p.1 #1 · another equipment discussion. selecting camera for wedding + equine
Hello. Love this forum and the help I've received here all along.
I have my 40D up for sale, after playing with a friend's 5D a couple of months ago I just really wanted to go full frame and I love the camera. Now I have the chance to get a great deal on one...and I'm having second thoughts.
I shoot horse events and I shoot weddings. I have a backup that I borrow for every single event (30D) but before someone asks, no at this point I cannot afford the 40D AND the 5D.
I'm probably asking this in the wrong forum since this is a bunch of wedding photographers and not equine photographers, but I'm concerned about the 5D build as I believe I've read about some issues with sealing and dust? I'm obviously around it with the horses.
Also, is the focus ok for moderate action? I am not going to be blitzing at 10fps. I know how to time the horses' strides and I seldom shoot anything other than one shot. I do need the focus to be spot on, though. Plus as of now I use an older magic drainpipe (may upgrade) which actually slows the burst rate on my 40D I believe, anyhow. Mixed in with my typical action shots, I do a lot of candid, artsy type shots and I feel the upgrade to the 5D may lend itself well here. Also, how much better is the IQ from the 40D? Especially low light? With bumped ISO to 1600 or even higher? I do a lot of show work inside indoor arenas. Usually pretty well lit, but indoors nonetheless. The 40D was pushed to the max with no flash but did an ok job. And....this is not barrel racing or jumping or anything super fast action. I shoot mostly dressage competitions as well as some breed shows.
The crop factor with my zooms doesn't mean anything for me. I feel with my show shooting that the 80-200 almost gave me TOO much reach at times with the 1.6 crop so a full frame should be just perfect, actually.
So...I guess my question going forward is, I am planning on having a pretty even mix of weddings and shows. Right now I have 5 weddings so far for '09 (I do this as a part time gig) and 8 horse shows. I know no camera can do both really really super well, but I'm looking for the *best* compromise, for now, until my income allows me to have bodies suited specifically for a particular use, and the other can remain a backup. Maybe 2010? Who knows.
Thanks in advance for your help...
Jan 07, 2009 at 05:06 PM
prof_fate Offline • • • • • [X]
p.1 #2 · another equipment discussion. selecting camera for wedding + equine
I've got 3 40Ds and have been shooting them since they came out. I got a 5D this week - too good a deal on them these days not to.
It's S L O W. Slot as in putting an image on teh LCD, as in writing, reviewing, etc. I don't think the focus in low light is all that bad, but you can really only use the center point - bad if you are like me and select the the point you want instead of focus and recompose.
I got it cause it's relativley cheap ($1200 vs what, $2400 6 months ago?) and I will be getting a 5D2 in about 6 weeks and I'd like 2 FF bodies, plus it's got cleaner high ISO than the 40 and I need that often enough to be bothered, and I want REAL fisheye shots.
Is that enough to justify spending $1200....I don't know. I figure to keep the body a year, maybe less, and either move on to a second 5D2 or a 1D3. I just hope the 5D sells for more than $600 in a year!
p.1 #3 · another equipment discussion. selecting camera for wedding + equine
Sarah,
Have you considered trying out the 1DsII since you really want FF? You can get a fantastic deal on an amazing tool to possibly meet your needs & budget.
If you are making money at shooting, I would stretch and get the 1DIII for the ultimate shake & bake body. However, I'm not sure if you want to invest that much in your business at this time. That is a personal choice.
p.1 #4 · another equipment discussion. selecting camera for wedding + equine
Asim, thanks! I have been in fact today reading up on some of the used 1Ds. I think the 1DIII is a bit out of reach financially for me right now as much as I would REALLY honestly love to have the camera. I think it will be feasible for me to purchase something like this before too long, but like Deb's recent post, I don't want to over-invest in equipment so early in the game!
