Indoor Shots

[wondermutt]

Hi-

I've been trying to do some indoor dog agility shooting and I have a couple of questions that you folks may be able to help me with...

1. I shoot with a 20D and a Canon 70-200 2.8L. Would my AF speed increase if I upgraded to a 30D and IS version of the lens? Basically, would I get more keepers? I normally have to shoot at ISO 1600 or 3200 at 2.8 to be able to stop motion at 320-400.

2. As an amateur, I may upgrade to the 30D...but I had a chance to shoot with a 1D Mark II yesterday and I am wanting it bad now! Is that too much camera for me? I would need to buy used, but I am okay with that...

Thanks!
JP

[Firegirl]

Get with Heidi...her screen name here is Whaussies She does dog stuff.

[wondermutt]

I think I know her! She is the one who told me about this web site. 2MC, yes?

[AndrewCCM]

Going from 20D to 30D is not going to do much at all for you. IS will help with camera body shake, but will not help with subject motion much. It's great for hand holding in lower light when your subject is fairly stationary.

[AndrewCCM]

I would recommend a faster prime lens vs. a 30D and/or the IS version of your lens. I have the 70-200IS F2.8 and love it, but...for your application, I just don't think it's going to do a lot for your based on the cost vs. what you already have.

[wondermutt]

Thanks again Andrew! I've thought about the 1DMkIIN as well. Do you think that is too much camera for me? I think you are right about the 20 vs 30 and getting the IS version.

[AndrewCCM]

Originally Posted by wondermutt

Thanks again Andrew! I've thought about the 1DMkIIN as well. Do you think that is too much camera for me? I think you are right about the 20 vs 30 and getting the IS version.

I honestly cannot answer that question. Images look similar to the 20/30D, but the AF performance (specifically predictive tracking AF) is stellar. It is very customizabe, built like a tank, weather sealed and FAST. It is a very nice camera for sure. Whether it's too much or not is very difficult to answer.

For the record, I used a couple of 20D's prior to upgrading to the 5D.. (I actually had 2 of each), then sold one 5D and got the MarkIIn just a few weeks ago.

If you do not need super fast FPS, and don't mind the shorter FOV, I'd even consider the 5D over the 20/30D. I find that the images are vastly superior in lower light (including the MkIIN). It has the cleanest High ISO I have seen. The AF works much better than the 20/30D as well, especially in low light. In normal light, the MkIIn beats it hands down with AF speed. In lower light, I think the 5D holds it's own. Being able to shoot at ISO 3200 and knowing you'll get very useable images makes the 5D something to very much consider (particularly if you don't need high FPS, weather sealing and ultra fast AF). I will guarantee that you'll get more keepers with a 5D over the 20D. And.. the price is very very good on them right now.

Just keep in mind that Full Frame will cut your field of view by 60%...so your lenses will seem shorter.

I wouldn't trade my 5D for any current dSLR right now. I was lucky enough to have 2, so now I feel I have the best of both worlds. For my style of shooting (more events, portraits, etc than pure sports), I'd get the 5D before the MkIIn. For exclusively sports.. Just the opposite.

[wondermutt]

WOW. I didn't think about the 5D because of the fps, but now I am going to give it a second look!

Regards,

[AndrewCCM]

Originally Posted by wondermutt

WOW. I didn't think about the 5D because of the fps, but now I am going to give it a second look!

Regards,

It's just an option.. and if you need faster fps, you could use the 20D for those situations. Personally, I find that 3fps is actually just fine for most of my shooting. Not all.. but most. The 5D is an excellent camera that produces professional results housed in a prosumer body. Not designed as a sports camera, but some excellent results can be had if you work within it's limitations. It's lighter as well.

There are several regulars here that have recently upgraded from 20/30D's to 5D's and I have heard nothing but great responses. That was my feeling too.

Good luck and welcome to the forum!

[johnastovall]

Back last year or later, there was a Photographer on the Fred Miranda Canon board who posted some agility trial shots where he was pushing a 5D to IS12800 and with noise clean up had very good stop action shots. You might want to try to dig that out.

Here is an example of a 5D at ISO12800 under very poor conditions with no noise reduction.

[venchka]

Originally Posted by AndrewCCM

I would recommend a faster prime lens vs. a 30D and/or the IS version of your lens. I have the 70-200IS F2.8 and love it, but...for your application, I just don't think it's going to do a lot for your based on the cost vs. what you already have.

Check the Buy & Sell forum right here at TPF. There is a 200/1.8 lens for sale. That lens will "get 'er done." You could add a 1.4x TE and have a faster, sharper, longer lens than the 70-200 @ 2.8.

Before everyone runs out looking for a 5D body with ISO 12800 like John mentioned, there is no such animal. All you do is set exposure compensation to -2 and then recover the 2 stop underexposure with software. Still impressive, but Canon didn't add 2 stops to the 5D's ISO scale.