To be honest, I could get the 550D over the 7D, just for photos. But I really am aiming for the 5Dmk2, the thread was just to see if there was something more concrete behind some rumors, and it seems I can rest, and finish my savings in peace without fear of a bad investment. Not that the 5Dmk2 would become a best investment in case a mk3 came out, but you know what I mean, nobody wants to buy the "old model" a few weeks before a new one is release. The "if only I waited" feeling is pretty hard to shake
I am confused. If you really want FF (but would still consider a top-shelf crop), why on earth would you choose the 550D over the 7D? A friend brought his by and it is a toy by comparison. It can take some nice shots, but not as nice as the 7D, and again it feels like a toy by comparison. As a pro I don't think you would be taken seriously if you brought one.
I still don't understand why a 7D wouldn't work for food photography MUCH better than your existing 40D, while still being within your budget. If you have been making your living with the 40D, and if you can't afford the 5DMkII, then you should make a purchase choice that satisfies your clients
and is within your existing budget. It would seem to me that the 7D would be your answer. I had the 50D (let alone the 40D) and it simply does not compare to the 7D. There are also many features in the 7D that are actually far superior to the more expensive 5DMkII.
I agree with one of the posters that if your clients are demanding better resolution, then the best investment you can make into your career is to bring it to them as quickly as possible. If they're 'accepting' your 40D images, they will be noticably delighted with images taken with a 7D. A 7D is a better camera in every way than your 40D, and it is a better camera in every way than a 5DMkII that you cannot afford at this time.
If you do decide to wait for a FF, then the 5DMkIII will be even more expensive ... but during all of that waiting you will be shooting images with a camera that produces images your current clients don't seem to like too much. I would be trying to change this ASAP if I were you.
Good luck and that is my $0.02
Jack
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