Canon 5d mark 1 or Canon 40d?

[Roblkoster]

Hi,

I have the option of using either camera. I am using the 40d at the moment and love the camera, but I also have the option of using a family members 5d mark1.

I know the 5d m1 is full frame and was top dog in its day (or there abouts), but the 40d is newer (I think) which means updated internals.

So my question to you guys is which would you use? I'm mainly shooting portraits, street photography and live performances (music, comedy) - which would you say is the better camera?

I'm doing my research too, but wanted to put it to the experts on here while I compiled the tech info (number of focus points, ISO noise, FPS, etc)

Thanks,

Rob

 

[woof woof]

If you have access to both cameras why not just shoot some example shots with each and see which you like best?

 

[cymruchris]

I think the 5d would give better results overall.. but both are very good cameras

 

[pearce_jj]

At the risk of stating the obvious - it really depends what glass you have.

 

[seriousrikk]

It does depend on the glass.

However one use you mentioned, live music, the 5d will deliver better overall image quality. Couple it with a 50mm lens and you have a nice little setup.

 

[Magnus]

IQ wise, 5d.

 

[Jayst84]

As said, have a play with both and see what you like.

If it was me though, 5D everyday of the week, the 40D isn't that much newer, and the 5D makes better pictures.

I had a 5D for a few years, only got rid of it recently. I used a 40D alongside for a couple of shoots, hated it.

 

[StewartR]

I have both. I think the 5D delivers better images on the whole, but that's its only real advantage and I prefer the 40D for day-to-day use. The 5D has a really primitive menu system; no onboard flash (which can come in handy at times); no live view (ditto); and a limited frame rate. I don't necessarily use all these capabilities of the 40D all the time, but the lack of features on the 5D can sometimes be really frustrating.