5D classic -v- 350D. High ISO noise?

This is an echo of a question I ahve just asked in the "Discuss Performing Arts" board, but it may get more coverage here.

My hobby is centrred around stage photography for local amateur theatre groups. There's no real money in it, but it's fun.

Anyway, I've come into a few pounds and am considering replacing my 350D with a second-hand r possibly refurbished 5D classic (the 5D Mk II is too far out of my price range).

The principal thing I am looking for is an improvement in noise performance - I am normally shooting at ISO1600.

Am I likely to see a significant improvement in high-ISO noise by making this jump?

Many thanks,

regards,
/alan

Hello,

i just switched from a 450D to a 5D classic a few weeks ago. i can't speak for the 350D. but the high-iso performance of the 5D-classic is for my needs very usable. i have got some very usable results @1600iso. i guess that you will also be impressed by it's 3200iso images...

from my (amateur) experience, i can only recommend it

You will see a huge improvement. I used to have a 350D and now I own a 5D. With the 350D I could see noticeable noise at ISO 200, the 5D is completely usable at ISO 1600.

Hi Alan

Here are a few am dram shots I took last year with my 5D classic. Lighting conditions were very dim. All taken at ISO1600 with a 70-200 L IS up front.

Alan, you'll be happy with that upgrade for sure. My Rebel XT days are long gone but looking back on the pictures - it was a VERY capable camera when used properly. Unfortunately, high iso's, accurate AF, and accurate servo mode are probably where it faired the worst.
I would say the 5D high iso handling is somewhere between the 30D and Mark III. Which says a lot since both cameras handle high iso's very well.

Mr. Clean wrote in post #8617804
Alan, you'll be happy with that upgrade for sure. My Rebel XT days are long gone but looking back on the pictures - it was a VERY capable camera when used properly. Unfortunately, high iso's, accurate AF, and accurate servo mode are probably where it faired the worst.
I would say the 5D high iso handling is somewhere between the 30D and Mark III. Which says a lot since both cameras handle high iso's very well.

The 30d handles noise great, then when you throw the 5d in the mix its even better!

Thank you.. I think I am convinced.

Now, I "just" need to convince the wife...!

regards,
/alan

+1 for the upgrade, I too went from the 350D to the 5D and it was an astounding difference.

350D to 5D..huge leap. I did it 2 months ago, my 350D is gathering dust since then.
Well from noise point of view, 5D@ISO1600 is comparable to 350D@ISO 400.

alan_potter wrote in post #8617566
Am I likely to see a significant improvement in high-ISO noise by making this jump?

Yes.

As an FYI, and as you are probably aware, you will have to accept thinner DOF in order to get the improved performance in low light. There is no way to keep DOF the same and improve the low light performance when moving from 350D to 5D.

Good points... the focus thing slightly scares me; I'd need to shoot at f/4.0 to get benefit from the new camera, but that is just practice!

regards,
/alan

I don't have an issue with the 5D classics focus at all. You just have to be aware that when the scenes get darker you have to move towards the center focus points. If you expose properly then ISO3200 files are VERY usable.

aaronmd wrote in post #8624135
You just have to be aware that when the scenes get darker you have to move towards the center focus points.

i have realized that, too. could you explain this, please?

I've shot all rebels in all conditions and I will tell you for a fact that a 5D beats any of them for noise performance between ISO800 and 3200. You'll at least see the most difference in post processing.