5D classic vs 50D - what to get (version 2010)

I know this question has came up before in 2008 and maybe in 2009. However, I want to raise it again since the prices have fallen since then. So at this point I can get a used 5D for $850-1000 and I can get a used 50D for $700-800. Sometimes even cheaper through my local craigslist. Assume I don't have a major investment in Canon lenses either way.
Assume that I have other bodies with faster fps (Nikon D300, Canon 30D). Assume that low noise high iso is important to me. Picture quality is important. Nice viewfinder is important. But at the same time a nicer display is important too. Good battery life is a bonus. Live view is a bonus. But picture quality is the most important factor.

If you had about $800-900 these days, summer of 2010, and were faced with whether to buy a used 50D or 5D Classic these days, what would you get and why.

I had the 40D, similar in performance to the 50D. Bought a 5D to compliment it. The 40D hasnt seen more than a couple of frames since. Its old tech, and you've identified the issues with slow fps, mediocre focus, mediocre LCD, but for landscape, portrait, and wedding work its a great camera.

gonzogolf wrote in post #10402489
I had the 40D, similar in performance to the 50D. Bought a 5D to compliment it. The 40D hasnt seen more than a couple of frames since. Its old tech, and you've identified the issues with slow fps, mediocre focus, mediocre LCD, but for landscape, portrait, and wedding work its a great camera.

its just that much better than your 40D?

Is 5D because of its 12MP more forgiving on cheaper lenses than lets say 5D M2 with its 21MP or 50D with its 15MP sensor?

Hard to answer... I know what *I* would do... ultimately *I* am buying both, as both can be had for the price of say the new 7D & you get yourself a FF & a FPS cropper & microadjust. Happy happy compliment duo.

To answer YOUR question... you need to evaluate what YOU shoot. What is important to YOU... do you NEED a higher FPS? Shoot sports, your kids running around the yard? Horses @ the track? etc?
Do you shoot landscapes? Portraits? A pretty flower or car?

Need to know what you shoot, then it will be obvious which tool will suit your needs.

absolutic wrote in post #10402505
its just that much better than your 40D?

Yes. I kept the 40D for the times I want fps, extra reach, and quicker focus. But there is something about the lack of noise, the IQ and the way the images look when you first throw them up in photoshop. They require less sharpening, and just blew me away in comparison. Check out the 5D users thread to see what they are capable of.

I have a 7D and sold my 50D to fund a 5D and now my 7D does not get much use... The images that the 5D produces are just amazing to me. That big sensor is just magic.. lol

absolutic wrote in post #10402519
Is 5D because of its 12MP more forgiving on cheaper lenses than lets say 5D M2 with its 21MP or 50D with its 15MP sensor?

I've seen that argued both ways, that improved resolution requires better glass, and the opposite that better resolution is more forgiving on bad glass. My take on that is better body and better glass are both benefits so I never put much thought into it.

By-tor wrote in post #10402528
I have a 7D and sold my 50D to fund a 5D and now my 7D does not get much use... The images that the 5D produces are just amazing to me. That big sensor is just magic.. lol

Now THIS is music to my ears (as one about to drop her cash on the 5D/50D combo) I'll drop it on the 5D first ... maybe I wont even buy the 50D & save that money for more fast primes.

Lore wrote in post #10402520
Hard to answer... I know what *I* would do... ultimately *I* am buying both, as both can be had for the price of say the new 7D & you get yourself a FF & a FPS cropper & microadjust. Happy happy compliment duo.

To answer YOUR question... you need to evaluate what YOU shoot. What is important to YOU... do you NEED a higher FPS? Shoot sports, your kids running around the yard? Horses @ the track? etc?
Do you shoot landscapes? Portraits? A pretty flower or car?

Need to know what you shoot, then it will be obvious which tool will suit your needs.

Well, as I pointed in my op, I already have cameras that do fast fps and have great autofocusing. I have a Nikon D300 which with a grip can do 8fps and has superior autofocus. I also have Canon 30d that does 5fps just in case. But if I know I need to track I already have D300. I'd love to get the best of both worlds, D700 that has great focus, can do 8fps with a grip, and is a full frame, but I don't have $2200 extra these days. The reason i am considering 5D is that it is an affordable way to get into full-frame. But I've never shot with full-frame, so I don't know what to expect.

absolutic wrote in post #10402558
Well, as I pointed in my op, I already have cameras that do fast fps and have great autofocusing. I have a Nikon D300 which with a grip can do 8fps and has superior autofocus. I also have Canon 30d that does 5fps just in case. But if I know I need to track I already have D300. I'd love to get the best of both worlds, D700 that has great focus, can do 8fps with a grip, and is a full frame, but I don't have $2200 extra these days. The reason i am considering 5D is that it is an affordable way to get into full-frame. But I've never shot with full-frame, so I don't know what to expect.

As one who has lurked in the 5Dc thread for a loooong time there is just that something 'extra' the 5D gives to images. It's MAGIC 5D all the way
https://photography-on-the.net …ead.php?t=85711​5&page=220

gonzogolf wrote in post #10402521
Yes. I kept the 40D for the times I want fps, extra reach, and quicker focus. But there is something about the lack of noise, the IQ and the way the images look when you first throw them up in photoshop. They require less sharpening, and just blew me away in comparison. Check out the 5D users thread to see what they are capable of.

Yes, I've seen the samples...they are great. I am a little worried about issues with a lot of dust on the sensor (I had issues with dust before on my 40D and although I learned how to clean it, or rather I make my wife clean it because she has more steady hands, I'd love to avoid the issue as much as I can) and also the issue with the mirror.

^^ I was worried about these things also and mine did need a good cleaning when I bought it, but nothing a rocket blower couldn't handle.. So Far...

As far as the mirror fix here is how you can tell if the fix had been completed or not. Mine came from the factory with the fix already in place.

http://www.usa.canon.c​om …933&keycode=211​2&id=55659

5D! If you have bodies with higher fps, big viewfinder, and want good noise levels its a solid body. It absolutely blows away my old crop body, and is a great camera. Screens not so good compared to today's bodies(rebel xsi has a better screen), but for a five year old design, its image quality is still above the brand new 7D.(but the AF sure isn't! haha)

Wow, not a single vote for 2008 50D, every vote is for 2005 5D. Interesting

How is the battery life on 5D. is it similar to XXD body or much worse?