Maybe making the switch...

[GadgetRick]

Ok, been looking to upgrade from my Nikon D50 and, up until the other day, had planned on going with another Nikon--D90. My friend (and mentor) sold me my current camera (Nikon D50) and he's been shooting with a Canon 50D for about a year now and has since turned pro. He's planning on upgrading from his 50D and is willing to give me another good deal...this time on his Canon. There would be a few logistical challenges, however, I'm starting to learn towards making the switch for a lot of reasons which I won't bore you with here.

Anyway, why am I writing? Well, one of the things I'm working to do is getting good enough to shoot sports and (eventually) sell my services (part time). Some of the sports I'll shoot are played indoors and we all know the challenges associated with lower-light situations like this. I am not a fan of using a flash for this type of shooting as I don't have the equipment (or permission) to set up multiple strobes. So I'm planning on using a fast lens/high ISO combination in order to be able to shoot at a high enough shutter speed. Just wondering, effectively, what ISO can I hope to shoot with a manageable amount of noise with a 50D.

Thanks.

[OsmosisStudios]

What do you currently have for the D50? It may be worth your while to stick to the Dark side.

[GadgetRick]

Originally Posted by OsmosisStudios

What do you currently have for the D50? It may be worth your while to stick to the Dark side.

LOL!

This has been one consideration but I have minimal equipment for the D50. I have an SB600, 50mm f1.8, Sigma 18-200mm and the kit 18-55mm (which I never use). The flash I can sell for close to what I paid for it. Only paid $100 for the 50mm and I can sell the Sigma for close to what I paid for it. In short, the equipment doesn't really owe me anything.

I really like the D90 I've been playing with for almost 2 weeks now but I also know Canon makes excellent equipment. Just concerned about high-ISO performance. So far the D90 I've been playing with has been excellent (as advertised) in this department. I know I'll need high-ISO performance as I'll be doing a lot of sports shooting indoors and I don't use flash for those (can't in some cases).

[RichardTaylor]

Quote
"Just wondering, effectively, what ISO can I hope to shoot with a manageable amount of noise with a 50D."
I shoot with a 40D and I am happy with using it at ISO 1600 ... According to some reviews the 50D doesn't perform as well.

What software do you have to manage the noise and how much are you willing to manage it?

For noise tests see this.
Canon EOS 50D Review: 17. Photographic tests (Noise): Digital Photography Review

With capturing sports there are two main things, as far as the camera goes.

How fast and accurately will the camera/lens focus?
In low light how does it perform and with what lenses that you can afford?

From a user point of view --- how much money are you willing to spend on cameras and lenses?

[cleamon]

Originally Posted by GadgetRick

Ok, been looking to upgrade from my Nikon D50 and, up until the other day, had planned on going with another Nikon--D90. My friend (and mentor) sold me my current camera (Nikon D50) and he's been shooting with a Canon 50D for about a year now and has since turned pro. He's planning on upgrading from his 50D and is willing to give me another good deal...this time on his Canon. There would be a few logistical challenges, however, I'm starting to learn towards making the switch for a lot of reasons which I won't bore you with here.

Anyway, why am I writing? Well, one of the things I'm working to do is getting good enough to shoot sports and (eventually) sell my services (part time). Some of the sports I'll shoot are played indoors and we all know the challenges associated with lower-light situations like this. I am not a fan of using a flash for this type of shooting as I don't have the equipment (or permission) to set up multiple strobes. So I'm planning on using a fast lens/high ISO combination in order to be able to shoot at a high enough shutter speed. Just wondering, effectively, what ISO can I hope to shoot with a manageable amount of noise with a 50D.

Thanks.

very good reviews on Canon can be found here:
Canon Digital SLR Camera & Lens Reviews

[OsmosisStudios]

If youre gonna jump ship and move up, I'd recommend going whole-hog and just getting the 7D and be done with it.

[GadgetRick]

Originally Posted by RichardTaylor

Quote
"Just wondering, effectively, what ISO can I hope to shoot with a manageable amount of noise with a 50D."
I shoot with a 40D and I am happy with using it at ISO 1600 ... According to some reviews the 50D doesn't perform as well.

What software do you have to manage the noise and how much are you willing to manage it?

For noise tests see this.
Canon EOS 50D Review: 17. Photographic tests (Noise): Digital Photography Review

With capturing sports there are two main things, as far as the camera goes.

How fast and accurately will the camera/lens focus?
In low light how does it perform and with what lenses that you can afford?

From a user point of view --- how much money are you willing to spend on cameras and lenses?

I'd read some of the same things about ISO performance with the 50D vs. the 40D. My question is more about real-world use since sometimes reviews are ultra-critical. I.E. will it be, "good enough," to be useful.

I use Noise Ninja which does a nice job on the files from my D50 when I get some noise but I wouldn't want to use it on a LOT of noise and I like to use it sparingly.

From what I've read about the 50D it has an excellent focus system and focuses extremely well in low light. So I think I'll be covered there.

I can get a very good deal from my friend on the 50D but don't want to take a deal just because it's a deal (if ya know what I mean).

[GadgetRick]

Originally Posted by OsmosisStudios

If youre gonna jump ship and move up, I'd recommend going whole-hog and just getting the 7D and be done with it.

I'd love to but money would certainly be a factor. I'd be getting an excellent deal from my friend. He's looking at upgrading to the 7D himself.

[RichardTaylor]

Nikon make great cameras. Just do the numbers, including lenses.

[sk66]

I think the D90 will give more usable high ISO results...Here's a CameraLabs comparison of the two

BUT, I would consider what your goals are....Don't look at what body you're buying now, but rather at what you want to own when you get to your goal...

Which system feels more natural to you? (being able to quickly make adjustments without looking can be critical in action photography). Which system has the lenses you'll want?
In the used/rental markets Canon gear seems to be a bit more common/cheaper, if that's a factor.