?bother upgrading

the 70-200 is the non-IS model. "the 7D is a massive step up in performance...." I guess at the heart of it that's what I was asking: I don't have any appreciation/knowledge of the performance of the better camera bodies. I don't mind springing the $$$$ for the upgrades, and I thank Mike for his comment about the family/daughter aspect.....nice to hear another opinion.

You're welcome Tim, family is always on top of the list.

timconnelly wrote in post #11837216
the 70-200 is the non-IS model. "the 7D is a massive step up in performance...." I guess at the heart of it that's what I was asking: I don't have any appreciation/knowledge of the performance of the better camera bodies. I don't mind springing the $$$$ for the upgrades, and I thank Mike for his comment about the family/daughter aspect.....nice to hear another opinion.

I would take a long look at the 60D, too, since you did hesitate a bit on spending the cash. It's kind of like a baby 7D in many ways and has the same sensor and HD video from the 7D.

timconnelly wrote in post #11837216
the 70-200 is the non-IS model. "the 7D is a massive step up in performance...." I guess at the heart of it that's what I was asking: I don't have any appreciation/knowledge of the performance of the better camera bodies. I don't mind springing the $$$$ for the upgrades, and I thank Mike for his comment about the family/daughter aspect.....nice to hear another opinion.

The 7D will perform better at higher iso's, but if you are at 1600 already you arent gaining much perhaps a stop. The focusing system is better on the 7d if that is part of the failing.

gonzogolf wrote in post #11837255
The 7D will perform better at higher iso's, but if you are at 1600 already you arent gaining much perhaps a stop. The focusing system is better on the 7d if that is part of the failing.

The XS maxes out at 1600, though. The 7D will probably only give 3/4 a stop of better noise performance, but at least 3200-12800 are available.

Yes, on the 70-200 IS would help. I can't believe it when people say otherwise. IS is effective even at higher shutter speeds and even for sports shots, which are sometimes nice when done at lower shutter speeds for deliberate motion blur or panned effects.

But, more to the point, T2i will give you the exact same high ISO performance for a whole lot less money than 7D. So will the 60D. So will the new T3i. IMO, those three give a little more than one stop high ISO improvement over the 10MP cameras. 50D and T1i would be a step up from XS, too, although you won't see as much high ISO improvement. Just use the center AF point, AI Servo and learn to back button focus with whatever camera you buy.

You also might experiment with noise reduction softwares. And, high ISO images sometimes look great converted to black & white.

Isn't there an event photographer shooting the ice skating? If so, there's another possibility... maybe you could buy some nice shots from them.

Today I was shooting in manual at 1600 ISO, 2.8, and shutter speeds I think 1/250-1/320. I try to figure out how to post a picture with the exif....maybe I should rent a 7D.

yes, there's an event photographer.....I usually purchase a few....but my daughters skate on a synchronized team, so it's kind of hit or miss on getting some shots from the professional there, which is why I started playing around with taking my own.

amfoto1 wrote in post #11837284
Yes, on the 70-200 IS would help. I can't believe it when people say otherwise. IS is effective even at higher shutter speeds...

How is IS effective at higher shutter speeds? At that point it is like a belt for pants that already stay up.

f/2 or f/1.8 is where he would need to be. I shoot my daughter cheer leading compositions in low/varying light conditions and get 90% keeper rate with my 200mm f/2L with my ISO at 800/1000 to get 1/400+ but that might be outside the budget for the OP. A cheaper option (depending on how close he is or needs to be) would be the 85mm f/1.8 USM or the 100mm f/2 USM. A slightly more expensive option would be a 85mm f/1.2L II USM. I would think that between the lights and the white ice that a 70-200mm f/2.8L would be good enough to get some great shots though. Maybe a proof shot of the rink so we get an idea of the lighting.

Since you say you don't know much about the bodies, this forum is a great start to get information.

HOWEVER...read the reviews. The 7D (and all other current EOS cameras) are well-reviewed and well-documented. See what at least a dozen reviews say and try to find reviews that compare two or more bodies to help you make your decision.