Which camera?

[CelticOrigins]

Hi, I'm after some help, I currently use a 450D with canon 55-250mm a 17-85mm and a Sigma 105 prime macro lens, the issue I have is living in the UK with our nice cloudy days I find my self needing to use ISO 800-1600 quite a lot a the only way to get the shutter speed required to freeze wildlife pics. This on my 450D means a lot of noise and lose if picture quality/ detail. On bright sunny days I have no issues most of the time.

So my question is should I upgrade to a 2nd hand 40D and a new 150-500mm Sigma lens or get a 7D and get the 150-500mm at a later date. Which will give me the better images at high ISO?

Thanks for any advise.

[inkista]

The sensor technology in your 450D is roughly the same as the sensor in the 40D. ISO 3200 in the 40D is actually done by in-camera push-processing. You could do the same thing with your 450D by shooting in RAW, underexposing to get the faster shutter speed, and then pushing the exposure up in post.

So, the 7D is going to get you better high iso performance.

But. Chances are good a "60D" will be announced in February, which is likely to inherit the sensor tech (and similar high iso performance) to the 7D. For $500 less (in US prices). Obviously, this is conjecture, and may not be happening. But I'd say if you can wait to see, you may want to.

I'd also say that instead of getting another long, slow lens, you may want to consider saving up for an EF 300mm f/4L IS instead.

[RichardTaylor]

I agree with inkista, Go for a fast lens.
The other, expensive, alternative is to go full frame, if you want good high ISO perfrormance.

[bearly]

i also agree... if you are set on getting the camera now, the 7D is a much better choice than the 40D especially for higher iso... but if you are willing to stick it out a few more months, i think the 60D has a good chance of being released because it'll have been 1.5 years since the 50D and i think that will be a more affordable price than the 7D

[CelticOrigins]

Thanks for the replies, I thought the 7D would be the way to go but had to make sure. I like the idea of a 60D but I would expect it to be a powered down version of the 7D, but I may wait and see. As for the 300mm lens I think my local photography store may have a second hand one going cheap so will check it out.