Worth the upgrade 550D -> 5D1 Anyone who still uses the 5D classic?

[sinclairbear]

First post, I've been reading a lot on the forum for a while and have learned lots from many users who offer solid advice, so thanks!

Planning an upgrade from my first DSLR the 550D to the 5D1.

I've been researching how a 5D mark 1 compares to a crop camera like my 550D and not finding much. I prefer to shoot with prime lenses and feel somewhat short of options in the wide category for crop cameras. The 10-22 is an option but I'd rather not start purchasing lens's that I can't go FF with. I've used a 5D2 a few times and its wonderful. The 7D is not for me, its good and fast but i'd rather bypass aps-c completely.

While on the subject though, why no EF-S primes Canon?

I currently do not make money from photography but plan on doing weddings so IQ is obviously the most important to me low light capability too. Price is an issue or I would be getting the 5D2. I've read statistics and numbers of how the 5D1 performs and how its not as good as 5D2 (no video, no self cleaning sensor, dusty VF and smaller/poorer screen) but in the real world who still uses a 5D1 and actually prefers/recommends it ?

I shoot everything/anything and frame rate is not an issue. Does anyone know if the AF on the 5D1 is the same as the 5D2?

It comes down to the the newer tech of the 550D or the quality of an older FF, I wouldn't want to be jumping from the pan into the fire, as they say. If there's really not that much of an upgrade im getting, things could change.

My lens' are a 50 1.8, 35 2.0, a 18-135. Soon to replace the 50 with the 50 1.4 and get a 85 1.8 in the near future.

Waiting it out until I can afford a 5D2 is an option but using the wide end on a 18-135 is not too great or fast.

thanks

 

[Bosman]

Hey bro, i use a 5d1 and it is the exact same focus system as the 5d2. The 5d1 output is way better than the screen on the camera body reveals. Images are outstanding! I still use the 5d1 when i shoot weddings but it is like 200 shots not 1000 like my 1dsm3. I now own the 5dm3, now the 1dm3 is the backup and the two 5ds will get the spotlight. The reason is the focus system. The 5d1 is really only good at center point focus. If you have time to compose or your subject is intended to be centered then its great but its not good for fast wedding work imo. The other thing about the 5d2 is the sensor and the sensor cleaner. The 5d1 has no sonic cleaner and it is a dust magnet. The 5d2 is way better for using a lot for that reason alone unless you like cleaning sensors for some reason. The sensor of the 5d2 is nice to be sure but honestly on my 5dm3 i don't like 27 mg raw files, i shoot tight not a cropper after the fact really, unless of course it is portraits then I leave room for 8x10 print options. If i shoot medium raw the buffer takes a hit so to me megapixels don't mean a ton. If you plan for the future FF lenses and bodies are the way to go.
Another thing to consider is i have heard of people getting refurbed 5dm2's from canon for $1500 which is a steal. I have bought two refurb lenses and they look brand new to me.