I can't decide what to do!

[gputah]

I have been doing weddings for just over a year now and use and love my 7D, EXCEPT in low light. I'm not completely satisfied with the IQ of the 7D because I'm a pixel-peeper and hate noise. I also find it not quite as sharp, even at iso 100, as I would like it to be. Like many have said before, if it were a FF camera, it would be the perfect camera. The recent rumors make it seem as if the new 5DMKIII will be just that, a full frame 7D. However, I can't base my decisions on rumors.

I am looking at going full frame and gain a bit better low light performance as well as sharper images overall. I have the 7D and use a tamron 17-50 2.8 lens and love it. I also have the Canon 70-200 2.8 IS lens. I will sell all of the above to make my purchase. I figure I can buy the 70-200 again in the future and a 24-70 ish zoom would be a must for weddings.

Let me know you 2 cents. Thanks.

 

[DzPhotography]

Just wait a while. In any case, I wouldn't take the 1D, it's too old, it doesn't have that good of an ISO performance. If the new 5D is announced, you will still be able to get a MkII if you want to

 

[well_dunno]

I also think it is better to wait and see what comes out at this stage...

 

[SpareImp]

Since the D800s announcement, I’ve seen countless used Nikon-cameras for sale and I expect it to be no different when/if the 5D Mark III is announced. So you could either get a Mark III or a good deal on a used Mark II just by waiting, which would also give you more money for new glass. If I were you, I would give it until March – at least.

 

[7enderbender]

I have been doing weddings for just over a year now and use and love my 7D, EXCEPT in low light. I'm not completely satisfied with the IQ of the 7D because I'm a pixel-peeper and hate noise. I also find it not quite as sharp, even at iso 100, as I would like it to be. Like many have said before, if it were a FF camera, it would be the perfect camera. The recent rumors make it seem as if the new 5DMKIII will be just that, a full frame 7D. However, I can't base my decisions on rumors.

I am looking at going full frame and gain a bit better low light performance as well as sharper images overall. I have the 7D and use a tamron 17-50 2.8 lens and love it. I also have the Canon 70-200 2.8 IS lens. I will sell all of the above to make my purchase. I figure I can buy the 70-200 again in the future and a 24-70 ish zoom would be a must for weddings.

Let me know you 2 cents. Thanks.

Even though I voted for your option 2 I'm not convinced that you are on the right track. Here's why:

I personally wouldn't shoot something as important as a wedding without a backup. And where I am right now I don't even feel that I would want to shoot weddings at all because in my opinion you have to be really well equipped for that - both from a skill set perspective as well as far as gear is concerned. And I'd say that is true no matter if you do it for free, for a little fee or for $10,000. But that's my personal stance on it and I don't have to live on photography. The 7D is a very fine camera and should be well suited for what you are trying to do. Only I'd bring a second one and maybe a bit more lens choices and certainly enough light unless you insist of being an available light person - which is then something you have to make clear to your clients and may require indeed a change in your setup.

And let me ask you this: You are a self-proclaimed pixel peeper and you hate noise. What about your clients? Do they complain about "noise" or any grain? What do you do for post-processing? This is all a matter of taste and changing expectations but I personally find myself adding artificial film grain often in low light situations rather than trying remove noise from my 5DII files. I don't pixel peep usually and "hate" the plastic look of high ISO capabilities and NR software. But that's me. Haven't gotten any complaints from my clients about that yet.

I would recommend to not rush anything. If you are getting paid for your wedding jobs see if you can maybe rent a second body and perhaps try out a few lenses that way. And if you have a few bucks left maybe consider a fast prime in your favorite focal range. In the end these are just tools that you'll need to build your business and what counts most are happy couples and in-laws and so forth not if you shot with a 7D or 5DX or whatever.

 

[EYEONE]

I have another option. Instead of buying a body you could buy a 35mm f1.4L and a 135mm f2.0L (possibly a 85mm 1.8 or 1.2 also if could afford it). That would help with your low light problem of the 7D. I used a 35mm f1.4L on my 7D for my last wedding the entire time (70-200 on a back up body) and it worked well. Never had to shoot higher than ISO 2500 and even then I even then I could have dropped it a little if I wanted to (I was trying to keep 1/320sec or so). The pictures came out great.

I'd suggest do that, or wait.

 

[Mt Spokane Photography]

I have been doing weddings for just over a year now and use and love my 7D, EXCEPT in low light. I'm not completely satisfied with the IQ of the 7D because I'm a pixel-peeper and hate noise. I also find it not quite as sharp, even at iso 100, as I would like it to be. Like many have said before, if it were a FF camera, it would be the perfect camera. The recent rumors make it seem as if the new 5DMKIII will be just that, a full frame 7D. However, I can't base my decisions on rumors.

I am looking at going full frame and gain a bit better low light performance as well as sharper images overall. I have the 7D and use a tamron 17-50 2.8 lens and love it. I also have the Canon 70-200 2.8 IS lens. I will sell all of the above to make my purchase. I figure I can buy the 70-200 again in the future and a 24-70 ish zoom would be a must for weddings.

Let me know you 2 cents. Thanks.

If you haven't been able to get sharp images from your 7D, you either need it repaired, or your lens repaired. Try a 17-55mm EF-s.

Perhaps if you post some of the images that are problamatic along with the settings you used, someone can give you some tips. Certainly, higher shutter speeds should be prominent on the list of things to try when looking for sharper images. Don't just depend on IS.

 

[gputah]

I never said I was not able to get sharp images. I have gotten some extremely sharp images with my 7D. However overall I was not completely satisfied with the IQ of the 7D. It is softer than the 5D MK II by quite a bit.
If you go to this site and review ISO performance charts, you will see what I mean: http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Canon-EOS-7D-Digital-SLR-Camera-Review.aspx - scroll down about 1/4th of the review to the ISO comparison charts. If you compare the 5D and the 7D, it is obvious how much detail is lost between the sensors, especially in higher ISO. That is my biggest complaint with the 7D, I run into that when I shoot no flash ceremonies and receptions that are low light. I use bounce flash almost every reception, but I would love to limit flash use overall.

 

[wickidwombat]

If you compare the 5D and the 7D, it is obvious how much detail is lost between the sensors, especially in higher ISO. That is my biggest complaint with the 7D, I run into that when I shoot no flash ceremonies and receptions that are low light. I use bounce flash almost every reception, but I would love to limit flash use overall.

I say wait, at least until the offical announcement then decide.

and don't limit your flash master it instead

 

[gputah]

If you compare the 5D and the 7D, it is obvious how much detail is lost between the sensors, especially in higher ISO. That is my biggest complaint with the 7D, I run into that when I shoot no flash ceremonies and receptions that are low light. I use bounce flash almost every reception, but I would love to limit flash use overall.

I say wait, at least until the offical announcement then decide.

and don't limit your flash master it instead

I am pretty good with the flash and lighting, however I love taking pictures without drawing attention. You get better candids that way. Its hard not to notice a flash. That would be the only reason to limit it.

 

[D.Sim]

personally I love the 70-200 for weddings. Selling that would be a mistake, imho...

I'd personally think you'd be better off upgrading your glass - and if you did want to upgrade the body, the 5DII would suffice, as you won't exactly need a high fps performer. I'd still keep the 7D and use it as a backup though...

 

[Hillsilly]

The 1Ds Mkii also lacks video, which might be important with weddings.

But they're well built, have good battery life (1,500+ photos per charge), weather sealed, have dual card capability, excellent images at low ISOs, great autofocus. For what they do well, and at the prices they're going for, they're a good buy.

 

[PeterJ]

I am pretty good with the flash and lighting, however I love taking pictures without drawing attention. You get better candids that way. Its hard not to notice a flash. That would be the only reason to limit it.

I like to shoot that way as well so I think getting rid of the 70-200 would be a mistake. When you put a 24-70 on a FF you'll have less reach than your current 17-50, it's a good choice for outdoor group shots but to catch any candid / intimate moments involving a few people and frame well you'll have to be quite close. Do you use the 70-200 much for weddings at the moment? If so you should probably look at some of your favourite candids and see the focal length used to make sure you won't lose too much length with a 24-70, which would be about the same as 15 - 44 as reported by your current EXIF data.

 

[gputah]

I am pretty good with the flash and lighting, however I love taking pictures without drawing attention. You get better candids that way. Its hard not to notice a flash. That would be the only reason to limit it.

I like to shoot that way as well so I think getting rid of the 70-200 would be a mistake. When you put a 24-70 on a FF you'll have less reach than your current 17-50, it's a good choice for outdoor group shots but to catch any candid / intimate moments involving a few people and frame well you'll have to be quite close. Do you use the 70-200 much for weddings at the moment? If so you should probably look at some of your favourite candids and see the focal length used to make sure you won't lose too much length with a 24-70, which would be about the same as 15 - 44 as reported by your current EXIF data.

I hadn't thought of that and I suppose that is one reason why I have the 70-200 and like it so much is because of its reach. If I don't sell the lens, I would only be able to afford a 5d classic. That is if I decided to sell my 7D. I still think the 5D classic out performs my 7d in ISO. But it only goes to 3200 and has very few features compared to my 7D. So not sure I want to go that route.

 

[bycostello]

i think your problems are probably your lenses not the camera... maybe get some L glass?

 

[marekjoz]

Microadjust your lens and camera. Find better lens to try on your 7d. 7d is quite fine if it works with good lens. I didn't find it not being sharp with ie 50 1.4, 70-200 f4 IS, or 17-40 which are not the best at all. The results are impressive at least and in terms of sharpness there is not so much difference with 5d2.

 

[gputah]

Microadjust your lens and camera. Find better lens to try on your 7d. 7d is quite fine if it works with good lens. I didn't find it not being sharp with ie 50 1.4, 70-200 f4 IS, or 17-40 which are not the best at all. The results are impressive at least and in terms of sharpness there is not so much difference with 5d2.

My biggest issue is high ISO sharpness. Anything above 800 ISO on the 7D, sharpness starts taking a nose dive.

However, I just picked up a 5D MK II from an older woman that has had it for a year nad its in perfect condition. 796 shutter releases! I purchased it for 1800. I'm quite happy with the purchase and I was able to do it by just selling my 7D and the Tamron. I still have my 70-200 2.8 IS and have a 24-70 2.8 on order. So far very happy with the EQ. I have noticed right off that the AF is no where near the 7D's AF it terms of performance. Anything except the center AF point is worthless on the 5D, imo. But the center point is fairly accurate and I've been satisfied so far.

 

[D.Sim]

Microadjust your lens and camera. Find better lens to try on your 7d. 7d is quite fine if it works with good lens. I didn't find it not being sharp with ie 50 1.4, 70-200 f4 IS, or 17-40 which are not the best at all. The results are impressive at least and in terms of sharpness there is not so much difference with 5d2.

My biggest issue is high ISO sharpness. Anything above 800 ISO on the 7D, sharpness starts taking a nose dive.

However, I just picked up a 5D MK II from an older woman that has had it for a year nad its in perfect condition. 796 shutter releases! I purchased it for 1800. I'm quite happy with the purchase and I was able to do it by just selling my 7D and the Tamron. I still have my 70-200 2.8 IS and have a 24-70 2.8 on order. So far very happy with the EQ. I have noticed right off that the AF is no where near the 7D's AF it terms of performance. Anything except the center AF point is worthless on the 5D, imo. But the center point is fairly accurate and I've been satisfied so far.

That is a ridiculously good buy...

And yes, the 5D's biggest problem is AF - but maybe its not so much a problem seeing as it was mostly intended to be a studio/controlled environment camera.

 

[gputah]

Microadjust your lens and camera. Find better lens to try on your 7d. 7d is quite fine if it works with good lens. I didn't find it not being sharp with ie 50 1.4, 70-200 f4 IS, or 17-40 which are not the best at all. The results are impressive at least and in terms of sharpness there is not so much difference with 5d2.

My biggest issue is high ISO sharpness. Anything above 800 ISO on the 7D, sharpness starts taking a nose dive.

However, I just picked up a 5D MK II from an older woman that has had it for a year nad its in perfect condition. 796 shutter releases! I purchased it for 1800. I'm quite happy with the purchase and I was able to do it by just selling my 7D and the Tamron. I still have my 70-200 2.8 IS and have a 24-70 2.8 on order. So far very happy with the EQ. I have noticed right off that the AF is no where near the 7D's AF it terms of performance. Anything except the center AF point is worthless on the 5D, imo. But the center point is fairly accurate and I've been satisfied so far.

That is a ridiculously good buy...

And yes, the 5D's biggest problem is AF - but maybe its not so much a problem seeing as it was mostly intended to be a studio/controlled environment camera.

Yep, I agree. My main goal right now is to have awesome portrait and wedding shots and I figure the 5D is the best tool for that right now. In my price range anyway.

And the shutter count is over 1000 now... I'm loving this camera! Love the sound of the FF shutter!

 

[D.Sim]

Microadjust your lens and camera. Find better lens to try on your 7d. 7d is quite fine if it works with good lens. I didn't find it not being sharp with ie 50 1.4, 70-200 f4 IS, or 17-40 which are not the best at all. The results are impressive at least and in terms of sharpness there is not so much difference with 5d2.

My biggest issue is high ISO sharpness. Anything above 800 ISO on the 7D, sharpness starts taking a nose dive.

However, I just picked up a 5D MK II from an older woman that has had it for a year nad its in perfect condition. 796 shutter releases! I purchased it for 1800. I'm quite happy with the purchase and I was able to do it by just selling my 7D and the Tamron. I still have my 70-200 2.8 IS and have a 24-70 2.8 on order. So far very happy with the EQ. I have noticed right off that the AF is no where near the 7D's AF it terms of performance. Anything except the center AF point is worthless on the 5D, imo. But the center point is fairly accurate and I've been satisfied so far.

That is a ridiculously good buy...

And yes, the 5D's biggest problem is AF - but maybe its not so much a problem seeing as it was mostly intended to be a studio/controlled environment camera.

Yep, I agree. My main goal right now is to have awesome portrait and wedding shots and I figure the 5D is the best tool for that right now. In my price range anyway.

And the shutter count is over 1000 now... I'm loving this camera! Love the sound of the FF shutter!

Indeed... that mirror slap of the 5DII is a lot more satisfying than the 50D/7D... I definitely thought so too.

Then I had an opportunity to use a hasselblad h3dII, and mannnnn do I feel lacking.