Camera choices... Help!

I must ask *for some advice regarding camera choices. I need a DSLR that has fast focusing, even in low light, and good high iso image quality. *
A little about myself... I have been shooting for the past 12 years, three of which as a pro focusing on editorial and commercial work. I left the business 8 years ago to pursue a career in education. *I now focus on photodocumentary projects and taking pictures of my son. *I will be shooting a wedding this summer, and I need to shoot with the same style as my personal work, which means no flash and wide open apertures. *I tend to shoot wider prime lenses (28-35mm), although I would like to have a normal and short tele in the kit bag as well. *
The biggest limitation is my budget... So cameras such as the 5d mark II are out. *The following camera/lens combinations fit my budget:
- Nikon d7000,*24mm,*50mm
- Canon 40d,*Canon 20mm,*Canon 28mm,*Canon 50mm
- Canon 5d,*Canon 28mm,*Canon 50mm
- Nikon d90,*24mm,*35mm,*50mm
(all cameras listed would be used in ex+ or better condition)

I have already tried the Nikon d90, but had backfocusing issues and am returning it tomorrow. *I would be open to trying another...*
I have no current lenses for Nikon or canon, so I am open to either system. *Any thoughts on this matter would be greatly appreciated.

My first impression in reading your post is that you want everything without wanting to pay for it. The models you list as being able to afford, are not going to give you very good in high ISO performance, with the exception of the 5D. But the 5D may not have the focusing speed and accuracy you require. The 5D is accurate in its focusing with the center point, but less so on the outer points. I have both the 40D and the 5D, and the 5D has superior ISO performance and IQ to the 40D, but the 40D has the better focusing system. You are going to have to compromise to fit your budget, the question is where will you be willing to make that compromise?

The D7000 is going to be your best bet out of the options mentioned. You will have better high iso compared to the other options and the ability to lift shadows without banding. The af system is pretty good. The only problem is paying for Nikon glass

Not mentioned on your short list is the 7D which might fit your shooting requirements as stated above.

dave

I'd second the D7000 as the best body choice there, but then you will run into problems on the wide primes front. I'm presuming that when you say you like wide primes from 28mm to 50mm, you mean you like these focal lengths on 35mm format.

So the D7000 with the Nikon DX format 35mm 1:1.8G lens would cover you starting point (This gives the AOV of a 50mm lens on 35mm format). But now getting something fast and wide on this format starts to be a real problem. The 'affordable' choices from Nikon at 20mm and 24mm are all f/2.8, and the 20mm isn't actually all that affordable (~$600). Plus no option of silent wave (ring-USM) on any of these wide lenses will hurt low light focus.

You'll hit the same problem with Canon. Getting wide and fast on the 1.6X sensor is problematic without breaking the bank on something like a 24mm f/1.4 lens.

So, barring that you are left with perhaps the 5D with the EF 28/1.8 as your main lens. Then I suggest skipping the Canon 50/1.4 and spending a bit more for the SIgma 50/1.4 in order to get the better focus motor. The 5D AF system isn't the greatest, but matching it to these two ring-USM equipped motor will help.

gonzogolf wrote in post #13457315
My first impression in reading your post is that you want everything without wanting to pay for it. The models you list as being able to afford, are not going to give you very good in high ISO performance, with the exception of the 5D. But the 5D may not have the focusing speed and accuracy you require. The 5D is accurate in its focusing with the center point, but less so on the outer points. I have both the 40D and the 5D, and the 5D has superior ISO performance and IQ to the 40D, but the 40D has the better focusing system. You are going to have to compromise to fit your budget, the question is where will you be willing to make that compromise?

First off, let me say that the purpose of this post is to help with making a decision regarding compromises. And if I could afford it, I would get the 5d mark II, a few l primes, and be happier than a pig in... Unfortunately, current budget limitations do not leave that as an option. So I am left tryIng to decide between cameras I can afford. So in response... Totally willing, but totally unable.
That being said, the posts so far have been very helpful, as they explore different sides of the situation. So I say thanks to those to have posted and I hope to hear other opinions soon

Personally i would go in this order:
5DC
D7000
50D (not on your list but still within the realm of the 40D kit with one less lens)
D90