Best high ISO performance for hobby photographer on a budget

I'm a hobby photographer and currently own an XTi, with which I've generally been very satisfied. However, last weekend I photographed an indoor sports event at which I was competing (dog agility), and was very disappointed with the results. I was using a Sigma 70-200 f/2.8 without a flash. At ISO 1600 I was able to get the shutter speeds I needed, but the pics were too noisy to be of use. On the second day I tried ISO 800, but missed a lot of shots because of motion blur.

I have a very limited budget, but I'm wondering if it might be worthwhile to think of upgrading my camera body. My question is this: does the 40D really perform a lot better at higher ISOs than the XTi? I can't justify the expense of a full frame camera, but I might just be able to swing a used 40D if I sell my XTi.

Opinions and advice welcome. I haven't done a lot of indoor photography in the past, but my kid will be starting skating this winter and will be in a ballet show next summer, so there are probably more indoor events in our future.

FYI: I have the following lenses and like them all: Tamron 28-75 f/2.8, Sigma 70-200 f/2.8, Canon 55-250 f/4-5.6 and Canon 60 mm macro.

Cheapest solution:

Shoot in RAW
Expose to the right
Pull back in PP
Use noiseware

XTi should be capable of up to 8x10 prints at ISO1600 when shot as above. What size prints were you looking at?

^ yep.

and I'd suggest you might not need to pull them back down. Try +.5EC, use raw, in ACR use some noise reduction there, then pay for either dfine or noise ninja. Combine all that and you should easily get usable results from 1600. It's beyond that where the XTi suffers.

The 40D might be better if you can afford it, but learn how to shoot and process 1600 on the XTi before you make the leap.

XTI with noise reduction is very capable at 1600. I shot using hot lights and used 1600 with NR and it came out pretty good!

I have both cameras and, shooting in RAW, the difference in high-ISO noise is very small. I'd agree with the previous suggestions - try and make sure you don't under-expose, and see if noise reduction software can help.

Well depending on which end of the 70-200 you were shooting it might be better to get some faster glass. The 85mm f/1.8 gives you 1 and 1/3 stops of extra light and costs just a bit over $300 and I've seen them used for less than $300. That would allow you to drop to ISO 800 and still bump the shutter speed a bit as well. If you need a little more reach the Canon 100mm f/2 gives you a full stop improvement as well for about the same price. Just another option.

If XTi dissapoints you at 1600, the only options are the 5d, 1dmkiii, 1dsmkiii, and 5dmkii. Properly edited, the difference between an xt and X0d camera is built in iso3200.

Really? I know its a personal opinion, but I always thought my XTi performed perfect usably at 1600.

It's awesome.

powerslave wrote in post #6821457
Really? I know its a personal opinion, but I always thought my XTi performed perfect usably at 1600.

It's awesome.

I think all Canon cameras deliver great ISO performance up to 1600 if the pic is exposed properly at least all cameras from the XT on up.

Can't argue with that. I've never felt I was left wanting for more clarity at 1600, even though I know if put side by side to the 1.3x and 1x crop sensor photo samples, mine would easily be outnoised.

Maybe I just love noise?

40D is about a stop cleaner at high ISO and relatively cheap nowadays. It's the best bargain going for those without deep pockets. I'd get the 40D.

Thanks, guys. Looks like the problem is me, not the camera. I'll get some noise reduction software and next time I'll try your exposure tips. I love my XTi and would be happy to keep it.

For the lens suggestions: 85 would be too short; most of what I shot over the weekend was between 135 and 175 mm. But the 100 f/2 could be interesting.

Thanks again. This forum is terrific!

JeffreyG wrote in post #6820680
XTi should be capable of up to 8x10 prints at ISO1600 when shot as above. What size prints were you looking at?

8 x 10 is what I'm aiming for. We use them to decorate the wall of our indoor training facility. I don't need anything bigger.

ceegee wrote in post #6821981
8 x 10 is what I'm aiming for. We use them to decorate the wall of our indoor training facility. I don't need anything bigger.

even the old rebel can shoot great 8x10s, xt+xti+xsi can all do 8x10 no problem with some cropping. i've printed 1600 shots slightly larger, and 400 shots at 3'. just have to remember to shoot raw, and when possible expose spot on or slightly over.

ceegee wrote in post #6821969
Thanks, guys. Looks like the problem is me, not the camera. I'll get some noise reduction software and next time I'll try your exposure tips. I love my XTi and would be happy to keep it.

This is a good plan. If you do end up deciding to upgrade to a more capable camera body, the NR software will work just as well on the shots produced by them. So the software will help extend your capabilities regardless of which body you shoot with.

As for what body to upgrade to, the 40D does reasonably well at ISO 3200. The 50D does about a stop better, but you have to drop to sRAW1 (7.1 megapixels) to get it. That may or may not be acceptable to you.

Regardless, it sounds like it'll be a little while before you know whether or not you should upgrade your body. By then, hopefully the 50D will be at least as cheap as the 40D is now!