Which one would you choose for travel and documentary photography: 7D, 6D or 5D Mark II?

<p>Finally I saved some money to upgrade from the 30D I have at the moment (it is been 4 years already using it a lot) and I have big doubts about which one to choose. I need help and advice urgently...The type of photography I do is mostly travel photography and documentary photography, also portraits but almost no landscape or studio for the moment. It took me a long time to have the money but now, after reading so many forums and website and with the new 6D I am totally confused and I dont really know what to do..<br>

I know there are great professional photographers here, hope one day I will be able to be one of them and I really need to know your advice...It is important for me the focus, not so much the fps as I really never used it in the 30D, I dont think I will use the 8 fps of the 7D although that camera would be a great choice, specially for the focus that seems to be better than in any of the other two.<br>

I fell in love with the 5D that one friend lent me for a while although I know in a few things might be not as good as the 7D or 6D, fps or focus...The full frame I guess is something that any photographer will appreciate a lot :-)<br>

I also read a lot about the 6D but I cant explain why, I seem to be less inclined to that one, maybe is the SD card, the focus not much better than the 5D Mark II...Cant explain why...<br>

Would be so happy if someone could orientate me a bit, just to try to make it simple although it is the big question and everyone has a different pinion, please could you advice me having into account the type of photography I shoot, I am totally confused at the moment and the low prices of the 7D and 5D II at the moment are so good that I dont know what to do and probably the one I choose now would be the one I would stick for another 4 years at least, it took me a long time to save the money :-)<br>

Thank you to everyone!</p>

<p>I've owned the 7D, 5DMkII and now a 5DmKIII. I'm biased. I'd rank the 7D last of your choices. <br>

The 5DmkII would be hard to beat value wise and the price of a used one for around 1300 to 1400 dollars is hard to pass up as an option.<br>

What would I do? Get a used 5DMkII... unless there is something about the 6D that you really think you want and/or need. Later when the price comes down consider adding the 6D and use the 5DmKII as your backup.<br>

There ya go. Problem solved.<br>

Here is an example of a used 5DmKII<br>

http://www.lensrentals.com/buy/canon/canon-eos-5d-mark-ii-serial-number-2921506043<br>

Richard</p>

 

<p>For travel, landscape and documentary photography I'd avoid APS-C (7D) and stick to FF, e.g., 5D2, 5D3 or 6D. Basic IQ between the the 3 cameras is very similar and the newer 5D3/6D don't pull ahead of the old 5D2 until extreme high ISO. So any of the three will work great for what you do. <br /> <br /> If price is your big concern, the deal of the "gang of three" is the 5D2. Closeout and refurb prices best both the 6D and 5D3 by a mitt full 'o benjamins. <br /> <br /> If a smaller size and weight are important to you, the 6D would be the best choice.<br /> <br /> Finally, if you need state of the art off-center AF and a beefy camera to balance heavy L optics, the 5D3 is the winner.<br /> <br /> I've been shooting with the 5D2 for 3.5 years--mainly doing travel and landscape--and am happy as a bug in a rug with performance and IQ. I have no plans to upgrade but If I my 5D2 suddenly left the earth, I'd probably spring for the 6D as the lighter weight and GPS are very welcome for travel.</p>

<p>+1 for Richard's comments. I upgraded from 40D to 5D2 and the difference was amazing; it sounds like the 5D2 would be very suitable for the type of photography you do. One of the advantages of the 6D for travel photography is its compact size for a FF camera. Also, you need to be aware that any EF-S lens you already have will not fit the 5D2, 5D3 or 6D - if you have a large investment in EF-S lenses, then the 7D might be a better choice. Good luck, RickDB</p>

6D if extreme high ISO values are important and video is not. Otherwise, the 5D Mark II.

<blockquote>

<p>I also read a lot about the 6D but I cant explain why, I seem to be less inclined to that one, maybe is the SD card, the focus not much better than the 5D Mark II...Cant explain why... [Raquel Riesgo]</p>

</blockquote>

<p>Canon EOS 6D. Nothing wrong with the autofocus for photojournalism in low light. Newer sensor and processor. GPS helps while travelling. Your location will automatically be pinpointed on Flickr's map. How do I know? I own one and the Canon EOS 5D Mark III. I have also owned the Canon EOS 5D and Canon EOS-1Ds Mark II. My favourite travel camera is the 6D.</p>

<p>Everybody should have <em><strong>both</strong></em> an APS-C and a so-called "full frame" body if they can manage it. They are just two different formats, each with its own strengths.</p>

<p><br /> Since you have the 30D, keep it - it's not worth much to sell anyhow.<br /> Use the 30D for more reach (1.6X). The 8+ Mpix is still good - I still use my 20D, but did finally upgrade the APS-C side to the 50D for more pixies on the head of the sensor.<br /> If you do not have a bunch of EF-S lenses aside from the kit lenses, then a 5D classic or a 5D mkii are great for getting wide angle vistas with some regular wides. Perhaps pick up a used 24-105mm while you're at it. They are often a bargain for an L lens because of their use as tony "kit" lenses on the 5D series.<br /> On the other hand, if you have a good selection of quality EF-S glass, then by all means, the 7D is a "professional" grade of the APS-C series.</p>

<p>Having happily shot many great pics on the 20D, then the 7D, and now the 5D3, I would recommend the 7D for your purposes. Don't get me wrong, I love the 5D3 for its full frame, low light capabilities, etc... But if I was going to select one camera for the purposes you cite, I would go with the 7D. It has quality, it is affordable, it has a built in flash, it provides reach, it works with your old EF-S lenses, and it is a wonderful step up from the 30D. BTW I would keep the 30D for dual camera action or as back-up. Good luck in your selection.</p>

 

<p>I think I would opt for the 7D as well. The AF is considerably better than the 5DII, especially in low light. Also, while wide lenses are available for each format, longer lenses will be cheaper and lighter for the smaller format camera. For instance a relatively lightweight Canon 70-300 IS lens will be the equivalent of 480mm when mounted on the 7D. To get a lens with that much reach on the 5DII will cost and weigh considerably more.</p>

<p>I have both and find the image quality noticeably better on the 5DII in SOME situations but it rarely matters enough to chose the 5DII over the 7D. Also, I get frustrated with the slow AF on the 5DII. It has caused me to miss shots that I would have gotten with the 7D. This is especially prevalent when using an off center AF point.</p>

<p>In the end, I think it comes down to what you value and how you use the camera. If you only use the center AF point and rarely in low light, the better AF of the 7D is a non issue. Same thing with using long lenses. If you rarely use them, perhaps it doesn't matter. And if you are intent on getting the maximum image quality above all other issues, the 5DII will trump the 7D. Otherwise I think the 7D is a better all around camera.</p>

<p>.</p>

5DII, having used it extensively for street and documentary purposes. Great low light performance and very robust files that can be yanked considerably (if needed). AF is good and has never been an issue, but then I don't shoot football.

<p>Thanks so much for your replies! I appreciate them a lot, for me it is really a big choice as I dont have usually the cahnce to buy many cameras and most probably the one I buy now will have to survive for at least 4 years more :-)<br>

I think you are totally right that at the end it comes to the type of photography you do. Till now, I mainly used only center point for focusing because I had the 30D and regarding the lenses, I love wide lenses and getting close to the subjects and use not too much tele ones, just my way of shooting I guess. I know the lenses are really important when choosing a body and the price of the L lenses could be a problem although for the moment I would have to stick to the 24-105 and probably, I woulld buy more wide lenses or short teles than big tele lenses...Adding to that, I dont own a lot of EF-S lenses so that would make it a perfect time to upgrade to FF as I will have basically to start from the beginning...</p>

<p>What makes me think seriously about getting the 5D II is obviously the full frame although what worries me is the focus. I shoot a lot in low conditions where is not a good idea to shoot with flash so that is also important for me...Would you think that the focus system in the 5D II is a serious problem shooting mainly travel and photojournalism? Could be a big problem maybe for sports but not for what I am doing?</p>

<p>Another thing to consider is that it looks that the APS-C sound always a bit as advanced amateur still, I mean I know it is a nonsense and that 7D is a great professional camera by all senses but coming to work with them, I still think it makes a great difference to own a full frame camera, the quality in prints shoudl be a lot superior, I mean for exhibitions and stuff like that...</p>

<blockquote>

<p>Would you think that the focus system in the 5D II is a serious problem...</p>

</blockquote>

<p>The 5D2 uses the same autofocus technology as the 5D. It was not a good low light autofocus performer. As I have said before, the best low light centre point autofocus system is in the 6D.</p>

<p>To help decide which camera I would compare the type of photography with the strengths of each camera. There are some issues that spring to mind straight away. Do you need a flash integrated with the camera? Only the 7D has this. Do you take more wide end photos rather than telephoto images? The 5/6Ds are better suited to these. How will you be travelling. Only the 6D offers a smaller size and weight that suits being carried for long periods. How important is high ISO image quality, the 5/6Ds are better than the 7D. How important is price? There is about $1000 between the most expensive (5D3) and the lowest cost (5D2, 7D). This could buy a nice lens or an international airfare.<br>

Image quality wise there is not a wide gap between these, I think other issues are more important. For me, provided the lack of an integrated flash was acceptable I'd go with a 5D2 or 6D and select either based on budget. If a flash was essential or I needed telephoto reach I'd pick the 7D. Don't discount the discomfort of the size and weight to be carried around while travelling, that alone might make the 6D the best choice.</p>

 

<p>Focus is fine with the 5D2 for general use. Never had a problem. It is less good when you have to use it on AI servo partly because only the center AF spot is very good and also it is not as quick as the MkIII, but if you don't take those kinds of shots (or don't do it much) then it is just fine (and that is not meant to sound lukewarm).</p>

<p>If money is a concern, get the 5DII. I did 6 weeks in Europe in 2011 and carried it everywhere with just one lens, the 24-105mm f4L. I was not disappointed with the IQ, lens range or the autofocus. Came back with many stunning pictures. However, looking at the specs (since I don't own one), the 6D looks like an excellent travel camera that I would give serious consideration. Except for video, it is as good or better than the 5DII in just about every respect (at least on paper). And, the built in GPS + wireless are desirable travel features. Just think, you can (theoretically) view your images on a smart phone or tablet without adapters or cables, plus the reduced weight is very welcome. The 7D would be my last choice unless I needed the speed or extra reach.</p>

<center>

<P>

.

<P>

 

<img src= "http://citysnaps.net/2011%20photos/Brotogs.jpg"><br>

 

<i> Brotography • San Francisco • ©2011 Brad Evans</i> <P>

.

</center>

 

<P>

 

>>> I shoot a lot in low conditions where is not a good idea to shoot with flash so that is also important for me...<P>

 

Sometimes I shoot in bars and have not found that being an issue.<P>

 

>>> Would you think that the focus system in the 5D II is a serious problem shooting mainly travel and photojournalism?<P>

 

Nope, not at all. <a href= "http://www.magcloud.com/browse/issue/213998">Here's one of my projects</a> shot using that body exclusively. I also have a lot of 5DII photos on my <a href= "http://www.citysnaps.net/">blog</a>.

<p>Raquel what made you say that 5Dll focus might not be as good as 7D, ("I fell in love with the 5D that one friend lent me for a while although I know in a few things might be not as good as the 7D or 6D, fps or focus")?<br>

I have both and find that 5Dll focus is far better! Just Google '7D focus' and see what comes up!</p>

<p>What made me think that the autofocus system in the 5D II would be not that good was what I read in many reviews, I tried just the 5D and liked it so I guess you are right and it would be more than enough for the sort of shoots i take...</p>

<p>I guess one of the things that make me still doubt between the two of them is that 5D II is an old camera (that doesnt mean it is bad at all) and obviously a new one like the 6D has to be better in many aspects. When i compare the specifications for both of them ( i think i just discarded the 7D and basically my decision has to be taken between the 6D and 5D II, the 5D III is a lot out of my budget right now) I can see what you say about the 6D, it looks superior to the 5D II in many aspects but it stills look to me as less robust, with a smaller body and with a disposition of the buttons that i dont quite like, i know it will be a lot lighter but I guess bigger cameras are easier to manage for me...And I certainly know that might be just a big nonsense as it will be easier to carry and some of the new improvements as gps are very useful for locating all the shots...</p>

<p>If the difference between both of them is that bigger in all aspects, I will definitely buy 6D but reading reviews and going through so many websites talking about this, sometimes I have just the feeling that, as one of you say, is not such an upgrade, more a sort of first step into full frame that doesnt get a lot better than the 5D II, more like a play camera with all the last upgrades...</p>

<p>Is there anyone who has already got the 6D and could give a personal opinion on this one? That also would be useful!</p>

 

<blockquote>

<p>Is there anyone who has already got the 6D and could give a personal opinion on this one? [Raquel Riesgo]</p>

</blockquote>

<p>You read too much into these reviews. I played with the camera, compared the specifications and determined that the camera sports Canon's latest and greatest full frame sensor. Then, the GPS and Wi-Fi function was a first for any DSLR. I use both with emphasis on the GPS. Carry and extra LP-E6 because with the GPS active all the time, it will consume battery power. The top panel is plastic because of the GPS and Wi-Fi attenas which makes the camera lighter. I needed a lighter and smaller camera for portability and carrying around for those long days. The autofocus is better than the 5D. It has a Light Vaule of -3 which is more sensitive in low light focusing than the 5D, 5DII and 5DIII. Spend a few dollars more on a better and newer all around camera. Just my opinion from having the 6D as my main DSLR. The 5DIII will be my backup.</p>

<p>The 5Dii is a wonderful camera at a great price right now. I bought one when I saw that what was new on the 5Diii were things I personally didn't really need.<br /> On the other hand, I just got a wonderful new telephoto, and ended up getting a used 50D to get a few more pixels and more ISO with less noise. I seriously considered the 7D, but for my uses of an APS-C camera, I didn't need one quite that good (just as with the 5Diii). The 50D was only $400 and in like-new condition.<br /> If you can swing it at all, if you do go for the 5Dii (but I think you wouldn't ever regret either choice), do keep the 30D as I said. APS-C is very useful for many purposes.</p>

<p>RAW shooting on either format gives you great flexibility in final output.</p>

<p>It's not one of your options, but for travel and documentary the SONY RX1 is fantastic. The (full frame) sensor quality (based on DXO scores) beats all of the Canon DSLR's by a significant margin and it's small enough to fit in your pocket.<br /> I mention this because I leave my 5D2 at home because the Sony is so convenient for travel and documentary. Here's a link from B & H http://www.bhphotovideo.com/indepth/sony/news/new-sony-dsc-rx1-first-compact-full-frame-digital-camera</p>

<blockquote>

<p>...the SONY RX1 is fantastic. [Yvonne Selnick]</p>

</blockquote>

<p>Did Sony remove the focus peaking feature?</p>

<p>@Peter J - the peaking feature is intact for all focus modes. From what I've read, some of the pre-production models had firmware that was buggy about the peaking feature but it's been remedied.</p>

<p>I've upgraded from the 5D II to the 6D, and I think it's a very real upgrade - as a travel camera, I think it's unbeatable. Outstanding low light AF on the centre point, better AF all round than the Mk II, better image quality, especially at hight ISOs, smaller and lighter - what's not to like? The 7D is great, but for sport and wildlife. It's a decent enough all-rounder, but this is the area it's least strong in. The 5D III is a terrific camera, but a fair bit heavier, no WiFi or GPS, aspects of use to me when travelling, and it's dearer. For me, this is what the 6D is for!</p>