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Replacing original 5D


Rob_L1664876404

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Greetings, all. I've been out of the picture for a while (pun intended). I quit shooting weddings and events when my first wife died over 10 years ago and subsequently sold all but one EOS body (the original 5D), my favorite lenses, a couple of flashes and some accessories. The lenses I kept include an EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM (with an extender EF 1.4x II), an EF 24-70 f/2.8L USM, and an EF 85mm f/1.8 USM portrait lens.

 

I have since remarried and three years ago when I retired for the second time, we decided to sell the house and hit the road full-time in an RV. What better opportunity for photography, right? I pulled out the DSLR kit only to find that the mirror had fallen off its bracket on the 5D. It was long past Canon's free repair offer for this known issue, so I found some instructions for super-gluing the mirror back on myself (I used to dabble with repairing/restoring cameras back in film days). The camera functions and, importantly after the mirror fix, focuses well. There are only 9,656 cycles on the shutter as of today.

 

Here's my dilemma: During the time I wasn't using the DSLR, I was mostly taking family snapshots of the grandkids and a few tourist shots as we've traveled around. I came to rely on a G12 that I have and my smartphone (Galaxy S7). The G12 is a great knock-about camera for its zoom range, but that zoom range is limited. Also, despite having a hot shoe that will work with my SpeedLite 400 series flashes, I can't use bounce flash, etc. My main complaint regarding the 5D, however, is that it doesn't seem to do nearly as well with dynamic range and color as the phone and even the G12 puts out photos with more "pzazz" than the 5D. I know that sensors, processing, etc., have all improved by leaps and bounds over time.

 

Here are the main factors that would go into a decision to replace the 5D:

  • I would not get anything close to what I paid if I were to sell the DSLR equipment I have and just go on using the G12 and phone - perhaps $2,500 or so.
  • Now that I'm not shooting for pay, there's no way I could justify spending the $3,000 on a 5D MK IV - and I doubt I would need or use all of its features.
  • The other bodies I could/would consider (and this will be part of another question) would set me back $1,000 - $1,600.

All this said, what can you add to this thought process? Would you replace the 5D or sell the kit altogether? If I were to get another body, some I would consider are the 6D, 6D MK II, and the 80D (I've had an APS-C camera before and an EOS-1D and am aware of the crop factor). I'm confident that any of the above would suit my new lifestyle. Since I already own some very good glass, how much of a difference would I see between my 5D and the three bodies I've listed for consideration in terms of the image?

 

Thanks in advance for your thoughts and input.

 

Rob

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I am not familiar with all the stuff you are mentioning.

how much of a difference would I see between my 5D and the three bodies I've listed for consideration in terms of the image?
- Hitt DxOmark to see it ranked against each other? Once you spotted and compared the 4 cameras hit their lens data base pick what you have and check scores for the remaining candidates too. In a next step hit magic lantern and check which of your candidates get supported with what kind of firmware hacks by them.

Would you replace the 5D or sell the kit altogether?
Very hard to tell for me. I own a 5D IV and 70-200/2.8. It takes nice pictures and focuses comparably instantly. - OTOH: I am a skinny lazy type, perceiving it as anything but a typical walk around camera. - I suppose if I'd be hitting the road, I'd be happier with missed shots of moving folks and critters but less weight on my shoulders and for that reason I'd kick my 5D out and stick to something lighter. - FTR: I am a horrible makeshift-driver and my happiness depends on a bike under my ass, which I'd be trailering along with an RV, to explore my environment from the saddle or run errands like groceries replenishment, while parking in the woods (or anywhere else, not in front of the cheap supermarket). - YMMV. If you married a driver and have a hatch above your passenger seat, you are ready to drive tons of gear around that I wouldn't fancy to backpack on my 125ccm. Having a dedicated driver watching her rear view mirrors while you are shooting out of a hatch door or window is an entirely different cup of tea than single handling a huge vehicle.
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Just adding my opinion and experience. I have the 24-70 f/2.8 L, it still is a great lens, built like a tank and I use it on my 5D MK IV and on a A7RIII with Metabones 5 Canon EOS adapter.

It works great for me and is still good enough for professional use. Yes the new 24-70 f/2.8 L MK II is sharper. The original performs well on the A7RIII also. See image below. The lens may bring about $800 on Craigslist. A camera shop will pay less on a trade in. Your 5D MK 0 classic is still a great camera but probably worth about $300-$400, sorry it is a decade + old camera technology and we are up to the 4th generation 5D and there may be a mirrorless upgraded version coming out next year. And good luck finding a buyer. But maybe you can.

Ducks-1.thumb.jpg.4566ce1244e6d1eeade9e03933d62a6f.jpg

 

You may want to consider keeping it and shooting it till it dies.

 

You said "My main complaint regarding the 5D, however, is that it doesn't seem to do nearly as well with dynamic range and color as the phone and even the G12 "

 

Yes the dynamic range may not be as great as the latest tech, but if you are shooting raw and using Lightroom you should be able to tweak that a bit. And the color certainly can be punched up with the Vibrance slider.

 

So if it were me, and I have upgraded often, I would seriously consider a 5D MK IV (new used depending on budget and there are a lot of used ones out there as a lot of folks sold their 5D MK IVs to get Sony A7RIIIs. The Sony A7RIII is a great camera and with the Metabones MK V adapter, just about all your native Canon glass will work and some 3rd party EOS lenses work great, I only had one older Sigma 50mm f/1.4 have difficulties locking focus. But my Sigma 85mm f/1.4 Art, Sigma 150-600 C, Tamron 70-200 EOS mounts all work great and as I said, all my native Canon Glass works great.

 

There us also the Sony A7III.

 

The only reason I would include Sony is it will allow me to use all my Canon glass. But as cool as the Sony is, it is not the be-all replacement for my 5D MK IV.

each camera has it's pros and cons.

 

There I things I love about the A7RIII, the 42 megapixel images, great dynamic range and color, eye focus, sensor stabilization making all lenses become stabilized.

What I hate about the A7RIII, one of the most complicated menu systems, so many of the cool features don't work in all modes and it is ridiculous how much of this happens with this camera. But you learn to work around it and get frustrated trying to memorize the mother of all complex camera menu systems. wish the second memory slot used UHS-II cards, but you can get an SD card anyplace in a jam. Gets banding under many LED lighting situations.

 

I love the Canon 5D MK IV, the best Canon 5D ever, first Canon that I no longer envied the Nikon guys. Great auto focus, 30.4 megapixels, great color, greatly improved dynamic range. That Canon layout and menu system with joystick that I know like the back of my hand, 2 card slots, Wi-Fi, GPS, touch LCD screen...this camera is a keeper for me. Things and options just work when you want them.

 

What I don't like about the Canon 5D MK IV, wish it had 42 plus megapixels, wish it had eye focus, wish the second memory slot used UHS-II cards, but you can get an SD card anyplace in a jam.

 

The Sony A7III much like the A7RIII except the resolution is only 24.2 megapixels.

 

So the Sony does have an ISO noise edge and slight dynamic range edge, but at those high ISO settings I am still not going to be wanting to shoot that high.

 

They are different tools. Each has pros and cons. They both take great photos and have capabilities way beyond the original 5D.

 

Just throwing out there what I would be considering and have considered and done. There are may options out there. Good luck.

Cheers, Mark
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Now that I'm not shooting for pay, there's no way I could justify spending the $3,000 on a 5D MK IV - and I doubt I would need or use all of its features.

 

That was my reason not to get a 5d4, but now i got one, i just love it.

And the features you do use realy work.

Just treat yourself to the last camera you buy. :-)

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Now that I'm not shooting for pay, there's no way I could justify spending the $3,000 on a 5D MK IV

I have seen the 5D MK IV used for the low $2000 range. I have seen 5D MK IIIs for under $1400.

 

I owned a 6D and it was great in low light, the focusing system isn't as good as the 5D MK III or IV, 9 points and only the center point is cross type. I did a lot of focus recompose. But images were great. Only one card slot and SD at that, make sure you are using a fast SD/ SDHC / SDXC card UHS-I 90mbs. Cheap slow cards will take forever writing. I had issues and lost 4 hours of shooting once.

 

The 6D MK II, a lot more focal points (45) but clustered together. I believe it still only has 1 card slot SD / SDHC / SDXC UHS-I - around $1599

 

If you didn't mind going crop sensor, the 7D MK II is like the pro version of the crop sensors, 65 focal points, 2 card slots, CF and SD/ SDHC / SDXC UHS-I. Around $1000

I found moving from my 7D to a 6D in some ways a downgrade as far as the focusing system and some features, but it was a step up with full frame and ISO. Though they are different cameras.

 

I found the build quality of the 6D to not be that of the 5Ds, buttons and such.

 

The new Canon EOS R may be a good way to go, but it is all new, similar sensor to the the 5D MK IV, but they dumbed it down so not all the features of the 5D MK IV.

About $2299 and 30.3 megapixels,

Autofocus Points Hybrid: 5655, interesting.

needs and adapter for EOS mount lenses, cost an extra $99

1 cad slot SD UHS-II Card Slot woohoo

 

So you may want to consider that and the Sony A7III for $1998 with Metabone IV Adapter $399

24 megapixel, dual slots...

 

You have choices and all good stuff.

Cheers, Mark
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I'm guessing from your post that you are about my age, so I will also guess that weight is an issue. My main camera is a 5D III, and it is a wonderful camera, but that and a few lenses are a heavy kit to haul around.

 

Based on that, I would give serious thought to APS-C. Crop sensor cameras have improved a great deal in recent years. In addition to saving a bit in terms of the weight and size of the body, you would save a great deal of weight in terms of the entire kit because the APS-C format gives you greater reach for a given focal length.

 

Another consideration with respect to weight: the 70-200 f/2.8 is a beast. The f/4 IS weighs and costs half as much. Unless you really need the extra stop or the shallower DOF at f/2.8, I would consider swapping yours for an f/4. I have had one for years and have never regretted it.

 

Other than that, your lenses are fine, and there is no need to replace them IMHO.

 

If you go APS-C: I no longer know the models in the 80D series well enough to comment. The 7DII is a superb camera but getting a bit old in the tooth.

 

If you do go full frame: one big issue is whether you want the bells and whistles that distinguish the 5D III/IV from the 6D and 6DII--e.g., the much more flexible AF and the different controls. If you do opt for the 5D series, the III remains a fabulous camera, even though the IV is better, so if budget is a constraint, a 5D III might be a good option. I have had mine for years, and while I might consider moving up to a IV if a truck ran over mine, I don't feel any pressure to upgrade.

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I enjoyed my 6D a lot more than either my 5DII or the 5DIV, because it is smaller, lighter, and cheaper. Secondhand it would be even nicer! The 5DIV has better AF, but I managed quite well with the 6D, and I took a lot of basketball and dance in terrible lighting. The 5DIV is better, but not $1500 better. It is also bigger. 2 card slots is unimportant to me. As to construction, they both seem to be made of the same fairly indestructible plastic composite on the outside. In practical terms, I detect little difference. The 5DIV is a more capable camera, but you have to ask yourself whether you need the higher frame rate and all the great AF points. I don't do video. The central 6D/6DII AF spot is very good. My overall feeling from upgrading from the 6D to the 5DIV is that it was not worth the extra money for me. However, I am becoming increasingly certain that full frame is becoming unnecessary for what I want to do photographically as the systems are just too large and heavy when there are other alternatives, so my feelings about the 5DIV should be taken with that understanding.
Robin Smith
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Newer models of the 5D and other models are available "pre-owned" for very good prices on eBay. I would keep the original, as it is still a good shooter.

 

The siren call of 50+ MP is substantial, but most people don't really need that.

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