awesome. You can get it direct from spider or from B&H, Amazon, Adorama, etc. The spider takes all the weight off your back & shoulders, which is a huge issue for me. I tried a cotton carrier carry lite (didn't want the chest version because of Texas heat) but it just didn't feel like it handled the camera weight, it still put pressure on my shoulder because of the necessary shoulder support strap, it was much more awkward getting the camera out and the hub would losen after 3 or 4 times.

I picked mine up here locally at Arlington Camera, which was great because I could try both the spider & the Cotton & compare and their prices are competitive. If you have a good shop like that, it's a real plus to go and try them before you buy. I would have bought it from them even if it was a little more expensive just for the high level of service.

Hi. Interesting link. I don't think that would work for me. I bought a capa and it works fine for me.

[Hannya]

Originally Posted by FuriousNoodle

^This. I replaced my 50D with a 1DII and it does everything better. Controls get a little getting used to, but other than that its a great sports body.

Well, for the money you'd expect it to. My 50D is still a good body, but in a lower league.

[arich]

Originally Posted by Hannya

Well, for the money you'd expect it to. My 50D is still a good body, but in a lower league.

Exactly

[pbisfun]

I have a 50D and my friend has a 1D mark III my ISO on my 50D is a lot better. as for IQ at ISO 100 and Focusing I would give that to the 1D.

[dwarrenr]

Originally Posted by pbisfun

I have a 50D and my friend has a 1D mark III my ISO on my 50D is a lot better. as for IQ at ISO 100 and Focusing I would give that to the 1D.

I found it to the the other way around. Comparing two images both shot at ISO 3200, the 1DMkIII wins hands down.