10D and, uhhhh ... 10D?

Up to this point my photography has been a hobby/fun and somewhat of a passion. I make a 'small' amount of money doing a few art festivals each year but no where near enough to support this addiction. I have done 3 weddings over the last two years (for free) and the bride and groom have been very happy with my photos.

I am seriously thinking of doing more weddings and art fests as well as some portrait work and other projects to make some money.

Here's the problem ... I have a bunch of money invested now and don't really want to invest more without being sure it'll pay me back. So far everything has been shot with my one 10D. Although I keep coming close to getting a 5D (and 10D as backup) I keep balking. Now I'm thinking of getting a 2nd 10D so 1) I have a familiar back up if needed and 2) I have different lenses using each so no more fumbling during a wedding shoot to change lenses.

THEN, if this pans out I'll be shooting with that 5D!

I know you can't compare the 10D with the 5D but the 10D is still an excellent camera and has done me fine so far.

Please show me the flaws in my plan. Thanks!

Later model cameras are far more responsive when it comes to things like image review or accessing the menus.

I don't shoot weddings but my understanding is that the $$$ is made from prints and if the 10D is giving you the results clients are happy with then why change. The 5d is neat but I see a lot of wedding photogs using 20/30d's... you could buy two 20d's for the price of a 5d.

I know pro's that are still using the 20D and even the Drebel...

Pro's used 10D's when they first came out and used them until the 20D came out with no problems. Stick to the 10D idea until the buisness makes enough money to buy a newer more expensive models..

Ya know, I'm starting to like my idea!

I was just drooling over the 5D, again, and I ran some numbers ... A 10D & 24-70f/2.8 L vs a 5D & 24-70 f/2.8 L will save me $2K. ($1600/$3600) I can drool over the 5D a little longer while I count that money and I'll have an EXCELLENT lens when I get it!

It'll make me work for the 5D too ... nothing should come easy, right? LOL!

Question, why not pick up a slightly used 20D instead of a 10D. From my understanding, the difference between the 20D and 10D is somewhat significant, in terms of high ISO performance, startup time, etc. The used market for 20's is very good for buyers.

BigBlueDodge wrote in post #2547628
Question, why not pick up a slightly used 20D instead of a 10D. From my understanding, the difference between the 20D and 10D is somewhat significant, in terms of high ISO performance, startup time, etc. The used market for 20's is very good for buyers.

This is precisely what I plan to do. I love my 10D, but really feel that the ISO performance of the 20D is better for weddings and dimly lit receptions.

+1 for 20D.
10D to 20D is significant upgrade.
20D to 30D is NOT.

Best value per buck with the 20D!

yeah, the 20D has much better noise control which is always good at weddings.

Honestly, when I used strickly the 10D I found that the 20D was not a significant upgrade. Yes I have used both and compared. you really have to be a pixel peeper to tell the difference and high ISO noise is not really an issue on the 10D either I have many usable ISO3200 images to prove that. The 1DmkII was an upgrade. 10D to 30D is a worthwhile upgrade. Down side of 10D was never IQ but rather slow start up and write speed, buffer.

I use a 30D and 10D side by side and almost always reach for the 10D first. I use the 30D for sports since the 10D struggles a bit but both are capable cameras when you put a lens on that isn't known for hunting. Usually when it gets so dark I'm using flash anyway and it has IR assist....making the better AF and higher ISO rather moot.

It looks like 10D's are going for around $400-350, while 20D's are going anywhere from $800-650. I mean if you're looking to upgrade to the a 5D down the road, I would say stick with saving a little money and get another 10D. Then when you have the cash to get a 5D, sell one of your 10D's, and use the other as a back-up to your 5D. The interface is similiar in comparison. If you're willing to spend a little extra cash, the 20D is another excellent option for you to look at. Especially at higher ISO speeds.

I own a 10D. I bought a second one used. Both have served me well. For what I use a camera for, the second 10D will serve me well until FS sensors become the norm.

johneo,
If you ever get a 5D it might ruin your opinion of the 10D. I used the 10D for 3 years and was very happy and then I got a 5D. Once I tried the 5D I hardly ever use the 10D any more. The quality in colors and sharpness not to mention much more high ISO use is just way above the 10D to my eyes. Even cheap lenses shine better on the 5D to my eyes For weddings you may find the FF much more usable for wide angle group shots. If you really enjoy/love photography I suggest you get the 5D (if you can) it will be well worth it (it was for me).
Sorry if I interrupted your original plan
Just my opinion