40D vs 5D

Because if he's shooting for pay, especially once-in-a-lifetime events, he can't very well say "My camera's broken. Sorry. I didn't get the pictures. Better luck next time!".

Thanks Guys for the help.
I have done some amazing work(seniors and family portraits) with the XTI and 50 1.4.
So much that I have gotten a lot work base on it.
I just hate to be shooting and the XTI dies on me.

why in the world would it die on you?

If that is a concern, then I would def point you towards another xti

CartoonBear wrote in post #4183344
why in the world would it die on you?

If that is a concern, then I would def point you towards another xti

They do die. Shutters pack up. Switches fail. AF misbehaves. You may drop one. It's also very convenient to have two bodies with different lenses mounted so you don't miss a shot while you change lenses.

Jon wrote in post #4183255
Because if he's shooting for pay, especially once-in-a-lifetime events, he can't very well say "My camera's broken. Sorry. I didn't get the pictures. Better luck next time!".

Great point Jon. Which raises the earlier question you brought up - should his backup be the same body as his main?

Of course, all this assumes you have the proverbial money tree in the back yard.

I've never had ne problems like that before, but then chances are it would happen in intensely demanding moments like a wedding (an intensity that I have not yet met while taking photos).

I agree with Jon then, stick with fast lenses, flash, and a second xti

And I'll answer it the same as I did then - yes. It should work like his primary. You don't want to fumble the wrong settings in because the two don't work alike. THe xxD and 5D are all close enough that you can smoothly switch back and forth (although the different locations for the buttons on the 40D may be a little awkward), but 1D cameras and the Digital Rebel family are enough different that mixing them up you'll need to keep in practice with both. But, barring a design flaw, it's unlikely that two cameras will fail at the same time. If they're at different points in their life cycles, it's even less likely.

The "money tree" issue brings in the other XTi advantage - it's cheaper, so you've got more left over to reinforce the rest of the gear list. The price difference between that and a 40D will about cover another flash unit.

Makes sense to me. I have pretty much the same requirements as the OP so am interested in these comments.

Thanks

I would suggest getting another XTI and the 580EX. I currently have the 430EX and have shot a wedding for a family member. The 430EX is a great flash but if you're going to be doing weddings the 580EX will be of great help.

WaltA wrote in post #4183428
Great point Jon. Which raises the earlier question you brought up - should his backup be the same body as his main?

Of course, all this assumes you have the proverbial money tree in the back yard.

I don't have problem with buying glass or another flash..Looking at buying the 24-70 2.8L
Just trying to decide what to buy to help advance me as far as business wise.

also i shoot my son's football and basketball games

Actually, there's another point in favour of a second XTi I forgot to mention - same battery and charger. As far as customer appeal - shove those big black or white lenses on the front of the camera and they don't notice what the body is. My ungripped 20D with the 24-70 2.8 garnered numerous comments about "wow, that's some camera" in Santa Fe.

Thanks Guys,
I really thank everybody for their help.
I guess I was looking at the 5D because I will be doing mostly portraits.
and just ruled out getting another XTI and another flash.

Don't get me wrong. I love my 5D. But with what you listed, you're going to benefit from a lot of other stuff more than by a 5D body for now.

Interesting stuff. I felt that having both the Xti and 5D would allow me to choose the right tool for the job. But having read the posts here - I wonder.

When I travel, my camera bag is already as big as my suitcase.

Jon wrote in post #4183657
Don't get me wrong. I love my 5D. But with what you listed, you're going to benefit from a lot of other stuff more than by a 5D body for now.

How about a 40D,24-70 2.8L and a 580XE
Thanks Jon