Upgrade to 5dmk2 or wait for 5dmk3?

[cezargalang]

Hi, I'm fairly new to the forum so please don't be harsh on me.

Anyway, i have a T1i, a 7D that i can use(My sister's, but i wont be using it for a while) and i was contemplating on upgrading to a 5dmk2 because the prices are oh so low. But as we all know, a rumored 5dmk3 may be out in less than a year.

Should i wait or just buy a 5dmk2 now?

 

[wtlloyd]

The only reason you give to buy is because the prices are low. Really?

Absolutely you should buy now, the replacement camera may cost more, might not be out for another 6-9 months or more, and you might not be able to actually get your hands on one the first few months. The price on the 5DII may go back up and stay up, especially if Canon stop producing them to clear the lines for the MkIII.

It doesn't matter what you will use the camera for, or why you want one. Throw it in the closet after you get it, the price will still be good. But it will be a waste of your money.

There are lots of reasons to buy gear that come before looking at the price. Think about it, and tell us a little about how you will use it and we will give more useful advice.

 

[bycostello]

what do you think u can do on a new camera that u can't on what you have got?

 

[marekjoz]

Hi. A lot of people would ask you first about two things:
1. Reasons you want to upgrade (what you expect after upgrade)
2. What do you shoot (is 5d2 or 5d3 going to be more suitable for your needs).

But... Let's assume you expect better quality at higher iso, FF imaging but not better AF behaviour.

As far as no one (could be that Canon itself) yet knows what 5d3 is to be equipped with (iso, fps, mp, af, video) and when it would be released it is really not possible now to put any reasonable answer regarding 5d3 as its possibilities as well its price or time to market.

I can tell you reasons I would go now:
1. Time. A lot of people say you shouldn't expect 5d3 sooner than next Autumn. I wouldn't like to wait another 9 months to see what is to be born, what price is to be and what is it going to look like.
2. improvements. After 5d3 is presented you could be dissapointed, that it took you so much time to see that there was AF worse than current 7d, less MP than 5d2 and only iso 2 stops better than current 5d2.
3. Money. How much will it cost you to buy 5d2 now and upgrade to 5d3 when it is released. Let's assume you pay now 2000$ and in a year sell it for 1400$. It would cost you 50$ monthly for using 5d2. Are you ready to spend this money for fun of having 5d2? You must answer yourself...

But again. No one can assure you 100% that 5d3 wouldn't be announced (for any unknown reasons) in January, cost less than 5d2 now and have a better performance. It is just so NOT probable, that three reasons I gave you have more value for me, than hoping for better for less and now.

BTW 7d is a great camera. If you haven't shot 5d2 before, I would kindly advise you to find it somewhere (ie shop with used equippement) and take for a weekend just for comparison. Maybe it's better to go 7d in you case?

Hope it helps.

 

[crjiro]

I'm in the same boat. I've been 'sort of' waiting for MkIII but with the pricepoint now, i am considering going through with it now. I am only concerned with stills not video. Although i will definitely use it for video too.

My question is: if you put a 24L on a Mk2 and a future higher 30+mp Mk3 and compare same shot, will you really see such a visible difference in image IQ you put mainly on the web? I can see a fair (not huge) difference between an APS-C and full-frame sensor using the same lens. But when you compare 2 full-frame cams for sake of mp count, i'm guessing you will not see much of a difference. (Compare lower mp d700 to 5dMkII). Would you guys agree with this conclusion? This would be a good reason to buy now and save about 1.5K and sell later as mentioned.

 

[marekjoz]

"My question is: if you put a 24L on a Mk2 and a future higher 30+mp Mk3 and compare same shot, will you really see such a visible difference in image IQ you put mainly on the web?"

Crjiro: you can't tell there will be 30+ mp in mk3. See 1dx. I don't think MPs would cause better quality for web in this case. Better sensor in terms of banding at lower iso plus lower noise at higher iso plus broader tonal range (see pentax) would cause better pictures. Assuming you would catch focus on your object btw

 

[crjiro]

@marekjoz
>I don't think MPs would cause better quality for web in this case. Better sensor in terms of banding at lower iso plus lower noise at higher iso plus broader tonal range (see pentax) would cause better pictures. Assuming you would catch focus on your object btw.

Thanks for the quick reply Marekjoz. I just need to hear some confirmation. It kind of bothers me with going for a higher priced MkIII and feel the bang4buck factor will not be as good as with the MkII right now. I'm using it mainly for web and regular prints. I'm thinking MkIII will be higher mp cause they will have to match the d800. The 1dx is more against the d3/d4 lineup.

 

[scottkinfw]

My 2 cents.

I have been shooting with a 50D and L lenses. Went on safari to Serengeti last march, and am planning to go again in August, 2012. Last trip, I borrowed a 5D2 and used both cameras/lenses. The 5D2 was superior in almost every situation. Many times I used both cameras to take the same shot with the same lens just for comparison purposes. Once back, I evaluated the pics on the computer and decided on getting a 5D@ of my own.

Subsequently, all the hype about the 5D#, so I decided on waiting. And I waited, and I waited. I won't go into all the issues of mp's, focus, 7D, 1DX, etc. Finally the price dropped, AND they are throwing in CF cards, bags, and software (? value), and I decided to pull the trigger.

I am aware that a 5D3 may be announced and ship tomorrow, but no regrets. If it does, and if the specs and performance are appealing, I will find a way to get one before my next trip. In the mean time, I want to get proficient with the new camera so that when it really counts in August, I will get some shots that I can be proud of.

If I won the lottery, I would be on the 1DX list, no question- but then, I buy the tickets, but don't win.

Hope this helps.

sek

 

[marekjoz]

I'm using it mainly for web and regular prints. I'm thinking MkIII will be higher mp cause they will have to match the d800. The 1dx is more against the d3/d4 lineup.

Crjiro: Yes, but were there d800 specs already confirmed? Maybe canon has another way to fight against MPs? Everybody here is speculating. I really hope MPs will not be the main improvement in mk3 beause it will not be a reason to buy one.

If you treat your gear as a tool you make Money on, then get the best that fulfills your needs but only if the investment will be returned. If this is your hobby, then the money spent on it is only a sky limit

Anyway and still - I would go for it.

Subsequently, all the hype about the 5D#, so I decided on waiting. And I waited, and I waited. (...)
I am aware that a 5D3 may be announced and ship tomorrow, but no regrets.

Exactly. There always (probably) will be a better gear than you currently have. If you buy you'll be fearing what if you'd wait. If you wait, you'll regret you didn't buy.

Anyway and still - I would go for it.

 

[cezargalang]

The only reason you give to buy is because the prices are low. Really?

I've been thinking of upgrading for some time, and i think the price now is really good for upgrading.

what do you think u can do on a new camera that u can't on what you have got?

IQ. Something that's important, cause I'm into landscaping and Portraits. Sorry if i forgot to include this in my first post.

BTW 7d is a great camera. If you haven't shot 5d2 before, I would kindly advise you to find it somewhere (ie shop with used equippement) and take for a weekend just for comparison. Maybe it's better to go 7d in you case?

Yes, the 7D is an amazing camera, but i was sticking to the idea that if im going to upgrade, get what i want, not something near what i want. Besides, that's my sister's camera. I can't use it when she will ;D

Thanks for your inputs, will help alot. Maybe there'll be some others looking for a thread like this. Maybe this thread will go for a while. I'd like to read more of what people think.

 

[codewizpt]

Hi, I'm fairly new to the forum so please don't be harsh on me.

Anyway, i have a T1i, a 7D that i can use(My sister's, but i wont be using it for a while) and i was contemplating on upgrading to a 5dmk2 because the prices are oh so low. But as we all know, a rumored 5dmk3 may be out in less than a year.

Should i wait or just buy a 5dmk2 now?

I've just upgraded from 550D to 5D II and Have no regrets! But the 7D is better yuan the 550D

 

[deuce2367]

I bought the 7D shortly after it came out in Fall of 2009. I just recently upgraded from that Canon 7D to the 5DMK2. I was primarily interested in getting better high ISO performance and more dramatic shallow depth of field effects. Also, frankly I was curious about all of the full-frame hype and wanted to see if this camera could live up to all of the hype.

In terms of my goals in upgrading, I'm very pleased. The noise performance is amazing! I'm also pleased w/ the more dramatic bokeh effects I'm obtaining, especially with my prime lenses ( 50mm F/1.4 and 85mm F/1.8 ). As many have noted before the AF is very unimpressive, certainly compared to the 7D. In fact it really feels like I've made a huge downgrade because the body feels very dated, the shutter actuation sounds more clunky, the button layout is not as convenient, and the viewfinder AF point setup is very basic. However the image quality and the noise (lack thereof) are stunning. I certainly can't wait to see what Canon does w/ a 5dMK3. To me, the biggest challenge they have is offering a significant upgrade over the 5dMK2 without undercutting the 1DX.

Regarding the original poster's question -- my advice to someone with an APS-C body who is just getting started would be to take some time learning as much as they can about photography and try to stick to full-frame compatible lenses so that an upgrade down the road will be less costly. I would suggest further that they upgrade down the road to a FF when they are sure they are ready to make the leap. It's very easy to get into the trap of thinking that better equipment will make one a better photographer (I continue to learn and relearn this lesson all the time). Concentrate on the craft and make upgrades when you get to the point where the camera is the bottleneck rather than the person holding it... Yes the prices on the 5dMK2 have gotten very tempting (I took the plunge after all). But now that I have it I would not give up my 2 years w/ the 7D (and 2 years before that w/ a Rebel XT) trying to learn as much as I could about the art of photography.

Good luck!

 

[crjiro]

My 2 cents.

I have been shooting with a 50D and L lenses. Went on safari to Serengeti last march, and am planning to go again in August, 2012. Last trip, I borrowed a 5D2 and used both cameras/lenses. The 5D2 was superior in almost every situation. Many times I used both cameras to take the same shot with the same lens just for comparison purposes. Once back, I evaluated the pics on the computer and decided on getting a 5D@ of my own.

Subsequently, all the hype about the 5D#, so I decided on waiting. And I waited, and I waited. I won't go into all the issues of mp's, focus, 7D, 1DX, etc. Finally the price dropped, AND they are throwing in CF cards, bags, and software (? value), and I decided to pull the trigger.

I am aware that a 5D3 may be announced and ship tomorrow, but no regrets. If it does, and if the specs and performance are appealing, I will find a way to get one before my next trip. In the mean time, I want to get proficient with the new camera so that when it really counts in August, I will get some shots that I can be proud of.

This is a great testimony and exactly the kind of things i expected. Thanks for sharing.

Crjiro: Yes, but were there d800 specs already confirmed? Maybe canon has another way to fight against MPs? Everybody here is speculating. I really hope MPs will not be the main improvement in mk3 beause it will not be a reason to buy one.

If you treat your gear as a tool you make Money on, then get the best that fulfills your needs but only if the investment will be returned. If this is your hobby, then the money spent on it is only a sky limit

Anyway and still - I would go for it.

I try my best in figuring out the forecast These kind of sites have been very helpful. But off-course, its a calculated/'educational' guess at best and i could be wrong. I will continue to read others thoughts, sleep over it during the weekend, and make a decision on Monday. But i think its a done-deal. Also, its a good time to pick up a lens with the discounts.

@codewizpt @deuce2367:

I've used a 550D for a little over a year and learned a ton with it and ready to move forward.
Again, what bothers me with the MkIII will be mainly the pricepoint and what you get with that investment. For what i'm doing, it will be better to go with the MkII for stills. I use a GH2 for video as well. Also, there is still a window to sell your 7D/550D/60D, etc. If you wait longer, it may be really too low to sell. I think the MkIII will be a bigger improvement/need for the video-person then the stills.

 

[pwp]

Ihave a T1i, a 7D that i can use(My sister's, but i wont be using it for a while) and i was contemplating on upgrading to a 5dmk2.

Plenty of people are under a misconception that Full Frame is some kind of holy grail. Unless you are producing giant prints your 7D should deliver the goods. Unless you are deriving your income from photography, $2k is a big spend when you already have access to the 7D.

Just to provide perspective, I have no trouble producing billboards, glossy double page spreads and glossy full page output from a 1D4 with its 1.3x 16mp sensor.

If you have spare cash, why not drop it on good fast glass?

Paul Wright

 

[Isaac]

I personally would wait for the 5D3. Yes true, we've waiting since August - and that's long but we're coming up into a very excited period now - January to March. I think we could see some pleasant surprises.

Even if the 5D3 is going to be around $400 more, I'd rather pay that and have the latest 2012 upgrades. Eg. It's all well feeling good about an amazing 5D2 deal but when I walk home with my 5D2 and not 5D3 - there will be a big difference.

 

[wickidwombat]

the most simple solution to this puzzle is buy both get the 5D2 now use it for a year then buy the 5D3 when there is finally stock

 

[Isaac]

the most simple solution to this puzzle is buy both get the 5D2 now use it for a year then buy the 5D3 when there is finally stock

Thats also a good option. However if people don't have that extra money to spent on a second hand 5D2 then its better to wait.

 

[wickidwombat]

assuming the 5D3 comes in around the $2500 price point new and is 18MP i think there is a very high likelyhood of second hand 5D2's selling for reasonably close to the current new price if in excellent condition even say $1800? thats a net cost of $200 (assuming you go for the B&H deal not to mention all the free stuff in that deal) to use a 5D2 for a year and save up the difference to buy the 5D3 when they finally arrive. Pretty good deal if you ask me. People pay silly prices for second hand gear on ebay i really dont understand how people run auctions up so close to the same price you would pay to get a brand new one from hong kong. its very strange but a strange thing you can take advantage of.

 

[Isaac]

assuming the 5D3 comes in around the $2500 price point new and is 18MP i think there is a very high likelyhood of second hand 5D2's selling for reasonably close to the current new price if in excellent condition even say $1800? thats a net cost of $200 (assuming you go for the B&H deal not to mention all the free stuff in that deal) to use a 5D2 for a year and save up the difference to buy the 5D3 when they finally arrive. Pretty good deal if you ask me. People pay silly prices for second hand gear on ebay i really dont understand how people run auctions up so close to the same price you would pay to get a brand new one from hong kong. its very strange but a strange thing you can take advantage of.

5D3 will likely be around $3000 so if your budget is around $2000 then go for the 5D2.