Advice on gear upgrade wanted

[Yisehaq]

Dear All,
After working with my 350D for quite sometime now, I am thinking of upgrading it. Would you give me your suggestions? I tried to go through some camera lines and I am a bit confused. Canon EOS XXXDs are kind of prosumer cameras from what I could understand. What about the XXD like 50D and XD like 5D and 7Ds. The 1D and 1Ds are of very pro levels.
Well my specifications are

1. spot meter (my 350D doesn't have one)
2. wider range of ISO (50->1600)
3. crop factor (I need it to get the extra mm)
4. Should serve for long time with respect to specifications(no plan to upgrade before 4-5 years)
5. able to handle remote flash systems
6. Canon family (but that is not religion)
7. price, price

Currently, I am thinking of investing on 7D. Can you also suggest what would be the lowest price I could get for it (USD)
Any additional suggestions would be appreciated.

[Fortytwo]

Considering all, a 7D would be my suggestion too. It's the top of the line camera from Canon with a crop sensor. Not counting the 1D, but that's another story.

I'm not very familliar with ethiopian camera shops, but a little googling might help you out with that. Any major camerashop will do. Be sure to get some reviews from the place you're thinking of buying. Usually the very cheapest can be fishy. And if it sounds too good to be true, it usually is...

[Yisehaq]

Thanks Fortytwo!
I am planning to buy it from the States where my sister is going in a month or so. We cannot get such equipments around here that easily and if we get, it will be damn expensive. The price range of the 7D seems to be around $1600 but as I google 50D could be found much cheaper than that. What do you think cost/value ratio for these two? Will it be worth paying for the 7D?

[Fortytwo]

Well, the 50D goes around $950. But considering point 4, the 7D will probably last longer. It's got more MP, it's faster, better ISO performance. If you were changing camera's every 2-3 years, I'd say pick the 50D. But if getting gear is very difficult, then go for the lastest model available. The 7D is just out, the 50D is beginning to age. I'd advise the 7D in your case....

[Yisehaq]

Thanks Fortytwo. Then 7D it is.

[DonW]

I test drove the 7D for two weeks and couldnt justify the extra cost vs image quality. Maybe if I needed or wanted video. Canon has a loyalty program offer for a $600 50D trade-in. Also think about servicing a Canon if needed, im not sure they have a service center were you are, shipping can be expensive. Our local shops stopped selling the 7D's until they get the bugs worked out. A 5D is of course more expensive but a proven workhorse. If I was in your position I'd go with the cheaper 50D or hold out for a Leica M8.


Don