

I bought the 500D as a "Gap camera" when I switched back to Canon after a short stint over in the Nikon camp because I didn't want to buy another 50D, and I was waiting for the 60D (But the 7D came along which was even better).

I was really impressed with my 500D and it was a tough decision to sell it and move to the 7D. I love the joystick and scroll wheel on the 5D, 40D, and the controls on the 1D are alright also. When he watched me handle it, he noticed how awkward of a time I was having with the control layouts. I have a friend with the XTi, and handling on that is the same as all Rebel series. As for buying one cheaper later, their used prices are steady for sometime now. Maybe give theT1i a trial rin in your kit before letting the "Classics" out of your hand. I couldn't see letting the 5D go,possibly the 1D and adding a the T1i to your lineup. I know that when I picked up a 30D after a Rebel, it was just an oddity in handling. It's a tough choice, but the 5D's viewfinder/manual focus capability probably trumps liveview, since you can focus bracket when it's critical. I use a 500D with 5D2's and it keeps up remarkably well. Of course, the viewfinder sucks by comparison. Video, liveview, dust removal, auto iso and so on - there are lots of ways in which a 500D is a good replacement. The 5d images are still better than that of the t1i regardless of wide angle or not. I guess I just want some reassurance I won't miss my old cameras that much The ability to shoot video is nice as well, but not that critical.
BEST VIEWFINDER FOR LIVEVIEW MANUAL
I have a lot of manual focus lenses so I am thinking of pairing them up with liveview on the 1Ti.
BEST VIEWFINDER FOR LIVEVIEW FULL
I don't shoot wide angle that much, so full frame is not that critical (for now). Certainly good enough for meĪm I going to miss them that much with the new cameras? I figure I could always buy them back in the future (for a lesser price, than current). Selling the classics for the new cameras? The IQ from both 1D and 5D are nothing to complain about.
