Canon 7D or 5D Classic for your Taste?

[AbsolutKev]

Although I just got a 7D, I kinda regret and feel like changing to a 5D MK2. Only my budget is holdin me back.

Dun wanna kill my piggy....... bank.

 

[Anthony Lee]

APS-C or even APS-H is different from FF. After owning a 40D for 10 mths, and then switching to a 5D, I cannot use the 5D exactly how I used the 40D. I have to handle my 5D more like when I was using film slr. Using a 50mm lens on the 5D is not same as using on the 40D. There are many aspects of FF that's so different from cropped body that both can never be used for direct comparision. Basically, an FF cam is just so much more difficult to use than an APS-C. So if guys think that they can take better photos by just simply switching from APS-C to FF, you may be disappointed innitially until you understand how to handle an FF camera.

 

[picmaniac]

APS-C or even APS-H is different from FF. After owning a 40D for 10 mths, and then switching to a 5D, I cannot use the 5D exactly how I used the 40D. I have to handle my 5D more like when I was using film slr. Using a 50mm lens on the 5D is not same as using on the 40D. There are many aspects of FF that's so different from cropped body that both can never be used for direct comparision. Basically, an FF cam is just so much more difficult to use than an APS-C. So if guys think that they can take better photos by just simply switching from APS-C to FF, you may be disappointed innitially until you understand how to handle an FF camera.

guess FF is more suitable for old photog like me who grow up in the film era

 

[Garion]

I picked the 5D Classic (hey I have one!). Absolutely no regrets getting it even if the 7D had appeared on the scene. There's just something about the look of the images that the 5D produces that appeals a lot to me. Most people who have not used 5D before will simply write off the body just becoz its "old tech". To me, if you manage to find a good working copy on the 2nd hand market for below 2k, its one of the best "value for money" FF bodies around. Especially if you can't afford or do not need the 21 MP and HD video function of the 5D II.

I think that there's a purpose for both FF and crop sensor (APSC) bodies to exist in the market...they serve different needs and they are both here to stay. I think that if you are familiar with what both FF and crop sensor are all about, and understand your needs and wants, it should be easier to choose between the two.

 

[Anthony Lee]

I picked the 5D Classic (hey I have one!). Absolutely no regrets getting it even if the 7D had appeared on the scene. There's just something about the look of the images that the 5D produces that appeals a lot to me. Most people who have not used 5D before will simply write off the body just becoz its "old tech". To me, if you manage to find a good working copy on the 2nd hand market for below 2k, its one of the best "value for money" FF bodies around. Especially if you can't afford or do not need the 21 MP and HD video function of the 5D II.

I think that there's a purpose for both FF and crop sensor (APSC) bodies to exist in the market...they serve different needs and they are both here to stay. I think that if you are familiar with what both FF and crop sensor are all about, and understand your needs and wants, it should be easier to choose between the two.

I picked up one with grip, mint, shutter count under 4k. Brought it to CSC yesterday to change focusing screen to Ee-S and was told to send it back after X'mas for them to do something on the mirror. There was a recall and this was done FOC. Amazing, the former owner didn't even know about it and CSC is still doing FOC. Yes, it's an amazing camera, with really excellent IQ. But needs to get used to its sluggish operation. Definitely not for the fast-paced n hi-tech shooters.

 

[sukhoi37]

I picked up one with grip, mint, shutter count under 4k. Brought it to CSC yesterday to change focusing screen to Ee-S and was told to send it back after X'mas for them to do something on the mirror. There was a recall and this was done FOC. Amazing, the former owner didn't even know about it and CSC is still doing FOC. Yes, it's an amazing camera, with really excellent IQ. But needs to get used to its sluggish operation. Definitely not for the fast-paced n hi-tech shooters.

That should be the well-known mirror drop off issue.
I got mine fixed at CSC foc as well.

 

[Chris Lim]

i use the 5D mk1 and mk2. But over the last few months. I kind of found myself leaving the mk2 in the bag most of the time. Somehow, if you light the subject properly and all, the 5D mk1 still produces magic that the mk2 can't. I think its just the feel from it.

 

[rendition]

There's just something about the look of the images that the 5D produces that appeals a lot to me.

You're not alone man... totally agree.

 

[surrephoto]

i use the 5D mk1 and mk2. But over the last few months. I kind of found myself leaving the mk2 in the bag most of the time. Somehow, if you light the subject properly and all, the 5D mk1 still produces magic that the mk2 can't. I think its just the feel from it.

Having the exact same sentiments as you... i usually tell people the 5D2 produces "plasticky" images vs 5D1 for my taste.

 

[goering]

There's just something about the look of the images that the 5D produces that appeals a lot to me. Most people who have not used 5D before will simply write off the body just becoz its "old tech".

Hmm could you elaborate on this "look" that appeals so much to you? I know it would not be easy but some elaboration or sample image would be most helpful ...

 

[AbsolutKev]

So anyone wanna trade their 5D mkII wit my 7D.... Hehe... "I can wait long long i guess...."

 

[doodah]

Hmm could you elaborate on this "look" that appeals so much to you? I know it would not be easy but some elaboration or sample image would be most helpful ...

Usually it's something mystical and cannot be quantified. Can be as abstract as nonsensical terms like film-look, 3d-look etc. :bsmilie:

In reality, it's very simple and boils down to focal length and depth of field. Nothing more. For example, to get the full-frame 50 mm f/1.4 look with an APS-C camera, you'll need an EF-S 31 mm f/0.9 lens which clearly does not exist. That's the appeal of full frame.

On the other hand, if one does not like or hardly shoots at 50 f/1.4 (for example) on full frame, then the whole debate is futile. I know of owners who prefer to shoot at f/4 than f/2.8 after getting their FF cameras... or friends who prefer the deep DOF from their compact cameras to f/2.8 on their APS-C cameras. It's weird but oh well... :dunno:

Having the exact same sentiments as you... i usually tell people the 5D2 produces "plasticky" images vs 5D1 for my taste.

It's been so long since I last heard that adjective 'plasticky' being associated with Canon cameras. Folks were carelessly throwing that adjective around during the pre-D3/D300 era, i.e., when the competition was equipped with horribly noisy sensors. Once the D3/D300 etc arrived, people suddenly dropped that term very quickly and mysteriously. Weird... if you know what I mean. :bsmilie:

 

[jdbatino]

So anyone wanna trade their 5D mkII wit my 7D.... Hehe... "I can wait long long i guess...."

sent you a pm :bsmilie:

 

[surrephoto]

Usually it's something mystical and cannot be quantified. Can be as abstract as nonsensical terms like film-look, 3d-look etc. :bsmilie:

In reality, it's very simple and boils down to focal length and depth of field. Nothing more. For example, to get the full-frame 50 mm f/1.4 look with an APS-C camera, you'll need an EF-S 31 mm f/0.9 lens which clearly does not exist. That's the appeal of full frame.

On the other hand, if one does not like or hardly shoots at 50 f/1.4 (for example) on full frame, then the whole debate is futile. I know of owners who prefer to shoot at f/4 than f/2.8 after getting their FF cameras... or friends who prefer the deep DOF from their compact cameras to f/2.8 on their APS-C cameras. It's weird but oh well... :dunno:



It's been so long since I last heard that adjective 'plasticky' being associated with Canon cameras. Folks were carelessly throwing that adjective around during the pre-D3/D300 era, i.e., when the competition was equipped with horribly noisy sensors. Once the D3/D300 etc arrived, people suddenly dropped that term very quickly and mysteriously. Weird... if you know what I mean. :bsmilie:

Doodah, i feel the point of FF is not only about shooting wide-open (as much i usually do with my 85L/50L) but the freedom in low noise.

We can shoot wide-open when we like and yet still be able to achieve the equal depth of field performance as a APS-C camera by boosting ISO + stop down and not fearing about noise.

I used the word "plasticky" as there is really not exact word to describe the more-than-subtle difference between the imgs of the 5D1 and 5D2... maybe i could say... it's more "synthetic in dominant colours". :bsmilie:

 

[jdbatino]

In reality, it's very simple and boils down to focal length and depth of field. Nothing more. For example, to get the full-frame 50 mm f/1.4 look with an APS-C camera, you'll need an EF-S 31 mm f/0.9 lens which clearly does not exist. That's the appeal of full frame.

On the other hand, if one does not like or hardly shoots at 50 f/1.4 (for example) on full frame, then the whole debate is futile. I know of owners who prefer to shoot at f/4 than f/2.8 after getting their FF cameras... or friends who prefer the deep DOF from their compact cameras to f/2.8 on their APS-C cameras. It's weird but oh well... :dunno:

:

F4 is a more practial aperture, you dont want half of faces being blurred out all the time.
Or you still want to see the backgrounds when you are on vacation:bsmilie:

But yeah I agree. If you are into bokeh, 5D is the way to go. It will save you a lot of money. To get similar fov and bokeh with a 85 1.8 on 5D, you need a 50 1.2L which is 3x more expensive. ("Bokeh" term being used loosely here as background blur)

There's this guy Jose B on the dp forums. He' got a 5d2 but he's now using the 7D for serious portrait work coz he likes the 7D handling. Stunning images. But he says he has to use the super L primes to achieve the full-frame look.

 

[doodah]

We can shoot wide-open when we like and yet still be able to achieve the equal depth of field performance as a APS-C camera by boosting ISO + stop down and not fearing about noise.

That is a good point. Higher ISO on FF vs lower ISO on crop sensor... that should be a factor of 1.6^2 = 2.56. So, for exact same framing and exposure: 50 mm f/4 ISO 1600 on 5D is roughly equivalent to 31 mm f/2.5 ISO 600 on 7D. Is ISO 1600 on 5D as good as, if not better than ISO 600 on 7D?

But yeah I agree. If you are into bokeh, 5D is the way to go. It will save you a lot of money. To get similar fov and bokeh with a 85 1.8 on 5D, you need a 50 1.2L which is 3x more expensive. ("Bokeh" term being used loosely here as background blur).
There's this guy Jose B on the dp forums. He' got a 5d2 but he's now using the 7D for serious portrait work coz he likes the 7D handling. Stunning images. But he says he has to use the super L primes to achieve the full-frame look.

Yes, that is ABSOLUTELY correct. APS-C in general requires VERY good (and therefore expensive) lenses while one can get by with 'cheap' lenses on FF. This article has lots of excellent info.

BTW, I love Jose's sexy photos of his models. :bsmilie:

 

[Magic Carpet Ride]

Yes would be good to get some owners of 5D1, 5D2 and 7D to comment.

Which camera body would recommend to replace my trusty 40D. Im looking for real improvement in IQ and better LCD as the main criteria. From what ive read, either 5D should be the choice, but I think 7D has perfect handling and design. I have EF and EFS lens which I do not mind to change to suit the body.

 

[Cartman2000]

5D1 or if you are willing to spend more, 1Ds2.

 

[jdbatino]

That is a good point. Higher ISO on FF vs lower ISO on crop sensor... that should be a factor of 1.6^2 = 2.56. So, for exact same framing and exposure: 50 mm f/4 ISO 1600 on 5D is roughly equivalent to 31 mm f/2.5 ISO 600 on 7D. Is ISO 1600 on 5D as good as, if not better than ISO 600 on 7D?



Yes, that is ABSOLUTELY correct. APS-C in general requires VERY good (and therefore expensive) lenses while one can get by with 'cheap' lenses on FF. This article has lots of excellent info.

BTW, I love Jose's sexy photos of his models. :bsmilie:

Yeah, I love looking at his photos!!

Just to add, to approximate the amount of background blur and low light performance of a 24-70 2.8 + 5D you would need a nonexistent 15-45L F1.8 on the 7D.
(But then 7D has 17-55 2.8 with IS which is a match for the 24-105 F4 IS on a 5D)

 

[koljaho]

sorry just curious. So say given the same lighting conditions, with the same lens (same aperture, ISO and other settings), 5D and 7D will offer the same shutter speed?