What to do? 1D Mark IIn or 50D

I have been shooting with a 20D since it came out. The shutter just broke so I need to get a new body. I have been saving for a 1D mark IIn but am still a few months away from having the money. Canon is offering a 50D through the loyalty program for $669, which I can do now. Having never used either camera, I am at a loss.

My main uses are wildlife, sports, aviation and family.

I use the following: 17-40L, 28-105L, 70-200L and 100-400L

I need some pros and cons from some of you that have used both bodies.

Thanks

I have the previous models you mention, the 1D Mark II (non-N) which I got recently for under $800 and the 40D. I prefer my 1D in general with the one exception being birds that are very far away where I need to do a lot of cropping; there the 1.6x sensor offers more reach and the higher resolution allows for more cropping. In all other situations where I can frame appropriately, the advanced autofocus (45 AF points), spot metering linkable to 11 points, higher frame rate, better build and integrated grip make it a better camera overall. 1D Mark IV would be best of course but out of the price range...

The 100-400L is great with both the 1D Mark II and 40D, one of my most used lenses. All your lenses will work well with either body.

The 50D will be more like your 20D. The 1D is much bigger. Both will be an AF upgrade but the 1D will be more of an upgrade in that regard. The 1D will not give you higher resolution while the 50D will give you quite a resolution upgrade.

The 50D will give you a self cleaning sensor, better LCD for reviewing images, micro focus adjust. It is new technology while the 1D Mark II is old but I don't find I miss the new stuff much (I also have an even newer T1i).

Personally I'd get a Mark II which is nearly the same price as your 50D refurb they are offering.

Thanks, I will now look at all three.

The 100-400 will autofocus with the 1d, but not on the 50d without putting tape over some of the pins of the lens. Even then autofocus will not be reliable on the 50d.

sportsshooter50 wrote in post #9609350
The 100-400 will autofocus with the 1d, but not on the 50d without putting tape over some of the pins of the lens. Even then autofocus will not be reliable on the 50d.

No, the 100-400 autofocuses fine on the 50d. It's only with a teleconverter that it has trouble. It is f/5.6 without a teleconverter which focuses fine on the 50d, in fact all 9 sensors are cross-type for f/5.6 on the 50D.

That's right. Thanks for the correction.

hpulley wrote in post #9609411
No, the 100-400 autofocuses fine on the 50d. It's only with a teleconverter that it has trouble. It is f/5.6 without a teleconverter which focuses fine on the 50d, in fact all 9 sensors are cross-type for f/5.6 on the 50D.

Yes, I do have the 1.4 and 2.0 converters and had to manual focus with them when used. I know that the 1D will auto focus with them. A big plus for the 1D.

The 1D really is the one to get. I got the 40D after the Rebel but soon realized that I needed the real deal, the 1D. Will pick up a III at some point when the price drops some more.

I am in a similar situaton. Mine is what to keep for a backup though. I just got a Mark III and also traded in my old 20D for the 50D through the Canon loyalty program. My main camera before my Mark III is a Mark 2n. The IQ in lower light situations are better for the 50D than the Mark 2n. I n my case I may just sell my Mark 2n since it is a backup. In your case, if you don't shhot sports in low light venues, go for the Mark 2 or 2n. Be aware though once you shoot with a Canon Mark SLR it is hard to back to anything else.