Making a mistake?

Sean, you probably got more (all are very thoughtful advices) than what you were looking for and now is less certain what to get than before. None's needs and/or wants are the same as yours. IMHO, it all comes down the spending priority or budget limit, since both bodies will provide enough power for taking a good image. Just think about this: for ~$1600, one can get a 5D (new) or a 40D + the newest iPhone + a nice meal with a love one. Either way, no mistake is made.

 

BTW I moved from 20D to 5D recently, only because it's a good deal (~$1360), since I was happy with the 20D. I sold the 20D for $550 (Bought for ~$850 when there was a triple-rebate), about $0.45/day, 1/3 of price of a cup of coffee. I do plan to get a 40D for telephoto, only when the 50D comes to the market (or a triple-rebate offer again?).

Sorry, didn't realize you made decision already when I was typing.

 

Enjoy shooting!

David,

 

See when you write that it makes me feel like either will do a good job at taking photo's, but I need to look at as people have said. Your insight was helpful. Thank you. I don't think I will regret any choice I make, I just want to be sure on the right tool for the job.

I'm still using my "old outdated" original 1Ds... several years "old" now. Funny, not one of

my wedding clients has ever not liked their photos or refused to hire me because I was not

using the "latest and greatest" camera.

 

steve

(most definitely NOT one of the manufacturer's "upgrade brainwashed" zombies)

I shoot with a 5D, as a part time pro, and photography teacher. I work in technology too - I am a CTO. And yet I just replaced my two year old 5D with another 5D.

 

Be careful not to fall into any traps. I see my students come up to me all the time saying "I have a 30D, and I need the 40D", that sort of thing. "Poor man", I think when I hear that. As a pro, you need certain minimum things. The 5D gives you those in droves. Quality, pro features, easy function use (exposure compensation is a dial, not a menu entry, that sort of thing). You do not need more. The size of the

display, the Digiic processor (2 or 3?), amillion other features are noce to havrs, btu by no means "necessary". I think you can go ahead and get a 5D in the full confidence this is a pr camera that will help you get the most out of your photography. Have fun and enjoy it - ignore the 6D for another few years.

I echo Steve's comments, not one client has ever asked what camera or lens I used for that pic, and neither has a photo buyer ever asked what equipment I used. I'll probably buy a 5d soon, I could care less when the next generation is coming out. I bought a new 10 d in Jan 2006 from B&H, nothing wrong with yesterday's technology. Of course Canon is a sponsor for this forum, so they want you to upgrade. The upgrade thing is mainly an ego thing, and people searching for magic bullets. Tom (still using my 1981 F1n!)

I've been at the same stage for a few weeks now after loosing my 400D and my 70-200 L to a brief ducking in the sea, I posted a similar query a few weeks ago as to wether I should wait for the upgraded 5D or go with the 40D (landscapes are my bag)

 

I have just today purchased a new 5d and eagerly await its arrival.

 

Although I'm sure I will look longingly at the new model when it comes out and wish I had it, the fact remains that it is likely to be at the end of the year and most cirtainly at at a higher price.

 

The end of the year is a long way away, nearly three seasons of beautiful images, it's a lot to miss out on!

 

So the bottom line after reading the replies to my post is, the 5d is a fantastic camera Now, it will be at the end of the year, and it will still be in a few years from now. The other thing that assured me is that the 5D is a good price now (although prices have climbed ahead of the rebate rumoured in March) and the mark 11 is like likely to be a few hundred pounds higher and would be a long time before it's likely to be discounted.

 

By the way, I first went down the route of buying a second hand 20D to put me on and it's a bit of a lemon!

I would just like to clarify to my comment above the the 20D which I bought was in it's self a lemon, not that the 20D is a lemon. That's the trouble with second hand gear.

 

Just another thought to put things into perspective. If the mark 11 comes out to be somewhere in the region of GBP350 higher in price, which is quite likely, that is the cost of a 580 flash gun or a great set of Lee Filters. Isn't it funny how we sometimes get blinded into thinking that several hundred pounds higher isn't too bad on an upgrade, and then hold back on other essential purchases because we've blown our budget.

Good point Andy. I am going from Film to Digital so I want to make the right jump. I am still up in the air on this one. My gut says 40D, my brain says 5D. Stupid organs. Anyway the point I am trying to make is for my shooting, either is going to give me good results. Just don't know. Like I said, its hard to tell. Right now my cart has a 5D in it, but it could change. I do have another month and a bit before I hit order.