Originally posted by lurchlarson I'm getting ready to move into Wedding photography which means I'm also getting ready to buy another body + lenses.
I was wondering, for those of you that use a 5dmk2 or a d700, how much of a step up (from a k200d) are they in terms of capability (high ISO, AF, DOF) as compared to the k7?
Either way I'm going to wait until the K-5 and D800 come out before I make my decision.
I think full frame is a big step up in terms of capability from you K200D, although cameras like the Canon 7D, Nikon D300s or Pentax K-7 (and soon to be K-5) would also be a big step up. A K200D could be used (for example, I think Keitha McCall has shot a few weddings with one) to do weddings, but you just have to accept its limitations, which mainly are poor low light AF and less than desirable ISO 1600. Full frame gives you the versatility to get shots in worse conditions than crop, it's just a matter of if you want to pay $5,000+ for a full frame system that will get you these results.
This said, and even though I admittedly lust after full frame, after using a K-7 for a couple of weddings, I think it is just about good enough for most situations. If the K-5 comes out and gives cleaner high ISO I would suggest that as a companion to your K200D. Then, shoot a few weddings (which will cover the cost of your K-5 purchase) and see if you are satisfied with the results. At this point, if you decide to purchase full frame, you will be making a purchase based on your actual needs and observations, rather than the recommendations of others.