upgrading my camera???

wrogers · #1 (**permalink**) 10-05-2009, 01:36 PM

Hi all

I have a 400D at the moment and it seems to be limiting my phtography....

I want spot metering, better AF, better ISO (levels and noise) and more FPS for the odd burst

I know that I should be manually metering, manually focusing, using the camera in 'good' light and trigger the shutter at the precise moment, but hey, most of the pro's don't!!

I have £900 to spend max (with a few more weeks of earning!!!)

I have a few options....

S/H 1D Mk2

S/H 1D Mk2N

S/H 5D

450D

500D

40D

50D

which are the best options for a 'nature' photographer (wildlife, landscape macro and sports)

obviously saving money would be good as that would allow a battery grip as well....

should I until September/October to see if the 50D/500D drop in price??

is the 40D outclassed by the 1D2 or 50D??

is the 1D2 outclassed by the 50D??

please help!!!!

Will

Mike Jackson · #2 (**permalink**) 10-05-2009, 02:39 PM

I've just upgraded from the 300D to the 50D. Brilliant bit of kit as far as I'm concerned. I've still not got to grips with all the features but it's so much better than the 300D. The supplied software is excellent as well. I didn't shoot much in RAW before because of the hassle of working with it. Digital Photo professional makes working with RAW a walk in the park.

I'm still not getting some of the images I want but that's down to me now rather than the camera.

mike

glsammy · #3 (**permalink**) 10-05-2009, 03:48 PM

I'm not sure how the 400D rates compared to the 40D re AF performance. I know I'm not at all satisfied with my 40D in that area. When I was at Gigrin recently I was comparing some shots I got with a user with a 1D MkIII. I was showing them that for 25% of my shots which were in focus they shouldn't have been, i.e. I missed the bird but the shot was still in focus, and 25% of them it was the other way round.

So you can gather that a quarter of my good shots in the Gallery should have been out of focus!

I'm sure the 1D MkII will out perform both the 40D and the 50D in that area, plus give a faster frame rate. Where you will lose out is in the mega pixel area. It's "only" an 8 Mpixel camera. How import that is to you only you can decided.
I came very close recently to buying a MKII, I still might.

NJP87 · #4 (**permalink**) 10-05-2009, 04:10 PM

i have no experience with canon, but from what i have heard the AF is so much better with there pro bodies

Jim Ford · #5 (**permalink**) 10-05-2009, 06:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wrogers

is the 40D outclassed by the 1D2 or 50D??

The review of the 50D on Digital Camera Reviews and News: Digital Photography Review: Forums, Glossary, FAQ didn't find the image quality to be as good as that of the 40D!

Jim

Geoff F · #6 (**permalink**) 10-05-2009, 07:29 PM

Don't be an old skinflint, get a new 1Ds Mk III and you won't have any more problems - a real snip at a little over £5000.

But back in the real world. I've just checked some prices and a new 40D is selling for just under £600 compared with over £800 for the 50D and most reviews seem to say that, for most people, there isn't a lot of benefit in the newer model.

The problem with getting a secondhand camera is how was it treated by the previous owner? You may get a bargain or you may soon regret the deal, and it is going to be a lot of money on an unknown item.

Going by the way camera equipment keeps rising in price I wouldn't wait any longer, especially if the pound stays low against the dollar, etc.

Zeugma · #7 (**permalink**) 10-05-2009, 10:10 PM

I've had a 350D since 2005 and recently acquired the funds to 'upgrade.'
I bought a used 1D MkII from a pro photographer (wedding studio) in Canterbury. Got it in damn near mint condition for £640 with all accessories, two batteries (new £135 each) and the original packaging.
I've been very satisfied with it. Sensor wise, it may 'only' be 8.3Mp (same as 350D but with 1.3x APS-H sensor) but the results have been marvellous.
Spot metering, fast AF, high speed burst, works flawlessly.
I've since acquired a 17-40 f4L, 70-200 f2.8L IS and 100 f2.8 Macro to go with it. All these were 'pre owned' but mint.

The build quality and weather sealing of the 1D were a revelation. It is significantly heavy though, especially with a 70-200 bolted on.

If you can find a SH 1D MkII I'd recommend it highly - but - it's the slippery slope once you taste L series glass on a pro body. You'll never go back...

NickCantle · #8 (**permalink**) 10-05-2009, 10:23 PM

I upgraded from the 400D to the 40D for the same reason as you, and it was the best choice I ever made for my photography.

zan · #9 (**permalink**) 11-05-2009, 09:36 AM

I also hit a point where the 400d was starting to limit my photography, and moved to the 40d and it's all the camera I need now, and can catch some excellent images that the 400d just can't. I would say the final image quality is about the same as that on the 400d (which I have always thought was pretty good anyway), but the overall speed makes it much more useful for wildlife. I know there is another thread discussing some issues with the AF in this forum, but I wouldn't let that put you off too much, as it is still a BIG step up from the 400d, and for the price you get a really good camera. Either way, I use both the 400d and 40d for all my photography now, and have been happy with them through the last 3 or 4 canon upgrades, so they can't be that bad!

I've used the 1d mk IIn briefly before I bought my own 400d, and it is a great camera, but much bigger and heavier. The image quality is better, and the focus basically doesn't miss, but you do lose some reach with the 1.3x sensor (might be full frame that one, but not sure) over the 1.6x in the 400 \ 40 etc ranges. I would definately consider one of the 1d range if you can get a good deal on one, but try them out first and see what you prefer yourself.

wrogers · #10 (**permalink**) 11-05-2009, 05:36 PM

Thanks for the replies....

I am now really tempted by the 1D Mk2...

The 40D would be a step up, but for a bit more a SH 1D will always be a better jump...

how old is the 1D Mk2 as most companies keep spares for 10 years....

time to scour most of t'internet for a bargain!!!!

hopefully I can find one!!!

Will

PS any other posts appreciated!!