Note: I prefer feedback from those who have owned (or still own) a 5D2, 7D and 5D3. Thank you.
Background: I own a 5D3 and was looking for a backup body as my 20D is a joke for a backup. I am a Canon pro-sumer of eight years, turning part-time pro shooting family and couples portraits, events and looking to do weddings. I also take pictures of my own family and kids playing sports.
My dilemma, which was resolved with the 5D3 is that I am a stickler for tack-sharp (using more than just the center AF point) pictures, but also demand a good IQ and a low-noise seeker.
So I just received a 5D2 refurb. from Canon Direct with 2,815 shutter actuations on it. Judging by the date stamp on the main battery and the serial number, I am going to deduce that its a early to mid 2012 copy.
The battery charger also looks to be a slightly older one with less refined looking labels/notations on it than the one that came with the new 5D2 I purchased in late December, but had returned, which looked identical to the one that came with my 5D3.
One thing that bugs me is the SET button on the back makes a slapping noise sometimes when you push it. I forget if the previous 5D2 I used did same. My 5D3 and 20D aren't like this.
If I return it for an exchange, I risk them not having one in stock when this gets back to them, I gather.
I know I will need a back-up body if I'm being paid for a shoot. One that will produce great image quality, but I also want good AF. The caveat is that once I shoot weddings or other indoor lower-lit events, I am wondering if the 7D is sufficient. David Ziser seems to think so...
http://bit.ly/9xEebVBut I am concerned about the noise of the images and lack of another FF backup body. I realize if its just a backup at say a wedding, the crop is "good enough" and I could mount my widest lenses to it for wide-angle shots in a pinch.
For sports and nature though - I am missing the reach of my 20D.
Oh, and I also want a camera that has good IQ, but isn't as expensive as my 5D3 to take with me on family trips/vacations.
Any thoughts/feedback? Thanks. I am tempted to just purchase a brand new 7D instead to go along with my 5D3. Once you add sales tax to the Canon Direct purchases, I could save ~$300-400 if I got a new 7D.
Thanks