CANON 5D 2 OR CANON 6D OR 7D

saul01

saul01

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Hi All,

As a keen photographer and always being the "unofficial" photographer at family weddings, I have decided to turn this into a part time career.

I have decided to upgrade from my old and trusted Canon 5D Mark I, and get myself a new body.


After endless nights and days on the internet I have filtered it down between the 5D Mark II or the 6D.

**After browsing through various threads seems like the 7D is also the prefered camera before the 5d3, is this a camera I should look into**

But watching & reading reviews about both of them has left me even more confused, any help and advice is much appreciated.

Thanks for stopping by.

Saul.
 
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This might help you decide, but I think in the real world the 5Dmkii would still be my choice.

Its proven in the feild you are looking into, so as long as you have the lens to put on the front to do it justice.....
 
SpikeK6 said:
This might help you decide, but I think in the real world the 5Dmkii would still be my choice.

Its proven in the feild you are looking into, so as long as you have the lens to put on the front to do it justice.....
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I did read this, and would probably agree with you regarding the 5D. Only thing is that I can only source used 5D's as it is now discontinued, and the 6D can be purchased cheaper than a mint condition 5D. This is where I'm a bit 50/50. In the long run of things the 6D will have a better resell value compared to the 5D.

The lens I have is the 24-105 so justice shouldn't be a problem.

Thanks
 
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If I'm buying now, I'd get the 6D. It's smaller, lighter and more modern. 6D works just as well as 5D2, only thing I'd miss is the lack of joystick to select AF points, but D-pad should work just as well.
 
daugirdas said:
and why would I? Will you buy me a BMW 5 series then?
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Well, it's just that in your constant reckoning that people should buy nice expensive toys you seem to have no real understanding that not everyone has a budget that extends that far. I can't speak for the OP's financial situation but he specifically mentioned the 5D2 and 6D, so why say he "should" be looking at the 5D3 which costs considerably more?
 
I agree that a 5D MK III is what a pro tog should ideally be aiming for, however I can sympathise with the OP that starting up is expensive and sometimes we need to do a number of paid gigs before we can afford the absolute best kit.

I'd say the 6D is newer that the 5D MK II, and as such can be bought new with a warranty so it would be my choice. I've not used a 5D MK II before but both seem to have the same issues with outer focal point focussing in low light, and apart from that would both be excellent choices. I have the 6D and think it's a good body. It doesn't compare to my 5D MK III but then again I started off shooting weddings with a 7D & 40D combo and did so until the end of last year, so starting off with a 6D is a better platform than I had.

Saying all that I'd recommend keeping the 5D MK I as you'll need 2 bodies when shooting weddings in case one packs in halfway through the day (has happened to me twice now and luckily I had a backup or would have been screwed!).

When you say you have the 24-105 lens... is that your only one? You'll need more than that to shoot a wedding. I'd say a bare minumum would be:

24-105mm
70-200mm f/2.8
50mm or 35mm prime f/1.4

If your 24-105mm isn't an f/2.8 lens you'll need to swap that for a faster lens... maybe the 24-70mm f/2.8.

Do you have any flashes and know how to use them?

Sadly it's not quite as simple as one body and one lens when being the paid tog at a wedding
 
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When you say you have the 24-105 lens... is that your only one? You'll need more than that to shoot a wedding. I'd say a bare minumum would be:

24-105mm
70-200mm f/2.8
50mm or 35mm prime f/1.4

If your 24-105mm isn't an f/2.8 lens you'll need to swap that for a faster lens... maybe the 24-70mm f/2.8.

Do you have any flashes and know how to use them?

Sadly it's not quite as simple as one body and one lens when being the paid tog at a wedding[/QUOTE]

At present I only have the 24-105mm, a 50mm f/1.8, and a 580 EXII. Next on my list will be the 70-200mm f/2.8, but need a few gigs under my belt before I start spending anymore.

I will need to sell the 5D to finance the upgrade, but have a borrowed 650d as back on the day.

Another question is how would I price/package myself? Is there a minimum wage...lol
 
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Do you have any sort of portfolio?[/QUOTE]

I only have a couple of "decent" wedding gigs under the belt, most of the others have been random shots at weddings nothing as in business minded shots.

I do have quite a few portrait shots from both wedding's and personal shoots.
 
saul01 said:
Do you have any sort of portfolio?

I only have a couple of "decent" wedding gigs under the belt, most of the others have been random shots at weddings nothing as in business minded shots.

I do have quite a few portrait shots from both wedding's and personal shoots.
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So no real portfolio to speak of. Do you have a website?

When you look at your area and the likely dozens of wedding togs why would someone book you? What can you offer they can't?

How do you plan on getting someone to book you?

Unfortunately it's not as easy as just going 'great let's do weddings!'... mainly because everyone else is already thinking this :D

Are you good at business? Do you know SEO? are you a people person? Can you use off camera flash?

Not trying to put you off but as someone who does weddings and only set up about 18 months ago I know it's not an easy thing to get in to.
 
ajax_andy said:
So no real portfolio to speak of. Do you have a website?

When you look at your area and the likely dozens of wedding togs why would someone book you? What can you offer they can't?

How do you plan on getting someone to book you?

Unfortunately it's not as easy as just going 'great let's do weddings!'... mainly because everyone else is already thinking this :D

Are you good at business? Do you know SEO? are you a people person? Can you use off camera flash?

------

I am having a website made as we speak.The business cards are printed already. Advertising I have a few outlets (florists, cake makers) who will work alongside me.

And at present most of my work will be word of mouth. I have dabbled with off camera flash, but am currently looking for a workshop/course that I can attend.

Hopefully knowledge will increase as I progress, was hoping to find a local wedding photographer that I can shadow at events as well.
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saul01 said:
I am having a website made as we speak.The business cards are printed already. Advertising I have a few outlets (florists, cake makers) who will work alongside me.

And at present most of my work will be word of mouth. I have dabbled with off camera flash, but am currently looking for a workshop/course that I can attend.

Hopefully knowledge will increase as I progress, was hoping to find a local wedding photographer that I can shadow at events as well.
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Firstly I hope you're able to take wedding photos better than quoting my repsonses on here :p

It's interesting that you have other suppliers willing to promote you without any real experience or portfolio... no idea how you pulled that off but well done :thumbs:

Word of mouth won't get you very far when starting out... who's going to recommend you? You need to be proactive and find those bookings not wait for them to come to you... mainly because they wont, you have to remember you're competing against many other more established togs so you have to work twice as hard to get a booking as them.

Have you got a link to any of your work... would be interesting to see just what you do have in your portfolio as if there's not much usable in there you might need to do some 2nd shooting as a portfolio builder first
 
PMN said:
Well, it's just that in your constant reckoning that people should buy nice expensive toys you seem to have no real understanding that not everyone has a budget that extends that far. I can't speak for the OP's financial situation but he specifically mentioned the 5D2 and 6D, so why say he "should" be looking at the 5D3 which costs considerably more?
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Far reaching statement!

Do you really think I took my decision to buy 5DIII over 6D (an extra £800) very lightly? Do you think I am loaded with cash? Think again :nono:
What I couldn't do is buy a crippled camera for business. That would have been a big waste of money. It is only sensible to think that OP would want his business set up on proper gear.

And why should someone not consider other things than listed? Please explain without going off topic
 
daugirdas said:
What I couldn't do is buy a crippled camera for business.
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That line is a perfect example of why I disagree with your approach to this. In what possible way are the 5D2 or 6D "crippled"? You seem to think great results simply aren't possible with certain gear and yet thousands of people worldwide have been getting stunning results from the 5D2 for years. It's a proven camera, to call it crippled is nothing short of ridiculous. The 6D builds on that heritage and will also no doubt be a very capable camera (I've never used one so can't comment on it directly).

daugirdas said:
Do you really think I took my decision to buy 5DIII over 6D (an extra £800) very lightly?
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Of course I don't but we're not talking about your decision, we're talking about two specific cameras which the OP has mentioned. In what way does implying the results from those two bodies will be sub-standard help his decision?
 
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PMN said:
Yes, most people including myself are very well aware of that.

I have to wonder how so many serious professional photographers have managed to get such great results from the 5D2 considering it's supposed terrible performance... :bang:
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consider what they have missed, and how the web size images look blown out to over A4. People moving forward is a big problem for the old style AF.
 
daugirdas said:
build quality.
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Because of course all weddings happen in the middle of a battlefield, where nothing other than a 1D will survive the cake cutting, let alone the first dance... :cuckoo:

Do you have some sort of vendetta against this camera, all I've ever seen you do is complain about how "poor" it is, you make it sound as if it's a completely useless instrument that Canon should be ashamed of. So how do all of the pros who used to and are currently using them cope with such a useless piece of kit?
 
daugirdas said:
consider what they have missed, and how the web size images look blown out to over A4. People moving forward is a big problem for the old style AF.
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What a load of rubbish
 
daugirdas said:
consider what they have missed
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I'll be honest, if anyone has such huge problems getting in focus shots with the 5D2 then I'd suggest their technique may be the the biggest contributing factor rather than the camera. I've shot plenty of gigs which can be fast paced, low light situations with the 5D2 and the vast majority of screwed up shots have been my fault, not the camera's. The weddings I've shot have been done with vastly inferior bodies to the 5D2 and even then I didn't have a problem beyond ones that were largely my own fault.

daugirdas said:
and how the web size images look blown out to over A4.
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I don't really understand what you're getting at here?

I still have absolutely no idea no idea how you can dismiss such a well proven body. Obviously the 5D3 is the one to aim for but again, the OP didn't mention that so telling him he 'needs' one is pointless. Dismissing the two options he's mentioned is plain and simply unhelpful.
 
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OP

Ive recently been in a similar position. Unfortunately most threads on here and other forums usually end up in a 6D bashing and "5D MkIII is better than both"....which it probably is. BUT it depends on your usage and your budget and what else you want to cover with that budget.

I can tell you my experience if it helps in any way.

I upgraded from a 550d (which i loved but longed for better ISO performance and detail of a full frame), i upgraded to a 2nd hand 5D MkII off here and got it at a very good price. I found it a learning curve to get used to the new feel/layout/weight etc. I also found i had less keepers than on my 550d but when i got it right i loved the amount of detail etc.

That said, i never felt quite right with the MkII, i wasnt sure whether i overhyped it to myself and just expected too much. I found it sluggish at times with AF (That could be my lenses) but my main issue was metering and exposure, it seemed hit and miss but generally i would need to manually overexpose quite a bit. Also, with a heavy lens on and a flashgun there is a fair bit of weight in it when your using it for a while.

Soooo i noticed 2nd hand prices started to increase and for what they were going for on Ebay i wouldnt be far off a brand new 6D. I spent a month going round every forum, looking at the various 6D Vs 5DMkII youtube clips etc and took the gamble.

The main reason being it seems to fit my circumstances more. WiFi and ability to easily remote portrait (& numerous other things), ISO sensitivity due to a lot of indoor low light shots etc etc.

I have to say i am very impressed and pleased i made the decision. ISO performance is outstanding, it feels quicker and more responsive, the shutter doesnt give you whiplash when you click like the MkII :)

Its lived up to everything i expected so far and more than meets my needs. It is lighter and more plasticky but i dont need full weatherproofing. It only has 1 card slot but i dont make aliving photographing weddings.
The AF system is better than the MkII and more than meets my needs.

Basically what im trying to get too is ignore the 6D bashing you will find everywhere. IMO its a definite improvement on the MkII. BUT it depends what you need in terms of features/performance and can budget. Between these 2 then 6D all the way for me. If your budget is higher and you need the featres that a MkII offers than that may be the way forward. Just take it with a pinch of salt when people start slating it because its not a 5D MkIII, go with what best fits you....
 
Well i've read most of the reply and i can say Canon 5D mkII is a decent camera and it still perform better then most camera to be honest. Before the MkIII came out many pro togs still uses the MkII so i don't see a problem of using the MkII for business/wedding.

I'm not Canon shooter but my friend are and i use his camera couple of times and i prefer the feel of the 5D mkII then the smaller 6D (only have experience in the shop).

Personally if i have the money to buy a MKIII i would get the MKII and buy some quality L glass in the used market instead. Quality lens gets you the shot .............
 
If I was to look at another brand, would i be better off on another camera within the same budget range as 6D or 5D 2 ? I hear good reviews of the Sony.

I only ask as at this moment in time I only have the one lens and flash, so as a "whole package" would I be better off looking at another brand? slowly investing in lenses etc.
 
daugirdas said:
consider what they have missed, and how the web size images look blown out to over A4. People moving forward is a big problem for the old style AF.
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So what did people use BEFORE the mkiii came out??? I am sure there are alot of wedding photographers on here and around the world that will disagree with you.

What you are saying is "if you do not have the latest gear that comes out of the factory then your not the best or that your pics will suffer and no one will hire you because the tiny little badge on the bottom of the camera does not say mkiii"

Again read my paragraph above.
 
saul01 said:
If I was to look at another brand, would i be better off on another camera within the same budget range as 6D or 5D 2 ? I hear good reviews of the Sony.

I only ask as at this moment in time I only have the one lens and flash, so as a "whole package" would I be better off looking at another brand? slowly investing in lenses etc.
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Have you held either of the camera's that you mention, are they for you, you have the mk1 so you know how good that is and what it feels like so a mkii will not be much different to hold but a step up in terms of tech.

Like I said in my post just above the Mkii was and still is a very very capable piece of kit for weddings landscapes and everything else you would want to do with it.
I am sure the 6D will do the same job as well but ti all depends on what you want to do.
I am sure sony is a very capable camera as well but me personally canon or nikon would be my personal choice
 
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SpikeK6 said:
So what did people use BEFORE the mkiii came out??? I am sure there are alot of wedding photographers on here and around the world that will disagree with you.

What you are saying is "if you do not have the latest gear that comes out of the factory then your not the best or that your pics will suffer and no one will hire you because the tiny little badge on the bottom of the camera does not say mkiii"

Again read my paragraph above.
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Old canon marketing literature aside, we all know pretty well what many wedding photographers used other than 5DII. I'll list those now just in case

D700 - this has caused can a lot of headache. This is why 5DIII is what it is now. Why? Fairly obvious...
D3 and D3s
1DIV
1DIII
1DsIII
1DsII

Is that convincing enough?

And when did I say you have to have the latest gear? Proof please. Most of my best shots were taken on 1Ds II made since 2004 (and cost me £1000 used) - and I still happily use it along 5DIII for business use. IQ is not very far up to ISO800, and still very good after. 5DII however does not fit in this equation that well.
 
I am sure sony is a very capable camera as well but me personally canon or nikon would be my personal choice[/QUOTE]

In all honesty it would be between either of the canon's or the Nikon D600. Am trying to stay with Canon due to the other Canon gear I have.

Haven't held the Nikon yet so a trip to the local camera shop maybe worth while.
 
daugirdas said:
And when did I say you have to have the latest gear? Proof please.
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Not necessarily the latest but you've made many posts slating specific cameras and referencing other specific cameras as being better, but the manner in which you slate them implies they're an absolute pile of rubbish and are incapable of producing results much better than an iPhone 3. You seem to know what you know on the gear you have and believe it's the only gear in the world that actually works. I hate to break this to you, but that isn't actually the case.

The only thing I need to reference as proof of a slightly narrow minded outlook on all this is the fact you've called the 5D2 and 6D "crippled". I mean, do I really need to say more? :cuckoo:
 
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I personally I think this 5D MKII or 60D thing is similar to Nikon D700 or D600 .......

Both is different beast and both will do the job fine without a problem. My mate uses his 5D MKII in a wedding and his getting good shots from the camera and i supporting him on the shoot, i use a D300 ....... and i'm getting good shots as well .......

Quality of the lens counts to get the good shot at the end of the day.

60D has newer technology but the build quality of the camera to me is no match against the 5D MKII. Personally if i'm a canon shooter i go for the 5D MKII simply because the camera is more robust then the 60D in my opinion.
 
PMN said:
Not necessarily the latest but you've made many posts slating specific cameras and referencing other specific cameras as being better, but the manner in which you slate them implies they're an absolute pile of rubbish and are incapable of producing results much better than an iPhone 3. You seem to know what you know on the gear you have and believe it's the only gear in the world that actually works. I hate to break this to you, but that isn't actually the case.

The only thing I need to reference as proof of a slightly narrow minded outlook on all this is the fact you've called the 5D2 and 6D "crippled". I mean, do I really need to say more? :cuckoo:
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Paul chill down and go out and take great photos instead of spouting personal comments. You could start with some joggers in the park :lol:
 
daugirdas said:
Paul chill down and go out and take great photos instead of spouting personal comments. You could start with some joggers in the park :lol:
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Got to agree with Paul here tbh... you're comments aren't backed up with anything other than your own (incorrect) personal opinion.

Like I said before I have a 6D and it's a quality piece of kit... would I shoot a wedding with it as my main camera? No because I have a 5D MK III... however if I didn't then I would happily use it as my main body. It's not the top body available but it's still more than good enough.

Oh and there's plenty of togs who used or still use 5D MK II's successfully for all manner of things including weddings.
 
daugirdas said:
In my eyes there is pretty much nothing attractive in the old 5DII over 6D, let alone 5DIII. The latter is the one you should be really looking at.
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Ok I am sorry I stand corrected you have not said that they should "have" the latest gear but from the statement above and a few of your other posts in this thread i read them as

The latest gear is what you should be looking at which is not far off saying you should "have".

I know in business you should have the best of everything for the job you do, I am builder and would not dream of buying DIY kit to use as my tools its just not practical and its just not financially viable but that does not mean that my 20 year old estwing hammer does not knock a nail in any worse or better than the latest wind tunnel tested hammer, nor do i go out and buy a new cordless just because the newer model had a couple more setting on it than the 2 year old one I have now, why because it still screws in screws and drills holes perfectly well for the job in hand.

Guess what I am trying to say is you do not NEED a mkiii when starting out as the 6D or mkii will do the same job, and that is take excellent pictures and it has done for many years and will carry on taking excellent pictures and just because the mkiii is out does not make it redundant as a photographers weapon of choice (if on a budget like the Op is to start with)
 
After browsing through various threads seems like the 7D is also the preferred camera before the 5D III, is this another camera that I should consider, I know that I will be losing the FF sensor.

Saul.
 
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