Need backup camera 40d or 50d?

[thomasbeaman]

<p>I am purchasing a Canon 5d Mark II for my wedding photography business. I already have good glass (28-70L & 70-200L IS)<br>

I would like to purchase a new body as a 2nd/backup. In your opinion, is there enough difference in the 40d and 50d to spend the extra $400 since it is a backup/2nd body.<br>

I guess my question is if you were making the purchase for a backup...would you go with the 40d for $875 or would you go with the 50d for $1300. Again...my main camera will be the 5d Mark II<br>

Thanks for the help</p>

[james_glucksman1]

<p>I have a 50D (never used the 40D, but had the 20D before) and a 5DMkII (used to have a 5D but it was stolen). The 50D makes a great back-up or second body, though I imagine the 40D would be no slouch either. The only thing that might sway you in favor of the 50D is that the controls, screen, and sensor cleaning function on that camera are similar to what you have on the 5DMkII, so you'd have fewer controls to remember. </p>

[mbkissel]

<p>Well, I have the 50D and love it, but if I were looking for a backup for the 5d2, I would probably go with the 40D. That would make the most sense from both economic and frequency of use perspectives.</p>

[douglas lee]

<p>A good back-up to the 5DII would be a used 5D. :-)</p>

[evphotography]

<p>For a backup I would go with 40D, your going to get better high ISO performance and although the feature upgrades are definitely nice on the 50D, but since it is a backup I'm not sure I would want to spend the extra money for a camera you won't use that often.</p>

[PuppyDigs]

<blockquote>

<p>The only thing that might sway you in favor of the 50D is that the controls, screen, and sensor cleaning function on that camera are similar to what you have on the 5DMkII, so you'd have fewer controls to remember.</p>

</blockquote>

<p>Save the lower rez LCD, the controls of the 40D and 50D are nearly identical. I only diff I can recall is the print button may be mapped to life view on the 50D whereas the Set button is used for the same on the 40D. With that said, I'd spring for the 50D as backup for the 5D II. It's only a couple benjamins more and a nice upgrade over the 40D. I think the current 50D price is closer to $1100, not $1300. Come tax season, I'll probably spring for a 5D II as a backup to my 50D.</p>

[JohnMWright]

<p>Nothing wrong with either 40D or 50D but I'd go for a used 5D since you are used to full-frame on the main body.</p>

[diane_stredicke]

<p>Seems to me if you have enough $ to buy a 50D you should buy a lightly used 5D as your backup camera.<br>

<br /></p>

[PuppyDigs]

<p>I find the combo of full frame 5D and cropped 50D ideal: tele on fast crop body and wide to normal on FF. Two of the same or similar would be awkward.</p>

[douglas lee]

<p>Puppy Face -- I agree they compliment each other. However, the original question was for a back-up tot he 5D MkII. If the the 5D MkII fails, the OP just lost his wide angle filed of view. Just a thought. </p>

[gregf]

<p>Used 5D's sell for about the price of 50D's. I would definately opt for a used 5D over an APC-C body anyday.</p>

[bobsimsphoto]

<p>I shoot weddings as well. My primary camera is a 5D and my secondary camera is a 40D. My backup is my trusty 20D. I vote for the 40D.<br>

Bob!</p>