What is a better buy?

In your guys opinions. What is a better buy? I had a 40D that I recently sold. I want to get into photography to make some money on the side. Some events on the weekends that sort of thing. Headshots, maybe some portrait stuff.

My question is, now that the 5dmkII has been announced, it's sounds like a great camera but not enough for me to justify the cost of this body. Would I be better off buying a 50D when it is released or if I look hard enough I can probably find a good condition used 5DmkI within the similar price range.

The 50D sounds like a great camera in its own right, but is the 5DmkI still better. I know and realize it depends on each person and the style of photography I will be doing. Just wanted to hear from other people that might be in the same boat as myself.

Right now, I would have to say a 5DmkI, because it's a proven, solid performer, and always will be, no matter how many bells and whistles the put into the newer bodies.
If you do decide to wait for the 50D/5DmkII, wait and see how other consumers fare with them.

Given the choice between 50D and 5D I I'd take the 5D. FF goodness, nice colours.

Jim G wrote in post #6331694
Given the choice between 50D and 5D I I'd take the 5D. FF goodness, nice colours.

+1

5d mk2

D300 + 17-55 F2.8

Done Deal!

ItsMike wrote in post #6331748
D300 + 17-55 F2.8

Done Deal!

POLICE, arrest this man!!!

Jim G wrote in post #6331694
Given the choice between 50D and 5D I I'd take the 5D. FF goodness, nice colours.

Same here.

So even with the new Digic IV censor on the 50D you will still go for a 5D?

phsv wrote in post #6333273
So even with the new Digic IV censor on the 50D you will still go for a 5D?

It really depends on what you're shooting. The 5D (from what I understand) is more of a landscape and portrait camera, while the 50D is more of an everyday camera good for shooting sports, and everything else.

For example I shoot both sports and landscape, and I'm using my XSi (yes I'm using and XXXD for that, I didn't know about this forum so I had no idea how little a used 40D goes for :evil for the sports and I'm eying the 5D MK1 for my landscape and portrait work.

Just my 2 cents,

-Yale

the narrow DoF of the full frame cameras gives more control for portraiture. That's the primary advantage.

Yeah the narrow DoF would make sense in the full frame as an advantage over the 50D.

remy40d wrote in post #6331405
Some events on the weekends that sort of thing. Headshots, maybe some portrait stuff.

Remember, you'll need a lot more than a shiny new camera body to do {well} in this kind of work. Especially considering your geogrpahic location, you'll have plenty of competition.

That said, 5d is probably the better tool for the kind of work you mentioned.

Of course the photographer is by far the most important variable, then good lighting, then quality glass, THEN camera body (a distant 4th).