A Camera Upgrade Question...

68lbs · 6 Nov 2008

Ok, work are looking to buy a cheap dslr shortly (probably 450D), and I am wondering whether I should sell my 400D to them and upgrade.

I hadn't planned on upgrading for years yet... and thought that one day, when I did, it would be to go full frame. However, I'm quite taken by the 50D, it just seems a whole lot more camera than my 400D and I am really attracted to the live-view to aid composition. Do you think this would be a worthwhile move, or should I just stick with the 400D?

Subject wise, I am learning so will attempt to shoot anything, but wildlife and people don't interest me greatly and I much prefer the route of the lone landscape photographer - hence why I thought one day i would go FF.

Anyone got any useful thoughts?

Toothie · 6 Nov 2008

I have the same dilemma Lee, I'm not overly interested in motor sport, people or wildlife mostly landscapes and still life so fps doesn't really interest me as much as full frame, i would like to upgrade my 350d as cameras have moved on with things like bigger screens, live view and built in sensor cleaning etc etc, do i spend the money and get a 40d /50d or hope one day i will be able to afford the 5dM2?? I know it doesn't really help your problem but i am intrested in the answers.

hyakuhei · 6 Nov 2008

hmm, you can get a second hand mint condition 5D for the same money as a new 50D

If you don't need the FPS, want high quality and FF - looks like an easy choice to me.

68lbs · 6 Nov 2008

hyakuhei said:
hmm, you can get a second hand mint condition 5D for the same money as a new 50D

I thought someone might mention this. The only thing is, it's old technology isn't it? And considering I wouldn't upgrade again for years, I would prefer newer technology in the first place. I also can't afford to upgrade lenses at this point.

Toothie · 6 Nov 2008

What's the difference between a 5d and a 5d M2? new technology wise?

68lbs · 6 Nov 2008

Toothie said:
What's the difference between a 5d and a 5d M2? new technology wise?

newer processor, newer sensor, higher iso, live view, bigger screen...

I'm no expert as hadn't really considered it at this stage, so these are just off the top of my head.

Toothie · 6 Nov 2008

ok fair enough wasn't sure how long the 5d had been around

Shall we see if we can get a discount if we buy 2 50ds?

68lbs · 6 Nov 2008

^^ Bumpity bump... anyone got any helpful thoughts for me?

AliB · 6 Nov 2008

You might call the 5D old technology but the ISO performance is still very good. ISO 1600 is well within it's reach. Until a few weeks ago it was Canon's current model and yet here are people writing it off already. It's still a very capable camera and I'm not getting rid of mine!

As always, it depends what you are shooting but I've always said, if it's not moving too fast the 5D is a lovely bit of kit. Out of all the improvements, the only one that I personally think is any real benefit (rather than a sales tool) is the sensor cleaning. (But I clean my own and it's not a problem)

I'd much rather have a 5D with some decent glass than a 50D with a kit lens.

MPB have two in stock for around £800. That's a bargain, go and have one each!