What is the sensible option?

[NicolaB]

I have the Canon 350. I am getting frustrated as the screen is very difficult to see outdoors, and it is finding low light situations hard going.

I have decided that my next step is to decide on a camera body. I can argue any which way for each of these and am going round in circles, so would like to enlist your help in guiding me.

Choices -
Canon 550
Canon 5D Mark i (second hand)
Canon 5D Mark ii (second hand if I can find one!)

What you need to know:
I am a beginner but have in the past month become a photography addict. My husband is dispairing.
I would like to practice and learn as much as possible to go pro in 3 or so years when my girls go to school.
My husband thinks this is a phase.
Friends are asking me to take picture of their little ones (but unless these friends friends then ask for photos, this will be pro bono! Practice, practice, practice.)
I don't want to waste money on a camera I will have to replace in a couple of years (either because I have gone pro and want the 5D after having bought the 550, or conversly having bought the 5D and needing to upgrade it as it has been superceded - or by far the most terrible reason - I don't go pro.)
I have only just thought of the 5D mark 1 which is only slightly more than the 550D - but is a professional camera a step too far right now?

Over to those in the know........

[RichardTaylor]

I use a 350D, 5D & 40D.

(1) What lenses do you have now?
You may need to buy lenses if going to full frame.
Do you have the budget for this?
Do you have the budget to buy external flashguns (if needed)

(2) The screen on the 5D is very similar to the screen on the 350D

(3) The high ISO performance of the 5D is a step up from the 350D

(4) The erganomics of the XD & XXD are streets ahead of the XXXD
They are actually easier to use, providing you are not still shooting in the "Basic Zone"

Just because a camera has been upgraded it is not necessary to upgrade it if it still meets your needs.

[NicolaB]

I have the Canon EF 85mm f/1.8. I believe this is compatible? The 70-200 is on the wish list and a wide angle lense yet to be decided upon. I will go for the L lenses.

I like that the 5D is full frame - yet this is a concept at the moment as I have not been able to compare the two.

I am using manual to practice getting the right exposure. The girls have often moved on by the that time!!! It was at a childrens party that the 550 was suggested for that very reason, as even in manual the camera does some of the work for you. I assume this is what you are saying is better still on the 5D?

The Flash does worry me slightly as no, I don't have the budget for anything above the body and the 550 does have a built in flash. That said that is my only hesitation about Canon full stop - the flash. Nikon Flash is supposed to be far superior right? A minor concern at the moment though and would not put me off the 5D.

Swinging to the 5D mark 1 now!

OK, decided. I didn't think of the 5D Mark 1 until today, so that is my choice - second hand. Apologies for posting before I had mulled the last part of the equation.

[gturner]

The full frame is nice, but you need the lens collection to take advantage of it.
There full frame will show up cheaper lenses badly (corners especially)

550D gives you HD video and depending how much cash you have to burn on the project, I would get one of those with a decent lens or 2.

[RichardTaylor]

The 5D1 is a good camera.
In manual it doesn't do any of the work for you however it is far easier to operate, than the xxxD cameras, as you don't have to press another button as you are turning the dial because you change the aperture via the big wheel at the back on the xD & xxd cameras .

It doesn't come with a flash and yes, the Nikon flash system s generally regarded to be a lot better..

[look_yau]

go for 5D mark II - i got it 3 months ago and I am extremely happy with it!