All

40D - 70D are basically great all-around semi-pro camera bodies. They're better than your mothers camera used for family photos but not quite near as good as something you'd see Simon Cudby hauling around the track for a photoshoot. The auto focus is generally good on those cameras, but nothing to write home about (except 70D however). The image quality...

1500 can get you Canon 40d, 50d, 60d, 70d, 1d Mark ii, 1d Mark iii, 7d and maybe a 7d Mark ii. Personally Id get a 1d Mark iii. You can get one with low shutter count and good condition for under 800, and that leaves you 700+ for a lens, which case you May be able to find a...

General rule with events like these is no professional photography equipment. I and many other people have gotten away with sneaking a pro body and 300 2.8 though.