Leave the 5D Mk III, take the 5D Mk II...?

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Weldon

Apr 19, 2012
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#1
Leave the 5D Mk III, take the 5D Mk II...


Should I save $1,300, go with the MK2 and use the monies for glass?

1. I have read in many forums that Canon users contradict each other in MK3's sharpness/softness (both video and picture).

2. Some including FM founder will stick to their MK2.

3. The builtin HDR function and improved autofocus, video functions, and ergonomic features of MK3 are important to me.

4. Raw quality: is there a noticeable difference?

5. The ease of mind to use any Canon lens I choose (incl. 200/f2.0) is very appealing.

Please let me know what you think. Should i be considering other aspects or issues relating to these two excellent cameras? I thank forum members in advance for their Canon advice (and experience) on my decision as to the 5D to purchase and the 5D to leave at the store.
 
#3
I have the MK II and the MK III. Those who purchase the MK III and expect sharper images will be disappointed, its still 22mp, and is not going to be sharper. However, it is every bit as sharp as the 5D MK II.

What you get with a MK III:

A better sensor, particularly if you want to pull up shadows or take extreme low light images.

You get a far superior autofocus system

You get dual card slots

You get some improvement in weather sealing.

A few Video features thrown in, but nothing earthshaking.

Its up to you to decide how much those things are worth to you, for some they will not be worth more, for others, they are worth every penny.
 
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#5
Weldon said:
Leave the 5D Mk III, take the 5D Mk II...


Should I save $1,300, go with the MK2 and use the monies for glass?

1. I have read in many forums that Canon users contradict each other in MK3's sharpness/softness (both video and picture).

2. Some including FM founder will stick to their MK2.

3. The builtin HDR function and improved autofocus, video functions, and ergonomic features of MK3 are important to me.

4. Raw quality: is there a noticeable difference?

5. The ease of mind to use any Canon lens I choose (incl. 200/f2.0) is very appealing.

Please let me know what you think. Should i be considering other aspects or issues relating to these two excellent cameras? I thank forum members in advance for their Canon advice (and experience) on my decision as to the 5D to purchase and the 5D to leave at the store.
Click to expand...

You can use both for stuff you wanna shoot. But...

5D Mk II:
-usable only center point AF in poor lighting
-older sensor/processor/more noise (as far as Ive seen samples and coparisons) - visible in both video and photos
-its sealed less than Mk III

5D Mk III:
-definitely better AF, center 5 points are diagonal cross type, 41 cross type points (you can read about it here: http://learn.usa.canon.com/resources/articles/2012/1dx_guidebook.shtml , just scroll down and read everything - very interesting stuff)
-AF - you can select between various modes (http://blog.martinbaileyphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/5D_MarkIII_AF_Area_Selection_Modes1.jpg)
-better sensor/processor/less noise at higher ISOs - I wouldnt mind to use ISO 10 000 and shoot to RAW
-better video/new codec (same as 1D-X)/some video features - Ive seen noise somparison between 5D Mk III and D800 and D800 is really noisy at higher ISOs when shooing video
-better sealing
-higher frame rate
-silent shooting

If you need FF now, then buy 5D Mk II - its a great camera, it does the job fine. But I would rather spare some cash and buy later 5D Mk III - for my style of shooting all those new feature are really welcome (especially AF). Im an enthusiast and Im looking for a camera that will last me for next 5 years - dont know if you plan to shoot commercially or just for you/friends.
 
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#7
It really depends on what you shoot. The lowlight of weddings would show the value of the 5d3 autofocus but people used the 5d2 for weddings for the last few years... I personally decided to pick up a 5d2 because of the price difference. The autofocus is hit or miss in low light and you need to be aware of the limitation and adjust accordingly. I love to hike and shoot landscapes and don't need high ISO very often so the 5d2 fits my needs very well. That said, you should weigh your needs against the cost––i.e. is the weather sealing and autofocus worth $1300 for what you shoot.
 
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#8
PhilDrinkwater said:
Weldon said:
Photography: portraits, events (weddings and the like)

Video: available light in musical/concert venues where most situations are in lowlight
Click to expand...

5d3 is designed for weddings. Fantastic focussing and dual cards.
Click to expand...

...you are right :-) 22 Mpx is just the swwet spot I think (not too large files but there is still possibility to crop).

Oh, Ive forgotten about dual card slots with 5D Mk III - thats definitely a great feature.
 
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#13
No way on that 5d2..in a few years the 5d2 will be worth $700-1000 street value while a 5d3 will still be worth at least $2000, maybe $2500. So there's your $1300 gone if you buy the 5d2. If you doubt that, do an used gear search on the 5d vs 5d2. Also:

1. AF is way better on 5d3...really, very superior AF!

2. 6fp vs 4fps

3. All the "little improvements" that Canon made...and there are too many to list.

all this is easily worth $1,300. If you buy the 5d2, the first time you find the AF hunting, you'll start doubting your purchase, and the doubt will only get worse...
 
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#15
mathino said:
...you are right :-) 22 Mpx is just the swwet spot I think (not too large files but there is still possibility to crop).

Oh, Ive forgotten about dual card slots with 5D Mk III - thats definitely a great feature.
Click to expand...

For weddings, 22MP (or IMO 18-22) is a really good sweet spot where you can get the amount of detail you need without storing too much. You also find that, as resolution increases, you notice problems more (such as minor focus problems). When I got the 5d2 I started ditching files which were perfectly usable because there was TOO MUCH resolution.

I'm glad they kept the camera at this res.
 
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#16
Northstar said:
No way on that 5d2..in a few years the 5d2 will be worth $700-1000 street value while a 5d3 will still be worth at least $2000, maybe $2500. So there's your $1300 gone if you buy the 5d2. If you doubt that, do an used gear search on the 5d vs 5d2. Also:

1. AF is way better on 5d3...really, very superior AF!

2. 6fp vs 4fps

3. All the "little improvements" that Canon made...and there are too many to list.

all this is easily worth $1,300. If you buy the 5d2, the first time you find the AF hunting, you'll start doubting your purchase, and the doubt will only get worse...
Click to expand...

Good points. I have done many shoots on the mkII. Awesome camera. But I am so happy that i decided to go with the mkIII. Would not go back mkII.

4. Dual Card

5. Almost 2 stops better high ISO

6. Awesome AF vs not so great

7. Great AF =-)
 
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#17
I depends on how much #3 means to you as those are the big selling points... superior AF, as sharp as the 5d2 depending on what software you use, 2 card slots, better ergonomics, weather sealing, 100% VF, etc... Sensor wise, you can almost call it a wash, but $1300 for an entirely better camera system as a whole, you will have to weigh how much thats worth it for you. Also dont forget about the much better ISO capabilities...
 
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