Canon 5D, is still a good camera to trust?

[jcvpictures]

<p>Hello everyone!</p>

<p>I am planning on upgrading from a 30D to a 5D, the classic version, but I am unsure if this is a good idea, I don't have the money to go for the 5DMII, so I was thinking that this would be a good move since I like to take pictures of landscapes and my 16-35mm is not wide enough when used on my 30D.</p>

<p>I've heard of sort of impressions about this camera but it is getting harder and harder to get a good/clean copy nowadays.</p>

<p>Your advise is very welcome.</p>

<p>JC</p>

[picturesque]

<p>I still use a 5D to shoot weddings, and I shoot a lot of weddings. I've had no real reason to upgrade to the 5DII. I'll probably wait til the 5DIII comes out. My camera has been solid since I got it and is still going strong.</p>

[teneson]

<p>I'm assuming you are getting a used 5D, so just make sure it's hasn't been beat up. If you can, have a camera repair tech look at it. Make sure it comes with warranty. The best warranty I ever got was a 2-year on a used (leica III) camera.</p>

[manuel barrera houston,]

<p>When I buy used camera equipment I factor in what it would cost to repair and bid or buy accordingly.</p>

[g dan mitchell]

<p>As long as you find one in good condition, this is a fine camera.</p>

<p>Dan</p>

[mike_earussi1]

<p>Since it is a professional camera most of the bodies have probably been heavily used, and because of this, even as good as it is, I'd look around for something else. But if you do decide to get one then just be careful when you buy it.</p>

[shambrick007]

<p>"Since it is a professional camera most of the bodies have probably been heavily used," - But just as many (if not more) were bought by "well heeled" amateurs and prob have not seen that much use. IMHO you should be able to find a good/clean one. </p>

[tony_leinster]

<p>Or, if budget is an issue, you could buy one of the excellent offerings from Canon, Sigma or Tokina in the app 10-16mm range and stick with your current body.</p>

[Stock-Photos]

<p>My advice is buy the used 5D local. Mine is very dependable.</p>

[manuel barrera houston,]

<p>I doubt that I have over 20,000 clicks on my 5D, I prefer my 1Ds as a full frame for most things but low light. So not all 5D cameras have a lot of use, the shutter which runs $200-$300 to repair is what is most likely to fail, bid or buy accordingly. I have bought two cameras used, a 1D and a 1Ds, I have had both of them for about 5years, neither one of them has been in for repair.</p>

[wgpinc]

<p>If you can put together a little more cashola you can buy a 5D Mark II refurb from Canon for $2100. It is really a great camera that will last you for years to come and make you happy with every image you make. http://shop.usa.canon.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_10051_10051_214217_-1 <br>

Good luck!</p>

[matt_needham]

<p>The 5D is a fantastic camera. I've been using a 5DII along side my old 5D. The big differences I notice are the newer menu system, a wonderful LCD, and video. I can only see the difference between 12mp and 21mp when I've shot using a tripod and pixel peeped. Haven't made a print yet where I could see the difference. I've gone up to 20"x30".</p>

 

[jcvpictures]

<p>Thanks to all that advise me. Your input is very welcome and highly appreciated. I believe that I will be buying a 5D that a friend of mine has for sale, it looks in very good condition and he swears that it doesn't have more than 20,000 actuations, I only hope he is been honest. No mirror issue so far.</p>

[paul_m__austin_]

<p>Regarding the mirror issue; If your friend's 5D has not had the repair done, have him send it in before you buy it. Canon will do the upgrade for free and maybe even clean the sensor too. They'll also tell you the exact shutter count. You should at least contact Canon to inquire. </p>

[geoff_doane]

<p>If you are planning to keep the 30D as a backup, the 5D makes even more sense, since the control layout is virtually identical, and it uses the same batteries. After owning the 5D for a few years, I bought a reconditioned 30D as a backup and to use for "long lens" shots. The 5D is significantly better for resolution (obviously), the larger viewfinder, and its focus accuracy. The only situations that I would actually choose the 30D first are if I need the length (the quite affordable 200/2.8L becomes the equivalent of a 300/2.8), or the built-in flash.</p>

<p>FWIW, I've owned the 5D since January 2006, and have shot about 3-4000 images per year with it. Other than having to clean the sensor periodically, it's been trouble free. It travels in a padded Lowepro backpack, but I don't exactly baby any of the gear.</p>

 

[rich_chang2]

<p>The 5D is a great camera and still has a beautiful sensor! But have you considered the 10-22mm for wider on your 30D? Better resolution on the 5D though.</p>

[jcvpictures]

<p>Thanks Geoff, in fact I am keeping my 30D. I wanted to get a brand new 50D but I was told it shows more noise at high ISO's, so I am keeping the 30D and getting a 5D for portrait and landscape work. Can't wait to put my hands on that camera!</p>

[jeff_higdon]

<p>Or, better yet, pay $1,679 to Canon in the Canon Loyalty program by trading in any broken Canon digital camera (not sure about film cameras) and get a refurb 5Dmkii</p>

[jcvpictures]

<p>That's a good one Jeff, didn't know about it, sounds too good! Thanks.</p>

[jeff_higdon]

<p>Juan:<br>

Go to comment #22 on the following thread:<br>

<a href="http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=908923&highlight=5D+canon+loyalty&page=2">http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=908923&highlight=5D+canon+loyalty&page=2</a></p>

 

[JDMvW]

<p>A Sigma 10-20mm older model will cost much less, if your only problem is not having a short enough lens.</p>

<p>That being said, the 5D is a great camera still if you can get one in good shape. I love mine, but on a recent trip took my 20D for a lighter option, all the same. Attracts less attention and fewer "that must be an expensive camera" comments. The 5D is very subject to dust problems: its only real drawback if you don't need video.</p>

[jcvpictures]

<p>Well I believe that since the 5D has a much larger sensor, there will be more changes of dust since there is more sensor where it can land. I am thinking that by having my 16-35mm mostly on this body the dust falling on the sensor will be a lot less. I still have to decide if I will use the 5D with my macro less, and probably yes. I did some tests at ISO 3200 and the levels of noise are almost indistinguishable, especially when exposed to the right. It's a shame I didn't know about the loyalty offer before hand, but I am happy with what I got.<br>

Thanks to all for your advise.</p>