Using the Canon 50D for Sports

[Dallasphotog]

My daughter shoots a lot of sports for her school newspaper and online website. On a few occasions she also freelances for the local newspaper. During the school year, she shoots several thousands frames a week. She currently uses a Canon XT and a Canon XTi w/BG-E3 grip. She is usually equipped with the EF 300mm f/4.0 L USMon one camera and the EF 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS USM on the other.


I want to get her an upgraded Canon body for Christmas. The 7D is really nice, but I'mconsidering other Canon bodies simply becuase of the cost.


I have a 1D MKII, so the 1D MKII N is appealing for it's commonality and frame rate. In my area, they are running a little over $1,000. I'm also looking at the 50D as it seemsto be a huge upgrade over the XT series cameras both in frame rate and high ISO image quality. I can find used 50D's for around $800 and new bodies less than $1000.


I'm wondering if anyone out there is using a 50D as a primary sports body. I'm especially interested in it's performance at high ISO in bad light.


Give me your thoughts...

[crosbyharbison]

In my opinion surprises are over-rated; ask her what she wants. 50D for free or use some of her freelance money and have her pay $700 for the 7D.

[Dallasphotog]

You must not have daughters...[:(]


If she had her way, I'd be getting her on the waiting list for a 1D MKIV and buying the 7D as back-up.

[Brendan7]

i totally understand that[:)]


The autofocus and ISO performance of the 7D is far superior to the 50d's. 19pt cross type vs 9 pt.


I have seen the 7D go for less than $1200. If that is too much get the 1D II N.


hope this helps

[Sean Setters]

I have seen the 7D go for less than $1200.


Where? Scammy bait and switch retailers don't count...

[Keith B]

I'd think the 50D would be great. I use a 40D for sports because of the frame rate and faster focusing over my 5DmkII. I have no complaints but I also have never ever held a 1 series.

[crosbyharbison]

I'd think the 50D would be great. I use a 40D for sports because of the frame rate and faster focusing over my 5DmkII. I have no complaints but I also have never ever held a 1 series.
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I find that I don't use the faster frame rate often. I also find the 5dII autofocus to be more accurate than my 40d. For those reasons I sold the 40d and am now doing everything with the 5d. That being said I think a 7D would be an excellent compliment to my 5d but at this time I'd rather spend the money on glass (:

[crosbyharbison]

You must not have daughters.../emoticons/emotion-6.gif


If she had her way, I'd be getting her on the waiting list for a 1D MKIV and buying the 7D as back-up.
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Why not just buy two 1D Mark IV's? :P





400 2.8 while were at it...

[Keith B]

I'd think the 50D would be great. I use a 40D for sports because of the frame rate and faster focusing over my 5DmkII. I have no complaints but I also have never ever held a 1 series.






I find that I don't use the faster frame rate often. I also find the 5dII autofocus to be more accurate than my 40d. For those reasons I sold the 40d and am now doing everything with the 5d. That being said I think a 7D would be an excellent compliment to my 5d but at this time I'd rather spend the money on glass (:









You must mainly use the center focus point.

[alexniedra]

I'd think the 50D would be great.


Me too. I think it's a great sports body.



I use a 40D for sports


I also use the 40D for my high school sports. I noticed a big impovement in build quality, ISO performance and autofocus performance when I upgraded last December from an Xti. The autofocus for me has worked great for me, so I assume that the 50D can be at least as good in terms of autofocus performance. I have also heard that the 50D high ISO performance is very good - Probably useful when your daughter is shooting in poorly-lit high school gyms or pools.



but I also have never ever held a 1 series.


Me neither, until I tried a 1Ds Mark III. Keith, whatever it takes, do not try a 1D body. I made the mistake - And now I'm obsessed. [;)]

[Keith B]

but I also have never ever held a 1 series.


Me neither, until I tried a 1Ds Mark III. Keith, whatever it takes, do not try a 1D body. I made the mistake - And now I'm obsessed. /emoticons/emotion-5.gif






I can only imagine. Yeah I'm definitely staying away from that poison. Although I could see me with a refurbed 1D mk IV in a year or so.

[Benjamin]

I use a 50D for sport from time to time, and I think it's a very capable camera for most scenarios. It may not shoot as fast as the 1D II N, but from my experience I would say the focusing speed of the 50D is at least as fast (if not faster). The hit rate in sports (sharp in focus) at 6FPS is very good, about 50/50 in most cases. In terms of noise, I would say the 50D is quite usable up to ISO3200 for sports (where pure IQ is not that important) - noise is a bit upon your level of acceptance, IMHO I have no problem with the 50D's noise and I think it is a great leap forward comparing to the XSi and XS.


Unless the camera is subject to rain or other unfriendly environment, I doubt if the 1D II N will offer much more than the 50D.


PS: If it's a Xmas gift to my daughter, I would chose the 50D since a 1D body will look too bulky and heavy in her hand...[:)]

[Dallasphotog]

You must not have daughters.../emoticons/emotion-6.gif


If she had her way, I'd be getting her on the waiting list for a 1D MKIV and buying the 7D as back-up.
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Why not just buy two 1D Mark IV's? :P





400 2.8 while were at it...
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I own the 300and rent the 400. I just can't get past the cost of the 400. I was thinking the 1D MKIV might be a better present for me!

[Dallasphotog]

Me neither, until I tried a 1Ds Mark III. Keith, whatever it takes, do not try a 1D body. I made the mistake - And now I'm obsessed. /emoticons/emotion-5.gif
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This is easy to cure. We have a 1Ds MKIII at work which I combined with my 1DMKII and 5DMKII w/BG-E6 during a companyevent photo shoot last July. I toted around all three cameras, 5 lenses including the EF70-200m f/2.8 L IS USM, and enough batteries and cards to last a day. At 5:00 p.m., I could just barely raise my arms above my head.


The 1D series is fabulous and fabulously heavy equipment.

[Dallasphotog]

Thanks to everyone who took the time to reply. I ordered the 50D from Adorama yesterday. Now, I just have to refrain from giving it to her before Christmas. [:D]