Canon 40D replacement

[wccoyote]

I am photographing with mine 40D from Canon, now the time is come to change to an much better camera. I have been photographing so far as i am known to Digital camera's with the APSC sensor. Now i can make the choice between the EOS 7D the top of those sensor camera's or the EOS 5D Full Frame. I love macro and Nature Photography. Can anyone give me an advice? would be nice.

[ianpinion]

Hi wccoyote,

Choosing a new camera is never easy, but you have to ask yourself why do I need to upgrade to a new camera body. What is it about your current 40D that is holding you back from getting the results you want? Is it the sensor's resolution, is it a lack of speed in terms of frames per second, is it that the ISO doesn't go high enough for you whilst keeping noise under sufficient control in the higher ranges?

Once you've identified your current cameras shortcomings, you can then look at which model of camera has the right specifications that match the criteria of your requirements. Another question would be if you decide you must upgrade to a full frame camera will you also need to upgrade all your lenses too? This can then workout to be a very expensive exercise, although possibly an essential one.

So have a think about the things that have made you think you need to upgrade your camera body and go from there.

[wccoyote]

Have already done this. 2 camera's were found to fullfill this task. My mind is on the EOS 7D. Why? the 19 focus points, the 100% viewer, and more advancement for my photography. The other 1 the EOS 5 D is because of the fullframe. Still have those doubts? the sensor of the EOS 7D is more suitable for Nature and Macro Photography. that is what my collegues in the field told me. Is this true?

[AndrewKulin]

I am in similar situation though I am holding off on a replacement purchase for my 40D until I see what the 5D MkIII looks like (looking for full-frame with 7D features, particular focus points as over the past 3 years I have become disenchanted with my camera's ability to autofocus sharply).

If my 40D were to die right now, then I'd probably buy the 7D over the 5D MkII which I feel will be replaced by a 5D MkIII sometime this year. The APS-C sensor also results in a apparent focal length magnification of 1.6x so if by "nature" shots you mean birds/wildlike, then this camera will bring you in closer so to speak. The 7D also has a faster frame rate than the 5D so that could be an advantage in nature shooting as well.

[ianpinion]

It is true that for wildlife shots, an APS-C sized sensor will give you a narrower field of view and therefore giving you a slight magnification so you don't need to buy a lens with such a high focal length to achieve the same result. The APS-C sized sensor is also more forgiving, in terms of image quality, if you can't afford to buy the very best lenses with superb optical quality. This is a must with a full frame camera, otherwise you will never be able to fully exploit the advanced features and in so doing get the full benefit.

If your budget is a little tight, it maybe worth your while waiting a few more months as there are growing rumours that Canon are due to replace both the 5D and 7D in the not too distant future and once they do the current models may become cheaper.

I think the next step for you is to try them both and judge one against the other to see which one you are happiest with. You never know, you might just find a clear winner.

[Cathus]

is it true that cameras become cheaper when a new model is released?

I've not followed closely but I think that the cameras become cheaper 4-6 months after they are initially released & then maintain the lower price for quite some time.

If you want to save money on a new camera, wait a few months until after it's released & you'll save several hundred pounds.

(Just my experience from buying two cameras in the last 2 years)

[OldBoy]

Originally Posted by wccoyote

Have already done this. 2 camera's were found to fullfill this task. My mind is on the EOS 7D. Why? the 19 focus points, the 100% viewer, and more advancement for my photography. The other 1 the EOS 5 D is because of the fullframe. Still have those doubts? the sensor of the EOS 7D is more suitable for Nature and Macro Photography. that is what my collegues in the field told me. Is this true?

Not sure that's correct, as a full frame camera gives you greater detail and sharpness. I used Nikon gear, so have no knowledge of Canon, but from what others have said the 5D is a cracking camera.

[ianpinion]

Full Frame cameras are capable of showing greater detail and sharpness but only when teamed up with the best quality glass. Use a lens with poorer optical quality and it will clearly show in the images produced, would you not agree Oldboy?

[OldBoy]

Originally Posted by ianpinion

Full Frame cameras are capable of showing greater detail and sharpness but only when teamed up with the best quality glass. Use a lens with poorer optical quality and it will clearly show in the images produced, would you not agree Oldboy?

That's a given, and shouldn't need to ask the question. I was referring to the opinion expressed by his friend regarding Nature and Macro photographs.

[ianpinion]

Originally Posted by OldBoy

That's a given, and shouldn't need to ask the question. I was referring to the opinion expressed by his friend regarding Nature and Macro photographs.

Ah yes, but we might know that but it's them others you can never be sure about!