Wedding Assistance

So I had the "privilege" of shooting my first couple weddings (Wedding #3, 4, and 5 total) with my new 5DMII along with my 580EXII over the past few weeks and I have to say I am disappointed with the results. I think I could have done better with my 40D. I had a lot of trouble with the Auto Focus. It would search for a very long time (seconds at least - so much so that my right index finger was sore the next day from pushing down on the button), so I think that might have been the big issue. Both pictures are straight out of the camera except for white balance. One of the things I really don't like is the splotchy-ness of the color - for example in the hair of the lady the bride is talking to in the "blue" picture. Can anyone tell me if the problem with these picture is something I've done wrong, or what? I definitely didn't see this kind of thing with my 40D.

Thanks in advance for your help!

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I have the 5D2 and a 40D and I think the 5D2 is much better in low light situations. The dance must have been in the dark and that doesn't help your exposure or focus. The first one you had at f4.5 and 800 ISO. The second one:

# Exposure Time (1 / Shutter Speed) = 1/200 second ===> 0.005 second
# Lens F-Number / F-Stop = 28/10 ===> ƒ/2.8
# ISO Speed Ratings = 1600
# Original Date/Time = 2010:07:24 23:06:19
# Shutter Speed Value (APEX) = 7643856/1000000
Shutter Speed (Exposure Time) = 1/200 second
# Aperture Value (APEX) = 2970854/1000000
Aperture = ƒ/2.8
# Flash = Flash fired, compulsory flash mode
# Focal Length = 34/1 mm ===> 34 mm

If you use the flash, you should keep the ISO down to avoid a lot of noise. Set it to around 400 and then use the flash at 1/60 and see what you get. Both images seem noisy to me.

I think the 40D is not nearly as good in low light conditions, but that's because I don't use flash much. If the 5D2 isn't doing it for you in the dark, use the 40D, which you are used to. That's what I'd do. My 7D is much better for video for me. I know I can adjust the 5D2 to make video easier, but I like it more for stills. It's a matter of what you feel comfortable with.