Is 5d overkill for me?

Sep 15, 2012
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I am an amateur but avid photographer. I had a 6D which I was happy with. Unfortunately it broke (water damage) and I need to find a replacement. I am wondering if should just recorder 6d or get 5D series. I mostly shoot pictures (landscapes, portraits, street etc). I am aware of better AF system on 5D but I do little action photography. I do shoot video occasionally. Given that I used snapshot feature of 6d heavily for my limited video recording use of 6d, I find it quite disconcerting that video snapshot is missing entirely from 5D. That might indicate 5D caters more to professionals (who don't care about snapshot feature?) and as much as I might benefit from its advanced features and capabilities, I don't need it? Except for this feature 5D seems a superset of 6D and wouldn't have given me a pause otherwise.

Thanks
Deepinder.
 
You can buy multiple 6D's for the price of a 5D MK IV. Since it worked well for you, why change. The Dual Pixel feature allows for sharp focus during video, even if the subject it moving, if that's a benefit worth $2200, go for it. Otherwise get the 6D and spend the $2200 on lenses, or buy a second 6D for a backup.
 
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Earlier this summer I seriously looked at a refurb 6D. And decided to wait on the 5Div. But for me, I want DPAF for video of the kids, anti-flicker for indoor sports pictures, the best low-light ISO performance Canon has that I can afford for taking some pictures of the night sky. The 7FPS is almost what I was hoping for, but I've been making due with the 7D, at 7FPS now, so I will live.

For *ME*, it is a slam dunk for the 5Div over the 6D.

For you, it might be interesting to see if the 5DS drops in price, that might be an option, or maybe a previously enjoyed or a Canon refurbished 5DS?

If you are doing mostly landscape or portrait it might serve you really well?

5DS reburb is going for $2799 http://shop.usa.canon.com/shop/en/catalog/eos-5ds-body-refurbished

Just some thoughts.

tom
 
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The 5DIV is likely overkill for most of us. But that will not stop many of us from buying it. ;)

Using the logical part of your brain, look for specific features that you really want or need. If you can find enough to justify the price, great.

Using the emotional side of your brain, this is a hobby, how much fun can you gave with the 5D over other things you could buy with the money.

Always make sure you can afford it.

But, if you were perfectly content with the 6D you likely do not "need" a 5D.
 
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Heretical thought: have you considered bumping down to an 80D? You'd get the flip-screen (which I couldn't live without, having used them in other systems), DPAF, much better video, touchscreen, etc., all for a fraction of the cost.

Of course, if you're tied to FF and love your focal-lengths, then never mind.
 
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Combing replies to some questions:

I like full frame and do not want to use a crop camera.

I was perfectly happy with 6D but I often upgrade to get the latest and best so naturally considered 5D4. As I mentioned I like everything about 5D4 and I am perfectly happy to get it ... except I will have to give up video snapshot feature. I use it heavily while traveling to capture 4/8 seconds highlights of every place I ago. With this I avoid time consuming editing at the end of vacation to prepare a highlight video of my trip. Lack of this feature alone is holding me back from 5D4. I am not considering 5D3 because if I am moving away from 6D then why not get the latest (cost is not an issue)

Deepinder.
 
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First things first - have you held a 5D(any version)?

I find the 6D slightly less comfortable in my hands, while the 5D3 a perfect fit. You should try a 5D4 and make certain you are happy with the handling before you change.

You can always just shoot a few seconds of video with the 5D4. I was unaware that was an automated feature of the 6D, but I shoot plenty for 5-10 second clips with my 5D3. Stopping is simply manual instead of automatic. So unless that change in use pattern is a deal breaker, consider the upgrade if you find the 5D4 more comfortable to hold.

And if you don't, then stick with the 6D.

Unless there are specific features you require that are only on one model, ergonomics rises to a much higher level of importance once you reach these models (even if I had an unlimited budget, I wouldn't buy a 1DX2, as I find them too large to hold).
 
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sounds like you ha6Dve made up your mind. The 5Div won't disappoint you and will last you many years. If you did buy a 6D you would probably have buyers remorse and/or still buy the 5div or 6dii when it comes out. As an upgrade from the 6d the 5Div covers all you could want.
 
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Another vote for just picking up another 6D now. Especially considering you could probably pick up grey market for ~$1k. Considering you were happy with that camera and it seems to fit your shooting style, $3500 is quite the upcharge for a camera you probably don't need.
 
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Thanks all for the comments. Simply stated as a prosumer, higher resolution, improved AF and video quality would have been worthy reasons for me to upgrade to 5D4. I am trying to assess the cost of loosing the video snapshot feature.

Specific comment for TAF - I have considered taking short 4-8 second videos manually on 5D. I would think combining the short segments at the end of a trip and making a movie would take significant time, specially for someone who isn't making movies very often. On 6D this is fully automated as short segments are appended to a running movie. A new movie can be started very easily if there is a change in theme. If making a movie from small segments (say 100 over a 10 day trip) is trivial, it will certainly impact my decision.

Also, I found holding 6D quite comfortable, albeit a little compact. I do not think shift to 5D would be arduous given that increment in size and weight is small.

I searched for instruction manual for 5D4 but it doesn't appear to be available yet. I was wondering if this feature might have been brought back.

Deepinder
 
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matrix95136 said:
Thanks all for the comments. Simply stated as a prosumer, higher resolution, improved AF and video quality would have been worthy reasons for me to upgrade to 5D4. I am trying to assess the cost of loosing the video snapshot feature.

Specific comment for TAF - I have considered taking short 4-8 second videos manually on 5D. I would think combining the short segments at the end of a trip and making a movie would take significant time, specially for someone who isn't making movies very often. On 6D this is fully automated as short segments are appended to a running movie. A new movie can be started very easily if there is a change in theme. If making a movie from small segments (say 100 over a 10 day trip) is trivial, it will certainly impact my decision.

Also, I found holding 6D quite comfortable, albeit a little compact. I do not think shift to 5D would be arduous given that increment in size and weight is small.

I searched for instruction manual for 5D4 but it doesn't appear to be available yet. I was wondering if this feature might have been brought back.

Deepinder


The 5D4 manual is now on line, you'll find the link to it on the front page of CR.

Having the camera automatically put the short videos together sounds really nice...please let us know if the 5D4 includes that feature. (that's almost enough to convince me to buy a 6D for just video stuff)

If the 6D is a little compact, you might find the 5D perfect (or you might not, which is why I suggest trying before buying - it's like shoes, something you really have to get right)
 
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So if you buy a refurbished 6D right now and used it for the next 8 month then buy a refurbished 5m4 for the same cost and a new 5m4 right now. So in a year you will have 2 camera and spend about the same amount money, maybe a bit more but nothing major.
 
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I strongly encourage you for 6D, but better 5Ds and a SIGMA 50mm ART glass.

I know you haven't asked about, but judging by what you shoot speed is of less matter to you.
SO you can concentrate on IQ. If you have them buck$. Buy 6D and a great glass. Even better go for the huge pixels count. It pays offf when combined with good glass.
 
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There is no such thing as "overkill". If you want it and have the money, get it. It is that simple. :) :) :) It really is.

I wouldn't listen to anyone else telling you that you don't need this or that. What you don't need today you might need tomorrow.

Get a 5D mark III while you still can, or get a 5D mark IV. Never look back.
 
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