Want to pull the FF trigger but on what? Help!!!!!

[bdunbar79]

I don't know why everyone just defends the camera they own? I've owned the 5D Mark II, the 1Ds Mark III, the 7D, and own the 5D Mark III. The 5D Mark III beats the crap out of the 5D2 and 7D combined. It has way better AF than the 5D2, and has way better ISO performance than the 7D. It also can do auto ISO in manual mode. It has many more features. It's better than the two combined. If you can only take ONE shot at a time, and have a camera that's better than two cameras combined, how is this not the best choice?

If you are going for FF value, at a GREAT price and great IQ, then 5D Mark II's IQ is absolutely tremendous. I knew a lot of pros who didn't buy a 1Ds Mark III because of the superior ISO performance of the 5D Mark II. If you don't need the latest AF technology, it is a great camera.

If you want everything in one camera, I'd consider the 5D Mark III #2 on Canon's current camera list, behind the 1DX. If you don't need that and/or are worried about price, get the 5D Mark II.

I cannot recommend the 1Ds Mark III. Unless you only shoot ISO 50-400, outside, it's not going to be a good deal and you'll likely be disappointed. The only advantage is AF point spot metering. However, the files are pretty unusable above ISO 800. It was a great camera in its time, but has been outdated by technology.

 

[tiger82]

Decision made, it will be a 5D2 w/BG

Decision made. I'm going with a 5D2 with a Canon battery grip (I have BGs on my 50D and 7D so I'm used to the feel) and use the $1500 toward new glass or a higher MP FF Canon should one become available in the future. I like the idea of a Digic 5+ instead of a Digic 4 but my goal is to get started in the FF world. The 5D2 is the least expensive way to get a new camera and get into FF. I get a new body every 3 years and who knows what happens then? Thanks, everyone!

 

[CowGummy]

Re: Decision made, it will be a 5D2 w/BG

Decision made. I'm going with a 5D2 with a Canon battery grip (I have BGs on my 50D and 7D so I'm used to the feel) and use the $1500 toward new glass or a higher MP FF Canon should one become available in the future. I like the idea of a Digic 5+ instead of a Digic 4 but my goal is to get started in the FF world. The 5D2 is the least expensive way to get a new camera and get into FF. I get a new body every 3 years and who knows what happens then? Thanks, everyone!

Congrats! I think you made a great choice here. The 5DII is a fantastic camera and the AF issue is honestly blown out of all proportions. That centre point on that body is bang on in my opinion. And getting more glass with the rest of your budget will go a long way.

 

[Dylan777]

Re: Decision made, it will be a 5D2 w/BG

Decision made. I'm going with a 5D2 with a Canon battery grip (I have BGs on my 50D and 7D so I'm used to the feel) and use the $1500 toward new glass or a higher MP FF Canon should one become available in the future. I like the idea of a Digic 5+ instead of a Digic 4 but my goal is to get started in the FF world. The 5D2 is the least expensive way to get a new camera and get into FF. I get a new body every 3 years and who knows what happens then? Thanks, everyone!

Best of luck with shootting AI servo

 

[sb]

Makes sense to me. I just bought a second Mk2 as a replacement for my backup 7D (which I can't stand anymore). Mk3 didn't tempt me for a second. As far as bang-for-the-buck goes, Mk2 is king. And there is nothing wrong with AF by the way, the camera is amazing. Enjoy your toy!

 

[picturesbyme]

Re: Decision made, it will be a 5D2 w/BG

Decision made. I'm going with a 5D2 with a Canon battery grip

Best of luck with shootting AI servo

Most of these were in AI Servo and several in AI Focus. (5D2+200mm f/2.8L at f/2.8 or f/4)
http://atlanticpicture.com/p446494716/h3e43d0b0#h3e43d0b0
The guys were flying around and from the 530some photos 470some were sharp where I wanted it to be. (Keep in mind I shot at 2.8 to 4.) I just started to upload so there will be more and some I might remove at the end but I'm happy with the keeper ratio.

While I'm not "amazed" by the 5D2's AF it is not as bad as some wants to show.
Obviously for the pros like most people here it's not good enough as their income depends on it. In that case I would have gotten something better too - will write it off from taxes anyway-, however as many pointed out the 5D2 is still a great FF camera in every aspect for everyone else who cares about IQ, doesn't shoot high speed sports and/or willing to learn and use the camera with its "limits".

I think you picked the right combination in your case. Not because I have a 5D2 too, but because I believe the eye-lens-body-software order.

One thing that many people forget is that cameras ARE TOOLS. Like pen, typewriter, computer was/is for writers.
Should make your work easier but not designed to DO ALL your work. (That will be the NS-1x.) Once you LEARN to use that tool it will help you to create great photos. I'm still learning mine. Hopefully one day I will have amazing shots like the ones here with 2-3 5D3s and 1Dxs.

If you have a min check this page: http://fotozz.hu/ (might need to translate) It's an awesome site and if you click around you can see the cameras the people used to create the photos... some are from the "stone age", yet there are amazing work there... stuff I can only dream to create with my advanced gear...

All the best, A.

 

[EOBeav]

Re: Decision made, it will be a 5D2 w/BG

Decision made. I'm going with a 5D2 with a Canon battery grip (I have BGs on my 50D and 7D so I'm used to the feel) and use the $1500 toward new glass or a higher MP FF Canon should one become available in the future. I like the idea of a Digic 5+ instead of a Digic 4 but my goal is to get started in the FF world. The 5D2 is the least expensive way to get a new camera and get into FF. I get a new body every 3 years and who knows what happens then? Thanks, everyone!

Congratulations on your new addition to the family.

 

[tiger82]

After making the decision, I spent some time looking for the best price for a 5D2 from a Canon authorized dealer. I found $1980 from Adorama. I was about to order, then I got an e-mail from Canon that they have 20 refurbs in stock with 90 day warranties for $1759. When I called back, I asked if they still had a loyalty program since I still have a broken Powershot from many years ago. They are offering 10% off so the price is now $1583. I asked if CPS would still check the camera for free while under the shorter warranty and was told they would. I later confirmed this with CPS. So for $1583, I will have a decent FF camera and now have almost $2000 toward the next upgrade 3 years from now or new glass. I just have to remember to bring it in for my under warranty CPS check 90 days from today. Thanks, everyone.

 

[kennephoto]

You gave canon a broken powershot and they gave you almost 200 bucks off of a refurb? Wow that's awesome! Guess I need to do some research on the canon loyalty program!

 

[luoto]

(This thread finally got me to register after a lot of lurking)

It seems that there is not much "Loyalty" from Canon UK/Europe. Always these good deals for the U.S. but for the rest...?

Even Canon CPS for EU doesn't seem so comprehensive compared to the U.S. offering.

 

[mathino]

(This thread finally got me to register after a lot of lurking)

It seems that there is not much "Loyalty" from Canon UK/Europe. Always these good deals for the U.S. but for the rest...?

Even Canon CPS for EU doesn't seem so comprehensive compared to the U.S. offering.

Yes, its true - no good deals for EU citizens and also much more expensive gear (due to taxes and minimal wages).

Ive also read about this "loyalty program" that only broken cameras bought in US are eligible (they can check it via SN).

Its a shame that we dont have such treatment here in Europe...

 

[Menace]

Well done. Go out, shoot and have fun ;D

 

[RLPhoto]

new 5D2 - $1900, used 1Ds3 - $2500, new 5D3 - $3200

IF want to have a full frame body now rather than wait for what Canon may announce later, what are the merits of the 3 above? I can compare the specs directly but I'd appreciate this group's vast experience to provide insight beyond specs.

Thanks

Well, If you want good AF, Full Frame Body for cheap, You can Look into a 1DS2.

If you just want to dip into FF Stills, I can vouch the 5Dc is still a fantastic camera.

I skipped the MK2 series as it wasn't enough of an upgrade from the 5Dc to justify its purchase.

I bought the MK3 for 3099 on Evil Bay, as my 5Dc was dying and wanted better AF.

Quite a few canon FF cameras to choose from.

 

[skitron]

I think the faster glass you have the less you'll "dis-like" the 5D2 AF system. At least that is how it worked out for me. The AF isn't anything to get excited about but the center point is better than the center point on my 50D. Plus the outer points work reasonably well for some things using f1.4 lenses, but less and less using f2.8 and slower lenses when marginal light.