Upgrade from Canon 50D... opinions?

Andrewbullie

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Hello!

I currently have a Canon 50D body and have done for the last 2 years. However, although it is a great camera, the more and more I use it and get to grips with photography, I am becoming more critical of the images I take because of high noise interference at higher ISO levels. Therefore, I have decided to upgrade in the new year to either a 7D or a 5D Mkii.

Firstly, is there another upgraded version of either of these models planned for 2012 which might make me want to hold off for a little while? Also, if I do go for one of these models then which one would suit me best based on the following:

My favourite types of photography are landscape and derelict building shots, but I also enjoy wildlife pics as well (when I have the time to wait for the shots). I am now also starting to do a little portrait and macro, but not a lot.

Given this mixed use, which one would be more suited to me? I have been told different things by 2 different people. One says 7D because it has more advanced features and better focussing system. The other says 5D mkii as it is full frame and doesn't suffer from noise like the 7D does when using high ISO.

Your thoughts would be very much appreciated.

Thanks
 
I try not to worry too much about noise as I find that it's usually not too bad in a whole image or when printed and only really off putting when cropping heavily and / or boosting the image way beyond what is sensible.

Anyway, the first thing I'd do in your place, as I've done this myself :D is look at shooting technique such as trying to shoot so as to avoid heavy cropping or having to boost the image too much and perhaps exposing to the right if possible and then the second thing I'd do (did) is look at post capture processing and noise reduction.

If you're still not happy I suppose a 5DII could be an answer but it too will give you noise in some situations so may not be a 100% fix. I bought a 5D (original) and initially I was quite disappointed at the amount of noise images displayed but to be honest they react to processing and noise reduction better so the final result after processing is better.
 
You might find the 7d isn't much of an upgrade if *very* clean high iso is what you're after. It's slightly better than the 50d but not by much. The main advantage of the 7d is it's superb AF.

The 5d mk2 is the way to go for ultimate Iq and very good high iso, though if you shoot sports you'll be frustrated by the AF and slow FPS rate. For landscapes, they're hard to beat, but you'll miss the crop factor if the 50d for wildlife.

Somewhere you'll have to compromise!

As a footnote, I get very useable shots at iso 3200 on the 50d! (and looking at what you shoot, high iso doesn't look like an issue??).
 
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I regularly use my 7D at high ISO. Don't pixel peek - correctly exposed they print just fine.

If your existing lenses are EF-S or for crop then the 7D will be an easy upgrade, a 5D II will require possibly some re-thinking on lenses. 7D AF is great for wildlife, but for landscapes and architecture the 5DII system will be fine.
 
The 5d mk2 is the way to go for ultimate Iq and very good high iso, though if you shoot sports you'll be frustrated by the AF and slow FPS rate.

Somewhere you'll have to compromise!

^^Agreed^^

I love my 5DmkII, but when doing track days with my mates, sometimes the Frame Rate annoys me...
 
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