450D vs 5D MKII AF system

[JPlendPhoto]

There is a good chance that I’ll be upgrading from my Canon EOS 450D to the Canon EOS 5D MKII early next year, although I am waiting to hear what people have to say about the 6D.

My concern is with what I have read about the AF system in the 5D MKII, but then I thought is there much of a difference compared to the AF system in my 450D, both have 9-point AF points. Does anyone have any experience/know if there would be much difference between the two systems?

Thanks! 

[Nishi Drew]

AF wise it wouldn't be an upgrade or downgrade, just the center point is accurate, pretty sure the performance between the two are the same. Plenty of people don't like to limit themselves to just the center AF point, with the 5DmkII it isn't lightning fast so tracking moving subjects can be tricky and in low enough light it may not nail focus.

Then again, should be the same experience with the 450D, for still portraits, landscapes and general purpose it's fine. The 6D is similar with only having an accurate center AF point, but apparently it's much more sensitive and accurate then that of the MkII, so if you're considering then you could wait. Which, for the reviews as well, would be well into late January as I see Amazon Japan telling me the camera is set to come out right before the first day of 2013

[PeterJ]

Most complaints are about the AF point spread, I've owned a 450D and 5D2 and from that point of view they are about the same, you'll probably want to continue to use the center point. The 5D2 will focus better in low light (not to mention taking much better photos) and has AFMA so is still better than 450D focusing in all regards I can think of.

Probably most of the complaints you've heard are 60D / 7D users that went for a 5D2, while center point accuracy is probably at least as good as those you take a step back in spread and tracking ability in comparison.

[Menace]

If you are used to shooting with the centre point on the 450d, you'd be fine with the 5d too.

Have fun with the FF body 

[Kmccarthy]

I've got both a 450d and a 5DII. You will be very happy with the upgrade. The center point on the 5DII is very good and reasonably fast. AI Servo is also much better than the 450d. It also supports microfocus adjust, which is critical to get really sharp images with shallow depth of field. You will also notice a huge improvement in image quality and low light performance. The build quality, handling, LCD and viewfinder will also be a big step forward for you.

A bit of advise. Don't upgrade to a 7d. You will love the AF system and build quality, but you will be disappointed with the image quality and noise. The 5DII is a much more satisfying upgrade for a 450d user.

[JPlendPhoto]

Thank you all very much, I appreciate your comments!

I have found that the other AF points seem to work fine on my 450D, I don’t really just choose the central AF point, so if it is anything like that I am sure it will be fine.

So in short, the camera as a whole is a massive upgrade from my 450D, right?

My only intention is to go full frame, I like the 7D but it’s not for me. As others have said, it is worth waiting for those 6D reviews.

[Pensador_Axadrezado]

I'm in the same boat as you.
(I think it's best to wait for a full review on the 6D IQ and AF system before jumping to a new camera)

[JPlendPhoto]

I'm in the same boat as you.
(I think it's best to wait for a full review on the 6D IQ and AF system before jumping to a new camera)

Interesting. Yes, I guess we will have to wait and see.