EOS Body for Motorsports

Hey guys,

Wanted to pick your brains about looking at a new body. Next year I will be doing a lot of motorsport type shooting at a track, nothing heavy race oriented, but more so geared towards track days.

In terms of lenses (to get that out of the way) I will be looking at the 70-200 II and a 1.4x TC

Anyway, lets talk bodies. I initially wanted to go for the 7D, but I don't to splurge yet in my first year of shooting these kinds of events. I was thinking the 50D for the decent AF point (all cross type I believe) and the nice frame rate, as well as the added bonus of the 1.6x crop for "more reach". My plan is to have the body for 1 year, save up during the course of the year and look at a different body the next following year (either add/upgrade 5D2 to 5D3 or add/replace 50D with mythical "7D2").

I did consider the 1D2 bodies, but I want to have more MPs for cropping and resolution purposes, and dont want to spend money on a body that is no longer serviceable by Canon. The 1D3 is an option, but for around $1500, Id rather get the 7D or wait and get a 1D4.

So what do you guys think, does the 50D make sense and will it serve my purpose? Mind you, I did own a 50D for well over a year but sold it once I got my 5D2. I never did any kind of action shooting with it so cant comment first hand how the AF would handle motorsports. Seeing as I shot the Indy with my 5D2 and 24-105, I wouldn't have anything to worry about with a 50D and 70-200 II right? Right?

Tony_Stark wrote in post #15367184
So what do you guys think, does the 50D make sense and will it serve my purpose? Mind you, I did own a 50D for well over a year but sold it once I got my 5D2. I never did any kind of action shooting with it so cant comment first hand how the AF would handle motorsports. Seeing as I shot the Indy with my 5D2 and 24-105, I wouldn't have anything to worry about with a 50D and 70-200 II right? Right?

If you liked the results of the 5D2 + 24-105 shooting at Indy, the 50D should do the action just as well, IMHO. You should already know how the IQ compares.

I'd say go for the 50D and wait for the 7D Mk2.

1DMK3 can be had for less than $1500. I've seen them go for $1200 or thereabouts. I'd take the MKIII over a 7D anyday. Yes, you'll lost MP's but I prefer the MKIII files to 7D, seem more receptive to PP

elrey2375 wrote in post #15367422
1DMK3 can be had for less than $1500. I've seen them go for $1200 or thereabouts. I'd take the MKIII over a 7D anyday. Yes, you'll lost MP's but I prefer the MKIII files to 7D, seem more receptive to PP

I don't want to spend that much on a body yet. Id rather invest in solid glass now and use a decent body to get me by for the 1 year. After that look at some better options to invest in.

I agree with Yogi, based on what I know of the 50D. That is a sound decision. Have fun, and I look forward to seeing your shots.

Regarding the 1D3, the value has dropped. You should be able to get one in great condition for $1200, as several on POTN have done in the last few months. I bought mine in July, and it's still a better camera for me than a 7D, so don't completely write it off. I know the 7D is a wonderful body too, so there are some great choices in that ~$1000-$1200 price range (used). Keep in mind that when the 7D came out, the 1D3 was still selling for full price ($5000?). Now the price difference is only $200, but they are the same two bodies...

I've shot action & motorsports with the 50D, 7D & 1D3 and currently still have all 3. If I had to pick one body to shoot motorsports I'd take my 1D3.

Based on my experience shooting these bodies with the same 70-200 2.8 IS + 1.4TC I'd rank the quality of shots as 1D3 > 7D > 50D.

elrey2375 summed up something I have also noticed, "Yes, you'll lost MP's but I prefer the MKIII files to 7D, seem more receptive to PP"

It's true the 1D3 files process far more easily than the 7D, though I have not thought about why exactly.

Rubi Jane wrote in post #15367479
It's true the 1D3 files process far more easily than the 7D, though I have not thought about why exactly.

It is perplexing, but I've noticed the same thing vs. my T2i. Same subject, light, lens, and settings, and the 1D3 files are just easier to turn into something amazing.

/sorry for the continued "buy my camera!" threadjack here

I hear what you're saying about the 1D3, but if it doesn't fit the budget, then it just won't work!

I have always wanted a 1D3 for the longest time, but I cant justify that purchase just yet. I know its a very capable camera and I nearly swapped my 5D2 for it (If anybody remembers that thread...)

I wish I could use the 5D2 for motorsports too, but just barely doesn't cut it for that. Not saying it can't do it, but I would need to spend more money on longer lenses and 4 FPS is sometimes too slow.

I would say IQ and AF are most important to me, don't need crazy AF, just good enough to keep lock on a car and make myself easier. I shot the Indy in manual focus with the 5D2 and was pretty tricky to get consistent shots. Out of 10 or so, only 2 or 3 would have sharp focus.

I think the 50D with some proper glass infront of it (like the mighty 70-200 II) will get me what I need. Just needed some confirmation from you guys I know the 1D3 is a much better camera, but for twice the cost, or even 3 times, not willing to spend that much now. My main focus is to get the good lens first and body later.

I'd go for a 7d and the 70-300L

I shot with a 1D3 and 50D together for several years. I think the 50D will work we'll for you. You are clear on your budget and I applaud you for not being swayed by the recommendations that exceed it. In that budget, you'd have the 50D, 1D2, 1D2N, 60D, and the Rebels. The 50D vs 1D2N is a similar debate as the 1D3 vs 7D.

lannes wrote in post #15367700
I'd go for a 7d and the 70-300L

This was my initial idea, however, besides track use I wouldn't be able to use the lens for other shoots I do, so I would rather have the 70-200 II and a 1.4x TC and pay a premium for that, but have the flexibility to use the lens in multiple situations.

I can use the 70-200 for studio shoots, on location shoots, detail shots, portraits etc, where as the 70-300L would be quite limiting for me because of the 4-5.6 aperture it has.

convergent wrote in post #15367713
I shot with a 1D3 and 50D together for several years. I think the 50D will work we'll for you. You are clear on your budget and I applaud you for not being swayed by the recommendations that exceed it. In that budget, you'd have the 50D, 1D2, 1D2N, 60D, and the Rebels. The 50D vs 1D2N is a similar debate as the 1D3 vs 7D.

I thought about the 1D2 series as well, but the fact that Canon no longer services the cameras doesn't put me at ease. Even if I never sell the the 50D, I know that if God forbid something goes wrong with it, I can have it repaired.

Tony_Stark wrote in post #15367184
Hey guys,

Wanted to pick your brains about looking at a new body. Next year I will be doing a lot of motorsport type shooting at a track, nothing heavy race oriented, but more so geared towards track days.

In terms of lenses (to get that out of the way) I will be looking at the 70-200 II and a 1.4x TC

Anyway, lets talk bodies. I initially wanted to go for the 7D, but I don't to splurge yet in my first year of shooting these kinds of events. I was thinking the 50D for the decent AF point (all cross type I believe) and the nice frame rate, as well as the added bonus of the 1.6x crop for "more reach". My plan is to have the body for 1 year, save up during the course of the year and look at a different body the next following year (either add/upgrade 5D2 to 5D3 or add/replace 50D with mythical "7D2").

I did consider the 1D2 bodies, but I want to have more MPs for cropping and resolution purposes, and dont want to spend money on a body that is no longer serviceable by Canon. The 1D3 is an option, but for around $1500, Id rather get the 7D or wait and get a 1D4.

So what do you guys think, does the 50D make sense and will it serve my purpose? Mind you, I did own a 50D for well over a year but sold it once I got my 5D2. I never did any kind of action shooting with it so cant comment first hand how the AF would handle motorsports. Seeing as I shot the Indy with my 5D2 and 24-105, I wouldn't have anything to worry about with a 50D and 70-200 II right? Right?

Any current Canon DSLR can handle motorsports with the correct lenses, location and technique.

Motorsports images from a Canon T2i:

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DC Fan wrote in post #15367896
Any current Canon DSLR can handle motorsports with the correct lenses, location and technique.

Motorsports images from a Canon T2i:

For most motorsports, the longer the lens, the better the chance for success. The top two images came from a Sigma 150-500mm OS lens, the dirt motorcycle image, from a non-stabilized Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 EX, and the late model stock car image from a Tamron 70-300mm VC lens.

Do you find you get more keepers from the 60D versus the T2i? Or are they the same, when using centre point?

Yogi Bear wrote in post #15367548
I hear what you're saying about the 1D3, but if it doesn't fit the budget, then it just won't work!

convergent wrote in post #15367713
You are clear on your budget and I applaud you for not being swayed by the recommendations that exceed it.

FWIW, I recommended the 50D -- just if a 2nd body comes in the future, 1D3 deserves as much consideration as the 7D.