7D vs 5D2???

[colvinatch]

I have extensive experience with both cameras, I love the 5D for it's full frame. where a 50mm lens acts like a 50mm lens as an old film shooter, I'm home.  Also the low light ability of the 5D is AMAZING.  Having said that I also love the 7D and feel that in many ways it is a superior camera, better, faster autofocus, excellent image quality, very fast frame rate.  If I had to chose between the two (thankfully I don't) for everyday shooting I would pick the 7D over the 5D. 

I love the extra reach and the frame rate and the low light ability of the 7D it is not that awful although not as great as the 5D.  I Use my 5D as more or less a studio camera and for portrait shoots.  I use the 7D for everything else.  Having said all this, I would hold off on purchasing the 7D for a couple of months as the 7D mark II is right around the corner, the release of that camera will drive the price of the 7D down a couple of hundred (both new and used) and you may like the features of the 7D mark II over the original 7D.  My 2 Cents.

[neuroanatomist]

Use my 5D as more or less a studio camera and for portrait shoots.  I use the 7D for everything else.

Interesting perspective.  I should ask - you state 5D, do you mean the original or the Mark II?  Personally, I had the 7D for a while before getting a 5DII, and after that the 7D was relegated to birds/wildlife only, with the 5DII used for ~85% of my shooting, despite it's shortcomings on AF.

[CharlieB]

I've got both.

I've HAD Rebel/XT, Rebel/XTi, then the 5Dmk2, then 7D.

My "plan" was always to go FF, so I specifically limited my EF-S lenses to the kit lens, and nothing else.

The 5D2 does it for me... could use better low light, but its WAY better than the 7D, or Rebels I had.  I love available dark, but learned to shoot within the constraints of film, say to ISO 1200 or 1600 or so, but using fast lenses close to, or at wide open.  Can't say if that works for you....

I ended up getting the 7D as a compliment to, not backup for, the 5D2.   I shoot people, events... and the 5D2 is right there, works as I want it to, gives the quality I want.  My other passion is birds... the 7D does it.  It loses some quality, gets some reach, and has the speed and AF tracking that the 5D2 doesn't have.  Different tools for different jobs.  Both are value priced right now.

[colvinatch]

5D Mark II I should have been more clear

[papa-razzi]

I own a 7D and love it.  However, sports is 80% of my shooting.  I had an XSi prior to the 7D and was quite happy with the image quality, but it just didn't cut it for keeping up in the gym with volleyball or basketball.  I bought the 7D for the AF, FPS, and it had a stop higher ISO than my XSi.

I personally find the IQ of the 7D a bit dissapointing when shooting in low light and high ISO (above 800).  High ISO in daylight is much better - it seems to be the combination of low light and high ISO.  Other than that I have no complaints at all with the 7D.

If I was shooting what you described, I wouldn't get a 7D.  I don't see an advantage that the 7D would give you over your current camera for what you shoot.

[DCM1024]

I found my 7D to be one stop better for ISO than the T2

... um, but, but, they have the same sensor?! And looking at sample shots the 7d is probably worse because it has higher banding due to the dual readout channels.

From DP Review's review of the T2i:

18.7 megapixel CMOS sensor
The 550D uses a new, 18.7 (total) megapixel sensor that's similar, but not exactly the same as the one featured in the 7D (according to our sources at Canon).

[Marsu42]

The 550D uses a new, 18.7 (total) megapixel sensor that's similar, but not exactly the same as the one featured in the 7D (according to our sources at Canon).

That most probably only concerns the modified readout (dual digic4 on the 7d, single digic4 550d/600d/60d), so it's not exactly the same *physical* sensor - but it certainly has the same image quality.

[bycostello]

7d for what u shoot the crop sensor wil suit you better

[ScottyP]

You say you don't do sports, and you didn't mention BIF (Birds In Flight), so I think you already have all the "crop multiplier" telephoto help you need with your T2i.  It does not sound like you much need the better AF (or the weatherproofing) on the same-sensored 7D.
 
If you are going to get another camera, I'd get one that was significantly different (for what you shoot) than your T3i; IE Full Frame.  Or at very least a brand new crop sensor that we have not yet seen.  I'd say go 5D2, or maybe see what the 6D looks like.  Or possibly wait to see if the 7D2 or 70D will have a radically improved crop sensor.

[Zv]

I have all three cameras t2i, 7D and 5D II, i would say wait until the 7D replacement comes out before buying anything. The t2i performs really well for a entry level camera. The 7D's main advantage is its AF system. If you dont need the AF speed and tracking then the t2i is just as good. Plus youd have to buy CF cards for the 5D / 7D which are a bit pricey. The 5D is an improvement but I'd again wait for some 6D reviews before buying it. I think t2i to 6D is a sensible leap.

What would u do with the old t2i if u upgrade? Second body? Sell?

[houston1852]

I would keep the t2I as a second camera to carry around.  My main reason for buying anotther body is because I get tired of changing lenses so much.  One minute I'm taking a photo of an old fence post, the next im taking a photo of a bug, the next I'm shooting the landscape.  I just feel if I'm buying a 2nd body I should try to upgrade...although a new t2I body is only around $600.  I know my 24-70 would benefit from the 5D2 but I feel like if I go that route I would also have to buy the 16-35L.  My 10-22 wouldn't work on the 5D but that would be the body to use for landscapes.  So frustrating!  I know I would miss the crop factor with my 400L and 100 macro but to be able to shoot later into the evening would be a bonus too!  I have "shot" some birds in flight but there isn't a huge variety around here.  To give an example of what I shoot you can view my website at www.ryanpatrick.zenfolio.com. As of right now I just shoot for fun.  Maybe someday ill set up a booth at the local street fairs.

[Zv]

Yeah I know the feeling. I hate changing lenses when I'm out n about. I did the same thing, i bought a second body but wanted it to be an upgrade so i went for the 5D II. I ended up selling my 10-22 for a 17-40L as it didnt make sense to do landscapes on my 7D when I had a 5D lying around! It was a bit of a pain reshuffling my gear but worth it.

Also, the price of the 5D II is at a bargain low now for what is essentially a professional full frame camera, tried and true. go for it! Lenses like the 10-22 are easy to sell.

[Dylan777]

Sell your 5D(I or II), 7D and all crop lenses. Use that money for 1D X or 5D III.

[Zv]

Sell your 5D(I or II), 7D and all crop lenses. Use that money for 1D X or 5D III.

Are you referring to the OP? I don't think he has any of those bodies. Or did you mean in general? I have thought about it and I'd rather have two cameras bodies - one crop and one FF - than have just one FF body. I like the flexibility of having both.