Semi-Pro kit: 7D/17-55 or 5D2/24-70

[TheKingInYellow]

This is going to drive me crazy.

If you were starting a part-time business and your primary concern is in-home portraits (family, children, babies mostly) but you are still interested in the hobby side and are looking to shoot wildlife, sports, and anything and everything which way do you go?

7D w/ 17-55 f/2.8 IS USM
Pros:
Cheaper
Better body sealing
More bang for your buck with telephotos
Better autofocus system
7 FPS shooting

5D2 w/ 24-70 f/2.8 IS USM
Pros:
Lens a little sharper
Better lens sealing
Full-frame image quality
Higher resolution
Better high-ISO noise control

This is such a toss-up that I am going to go nuts trying to decide. I think the 5D2 is the winner for portrait work, but the 7D is potentially a better all-arounder for about $1k less. The integrated flash control is not really an issue for me since I have pocket wizards and like manual control of my lights.

I am close to seriously getting into the business side of things, even if I only shoot for friends, there are huge tax benefits to registering the business and depreciating the gear through it.

I need help!

[private]

the 5d w/o question. The lens focus is also pretty speedy with the FF camera and especially with the L lens attached. BUT, the 50mm 1.4 is an awesome lens for portraiture... So to start, I would get the FF and the 50mm

[donniecs]

I believe that the Canon EOS 7D is better than the Canon EOS 5D MkII at higher ISO due to the newer image processor and has a newer auto focus systems. The Canon EOS 7D would be my choice for action shots while that the Canon EOS 5D MkII with the full frame sensor would be much better for portraits. Portrait photography wouldn't require a lot of the latest and greatest features at the Canon EOS 7D has to offer.

[rediguana]

From a business perspective, the 5D2 will provide better bokeh at an equivalent focal length over the 7D. I believe that the difference between FF and 1.6x crop bokeh is sometimes estimated at 1 stop. E.g. to get the equivalent bokeh on a crop sensor, from say shooting at f2.8 on full frame, requires you to shoot at f2 on a crop sensor. Since you're placing portraits as the money making side of the business, I've voted for the 5D2, and when you've earnt more you can use the profits from your photography to purchase the 7D for wildlife.

Frankly the two cameras complement each other really really well

Also, I'd look at getting a faster lens as well, anything f2 or better depending on your favoured focal length (35f1.4, 50f1.2/f1.4, 85f1.2/f1.8, 100f2/f2.8 or 135/f2). You can rarely have too much bokeh

[sk66]

Shooting Raw files I would assume? The 7D does a better job of processing noise for high ISO Jpegs. But the starting RAW image is MUCH better on the 5dMk2.

For what you primarily want, the 5dMk2 wins across the board...the only place the 7d even contends is in long lens wildlife/sports photography.

But then, if you are ready to "start a business" doing this, I wouldn't think you'd be relying on our opinions or even asking.

[Saralonde]

Much as I'm loving the 7D and the 17-55 f/2.8 IS, I'd have to say the 5D2 might be a better choice.

[TheKingInYellow]

Originally Posted by sk66

But then, if you are ready to "start a business" doing this, I wouldn't think you'd be relying on our opinions or even asking.

I should clarify this. I have an excellent full time job and I don't need to earn money from photography. Having said that, I am at the point where friends, and friends of friends are asking me to do portraits for them. I honestly don't think that I have any sort of exceptional talent, but the portraits I have done have been very successful, enough that I am getting referrals.

I wasn't planning to do this, but I would be foolish to ignore the possibility. If I make a business of this, I can write off the depreciation of the equipment to help offset the costs. This would be a weekend and evenings thing, and it would help me grow in my hobby. This is why the body/lens choice is a big deal for me, and why I am asking for the opinions of those with more experience than I have.

Everyone has to start somewhere, right?

[OsmosisStudios]

If you can swing it, the 5D2 would likely be best for what you seem to be needing it for.

[LoveDSLR]

I have Nikon D3, D300, Canon 5D Mk II and 5D.

For general purpose photography, I prefer D3, D300, 5D Mk II in that order. If I really want high resolution photos or portraits then I'll use my 5D Mk II. BTW, one reason I shoot with Canon 5D Mk II is to use the Canon 85 f/1.2 L II for portraits.

In order of preference, here is a list of cameras I'll consider buying if I'm only allow to own one DSLR:

Nikon D3s,
Canon 1D Mk IV,
Nikon D700,
Canon 7D,
Canon 5D Mk II or
Nikon D300s

[hibou]

Originally Posted by sk66

Shooting Raw files I would assume? The 7D does a better job of processing noise for high ISO Jpegs. But the starting RAW image is MUCH better on the 5dMk2.

For what you primarily want, the 5dMk2 wins across the board...the only place the 7d even contends is in long lens wildlife/sports photography.

But then, if you are ready to "start a business" doing this, I wouldn't think you'd be relying on our opinions or even asking.

Disagree. If being a photographer meant never having questions, this forum wouldn't exist.