5D2 for a day after 5D3 for 6 months

[Ew]

The 5D2 I loved for so long was in my hands for a day from its current owner after using the 5D3 for the last 6 months.

Thinking back of all the hype and hot discussions on features, I'm left with a very clear understanding what I missed most about the 5D3 - or rather, its greatest benefits for me:

1. Programmable DOF (Switching between servo and one-shot) on RIGHT hand side - I was shocked at how crippled I felt with the 5D2
2. Much more flexible auto ISO in manual mode - really could not use it at all due to its range limitation
3. 6400+++ ISO noise. Wow wow.

Its really amazing how quickly we adapt to new tools, and how difficult it is to go back to what was recently as comfortable as your fav slippers / jeans / etc... very happy to be back in my new old comfy zone.

Anyone have similar experience?

[asmundma]

I still have a 5D2 in addition to 5D3 - YES    #2 is pain in the a....  I hate that.....

[Dark Reality]

As much as people pick apart the AF of the 5d2, I noticed that wasn't on your list.

[Hill Benson]

The improvements they have implemented have made the shooting experience even more enjoyable for the photographer. This is something that becomes more apparent after you actually use the camera, not just juxtapose it's "specs" against another. I have found that I've had to redefine what is "usable" in terms of ISO stepping up from a 50D!

[And-Rew]

As much as people pick apart the AF of the 5d2, I noticed that wasn't on your list.

You mean the 5D2 actually had A/F? 
Now i know where I kept going wrong 

[rlarsen]

Regarding switching between servo and one-shot, what is the appeal or benefit of the one-shot mode, and the switch between the two settings ?
I have always set my bodies to servo, and when the subject is motionless it seems to work fine.
Thanks

[studio1972]

Regarding switching between servo and one-shot, what is the appeal or benefit of the one-shot mode, and the switch between the two settings ?
I have always set my bodies to servo, and when the subject is motionless it seems to work fine.
Thanks

It allows the shot to be recomposed after focussing

[teedidy]

Regarding switching between servo and one-shot, what is the appeal or benefit of the one-shot mode, and the switch between the two settings ?
I have always set my bodies to servo, and when the subject is motionless it seems to work fine.
Thanks

It allows the shot to be recomposed after focussing

It also allows for Assist focus beam to fire.

[rlarsen]

Thanks
I always have used back-button AF so locking focus is a breeze. I highly recommend it to all shooters because it easily maximizes your options ( manual focus, focus lock, servo tracking )

About the only time I've used one-shot is for focus assist in really bad light.

I have been experimenting with AI Focus that starts with one-shot and switches to servo when the subject moves.

The only times I've considered using the shutter button for AF is when covering the NFL or college football with the 2nd camera on my shoulder. When I quickly switch from the 400mm and grab the camera on my shoulder ( usually for a pass play ) it's easier to support the camera, often with one hand,  with my finger on the shutter button.

[Axilrod]

I used my 5D2 the other day after not using it for a while, and honestly it seems like the images may be a bit sharper on the Mark II.  Not necessarily better, but sharper.  The biggest thing I noticed was the LCD screen on the Mark II, I mean it looks like complete crap compared to the mark III.

[revup67]

I kept hearing about all the worry from wildlife shooters in ever giving up the 7D with a 400mm (=640mm) in that they would lose that extra reach.  What they fail to realize is the IQ is in fact so much better than the 7D in that you can crop til your hearts content with minimal sacrificing.  I've used my 7D twice in 6 months for wildlife with the 400mm yet still keep going back to 5DM3 as the photos are just much better IQ.  As you zoom in on a 7D  the images break up much quicker than the 5D

Let's not forget the AFMA on the 5DM3 now offers two settings for zooms: Wide and Tele Mode as well as the dual memory cards.  I don't believe the 5DM2 had either of these.  Additionally there's one more AF zone (total 6) than even the 7D has which is 5.

[Ivar]

Not to start any argument, just an experience going from the 5D2 to a D800:
* Auto-ISO - a lot of customisation options: lower-higher high ISO limits, shutter speed limits, shutter speed limits finetuning in relation to focal length (slower,medium,higher)
* Much better AF (in comparison to 5D2)
* Recently needed to use timer release - again, plenty of options to choose from: the delay up to 20s, how many shots are taken at which intervals
* What I miss from the Canon side - the 85mm 1.2 II - what an amazing lens! And generally speaking lenses - the Nikon's seem to have more distortion. It can be easily corrected in post by using lens profiles but this means some image info is thrown away at the edges. Canon LCD implementation for shooting is also better as no mirror moves when pressing the shutter and the Canon's seems to have more clarity meaning easier manual focusing through LCD, especially when darker. By the way, 36MP is not at all that demanding, good results can be achieved easily when handheld and at moderately slow shutter speeds and with less brilliant glass.

* Updated: obviously, the low ISO DR is very impressive.

In order not to do only the talking, a recent shot:

[Krob78]

So Rev, it almost sounds has if there wouldn't be much need to even keep the 7d other than maybe for the occassional need for a backup. 

Would former 7d users be better off selling the crop and picking up either some new glass or perhaps a teleconverter for their 5d MK III and longer lenses or just hanging on to it, in your opinion?

I only ask as my 5D MK III arrives this weekend and I've wondered quite a few times whether I'd be better off keeping my 7D or letting it go in favor of new teleconverter to make up the difference in reach or maybe just go toward some new glass, like a 24-70mmL?  What's your opinion?  I know we all have different needs, your point of view however may be valuable, being in the same situation, where you own both...

I kept hearing about all the worry from wildlife shooters in ever giving up the 7D with a 400mm (=640mm) in that they would lose that extra reach.  What they fail to realize is the IQ is in fact so much better than the 7D in that you can crop til your hearts content with minimal sacrificing.  I've used my 7D twice in 6 months for wildlife with the 400mm yet still keep going back to 5DM3 as the photos are just much better IQ.  As you zoom in on a 7D  the images break up much quicker than the 5D

Let's not forget the AFMA on the 5DM3 now offers two settings for zooms: Wide and Tele Mode as well as the dual memory cards.  I don't believe the 5DM2 had either of these.  Additionally there's one more AF zone (total 6) than even the 7D has which is 5.

[Skulker]

Krob. It sounds like you will be able to make your own choice on keeping the 7d or not.  For me, no point in keeping the 7d, good as it is. The 5d3 is just so much better.

I expected to miss the crop factor. But the IQ is so much better you can still get better results by cropping in pp.

[Kernuak]

So Rev, it almost sounds has if there wouldn't be much need to even keep the 7d other than maybe for the occassional need for a backup. 

Would former 7d users be better off selling the crop and picking up either some new glass or perhaps a teleconverter for their 5d MK III and longer lenses or just hanging on to it, in your opinion?

I only ask as my 5D MK III arrives this weekend and I've wondered quite a few times whether I'd be better off keeping my 7D or letting it go in favor of new teleconverter to make up the difference in reach or maybe just go toward some new glass, like a 24-70mmL?  What's your opinion?  I know we all have different needs, your point of view however may be valuable, being in the same situation, where you own both...

I kept hearing about all the worry from wildlife shooters in ever giving up the 7D with a 400mm (=640mm) in that they would lose that extra reach.  What they fail to realize is the IQ is in fact so much better than the 7D in that you can crop til your hearts content with minimal sacrificing.  I've used my 7D twice in 6 months for wildlife with the 400mm yet still keep going back to 5DM3 as the photos are just much better IQ.  As you zoom in on a 7D  the images break up much quicker than the 5D

Let's not forget the AFMA on the 5DM3 now offers two settings for zooms: Wide and Tele Mode as well as the dual memory cards.  I don't believe the 5DM2 had either of these.  Additionally there's one more AF zone (total 6) than even the 7D has which is 5.

I have a similar experience to Rev. I was in Scotland in October and started using the 7D for wildlife on the first day due to reach. I switched to the 5D MkIII when the light levels dropped. When I looked at the difference in image quality, the 7D didn't come out of the bag again for the rest of the week and I haven't used it since. FOr me though, I would keep the 7D as a backup body or for when reach really is an issue or perhaps when I need the extra frame rate on the odd occasion. If you don't find yourself in any of those situations though, then you're probably better off selling your 7D. I have since got the 2x MkIII extender for that purpose (used at a good price). I find the 1.4x MkII is good enough, but I want to extract as much quality out of the 2x as possible and will be selling my MkII version. I'm yet to use the new extender though.