Upgrade body 500D to better?

I've been working some events to pay for this expensive hobby when I can. I'm also staffed on my university paper as a dedicated sports shooter. I've been interested in upgrading my T1i/500D to something better. I'd like a better AF system, higher fps, better ergonomics, and a possible increase in high ISO performance as my indoor sports shots are at ISO 6400, f/2, 1/500 sec


I've narrowed my options down to a 50D or a 7D.

I can upgrade to a 50D for relatively little money. The AF system is better as all points are cross type. Ergonomics are tons better than my T1i and the beefier body is something I want. I would probably be out $100 after I sell my gear and buy a couple CF cards.

The 7D is another option but its far more pricey. I'd love the 19 point AF system for athlete tracking, weather sealing would be nice for outdoor sporting events. I could also sell my ST-E2 since the 7D has a built-in speedlite trigger. I'd be out around $600.


So my question is: Keep my T1i, "upgrade" to a 50D now or 7D later? Is the IQ and AF on the 50D worth the extra money and slight high ISO noise increase (based on reviews)? My main justification for this upgrade is for:
1) Better ergonomics,
2) Better fps. I have a lot of shots where the ball is not close enough to the athlete or just outside of the frame due to shutter lag and bad timing on my end. I'm not spraying and praying, but I think shooting 2+ shots per every shot I can get now will increase my keeper rate.


Just for reference, this is typical indoor sport lighting this season:

IMAGE LINK: http://www.flickr.com …s/s_olszewski/4​957303583/

You got good glass and that is the main thing. Give the 50D a try - I got one and for "action" it is good with a reasonably high fps rate and also reasonable high ISO performance.

I would say the 7D . . .Then you would have the best of both worlds. Good glass and the better focus, metering, and FPS of the 7D. The 7D is such a pleasure to use and it's one of the best for action. Good luck.

If you can afford it, get the 7D....

Yeah 7D would be the next upgrade or some full frame. 500D is a great camera!

I was thinking the same thing. Upgrade to the 7D when I have the extra cash. For most shoots, I've been very pleased with my 500D. It performs well. There's just those nights where I think a more advanced AF system, fps, and ISO performance would benefit me.

Hopefully I'll be able to sell my 500D in the near future and purchase that 7D.

I got to handle the 7D yesterday for about an hour. That is one amazing camera. I think my favorite feature is how it can retain different AF point or modes for landscape and portrait orientation. I can see where that can come in real handy during sports that I shoot.

I was so amazed by the 7D, I forgot to handle the 50D. Just out of curiosity, how much better is the AF on the 50D compared to my T1i? I'm having a hard time selling or trading my T1i. Everybody seems to want a xxD/xD. I was thinking if I can manage a trade on a clean 50D, I can use it for several months to save up for the 7D. I think the 50D would help make a trade easier. What do you think?

I think if the 7D is the camera you want, then just be patient to sell your T1i to get it. The 7D's AF is top notch and it is a much better camera than even the 50D (a couple of my friends have a 50D). I came from the T1i and had the same questions you did when I sold mine. Don't waste time or money and just get the camera you want. If you get something you "kind of" want, you'll just end up with buyer's remorse and be in the same position when you try to upgrade again. I mean the 50D is a great cam and works for many, but if you are already looking to make the switch to something higher/more significant, then make sure you do. Post on the forums, post on ebay, post on craigslist...just be patient. I was able to sell mine for pretty much the price I paid, there will be someone who wants/needs it.

Good luck

I guess I had all the right cards last week. I sold my T1i, got some money for my birthday, and had enough saved up for a new body. My 7D will be here tomorrow! I'm so stoked.

Staszek wrote in post #10990164
My 7D will be here tomorrow! I'm so stoked.

Start studying.

http://gdlp01.c-wss.com …02580/02/eos7d-im2-en.pdf

http://www.usa.canon.c​om …ArticleAct&arti​cleID=3167

Thanks for that link with the videos. Now I know what I'll have to customize first