Should I buy a Canon 5D Mk I? (sorry)

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grum

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Graham
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I have used exclusively M4/3 cameras so far - I am starting out doing some paid work and I feel the need for an SLR, partly just so I look the part when I do a couple of commissions I've got coming up. :)

I like to shoot a lot of landscapes/architecture, and I find the idea of full frame tempting. I also do quite a bit of music/gig photography in small venues - is the AF/ISO on a 5D not gonna cut it in poor light? Bear in mind that so far I have been managing with the contrast detect AF on M4/3 cameras (or manual focus lenses).

I gather there might be updates to the 5D II and D700 relatively soon, so I don't really feel like getting either of them right now, and I'd rather spend money on decent glass at the moment.

Any thoughts? Would be great if someone had used both M4/3 cameras and a 5D.
 
Graham, I've shot quite a few weddings in low light with my 5D and an F4 lens and although I may be using anywhere between 800 and 1250 ISO and no flash, the focusing has never let me down. The IQ however does get a bit noisy, but I tend to convert those to B&W. As for landscapes, it's just great to get the full use of a wide angle lens. If you do go for one, ask if the reflex mirror is ok, as a limited few have had a problem with the glue loosing it's stickiness and the mirror falling out. Canon do however fix this for free. Please don't let this put you off, the 5D is a great tool and produces outstanding images, plus at around 700 pounds for a good used one, you still get a lot for your money.
 
Thanks Rob, I've been doing some more research and the High ISO performance looks way in advance of what I've been using. I suspect the AF will also be an improvement. There's just a certain something about a lot of the images as well (full frame voodoo magic? :) ). I am half thinking I might end up upgrading when the successor to the 5D II comes out, either to that or to a hopefully cheaper 5D II. I imagine there is less to lose on the 5D classic than there would be on a 5D II.

Thanks for the tip on the mirror, I was thinking of buying from MBP who offer a 6 month guarantee so should be ok hopefully. They have a few for around £700.
 
Just remember the serial numbers:- those that start with 0 = 2005 probs with shutter 1 2 3 are better and the newer 3 has a better screen resolution, and poss a lower shutter count.


i love my 5D very simple menu :love: for a simple man, i do hardly any PS and get great results for me with it.

Merc
 
grum said:
Just ordered the following:

5D
70-200 2.8L
Sigma 50mm 1.4

Just need to get something wide now. :D
Click to expand...

A few of my friends have opted out of the 50mm 1.4 siggy and gone for the 85mm 1.4 siggy as they say the 50mm is too wide for a prime.

Merc
 
grum said:
Just ordered the following:

5D
70-200 2.8L
Sigma 50mm 1.4

Just need to get something wide now. :D
Click to expand...

24-70mm L - f/2.8
24-105 L - better range, f/4 and IS
17-40mm - very wide
 
Thanks for the tips Merc. I find a 40mm equivalent lens good on my GF1 so hopefully 50mm should be good for me on full frame.

daugirdas - thanks - I have gone for the 17-40L :)

I now have 17-40 and 70-200 covered, with the 50mm 1.4 hopefully covering the gap ok. I may pick up a 24-70 or a 24-105 at some point too.
 
My niece has the 5DII and an f4 L lens and sometimes gets a little frustrated in lower light with the f4 lens and lack of flash. No substitute for a fast prime like the Siggy 50mm f1.4 :)
 
Thanks Alan, I've actually just ordered a 28-75 2.8 Tamron - seems to get very good reviews and was only £250!

Will see how I get on with it and maybe get the canon at some point in the future.

Also picked up a Canon 430 EXII. Must stop spending now!!

:bonk:
 
grum said:
Thanks for the tips Merc. I find a 40mm equivalent lens good on my GF1 so hopefully 50mm should be good for me on full frame.

daugirdas - thanks - I have gone for the 17-40L :)

I now have 17-40 and 70-200 covered, with the 50mm 1.4 hopefully covering the gap ok. I may pick up a 24-70 or a 24-105 at some point too.
Click to expand...

Hi Graham
The GF1 uses a 2x Crop factor, so your FF equivalent on that is an 80mm.
so perhaps an 85mm prime would be more suitable than the 50mm :)
 
Slobbit said:
Hi Graham
The GF1 uses a 2x Crop factor, so your FF equivalent on that is an 80mm.
so perhaps an 85mm prime would be more suitable than the 50mm :)
Click to expand...

Thanks, but I meant a 20mm lens on the GF1 which is equivalent of 40mm on full frame. Though I'm confusing myself now. :bonk:

Must resist urge to buy 85mm 1.8 anyway. :)
 
I use sony nex-3, but would like to add 5d for "proper" shooting :). I once tried 1ds and the pics were very good (compared to my 30D).
 
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