Canon 5D Upgrade?

[The Don]

Hi All,

My wife has been shooting an EOS Rebel for a few years, and she's considering an upgrade to a full frame body. The 5D Mark II is the most cost effective option, but I'm wondering if the 5D Mark III is worth the extra money. Anyone out there shot both bodies?

Thanks,
Don

 

[Compaq]

What does she shoot? At which stage is she in photography?

For the average hobbyist, upgrading from a rebel to a 5Dmk3 seems idiotic to me. It costs half a child, and unless she needs very good auto focus and extreme high ISO capabilities, on a full frame sensor, the mk2 would probably be more than enough. Frankly, I'd even consider the mk1. Still full frame, good image quality, though a little limited ISO range. I've been considering selling my 40D and getting the 50mk1 and some used L glass, myself.

Again, it all depends on her needs.

 

[xillion]

I have owned all three versions of the 5D. The MKII would be a huge step up from the Rebel. My 5D MKIII arrived back in March and it is great in low light and the new auto-focus system is fantastic. But I sometimes miss the dead simple auto-focus system of the MK1 and MKII, they both used the same AF system. Also, the image quality of the MKII is still fantastic when compared to the MKIII. It is easier to shoot video with the MKIII, but if she doesn't shoot video this will be non-issue. I only shot two videos the whole time I owned my MKII. Also, what lenses does she own? EF-S lenses will not work with Full-Frame cameras as they are designed specifically for APS-C sized sensors.

 

[blary54]

Dont overlook the Canon 7D. If you really want full frame then a MK II or III is the way to go but I think its a tad bit overrated. The 7D is a great camera...What lenses do you currently have?

 

[Uncle Jackie]

Dont overlook the Canon 7D. If you really want full frame then a MK II or III is the way to go but I think its a tad bit overrated. The 7D is a great camera...What lenses do you currently have?

I have tried both. The 5D is the better camera no doubt, but the 7D is the more cost effective option (which still shoots one hell of a good picture). Chances are, either way, that she will also want to upgrade her lenses which can be very costly. With the 7D there is money left over to get a couple really nice pieces of glass, a great tripod, or flash.

 

[The Don]

She primarily uses a 50mm f/1.4

 

[Compaq]

What's her budget?
I would like to know what she shoots, mainly. Is she a "shoot-all hobbyist", or does she specialise in landscapes, portraits or other genres. I don't want to be rude, but why is full frame wanted? What's her reason for that? No doubt, I wish I had a full frame sensor to use, but you get very good image quality on APS-C sized sensors as well. My 40D is an outdated model today, but works great - unless you need very good high ISO capabilities or a very accurate auto focus.

Again, knowing where she is, what she shoots and what her budget is, I can't really come with any concrete tips.

 

[The Don]

The majority of her work right now is in portraits, however she is also starting to do weddings. Budget wise, she is right around the $2k range.

 

[Uncle Jackie]

One thing to remember, is that with the APS-C sensor, all the photos that she is now taking are magnified by 1.5 times, essentially turning her 50mm lens into a 75mm one. This can have a big effect when one changes to a full frame camera.

 

[jrm]

you know... I might be in the minority here. However, I'm gonna say it. About a year ago, I bought the 5D mark 1 for about $800. It is a fantastic camera. It was an upgrade from the Rebel I had been using. AS much as I'd love the mark 2 or the mark 3, the 5d is very capable. It doesn't have the high megapixel count of the newer models, or the super high ISO, or the video functions. However, if she is working in portraits, that may not be a big concern (barring the need for high megapixels for huge prints). I've used my 5D for plenty of portraits and special events and it has been solid. With the money saved, maybe there could even be room for a new lens....that's where I think you're wife is going to see the biggest bang-for-the-buck. She may not like her old lenses on a full frame and this will allow for a gently entry into the full-frame world and still leave some room for a lens. Good luck!

 

[Legion]

you know... I might be in the minority here. However, I'm gonna say it. About a year ago, I bought the 5D mark 1 for about $800. It is a fantastic camera. It was an upgrade from the Rebel I had been using. AS much as I'd love the mark 2 or the mark 3, the 5d is very capable. It doesn't have the high megapixel count of the newer models, or the super high ISO, or the video functions. However, if she is working in portraits, that may not be a big concern (barring the need for high megapixels for huge prints). I've used my 5D for plenty of portraits and special events and it has been solid. With the money saved, maybe there could even be room for a new lens....that's where I think you're wife is going to see the biggest bang-for-the-buck. She may not like her old lenses on a full frame and this will allow for a gently entry into the full-frame world and still leave some room for a lens. Good luck!

That's cool. SWMBO has a Mk1 and it is a very good camera. I get to play with both the Mk2 and 3 at work, and to be honest, the three is a big leap forward in the way it thinks and works. But I'd still be happy with a 2. If it were my money I would probably go in that direction for the price they are at the moment. Canon is running them out.

The 7d is a good camera, and very advanced. But if you hold it and a 5d II in your hands, shoot a couple of frames, I bet I know which one you will choose.

 

[jrm]

Yes, the mark 2 (and I'd imagine the mark 3) is a fantastic camera. If I had the funds, I'd probably be shooting on either of them. But for now the mark 1 is treating me well! Sounds like you have a fun job where you get to play with some great tools!

 

[Lesmore]

The majority of her work right now is in portraits, however she is also starting to do weddings. Budget wise, she is right around the $2k range.

I have a buddy who has a 7D and another friend who has a 5D Mk. 11. Both fine cameras. The 7D has a smaller sensor, but has more fps...it's a very good action...ie; sports, wildlife camera.

On the other hand, the 5D2 has a full frame sensor, but has slower fps.

The 5D2 is probably more suited to portraits as you can crop more, while retaining quality...due to the full frame sensor. This is undoubtedly an advantage to a wedding/portrait photographer.

I've seen the work produced by both guys with their cameras...it's excellent.

One thing you need to check is if the lenses your wife currently uses...will work with a FF camera. I don't know, but you also may have to replace the lenses she currently uses...you need to check that.

My recommendation. Go to a specialist camera store that handles Canon with your wife. Explain the photographic needs. Try out the equipment. See if she can use her old lenses...with the 5D2 or does she need to spring for new lenses.

Right now new 5D2's are going for reduced prices...up here...due to the intro of the new replacement model the 5D3. But $ 2 grand is still a little short.

There maybe some good, used equipment kicking around.

Another suggestion...see if you can rent both cameras. Have her try them out doing the stuff she normally photographs. Doing this can clarify a decision. It's costs some money, but it could be well spent in determining the right equipment.

Another suggestion...she can either trade in her old camera, lenses...or keep it...for a backup. The last thing she wants to have happen in a middle of a shoot is equipment breakdown, with no spares.

 

[AllenG]

She primarily uses a 50mm f/1.4

If her main lens is the 50 then she has gotten past zoom fever, which is a good sign that she really is ready to step up.
I'm currently using the 5D and it's a fine body. When it craps out I'll buy whatever Canon is offering around the $2k mark and go with it.
The two things I primarily look for in a body is a full frame sensor (I like shooting wide angle) and the ability to connect the body to my lights. Everything else is serendipity. To me glass is more important than bodies. I'll keep my glass forever, the bodies will come and go.

http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/208209-Your-BEST-shot?p=4198353#post4198353
^^^^
Except for the one of the kid, all of those were shot on a 5D MKII

Given the kind of work she is doing she may really like Canon's tilt/shift lenses. The 24mm T/S is wonderful.