Upgrading from 40D, advice

[PacWest09]

As the title says, I currently have a Canon 40D body that I have been using for quite awhile now, and I am looking to move up to FF.

So I ask your opinion on what you would do.

My current options (reduced via personal preference) are:

5D2 from CLP
5D3 new
Rumored Entry FF

On my own time I am generally shooting landscapes (during light mountaineering (so weather proofing is a factor but have already used the 40D for this..)) and other stills that interest me, but I am often working for media services as well and have really enjoyed the frame rate that the 40D offered for journalism (including covering sports events).

I already own a 16-35 2.8L and 70-200 2.8L, but would use the extra money from my cheaper options to purchase another lens like the 50 1.4 USM which I enjoy using the cheaper version greatly ( 50 1.8 II at work)

I suppose my current plan, since it is the only sensible thing to do, is wait until photokina to see how it affects the full frame market as it could greatly reduce the price of the 5d2, slightly reduce the 5d3, or allow me to purchase a whole new camera line.

P.s. my only worry for getting the 5D2 is the AF (but have seen people saying that it is equivalent to the t2i which I have used my friends and didn't find it a hindrance due to my shooting style)
--So people who have used the 5D2 for some sports, what do you think?

 

[Drizzt321]

The 5d2 has a lower FPS than the 40D, just something to watch out for for sports. As well, you'll have to use the center AF point for pretty much anything, especially AI Servo. Otherwise, I think the 5d2 would suite quite well, leaving aside the sporting events. If you can wait, it might make sense to wait until we get some of the other announcements rumored to be coming down the pipeline.

 

[PacWest09]

The 5d2 has a lower FPS than the 40D, just something to watch out for for sports. As well, you'll have to use the center AF point for pretty much anything, especially AI Servo. Otherwise, I think the 5d2 would suite quite well, leaving aside the sporting events. If you can wait, it might make sense to wait until we get some of the other announcements rumored to be coming down the pipeline.

These are my thoughts exactly, Center AF in AI Servo is how I usually shoot anyways. 40D-MK2 is a drop in FPS and I do worry, but I shoot a lot less sports for work than I used to and it isn't what I ever do for my own really. I often find my most meaningful sports photos come from picking the shot instead of bursts anyways. (never hurts to have the full sequence of an athletes actions though)

How noticeable is a 2.1 second drop in frame rate? probably a lot when we are talking 4 or 6, it is 1/3 the amount..

*edit (I will enjoy being able to bump up my ISO for that shitty outdoor stadium lighting though)

 

[Drizzt321]

The 5d2 has a lower FPS than the 40D, just something to watch out for for sports. As well, you'll have to use the center AF point for pretty much anything, especially AI Servo. Otherwise, I think the 5d2 would suite quite well, leaving aside the sporting events. If you can wait, it might make sense to wait until we get some of the other announcements rumored to be coming down the pipeline.

These are my thoughts exactly, Center AF in AI Servo is how I usually shoot anyways. 40D-MK2 is a drop in FPS and I do worry, but I shoot a lot less sports for work than I used to and it isn't what I ever do for my own really. I often find my most meaningful sports photos come from picking the shot instead of bursts anyways. (never hurts to have the full sequence of an athletes actions though)

How noticeable is a 2.1 second drop in frame rate? probably a lot when we are talking 4 or 6, it is 1/3 the amount..

*edit (I will enjoy being able to bump up my ISO for that shitty outdoor stadium lighting though)

True, you can probably go up to ISO3200, maybe a bit higher. That definitely will help shutter speeds. One other thing to consider is the crop-factor, you'll lose some 'length' from your 70-200.

And you probably will notice the difference in fps. I know I did when I got my 5d3 and put it on full H-burst mode. Not sure about the responsiveness in the shutter (time between button press and shutter opens) between 5d2 & 40D. I know it definitely got quite a bit better on the 5d3 though.

 

[rpt]

The 5d2 has a lower FPS than the 40D, just something to watch out for for sports. As well, you'll have to use the center AF point for pretty much anything, especially AI Servo. Otherwise, I think the 5d2 would suite quite well, leaving aside the sporting events. If you can wait, it might make sense to wait until we get some of the other announcements rumored to be coming down the pipeline.

These are my thoughts exactly, Center AF in AI Servo is how I usually shoot anyways. 40D-MK2 is a drop in FPS and I do worry, but I shoot a lot less sports for work than I used to and it isn't what I ever do for my own really. I often find my most meaningful sports photos come from picking the shot instead of bursts anyways. (never hurts to have the full sequence of an athletes actions though)

How noticeable is a 2.1 second drop in frame rate? probably a lot when we are talking 4 or 6, it is 1/3 the amount..

*edit (I will enjoy being able to bump up my ISO for that shitty outdoor stadium lighting though)

True, you can probably go up to ISO3200, maybe a bit higher. That definitely will help shutter speeds. One other thing to consider is the crop-factor, you'll lose some 'length' from your 70-200.

And you probably will notice the difference in fps. I know I did when I got my 5d3 and put it on full H-burst mode. Not sure about the responsiveness in the shutter (time between button press and shutter opens) between 5d2 & 40D. I know it definitely got quite a bit better on the 5d3 though.

I was waiting for the 7D2 for a long time and then finally in April I got the 5D3. My previous was 300D so it was a BIG jump. I love it. However just as Drizzt321 says, you will miss the 1.6 multiplier. However, arithmetic ally when you crop the image by a factor of 1.6, you get a 13.75 mega pix image so you will be a bit ahead of your 40D... It may not look like that when you are framing though. At 6 fps I guess you should not miss too much. Everything else is gravy. There is high ISO, 61 AF points etc. etc. etc.

I would wait for the new FF announcement though.