Advice please...

[Kechar]

Long time no see!!!

This is more of looking for advice and opinion than anything. Although you are welcome to critique anything about the following images, except anything about the backdrop in the studio shots!

Ok...here we go...

I changed from a 40D to 5Dc seven months ago in order to shoot under my lights and I LOVE IT!!! So along comes dance season and I shoot dress rehearsal with the 5Dc after much thought and consideration.

The following shots were all shot with the 5Dc (studio shots with 50/1.4, stage with 70-200/2.8). The 5Dc, although the picture quality of the stage shots if fine, is HORRIBLE at action shooting. The shutter response was slow, the buffer filled up WAY too fast, and rapid fire was too slow. Oddly enough, although I had many OOF pictures, I didn't find AF to be an issue.

Which leads me to the advice I need...
I have enough saved to upgrade. I can get the 5D3 or the 1D4. I always use a grip, so gripping the 5D3 puts it pretty close to the same price as the 1D4 (around $1K difference).

If you were me and you shot under the lights, action, and low-light...which do you feel would be best.

I realize the 5D3 isn't even in our hands yet, but based on specs and sample images, etc...

[joedlh]

I think that you're more likely to get answers to your questions if you posted this in "Performing Arts Talk". I almost started a critique on your images before I realized that you actually wanted advice on gear choice.

[Kechar]

Performing arts is full of band geeks. They don't know about, or much care about dance/ballet...been there done that.
It's really a question of the best camera for studio AND action.
Critique carries a good mixture of both...so I chose to come here.

[magicmikey]

I would select a 5D MK III because of it being full frame. The auto-focus system has been greatly improved and mirrors that of the 1Dx. The high ISO noise level should be better with the 5D MK III and I anticipate that the auto focusing will be a huge step up. (The focusing system is why I didn't ever really consider the 5D MK II. I shoot dance, as you do, and some sporting events.)

[Kechar]

Thanx Mikey!!!
I like your words and am shifting towards the 5D3.
This means I must sit back and patiently wait.
I'm eyeballing that new full-frame Tamron 24-70 VC lens coming out too. I'm hoping it won't be priced over $1K. I can't do 2.2K for the new sweet Canon lens .