7D v 5D MkII - decision frustrations!!

I know there are countless comparisons, reviews, and message threads on this very subject - I've read damn near every one of them. I am seriously stuck here...

I am purchasing one or the other within the next week or so, making my 40D my backup, or more likely, my alternate camera. This will make me VERY happy because I think I most thoroughly enjoy shooting in low light (concerts, indoor candids, shooting without flash in general - my 580 exii never really comes out) and though I can get some great results with my 40D and Sigma 50mmf/1.4 or Tam 17-55 f/2.8 VC, I would love to push the envelope a little more with usable higher ISO - especially in a local venue which is VERY poorly lit - and its one of the very few if any venues that plays large-ish acts and has had no problem with me walking in with the 70-200 f/2.8 strapped on. I also enjoy doing some hiking and capturing some waterfalls and other landscaping as well as shooting in the city. Here is the link to my flickr page to better properly convey my shooting interests (barring the first couple as they were mostly record of recent local flooding):
http://www.flickr.com/​photos/logicusaeturnus​/

I know about the "alledged" issues with the 5D MkII's autofocussing issues and feel strongly that most are "operator error" or issues with calibrating the lens for the body, which I hope I don' t have to do in either case. I know of the 7D's that have had to be returned for their issues.
My pros and cons for purchasing one or the other are maybe a bit different than most:

Pros for purchasing 5D MkII over 7D for me:
*all of my lenses just became a whole new set on the full frame sensor - VERY cool PRO!
*full frame over crop sensor means inherently less noise and greater levels of detail at full crop - I have sold prints that were printed up to 38 inches wide.
*build quality
Cons:
*older, less advanced af system

Pros for purchasing the 7D over the 5D MkII for me:
*having the new dual DIGIC IV processor with the crop sensor just might outweigh the DIGIC IIII Processor with the full frame sensor when it comes to high-ISO performance and detail - or does it?
*can still pick up and use an ef-s lens should I ever desire to do so...
*newer camera all together, and quite capable
*$1000 less that the 5D MkII - though it really isn't all about the money.
Cons for purchasing the 7D over the 5D MkII for me:
*I don't get the benefit of gaining the whole new lens set..
*possibly lower low-light performance considering crop sensor v ff.


So I shoot a broad variety of things, but the super-fast continuous frame rate the 7D boasts is not very important to me. I haven't needed anything faster than my 40D. I do lots of loooooong exposures, so it seems the 5DMkII would be better (quieter) for this over the 7d - would that be correct? I could care less that the 5DMkII has no built-in flash. Don't care about the differences in things like ergos, menus, button layouts, etc... I'd say that saving $1000 if I got a 7D would be a pro for the 7D, spending $1000 more to get the 5D MkII - if it's the better camera for me - would by no means be a "con" for the 5DMkII for me.

-also, Adorama and B&H both have the 5d MkII coupled with the 24-105L f/4 for just $700 more, so that is certainly enticing.

So what do you think? I'd especially like to hear from those who have the luxury of having both cameras. I am by no means a professional, I just enjoy taking photos. If you looked through the first page of my photostream, you'll see I'm currently on the mend after ripping a hamstring clean in two in a creekbed in WV to be one of only 5 people who have shot this particular waterfall, and my 40D took on $280 worth of Canon-repair damage as well. I'm more than itching to get healed and get back down there complete my trip next spring, for sure! Thanks again for the help!

My dad has a 7D and it does feel newer. Its a dream when you need the fps / AF. I've used it for small birds and its superb for that. Its better in almost every way, other than pure IQ and ISO.

However looking at your flickr I dont see any sports or action shots, or much long tele stuff so my guess is the 5D II will suit you better. I have the 5D2 and my father as the 7D which I've borrowed a few times. I prefer the 5D2 images quite alot particularly high ISOs. So long as you know what to expect in terms of AF I think you'll love the camera. I use mine for everything, and dispite what I've said about the 7D - I wouldn't trade.

I had the 40D before the 7D and in my opinion the high ISO performance between the 40 and 7D is not that great. On the other hand, the high ISO on the 5DMKII is much better. Since you didn't describe any compelling reason to buy the 7D, I would go with the 5DMKII for its cleaner images and all that full frame goodness.

5D MK11 all the way.

Only 2 of the lenses in your sig will fit though. 5D likes L glass!

You could consider also selling the 40D, 450D and 18-55 to fund a 7D as a compliment to the 5D

Just a thought!

From all the reading of comparisons I've done regarding the two, for me it boils down to:

fast vs. slow
focus / capture speed vs. image quality / light gathering.

I know it's simplistic, but it separates the two very different cameras for me by the major comparison points. All prior equipment aside, I think it boils down to intended use. I shoot what I can with what I have, but if I had a pressing need to shoot both ends of the spectrum as technically perfect as possible, I'd purchase both cameras. As it is for me, I find at this point (not pro) that my 50D performs well enough not to care anymore. I'd feel the same if I had a 40D.

If I had a hole burning in my pocket and I shot what you shoot by your flickr, 5DmkII without question.

weeatmice wrote in post #12405445
My dad has a 7D and it does feel newer. Its a dream when you need the fps / AF. I've used it for small birds and its superb for that. Its better in almost every way, other than pure IQ and ISO.

However looking at your flickr I dont see any sports or action shots, or much long tele stuff so my guess is the 5D II will suit you better. I have the 5D2 and my father as the 7D which I've borrowed a few times. I prefer the 5D2 images quite alot particularly high ISOs. So long as you know what to expect in terms of AF I think you'll love the camera. I use mine for everything, and dispite what I've said about the 7D - I wouldn't trade.

Chris wrote in post #12405468
I had the 40D before the 7D and in my opinion the high ISO performance between the 40 and 7D is not that great. On the other hand, the high ISO on the 5DMKII is much better. Since you didn't describe any compelling reason to buy the 7D, I would go with the 5DMKII for its cleaner images and all that full frame goodness.

Thanks for the input - I think I'm really looking at this for the higher-ISO capabilities.

John7 wrote in post #12405604
5D MK11 all the way.

Only 2 of the lenses in your sig will fit though. 5D likes L glass!

You could consider also selling the 40D, 450D and 18-55 to fund a 7D as a compliment to the 5D

Just a thought!

Indeed, and I think both the 50mm and 70-200mm will have a new life on the front of the 5D MkII. Plus, if I get it, I'm probably getting the 24-105L with it. Maybe. It's only $700 more for a $1150 lens and would make a good compliment to the other two.

samueli wrote in post #12405691
From all the reading of comparisons I've done regarding the two, for me it boils down to:

fast vs. slow
focus / capture speed vs. image quality / light gathering.

I know it's simplistic, but it separates the two very different cameras for me by the major comparison points. All prior equipment aside, I think it boils down to intended use. I shoot what I can with what I have, but if I had a pressing need to shoot both ends of the spectrum as technically perfect as possible, I'd purchase both cameras.

I agree.. and I think the 5d MkII will fit better to my needs. Thanks!

I was in the exact predicament and opted for the 5D MKII. Full frame all the way... there's a reason why it's $1k more.

You have a 40D already which is crop and give you extra "reach" if you need it. Based on what you shoot, sounds like a obvious choice - the 5D2.

I have both and my usage parallels yours. The choice is obvious. The 5DII. I'm probably going to sell my 7D and replace it with a second 5DII. I'm trying to give it a chance but it just doesn't look like it's going to work out. I thought there would be an advantage in having a FF and a crop to add more versatility to my lenses. Other than the 70-200, all it's done is give me a lot of overlap or duplication, when using both bodies so, actually no advantage there, at all. Actually a disadvantage.

Too much blah blah about the 5DII's AF system. It is not as good as the 7D for (very) fast action. It's quite capable to shoot concerts at ISO1600/3200 which is what I do along with portraiture and street.

Had a 7D in my shopping cart several times and I opted to go with the 5dm2 instead. No regrets. Like you said, it's like getting a new set of lens -- for instance, my favorite 70-200 which was a little long on the crop is now quite usable in the home, and I've got 21 megapixel worth of image that I can crop and still get really sharp results.

Looks like you've already made up your mind but just need a little confirmation

40D, 7D and 5DII here. 5DII images are killer. bohdank has the experience to back up is AF observation, especially with what you say you want to shoot.

Ya I must say the 5D II is a wonderful camera!

Logicus wrote in post #12405703
Indeed, and I think both the 50mm and 70-200mm will have a new life on the front of the 5D MkII. Plus, if I get it, I'm probably getting the 24-105L with it. Maybe. It's only $700 more for a $1150 lens and would make a good compliment to the other two.

Yes, get the 24-105. It is a great all-around lens. Even if you don't like it you can easily sell it for more than you pay for it so you can try it out risk free. It's a no-brainer