5d (mk 1 - original) versus 50d or new 500d

[Teirisius]

Ok - short version of the story...

My wife is the photographer - takes tons of pictures - primarily portraits.  I am a technology geek and tend to do the research.

Right now, she has a well used Rebel XT.  She is not a professional, but spends a lot of time behind the lens.  Our 10 year anniversary is coming up and I would like to upgrade her camera.  She has a few lenses already, the last one I bought her was a Canon 24-105L with the thought that we'd eventually be moving to a full frame sensor and would like our lenses to grow with us.

Here is the question - Assuming I want to stay around $1000 (but could spend a little more if it was worth if), what is the best camera?  The original 5d (12., the 50d or the new 500d?  What would you choose and why...

Thank you

[Bob Atkins]

If you don't care about video, I'd say that the EOS 5D (Mk I) will give you the biggest step up from the XT, though you won't find one for $1000. A new one will cost you $2000 and even a good used one will probably be around $1500.

The EOS 50D and EOS 500D (T1i) have more "bells and whistles" of course and will be able to use any EF-S lenses that you already own.

If you want video, then the 500D (T1i) is your only choice if a 5D MkII ($2700) is out of your price range.

Apart from the video (and lower cost), there would be no reason to chose a 500D over a 50D.

[Teirisius]

Thank you for the quick reply - that was my guess - but I wasn't sure.

Have you heard of this company:

http://www.closeoutgenius.com/

The website looks real enough, but the address is odd - there is nothing showing at that address in Brooklyn.  I ask b/c they also offer a 5d Mk 1 for $750.

Thanks

[jcyy]

I suggest to check out Better Business Bureau (www.bbb.org) before you buy anything from an unknown website. 
According to BBB, this website will attempt to use high pressure sale tatics on customers.
Here is the quote from BBB about the nature of business:

"Complaints to the Bureau indicate that this firm uses high pressures sales tactics after consumers place their orders. After ordering merchandise consumers report receiving a phone call from the firm’s customer representatives attempting to sell additional items. Representatives allegedly try to persuade consumers to buy the U.S. warranty, as well as accessories like batteries, peripherals, and software, or lead consumers to believe the product will not work if additional merchandise is not purchased. In some cases, if the consumers declined, they were advised or forced to cancel their orders because the item was on back-order despite being listed as available on the firm’s website."

Here is the link to detail business report at BBB:

http://search.newyork.bbb.org/reports.aspx?pid=44&page=1&id=106380

[Bob Atkins]

Have you heard of this company:

http://www.closeoutgenius.com/

The website looks real enough, but the address is odd - there is nothing showing at that address in Brooklyn.  I ask b/c they also offer a 5d Mk 1 for $750.

Thanks

Oh yes. Please read http://www.bobatkins.com/photography/photo_gear_buyer_beware.html

[Teirisius]

Thanks all - I definitely won't make that mistake.