Having trouble making a decision...

I am trying to decide on a backup body for wedding photography. My main camera is a 5Dmkii and I have a budget of $2000 max. I am trying to decide between the 7D and 6D at the moment, and can't make up my mind. I initially thought that the 7D would be a nice option because it would provide me with a crop sensor to contrast my full frame 5D, which would give me more reach with my 70-200 during ceremonies and such. Since the 6D can currently be nabbed for under $2000, my head has been spinning. My main concern is that the 7D will not be able to deliver in low light situations and I will be disappointed with my purchase. I've heard the 6D really rocks at high ISO, but I feel as though I would essentially just be picking up another 5D...which I guess isn't really a BAD thing. Any advice folks? Is the 6D worth the extra couple bucks for the ISO alone in a wedding scenario? Is low light auto-focusing any better with the 6D in comparison to my 5D? Thanks in advance for any advice!

If I had my choice, I would trade my 7D for a 6D.

Not a wedding photographer, but...

To me, it bolis down to the comfort level. If you really like how your 5D feels, youll definitely appreciate the 7D, since they are very similar in style. Yes, the 6D has some good low noise, high ISO compared to the 5DII, but if you really are comfortable with the 5D, the 6D is going to take getting used to, if you have the patience to do it.

In a nutshell, if I were you, Id go with the 5D/ 7D combo. Only issue you might have is remebering which body youre using when things get hectic.

I've used both and the 7D is not what I would choose for wedding photography. The ISO performance is just not up to par. And yes, I know about all the threads about how to get the best out of it, but what some will accept as 'good enough' is not what I would accept, that's just me.

elrey2375 wrote in post #15880953
I've used both and the 7D is not what I would choose for wedding photography. The ISO performance is just not up to par. And yes, I know about all the threads about how to get the best out of it, but what some will accept as 'good enough' is not what I would accept, that's just me.

I think this post has wrapped it up for me. I have been concerned that if I did go with the 7D, I would be disappointed with the ISO performance. Although my 5Dmkii does just fine in high ISO situations, if the worst scenario happened, and the 5D stopped working during a wedding, I would hate to have to solely rely on a camera with far inferior low light capabilities. It looks like I'm going to go with the 6D...unless someone can convince me otherwise.

Funny thing, I was in the same position last week. I pulled the trigger and went for the 6D.

Higher ISO, Focusing is very good and can't complain.

paul1913 wrote in post #15881143
Funny thing, I was in the same position last week. I pulled the trigger and went for the 6D.

Higher ISO, Focusing is very good and can't complain.

Good to hear!

It's FF vs Crop. Crop just won't do as well in the kinds of situations you're talking about. It's not the 7D's fault, it just comes down to light gathering ability and the 6D will kick its ass every time.

elrey2375 wrote in post #15881678
It's FF vs Crop. Crop just won't do as well in the kinds of situations you're talking about. It's not the 7D's fault, it just comes down to light gathering ability and the 6D will kick its ass every time.

Yeah, I initially wanted to avoid FF since I already have a 5D...but the more the merrier I suppose.

elrey2375 wrote in post #15881678
It's FF vs Crop. Crop just won't do as well in the kinds of situations you're talking about. It's not the 7D's fault, it just comes down to light gathering ability and the 6D will kick its ass every time.

this is the perfect response to any of the 7d vs 6d threads/discussion - it all comes down to the situation. low light 6D, action 7D- done. Otherwise, flip a coin because they both take great pics.

Yeah there are times when a crop body brings something unique to the table, but backup body for a wedding shooter isnt one of them. You dont need extra "reach", so what other benefit would it have? Go with the 6D or another 5DII.

Went with the 6D. Thanks for the help everyone!