5Dc vs 7D

I just noticed that a used 5Dc costs about the same as a used 7D (ok, 300USD less) so I was wondering if the 5Dc is that good in comparison.

I have a 40D and I want to upgrade to a camera with better high-ISO performance and IQ, I shoot sports every now and then but I mostly shoot portraits. Most of my lenses work on FF so that's not a big issue.

Thanks for you help.

You'll see a bigger difference going from 40D to 5Dc than you would going from 40D to 7D. And that's primarily because of the format (crop vs. FF). The difference in DoF gives the images a different look than what you've been accustomed to. If you're willing to put up with less-sensitive outer AF points than your 40D, and you're okay with the smaller LCD, then you get nothing but wonderful IQ from the 5Dc. It doesn't really do high-iso since it mirrors the 40D, 1600 and then H for 3200 I believe. But because of better S/N ratio, you should see about 1.5-2 stops in noise difference.

There are quite a few that have tested out the 5Dc vs. 7D. In that if you downsize the 7D's 18mp down to 12mp, then the noise becomes comparable. And that the 7D allows up to 6400 native and 12800 as H. But the 5Dc should provide you with more DR, and the files are much more flexible to recover/process (highlights/shadows). The 7D files are less forgiving.

If you're doing portraits primarily, I say a 5Dc is likely a much better buy than a 7D for you... unless you live at iso3200 w/o flash.

And to add to what was said above , your other concern will be what Lens do you have there some that will work on the 40D/7D and not on the 5D .

David

I went from a 400d to a 5Dc and couldn't be happier. There is a richness to the images I didn't get with my old camera, it handles noise superbly (I can shoot at ISO 800 and see barely any noise, it only becomes noticeable at ISO 1600), and the larger sensor means you need a longer focal length to get the same framing which means you get a shallow DOF.

Saying that, I have a friend who has a 550d (same sensor as the 7d) and I also notice a big increase in IQ from the 400d... much more resolution and the noise handling is also improved, probably on par with the 5Dc. If you get the 7d you'll get faster FPS, a more sophisticated AF system and video, so if sports are your thing the 7d is probably a better bet. If you mainly shoot portraits I'd recommend the 5Dc.

jwcdds wrote in post #12507778
If you're doing portraits primarily, I say a 5Dc is likely a much better buy than a 7D for you... unless you live at iso3200 w/o flash.

Thank you all for you help

I usually don't go beyond ISO 400, but I have had the need to go up to 3200.
How's ISO 50 on the 5Dc?

I believe ISO 50 is similar to H 3200 in that it's not done on the camera natively but is processed afterwards in software so would reduce your dynamic range slightly by cutting off the highlights.