Glenn K

I thought I’d throw out some thoughts to UHH as a sounding board on a possible equipment upgrade.

I have some spare change that, if I want to splurge on myself, could be devoted to upgrading my equipment. I currently have a Canon 7D and a 40D and the lenses I have are sufficient for these 1.6 crop bodies. I hardly ever use the 40D anymore; it’s been relegated to being a backup body when taking trips abroad and for having a second body/lens combination for certain situations (like a safari – where the conditions are not especially conducive to changing lenses). I’ve identified three (photographic) options for how I might relieve myself of this extra cash. First, I could just keep the 40D and use the money for another, non-photographic purpose. Second, I could get another 7D. Third, I could succumb to my lustful instincts and buy a 5D Mark II (there’s not enough spare change for a Mark III). Fourth, I could keep the 40D and buy the 5D.

Here’s the discussion inside my head: The 40D is a perfectly fine camera. I have no real need to upgrade. And yet. . . . Having two 7Ds, one of which would hardly ever be used, seems to be a bit of a waste. True, there’s the notion that the controls will be identical and, when toting two bodies (which I do not do very often), I’d have equivalency of features/quality regardless of which lens was being used. But would it be worth it for such minimal use? A 5D Mark II, however, could become my new walk-around body (mated to the 24-70 2.8L, with the 70-200 4L in reserve) and the 7D would then become the principal wildlife body mated to the 100-400L and general backup body. For wide angle shots, I’d continue to use the 7D and the 10-22 EF-S until I could swing the purchase of a 16-35L for use on the 5D. But I could buy the 5D and keep the 40D for situations where equipment would be subject to harsh conditions (like the dust of an east African safari). (Yes, I know that it may be counter-intuitive to choose a non-sealed body over a weather-sealed body for harsh conditions but that’s my current thinking.) Or hold fast to what I’ve got and get the overdrive repaired in the weekend driver – but, then, I’ll do that anyway.

So, those are what I think are my options and that’s the dialogue in my head. I’d appreciate hearing your thoughts.
Thanks in advance.

travlnman46 Loc: Yakima WA

Hi Glenn K: I don't know anything about the 7D or the 40D, but I do own the 5D MarkII. It is the only DSLR camera I own. All I can say is I love it, I believe it's one of the finest cameras out there for the money. I got mine when they first came out on to the market. I didn't actually purchase it but got in lieu of money owed me for work I had done and actually. held it for over a year before I started using it. My first lens was a used kit lens a 75-300. Since then I've bought or been given as gifts four other lenses. Ranging from the nifty fifty to the 70-200 2.8 L and just picked up a used 100 2.8 macro usm, last but not least the 24 2.8 wide angle. Needless to say I've been trying out all the lenses and learning as I go. I'm still trying to master the 5D MarkII and if I had to buy a new camera it would certainly be another 5D Mark II. I do like all the features that it offers. The only negative I would have the the 3+ fps which is slower than some of the cameras out there, but then I'm not trying to shoot stop action shots. How ever I have been able to catch a sword in mid air, where it was knocked out of a fighters hand during a ren-faire re-enactment battle between two champions. Hope this helps.

Glenn K

Does, travlnman. Thanks.

travlnman46 Loc: Yakima WA

Hi Glenn K: You're more than welcome, let me know how you like your 5D markII Here is my web page wher I posted that sword shot. http://www.photoshop.com/users/travlnman46

Glenn K

Nice capture, Tman. Reminds me of basic training, except for the audience, of course.

larrycumba

Wait awhile and get the 1D X. Once you get the full frame your crops will probably need dusting from time to time.

Glenn K

At the current price of the 1DX, I suspect the "while" for me would be longer than what I had in mind.

Sirsnapalot Loc: Hammond, Louisiana

U

Spare change is nice!

Glenn K

Indeed; especially these days when so many are struggling. Sometimes the gods favor you.

rpavich Loc: West Virginia

If it were me I'd get a 5D MKII and either get rid of the 40D or whatever.

Then you essentially have two sets of lenses; your normal 35mm view on the 5D and then the "more magnified" on the 7D.

the 7D has things that the 5D doesn't; it's better for action sports/farther away.

The 5D has sick image quality.


That would be my rig.

davidintexas

Owned a 40D and loved it before selling it and getting the 7D. I do a lot of kids sports so the 7D was a better answer for me with the faster frame rates and the addition of video. The biggest knock on the 5D Mark II is the focusing system and slow frame rate. You'd be stepping backwards on these parts of the camera from your 7D while getting your full frame sensor. It seems to me that you'd be better off keeping the change or saving up for the 5D Mark III which would give you a better focusing system, higher ISO's, improved video, better LCD screen, dedicated video, better-placed power button, and a better frame rate. I know the price delta is a big one, but if you're going to go full frame, I would suggest waiting for the MkIII. The 40D and 7D don't limit you in the interim. Or here's a thought, a cheap 5D would get you full frame now at an even more compelling price point if you really want it.

Glenn K

Bob & David: Thanks to you both. More good food for thought.

Willy Loc: Alaska

I have a 7D as well and I love it. I replaced my old 10D with the 7D.
Although the 10D is a museum piece, it still works well. I'm considering having it converted to a IR camera. You may want to consider converting your 40D to IR.

Glenn K

Thanks Willy. Another fine idea.

les_stockton Loc: Eastern Oklahoma

If the 2 cameras have the functionality you need, I would spend the money on top lenses. At some point when you get the functionality out of the body that you need, upgrades become less important there, and the glass is where you get real improvement.

If you are happy with the glass you have already, and can't find an L lens that you don't already have (and need), then I would probably keep the 7D and get a second.