50D - 640 ISO not acceptable at all (sample images provided)

Stuart Hughes wrote in post #15611136
It sounds like you're trying to talk yourself into going full frame, Tom.

Oh, I already have a full frame body - the 5Dc. It does handle noise better than the 50D - by about a stop and a third. However, it lacks the pixel density, which is often very necessary for the subjects/situations I shoot.

Stuart Hughes wrote in post #15611136
I empathize with you, but at the same time if you are a professional working photographer, why don't you upgrade to a camera that better suits your needs?

There's a simple reason why: money. I simply do not have the cash required for a suitable upgrade. And a loan is out of the question, because I doubt I would ever be able to make the payments. So, I just have to continue to live with the frustration of having gear that is inferior than that of my competitors until I can get the money together for a 1D4 - which will probably be another year and a half (hopefully they drop down to the sub-$2000 range by then).

KFReels was very right when he commented, "Sometimes not good enough is . . . not good enough".

Tom Reichner wrote in post #15611710
...So, I just have to continue to live with the frustration of having gear that is inferior than that of my competitors until I can get the money together for a 1D4 - which will probably be another year and a half...

By that time your competitors will be using a new generation of equipment - and the 1D4 is already a generation behind. Being that you're a professional earning a living with your gear, it's really important that you find a way to remain current. I know that's a lot easier said than done, but unfortunately it's the truth. For all of us, not just you.

Granted, a lot of professionals can get by with older equipment, but some of us can't - as this scenario proves.