help upgrading from xti

Forgive me if this has been asked a million times, but i'm indecisive and just need some help/advice

I currently have an xti and just got a job being a photographer for a band. I went and shot them playing around in their garage over the weekend and my pics didn't come out too awful (thanks to the 50mm 1.8), but i've decided that I need to move on from the xti. ISO 1600 when I need a better shutter speed is just too poor in quality for my liking. I also have been trying to get some good shots of my sister playing basketball and it's difficult to get a high enough shutter speed in the gym to completely stop motion with my camera without the picture looking awful.

So here's my thing - I have been wanting a 5D for a while now, so I was planning on saving up for that. But I was told by others 'why would you get a 5D and spend that much when the 40D is good in low light also?"

I'm not a photography expert, i'm still learning and trying to get out there. I have been doing research and have found that the 5D seems to be better with noise than the 40D, but that the 40D is quite good too. The band wants me to shoot them at gigs (they mostly play at a bar here in town, which is quite dark inside) So, since most things I have found myself to be shooting lately call for high ISO, should I splurge and go for the 5D or go with something like the 40D? I just don't want to get a 40D and wish I had gotten a 5D.

thanks to anyone who has advice

Well, if you plan on doing mostly low light and event type photography then I would say the 5D. The main advantages of the 40D besides the newer interface; are faster shutter speeds and longer reach with the crop factor. Since it doesn't sound like you will be shooting sports or wildlife, I would say that you don't really need the crop factor. The 5D does perform better at high ISO's and due to the full frame sensor and a couple more MP's it has better resolution. 5D is usually regarded as a better portrait type camera, so it sounds like the better one for you. You can get a used one now for a great price. Just keep in mind that you'll want to pair a 5D with quality glass since it will show more imperfections being a full frame sensor.

i have the same problem. ive got an xti, and i do a lot of low light photos as well. im saving up for the 5dmk2 right now, but there are a lot of great deals on the older 5d right now. so to answer your question, i would say if your going to do a lot of low light stuff at bars/night clubs etc, i would look into the 5d. just my .02

hey thanks for the advice so far!!

I do enjoy sports photography, but my main goal is concert photography. that's what i want to do. One of things I was iffy about with the 5d is the full frame sensor because I do enjoy the crop factor sometimes. this all leads to where i'm confused!

but thank you, so far I feel I am leaning towards the 5D. I feel it will be better for me in the long run!

So, i see the 5dmkII is about $700 more than the 5d. Maybe I should just look into that. Even though I really can't afford that, but ahh!

another issue is like 40driggs said, I will need better lenses too. I can't afford this career! lol I do have the 70-200 f/4, but I need a wider lens that is better than the kit lens.

Since you're still learning, I suggest going big and continuing learning from there. Going BIG is going with the 5D. It's currently much cheaper (new and used) than it was when it first came out and is a great camera to learn off of (so I hear). The 5D2 is a beautiful camera but is at version 1.0 and I'm almost 100% sure the future of that camera will really have some bells and whistles on it. It's very expensive and comes with a premium for purchasing it now. If you don't need the HD feature, the 5D Classic will be your best bet. I'm a true believer in going BIG (money permitting) and that eventually, you'll save up and get the camera you want eventually so why not just go ahead and get it now. I initially had a Nikon D50 and wanted a Canon Xti. I got the Canon Xti and wanted the 20D, I wanted the 40D and ended up getting a 30D and it continues. You'll rarely satisfy your hunger as long as Canon continues to make amazing gadgets. Good luck.

thanks ejicon, I will aim for getting a 5D for sure now I think. I might try to pick up a used one, as it will be a lot more affordable. Thank you!

Crayons15 wrote in post #7242317
thanks ejicon, I will aim for getting a 5D for sure now I think. I might try to pick up a used one, as it will be a lot more affordable. Thank you!

If you do go with a 5D (which I'd love to have, so I see where you're going), I'd keep the XTi. You're not going to get much for it on the used market, and if you keep it you will have a crop that you can use for more reach when you need it. Just realize that going full-frame means you'll need a kit lens (if you need that range), as your current won't work on the 5D.

Good luck! A paying gig! I looked at some of your photography and it looks like the band chose wisely.

Brett Michael wrote in post #7242536
If you do go with a 5D (which I'd love to have, so I see where you're going), I'd keep the XTi. You're not going to get much for it on the used market, and if you keep it you will have a crop that you can use for more reach when you need it. Just realize that going full-frame means you'll need a kit lens (if you need that range), as your current won't work on the 5D.

Good luck! A paying gig! I looked at some of your photography and it looks like the band chose wisely.

ooh true. i was actually going to look into selling it but you're right, i should keep it.
and right, my kit lens won't work. so i will def need something with a wider angle.

aww thats sweet, thank you i actually know the band's manager quite well, and she picked me! the band is currently unsigned, but they are working on getting a cd out

Crayons15 wrote in post #7241977
So, i see the 5dmkII is about $700 more than the 5d. Maybe I should just look into that. Even though I really can't afford that, but ahh!

another issue is like 40driggs said, I will need better lenses too. I can't afford this career! lol I do have the 70-200 f/4, but I need a wider lens that is better than the kit lens.

No way, buy used. A used 5D should be about half the price of a 5DII. Oh yes, and definitely go 5D.

You've already made your decision but just something that didn't seem to be mentioned is something I learned a few days ago from this very forum. The full frame sensor lets in twice as much light as a crop body (your 400D) so your f/4L on the 5D will act the same as an f/2.8 on a 400D.

Finding a used 5D will be good because hopefully then you'll have some money for a wider lens.

I'm in a similar position as you (400D + 50mm f/1.8 + 70-200mm f/2.8L), I'm more interested in sports but I've found myself shooting bands! I do love it though. I'm about to buy a 24mm f/2.8 for a wide lens since 50mm on a 400D isn't that wide. I don't think I'll go 5D before a 40D or older 1D because I'd prefer the speed for sports even though I'd love a 5D for bands. Maybe I'll end up with one of both

The Moose wrote in post #7243323
You've already made your decision but just something that didn't seem to be mentioned is something I learned a few days ago from this very forum. The full frame sensor lets in twice as much light as a crop body (your 400D) so your f/4L on the 5D will act the same as an f/2.8 on a 400D.

Someone actually said that? Well whoever told you that was spewing sh** out of their mouth because that's completely, 100% wrong.

The Moose wrote in post #7243323
I don't think I'll go 5D before a 40D or older 1D because I'd prefer the speed for sports even though I'd love a 5D for bands. Maybe I'll end up with one of both

Is the 5D slow to focus? i will also be shooting sports here and there (of my sister playing basketball) so i want something that will kinda balance both if possible.