Ive had my 1000D now for nearly 2 years and had some excellent results from it. I cant fault it. Ive been into photography in the past but been away from it for a while, beer, women, cars etc. But now really getting back into things. I upgraded from the bogo kit lens to a 50mm 1.4 after 6 months then a 70-300 USM and a 17-40 L. These all have served me well and its come to the time when a better camera would benifit my photography. Im basically looking for sharper, crisper images with that pro look and feel. I asked about lenses on here a while ago and had some good feedback so this time its cameras. What to buy. Im not really worried about how much but want to get the right camera for what i need and not buy something for the sake of it. I recently bought my dad a 550d with a 18-200 IS lens for his birthday and been quite impressed with it, but i handled a 7d the other day and loved the feel of it. I would like a 5d MK2 but im not professional enough to warrant it really and worried if i did stretch myself that far they will bring out the MK3 and i would be gutted. Most of my pictures are Art based. But do Use it at race circuits and when traveling. I want to stay with canon due to having a few lenses. So that leaves me with 450D or 500D Both a bit old so rather get a 50D 50D possible but i read a article recently that the 550D is better head to head. 550D. Great camera but prefer the feel of a 7d 60D/600D. I dont like the idea of a moveable screen. Fixed please any time. 7D Ideal really but 1100 is a lot to spend when the 550D is so good, but just doesent have the feel! 5D Mark 1. A friend has one of these and gets some fantastic results. Would a good condition second hand one of these be a good option. Or are the focusing systems, processors a bit on the old side now and something newer would clean up head to head. 5D MK2 Yes please but when will the MK3 come out. To be honest i wouldnt do it justice or use it enough to have it in the bag. All thoughts appricated
Considering the lenses you now own, I'd go for either one of those, used, from a reputable source. The step up to full-frame 35mm is the most satisfying change to your DSLR kit you'll ever make. I own a 5D Mk1 and often rent 5D Mk2s and 1Ds Mk3s. As long as you have good processing software (Lightroom, Aperture, or CaptureOne Pro and Photoshop CS3/4/5), the 5D Mk1 still cuts the mustard even for professionals. Mine's certainly not ready to be relegated to 'hobby camera' just yet. Don't place all the importance on the very latest tech being inside the body - the sensitivity with which you treat your images afterwards is of great importance. Processing/Workflow software has become so powerful nowadays, it pays to learn to use it properly - this isn't to say that you can just stick the camera on Program and sort it all out in 'post', but it does mean that you can shoot with that extra latitude that the software will give you in mind, in the same way we did when it was all about shooting film
I have to agree with the above. I have a 40D and always hire in a 5DmkII if I need it. You cant beat the image quality that comes with the full frame and like already said you have an L series lens. The 5D mkII is next on my list of things to buy. I don't think you can beat it!
Just to add, even when Canon actually announce a successor to the 5D Mk2, it will be months before you can actually get one. Their track record of getting Pro DSLRs from launch to UK market is awful.
Pretty much agree with all the above; full frame (be it in the form of the 5D or 5DII) will suit your primary "arty" purpose better than the rest. Would make an excellent tool for travel street photography with a fast prime of some description too. You say about potentially regretting buying a Mk2 just before the release of the Mk3; as N/B says it not all about having the latest gear. Looking from the other side the release of the Mk3 will drive down the new and used prices of the Mk2, so you should be able to pick one up for a decent price once the Mk3 is announced / released. FWIW I currently have a 40D and a reasonable amount of glass, and the only camera I'm bothered about upgrading to is the 5DII. Not particularly impressed by any of the "semi-pro" crop bodies have released since the 40D tbh.
i have a 7D and even as a cut frame sensor i feel i can produce images like any 5D mk1/mk2 photographer..... for 1100 the 7D is a winner....
You can get a decent 5d mk 1 body for about 700 now, in my humble opinion if you can't afford the 5d mk 2 then it would probably be the best investment you could make. The smaller sensor size of 'prosumer' bodies is never an issue until it becomes an issue. I've used the 5d mk 1 many times and have since upgraded to the mk 2 which will stay with me for at least a couple of years regardless of whether the 5d mk 3 comes out next week. or in a years time.
I'm sure under most conditions images from the two are indistinguishable.. however the 7D won't come close to the 5DII in low light / high ISO situations, and can't offer the minute DOF achievable with full frame. Likewise the 5DII lags behind the 7D in terms of autofocus speed and reach.. while they're both very good at covering the "middle ground", they're designed with two completely different applications in mind; which needs to be consided when attempting to decide between the two.
Imo, the only 'condition' you really need to worry about is the point at which you put the camera to your eye. Game over, Full-Frame wins every time. Ask yourself why Medium and Large format are still around - I'll give you a clue, it's not all about megapixels
Thanks guys, I was leaning towards the 5d mk1 and like the idea of a full frame sensor. So I thinks that's the way. They only thing I've noticed about the mk1 is the much lower ISO settings compared to the mk2. But are no different than the camera I'm using at the moment. I have found a second hand Mk1 which has 7000 actuations and been checked over by a canon specialist and is in Fantastic condition.
When comparing specs, the iso range is smaller on the mk 1. Unless I've read wrong. Ie the mk2 is much better in low light conditions.
I have to agree with all the above. You can pick up a 5DmkII body for about 1400. I'd spend the extra to have a full frame camera, The ISO is also one of the biggest factors.
Ive just won this http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=220756186669&ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT The chap lives locally bought it new and has used it as a second camera so little use.
