Canon 50D or 7d

[thesyn]

As title really. I have had a 400d for several years and am looking for a better camera body with the plan to keep it for a few years. Mainly photograph landscapes, people and wildlife.

I have read all the reviews I can and threads on here. I like the look of the 7d but being a tight git I was wondering if I would get most of the benefit from a 50d and save some cash.

Anyone been through this or have any thoughts that will make my decision easier. Thanks in advance.

[markmullen]

With the stuff you shoot wouldn't you be better with a 5D for some full frame goodness?

[thesyn]

I only have the 24-105L which would work, my others are the 70-300 and 10-22mm.
Had thought vaguely about it but again I was unsure of the full frame benefit.

[fathomfive]

Have you thought about a 550D aswell?

[thesyn]

Is the 550d as weatherproof as the 50d and 7d?

I was looking for something well made and robust, please tell me if I am wrong about the 550d

[XG332]

the 550d is not sealed. The cameras may be sealed, but remember that the lens often isnt.

[thesyn]

L lenses are surely somewhat waterproof?

I discovered my 10-22 most certainly isn't!

[JABB]

I would offer this.
Get a 40D, and put the remaining cash towards more / better lenses.

[Zod]

thesyn said:

I only have the 24-105L which would work, my others are the 70-300 and 10-22mm.
Had thought vaguely about it but again I was unsure of the full frame benefit.

use of the best lenses at the focal length for which they are designed. The 5D Mk II is a brilliant camera.

[markmullen]

I've been on the hunt for a 1D Mk2 and on my search been impressed with how cheap 1DSs are too, another possibility.

[thesyn]

Interesting comments.

I am especially interested in the idea of the 40d and better lenses.

Would a 10Mp sensor with a superior L lens give superior results to an 18Mp sensor with a more average lens?

Perhaps I am wrong in thinking that technology from the 1D mk1 would not have filtered down to the am/pro entry cameras now available so would be better buying a newer camera?

I would certainly consider buying second hand.

[thesyn]

Interesting comments.

I am especially interested in the idea of the 40d and better lenses.

Would a 10Mp sensor with a superior L lens give superior results to an 18Mp sensor with a more average lens?

Perhaps I am wrong in thinking that technology from the 1D mk1 would not have filtered down to the am/pro entry cameras now available so would be better buying a newer camera?

I would certainly consider buying second hand.

[SamHH]

thesyn said:

L lenses are surely somewhat waterproof?

I don't think any lenses could be described as waterproof but some of the L series lenses have a degree a protection from water.

[MonkeyHanger]

SamHH said:

thesyn said:

L lenses are surely somewhat waterproof?

I don't think any lenses could be described as waterproof but some of the L series lenses have a degree a protection from water.

And even then the seal is only valid on a suitable body (EOS 1v and the 1 series DSLR's) and in some cases also requires a filter to be fitted to the front of the lens.

Canon uses vague terms such as "Weather /Environmental Sealing" and IMHO anyone using a high-value Camera & Lens in rain without a suitaable cover is asking for trouble. The seals can and do fail.

All of these require a filter on front to complete the sealing
24L II
50L
17-40L
16-35L (I & II)
24-105L
24-70L
100L IS
70-200L IS (f/4 & f/2.8) Note - the NON IS versions are NOT sealed.

All these don't require a front filter to complete sealing
200 f/2 L IS
300 f/2.8 L IS
400 f/4 DO IS
400 f/2.8 L IS
500 f/4 L IS
600 f/4 L IS
800 f/5.6 L IS

This list may be slightly out of date due to recent releases.

Edited by MonkeyHanger on Friday 8th October 22:44

[RobDickinson]

7D is pretty weatherproof, everything is ruber gasketed and its as good as the old 1 series film bodies, not quite up to the current 1 series digitals.

Not all L's are sealed and as above some require filters too.

7D is plenty though, had it out in rain (fjordland etc) fine.

As for which body.... 7D is a better camera than the 50D, but by how much?

Better viewfinder, more configurable and the AF is certainly better (tho not if you use single shot single point, center ).

Viewfinder is better too.

The extra resolution isnt much, the higher ISO noise is probably significant and noticable.

Do you want video ?

7D is all round better, but its by a small margin, and there should be some good deals on 50D's now, upgrade that 70-300 to a 100-400L with the spare cash..

[rottie102]

....and there's always the 60D. I bought one yesterday and I love it so far!

[thesyn]

Hi Rob, that is really what I was wondering, as to whether the extra resolution and build is worth the extra cash, so I think the 50d plus better glass would be a better option for me.

I have wondered about the 100-400 in the past, others have posted opinions that it is an old design and recommend the sigma 150-500, does anyone have any opinions on this?

Also does anyone know of any good deals on a 50D , new or s/h?

Thanks again for all the input on another "which camera thread"

[Chicken Pox]

thesyn said:

Hi Rob, that is really what I was wondering, as to whether the extra resolution and build is worth the extra cash, so I think the 50d plus better glass would be a better option for me.

I have wondered about the 100-400 in the past, others have posted opinions that it is an old design and recommend the sigma 150-500, does anyone have any opinions on this?

Also does anyone know of any good deals on a 50D , new or s/h?

Thanks again for all the input on another "which camera thread"

is £539/£554 good for s/hand 50D, not really looked at bodies since bought s/hand 40D so not sure (40D seems to be holding value around £430ish)

[Hedgeman]

For your subject matter I'd consider a second hand 5D Mk1 unless your budget can stretch to a Mk2.

I've got a 50D and a 5D Mk1, and apart from action shots where the speed of the 50D counts, I use the 5D every time.

Edited by Hedgeman on Saturday 9th October 10:22

[thesyn]

Hi Hedgeman, you now have me thinking about a 5D mk 1.

They seem quite reaonably priced, (at the risk of sounding like a complete fool) can you or anyone explain to me why the full frame will give me better results please.