Chris Gampat 
, Mar 21, 2010; 06:19 p.m.
Hey everyone,
So I'm a wedding, event, party, portrait and concert photographer in NYC and I've got the 5D Mk II. I'm currently looking for a second body but don't want to spend all too much. Here are the lenses I have first off:
* 80-200mm F2.8 L "Magic Drainpipe"
* 50mm F1.8 II
* 85mm F1.8
* 24-105mm F4 L IS
and I've got the 430 EX II.
I'm trying to decide on whether I should get the 5D Mk I, 40D or 7D as my second camera considering the current lenses I have. I was weighing the pros and cons of each very carefully and I still can't totally make a decision. I've tried all of them out at B&H as well. Here's some more info:
* My wedding clients love to make big prints
* My headshot clients will make 8x10 prints of just use them for the web
* My party clients only usually make prints on 4x6" paper
* My concert clients just put stuff on their myspace
I also tend to shoot at the higher ISO settings, like 1600+ and at weddings I'm often at 3200 or above so I need good high ISO. Now if I buy a cropped body, it may be a bit tough to get the full range needed for weddings with my lenses unless I put the 24-105mm F4 L IS on the 5D Mk II and the 85mm F1.8 on the cropped body otherwise I miss out on a big part of the shooting range.
The 5D also does not have sensor cleaning, something that I find I need.
The 40D doesn't seem to have the best high ISOs.
The 7D is a bit expensive.
Ideas? Thoughts? Please help.
JDM von Weinberg 
, Mar 21, 2010; 06:30 p.m.
5D is a wonderful body but the lack of the sensor cleaning feature is a problem. You have to be very careful when you change lenses (as I found out).
I don't think that the high ISOs are that much of a problem on the 40D (but then I shoot at ISO 3200 on a 20D, so I'm clearly a very noise-tolerant guy).
The advantage of any APS-C body is that it makes all your lenses practically new focal lengths (the 1.6X). Not good for wide angle, but great for telephoto. Your 50mm magically becomes a wonderful (if a little hexagonally bokeh-ish) portrait lens, for example. On the other hand, if your 5DII goes down, you will lose wide angle unless you get an "ultrawide" or at least very wide lens for an APS-C camera (which you then have to lug around).
The 7D is actually supposed to be more like an APS-C version of the various 1 series cameras in terms of ruggedness, sealing, and the like, so it may well be worth the money. It is reviewed well, and most people here who have them seem pretty happy.
Peter J , Mar 21, 2010; 06:41 p.m.
Most non sticky dust with the 5D can be easily removed by following the manufacturer's instruction with the use of a double valved blower. I recommend a used 5D. ISO images above 1600 will be noisier than the 5D MKII, however. APS-C I am not a fan of simply because the IQ is not yet equal to a full frame sensored camera.
David Stephens , Mar 21, 2010; 08:27 p.m.
You don't specify a need that would lead me to think that you need a crop-sensor camera. A 5D won't give you the same high ISO performance that you're used to with the 5D MkII, nor will the 7D or 40D. If you only want a backup, then try to find a used 5D MkII.
If wanted to do some wildlife or sports, then I'd say go for the 7D, but in your professional work I don't see you with a crop-sensor.
Jim H. , Mar 21, 2010; 08:30 p.m.
If you have the cash , buy the 7D but there is almost 800 dollars difference between the 40d and the 7d, I uses the 40d for weddings and It works for me, and I get nothing but great repsonse, from the Bride and Groom and family.If you are only going for a backup, I would choose 40d. They are a bit more scarce, than they were last year, but can still be had , if you look, online like Adomorama of B&H , Amazon has them bu they were slighty higher for some reason.
Mark Anthony Kathurima 
, Mar 22, 2010; 03:05 a.m.
"...but don't want to spend all too much" - OP
Maybe you could simply rent a second 5D2 as and when required, until you can afford a second one. In any case, based on your indicated needs, I would stick with a 5D2.
Harry Joseph , Mar 22, 2010; 03:07 p.m.
"The 5D also does not have sensor cleaning, something that I find I need.
The 40D doesn't seem to have the best high ISOs.
The 7D is a bit expensive.'
You are not leaving youself allot of room here.
Chris Gampat , Mar 22, 2010; 07:23 p.m.
Well this is all very interesting.
Jim- See, for $1,400 I can get a used 7D. For around $1,650 I can get a 5D and a 40D.
Mark- I'm actually tired of renting all the time. I want something to actually keep. Besides I learned once that I came to a shoot and my 5D Mk II sensor was oddly dirty. So I want a backup just in case and don't constantly want to have to have to rent.
Harry- Which is why I'm asking you guys for help. What are your recommendations?
Marc Felber , Mar 23, 2010; 12:20 a.m.
Used 1ds Mark ii, would be a great camera to add.
Chris Gampat , Mar 23, 2010; 09:20 a.m.
Marc, the 1Ds Mark II is the same price as a 5D Mk II pretty much. I got mine refurbished for $2000
