Getting a full frame itch

Ajf350d

Ajf350d

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Andrew
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Currently have a EOS 600d and previously 350d.
Having seen more and more examples of full frame cameras I really want to look at getting one, plus the other technical benefits of a semi pro body.
I don't really want to go to the expense of a new 5d MkIII, so looking at used bodies.
My main aim is to get one with best picture quality I can and would be used probably mainly for still subjects.
How does the previous gen MkII stack up? On thing I did notice is that it seems to have very limited AF points compared to other newer models.
Alternatively, maybe stretch to a 6d?
Also, although I have Canon equipment I did wonder about a Nikon D700.
They seem to be good prices used and I could get a couple of lenses within a sensible budget.

As a side note, what sort of costs are likely to be incurred with a shutter replacement?
 
The mkii was the wedding photographers tool of choice for 5 years the lower number of af points didn't stop the producing incredible results!
 
Ajf350d said:
... and would be used probably mainly for still subjects... it seems to have very limited AF points compared to other newer models.
Click to expand...
How many AF points do you need for still subjects?
 
How many AF points do you need for still subjects?
Click to expand...

That was really a question to be honest.
Not having used a camera with large numbers of AF points I wasn't sure whether it was a disadvantage for my main use, or how they are generally used.
The only concern perhaps on that point is if I take to using it all the time I may want it for some motorsport and airshows. Then again I have managed with the 600 and 350 OK!

The Nikon option did seem to be more advanced (on paper) but obviously has a lower mp count.

I'm open to all thoughts anyway.
 
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erm if you doing still subjects then get a sigma dp, cheaper, and in comparisons with FF its only just loosing on some things to a d800 or a7r. has about 30mp of bayer equivilance.

i dont think canon have anything atm to match that resolving power.

if u need rapid fire, high iso and long lenses, then its not the camera for you. but day to day lengths its great :)
 
Was in a similar position, had a 650d, shooting mainly motorsport (however have branched out now) and had the itch for a full frame so bought a 5D , cracking camera, love it, great IQ but do miss live view and the fold out screen for low down shots. Think the AF on the 650d was better but soon got used to the 5D and prefer the 5D now, unfortunately I think it then leads to wanting the MKIII. Also be aware you can't generally use EF-S lenses on the full frame

You can pick a cheap 5D up (£350) if you want to dip your toe in the full frame water, but beware it may be costly in the long run.....

:)
 
Speaking as a Nikon user I recently went full frame and have loved every second of it. IMO you can't beat the clarity & added sharpness even when cropping in to images quite tightly. I use it for football on a 70-200mm f/2.8 so had concerns of losing the 1.5 crop factor of Nikon bodies, but I can get better images now from smaller crops than I ever could on the DX body I used previously (which wasn't cheap either!)

There's also a great range of 2nd hand lenses available to help ease you into the full frame world, plus prime lenses are always useful. Definitely worth doing if you have the means to do so!
 
Since I got my 5DII I've barely used the 7D but have held onto it because it may turn out to be useful for airshows / wildlife in the future.
You can get some good deals on the 6D from places like panamoz, and a used one went for a good price in the classifieds here over the weekend I think. If there's only a couple of hundred £'s in it I'd seriously consider getting the 6D over the 5DII. Although I'm very happy with mine, the 6D is newer tech with some additional features.

I've never used a D700 but have read plenty of good things about them.
 
If you have EF lenses from your current Canon setup, Staying with Canon is probably your cheapest option. 6D or 5DII seems your best choice for full frame goodness.
 
I went from D3100 to 5D mk2, it was fantastic. The limited number of AF points didn't stop me from taking photos at airshows or birds in flight at the zoo.



Regarding your side note, I have enquired about it, it should be under £300. But then, my 150k shutter count second hand 5D mk2 is still going fine, buying high shutter count does increase the risk, but it is still very far from certainty. Good thing about buying high shutter count is you can click away without worrying about its wear and tear. I swapped car with my old man because I knew I will be increasing from 4k miles per year to 12k after moving house, so it makes sense to drive an older Merc that already has 80k on the clock, compared to a pretty much new 4 year old Volvo that has less than 30k.

That's the way I look at used items. Let other people take the financial hit, and possibly early manufacturing problems. I use it to until it is close to the end of Bathtub curve, then part-exchange/sell it.
 
I still shoot with a D700 and I'd choose it over whatever whizzypoppy crop sensor camera is the top of the tree every time. It's good *and* it's cheap - a pretty rare thing in life.
 
Thank for the further feedback.
I will most likely stick with Canon and look at a used 5d MkII as they are still cheaper than the 6d.
Nikon was just another option to see if it was worth looking at. My thought would have been to keep the Canon also, and just buy a couple of standard lenses for the Nikon.
Having read various reviews they do seem to be fairly evenly matched overall so probably no real reason to go that route.

I had seen a used 5d MkII for around £600, but the shutter count is 224,000 which I think is just too far past the expected life span to risk, though it would come with a 6 month warranty.
Probably safer to spend a bit more up front and get something with a lower count, although I do acknowledge what you say above about the ‘bathtub curve’ principal!
 
A new 6d is only around £960 via BT from Panamoz or with the 24-105 is £1,320. If you did want the lens you could sell it and get the body for around £870. You probably won't pay much less for a second hand 5d mark ii
 
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