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5D vs 5DII
Brian Knott Photography
3:10am, 6 December 2008
Just wondering if there's a benefit to one over the other. I have a 30D and am upgrading soon. I don't care about video what so ever. Besides the obvious doubling up of MP's is there anything else that stands out?
Ed 360
15 years ago
on the 5DII the ISO range is increased and the pixel size is sized down to eliminated empty space. The way the camera is configured is also different.
Richard-
15 years ago
The 5D2 has all of the modern features of all of the new bodies which are quite useful: live view, dust control and more.
Mute*
15 years ago
Considering how old the 5d mk1 is and how many of these new features have come along since it's still very much a competitive camera, especially at the current price - it's a bargain. The new 5d does seem to do slightly better at high ISOs but overall there's no great leap in IQ.
If you're not that concerned about the increase in mp and the fancy features like HD and Live View I think you'd be much better off getting the older camera with some nice glass imho.
If you're not that concerned about the increase in mp and the fancy features like HD and Live View I think you'd be much better off getting the older camera with some nice glass imho.
sar-kelandi
15 years ago
I have the same dilemma here.
I have a 40D and XSi and want to get rid of one and buy a 5D or 5D mk2, but not sure if the mk2 is just another hype from Canon like the way they promoted 50D and it came out with way lower IQ than promised!
5D is a proven body, which won't be as demanding as mk2 when in comes to lenses, so...
a 5D + 16-35L = $2000 used
mk2 + 16-35L II = $4000 new
For the most part the cheapo will satisfy my resolution needs. With AF & FPS being pretty much the same there's not much left to compell me to pay up! (I'll wait for real high ISO tests)
I have a 40D and XSi and want to get rid of one and buy a 5D or 5D mk2, but not sure if the mk2 is just another hype from Canon like the way they promoted 50D and it came out with way lower IQ than promised!
5D is a proven body, which won't be as demanding as mk2 when in comes to lenses, so...
a 5D + 16-35L = $2000 used
mk2 + 16-35L II = $4000 new
For the most part the cheapo will satisfy my resolution needs. With AF & FPS being pretty much the same there's not much left to compell me to pay up! (I'll wait for real high ISO tests)
If the MKll pixel size is really sized down to elimate empty space, are you saying that the pixels are smaller and therefore not as efficient as th MKl pixels?
Is this "new configuration" really worth it if you don't really care about the "fancy features'?
Is this "new configuration" really worth it if you don't really care about the "fancy features'?
BoldPuppy
15 years ago
You may find this iso comparison interesting:
www.anandtech.com/digitalcameras/showdoc.aspx?i=3470&p=3
www.anandtech.com/digitalcameras/showdoc.aspx?i=3470&p=3
LH_Wong
15 years ago
The high ISO performance of 5D MK2 is truly amazing. Here are some high ISO comparisons that i did with my new baby :D
www.flickr.com/photos/luhaiwong/sets/72157610209464207/
www.flickr.com/photos/luhaiwong/sets/72157610209464207/
Thanks for those ISO comparisons. they are interesting. on the anandtech site you see the difference quite easily at 1600.
ian_taylor_photography
15 years ago
I'm going to wait until a bunch of power users have had the time to really kick the tires on this thing before committing. There is already a thread here showing some weird behavior:
photo.net/canon-eos-digital-camera-forum/00RewZ
For me the main downside is actually the file size. I have 3 x 5Ds and I travel constantly as a freelancer. I am always up to my eyeballs in files, even with the 13MP output of the 5D. To commit to the new one I am going to have to carry a lot more hard drives and wait while my MacBook Pro chews up even larger files. To me, a 17MP file would have been plenty.
photo.net/canon-eos-digital-camera-forum/00RewZ
For me the main downside is actually the file size. I have 3 x 5Ds and I travel constantly as a freelancer. I am always up to my eyeballs in files, even with the 13MP output of the 5D. To commit to the new one I am going to have to carry a lot more hard drives and wait while my MacBook Pro chews up even larger files. To me, a 17MP file would have been plenty.
Richard-
15 years ago
I think I've asked this before but since we have a new group of people thinking about this I put forth the following:
How low would the 5D1 price have to go to make this a no brainer?
For those of us who are 5D1 users considering the 5D2, how low would the 5D1 price have to go to get us to pick up another copy of the 5D1 as well as consider the 5D2?
I realize that there are "risks" in buying any new body before all the kinks are worked out, but assume for a second the kinks are worked out and it's simply a price vs new features issue.
The 5D1 is now $1999.95 at B&H. If it sunk to $1500 would that do it?
How low would the 5D1 price have to go to make this a no brainer?
For those of us who are 5D1 users considering the 5D2, how low would the 5D1 price have to go to get us to pick up another copy of the 5D1 as well as consider the 5D2?
I realize that there are "risks" in buying any new body before all the kinks are worked out, but assume for a second the kinks are worked out and it's simply a price vs new features issue.
The 5D1 is now $1999.95 at B&H. If it sunk to $1500 would that do it?
fotobydave
15 years ago
The 5DII is not available! B&H won't even take your order ... or at least they would not a couple of weeks ago! The 5D cost about half of the II.
The 5D is a fabulous camera and take super photos ... probably better than you ever need! The Mark II has only been seen by a few people since they just start delivering it.
Get the 5D now! Buy the 5D Mark II in 3 years. You will get both for the same $ when the Mark III comes to market!
The 5D is a fabulous camera and take super photos ... probably better than you ever need! The Mark II has only been seen by a few people since they just start delivering it.
Get the 5D now! Buy the 5D Mark II in 3 years. You will get both for the same $ when the Mark III comes to market!
I've been kind of hanging on for the 5d2 to come out so that the 5d1 will become cheaper, particularly second hand.
The above comments seem to indicate that the new version isn't quite worth double the price of the old one. I'm worried now that people with the mark one won't change up now.
The above comments seem to indicate that the new version isn't quite worth double the price of the old one. I'm worried now that people with the mark one won't change up now.
Mute*
15 years ago
The new 5d isn't double the price of the old one, it's $2000 vs $2700. Hardly double, not even half as much again.
The old 5d is a bargain even at $2k if you don't need the extras pixels and features of the new one. I don't know if it will get much cheaper, if they've stopped production people will be chasing a diminishing number of cameras.
Anyone know if they intend to keep building the old 5ds? I think it would be a smart move, it's a superb camera for students or anyone who just needs a high quality full frame camera without the gimmicks. Like the old Pentax K1000s students prized so much (though admittedly 10x as expensive...)
The old 5d is a bargain even at $2k if you don't need the extras pixels and features of the new one. I don't know if it will get much cheaper, if they've stopped production people will be chasing a diminishing number of cameras.
Anyone know if they intend to keep building the old 5ds? I think it would be a smart move, it's a superb camera for students or anyone who just needs a high quality full frame camera without the gimmicks. Like the old Pentax K1000s students prized so much (though admittedly 10x as expensive...)
Antoine_K
15 years ago
The new 5d isn't double the price of the old one,
Around Toronto a second hand 5D is half the price of a new mk2.
Around Toronto a second hand 5D is half the price of a new mk2.
iomarch
15 years ago
I'm getting the 5D as a gift and it's being shipped now. We should've bought during the rebate period, but curiosity about the new model stopped me. I could wait another month til prices start really dropping, but at this point I've decided my time is worth more. My regret isn't the $200 I could've saved, but the 2 months I could've been shooting with it. It was hard deciding which version to get, but when it comes down to it, I could care less about the video or higher MP or whatever. I'm just excited to get full frame!
Brian Knott Photography
15 years ago
I don't know where people are getting that the Mark II is double the price - that's a fallacy. It's not even a third more than the old one (new that is).
Thank for the response everyone...you're making it harder lol.
I'd really like to get some decent size prints but are the MP's going to matter that much with the full frame?
...and I do agree that 21 MP's is a ridiculous jump right now.
What to do...what to do...
Thank for the response everyone...you're making it harder lol.
I'd really like to get some decent size prints but are the MP's going to matter that much with the full frame?
...and I do agree that 21 MP's is a ridiculous jump right now.
What to do...what to do...
My 2-cents. 21 MP is around what you get with 35mm film and a 4000dpi scanner such as a Nikon Coolscan. The difference is you get a sharper image and RAW processing control. So the 5D2 and 1Ds3 are just what I've been waiting for to switch to digital. I just wish the 5D and 1D models costed as much as their film equivalents in their heyday. (EOS 1v ~ $2000, EOS 3 ~$900)
I'll just deal with my 50D, 3, and Super Coolscan 4000ED for now.
I'll just deal with my 50D, 3, and Super Coolscan 4000ED for now.
BoldPuppy
15 years ago
People - keep all of this in perspective - the original 5D, when it came out, retailed for over $3,000, and people were happy to pay that!
The new one is retailing for 10% less at launch, and this is a significant move...
The new one is retailing for 10% less at launch, and this is a significant move...
Mute*
15 years ago
To be honest the d700 is close to the perfect mid-range camera in my opinion. Canon has nothing that can compete with its all-round capabilities. Although the Nikon can't compete with the new 5d's resolution that's a very specific feature, most people will find 12mp more than enough.
I don't know how invested the OP is in Canon glass but the d700 is definitely worth thinking about if the original 5d is lacking for you in some way.
Personally I would be buying an original 5d right now if I didn't need to make huge prints, the 5d2 is a great solution for me.
I don't know how invested the OP is in Canon glass but the d700 is definitely worth thinking about if the original 5d is lacking for you in some way.
Personally I would be buying an original 5d right now if I didn't need to make huge prints, the 5d2 is a great solution for me.
fotobydave
15 years ago
B&H offers a new 5D at $2000 and a used 5D at $1500. The 5DII is offered at $2700 but is on back-order. I tried to order one a few weeks ago and they would not even take my order. Once I get the 5DII, wonder what I could get for my 5D via craig's list? I would be lucky to get $1300 for it! I don't expect to see a 5DII till after Christmas.
hesitant rabbit [deleted]
15 years ago
i thought I might put in my 2 cents worth as well.
considering that the 5D is just a pinch under 3 yrs old, it is now 2 generations behind. hence the jump in MPs, Digic 4, 1080P video etc etc...
it has faster and more reliable AF. considerably higher ISO, better noise reduction,
"MUTE* has a good point though. if you are just looking for an upgade, then the D700 is a very nice option.
but if u are heavily invested in canon gear, then its a good idea to upgrade,
considering that the 5D is just a pinch under 3 yrs old, it is now 2 generations behind. hence the jump in MPs, Digic 4, 1080P video etc etc...
it has faster and more reliable AF. considerably higher ISO, better noise reduction,
"MUTE* has a good point though. if you are just looking for an upgade, then the D700 is a very nice option.
but if u are heavily invested in canon gear, then its a good idea to upgrade,
sar-kelandi
15 years ago
@da stel
as far as have gathered 5D mk2 uses the same AF system as the old 5D.
-better LCD
-more MP's
-HD movie
-expanded ISO range
= $600
I think it is a good price if you already paid for a $2500 5D.
as far as have gathered 5D mk2 uses the same AF system as the old 5D.
-better LCD
-more MP's
-HD movie
-expanded ISO range
= $600
I think it is a good price if you already paid for a $2500 5D.
Brian Knott Photography
15 years ago
But are those the only benefits to upgrading to the new one? Someone mentioned the 21 MP's birthing sharper images - how true is that? Is the new sensor a big enough reason to upgrade?
sar-kelandi
15 years ago
I think he means inches!
I actually checked out the Noise test comparison from the link mentioned above and it did sway to the 5D mk2 direction. As the author mentions Canons statements about the ISO performance of 5D mk2 seem to hold up, unlike the 50D!!
I was shooting a concert a month ago and ended up shooting at ISO 1600 & 3200on 40D which was dreadful. My 70-200/2.8 IS isn't that sharp on 40D wide open, but would've worked perfectly "if I had a 5D mk2!"
Here's the link again:
www.anandtech.com/digitalcameras/showdoc.aspx?i=3470&p=3
I actually checked out the Noise test comparison from the link mentioned above and it did sway to the 5D mk2 direction. As the author mentions Canons statements about the ISO performance of 5D mk2 seem to hold up, unlike the 50D!!
I was shooting a concert a month ago and ended up shooting at ISO 1600 & 3200on 40D which was dreadful. My 70-200/2.8 IS isn't that sharp on 40D wide open, but would've worked perfectly "if I had a 5D mk2!"
Here's the link again:
www.anandtech.com/digitalcameras/showdoc.aspx?i=3470&p=3
Mute*
15 years ago
Definitely inches. I've printed acceptable images from the 40d at 36" x 24" (upsized) but I couldn't go bigger, meaning that I have to stitch several frames together for the large prints which isn't really acceptable or desirable.
The new 5d might still not produce a good 66" x 33" image but two frames should certainly do it.
The new 5d might still not produce a good 66" x 33" image but two frames should certainly do it.
SimonM Photos
15 years ago
I just got an an as new 5D with 5000 clicks on it for £850. The jump in picture quality from my 400D is very obvious. Rich film like colour and contrast. More bokeh. My 85 1.8 and 35F2 are now there proper focal lengths and much more useable and ISO 1600 is now very acceptable.
Sigh of happiness..................
Sigh of happiness..................
I got lucky and got a 5D Mark II early.
Was gonna write a long spiel but in short the noise level @ ISO1600/3200/6400 is so low that I think that will effect how/what/where/when people shoot, more then the increase in MPs.
10MP or 30MP dont matter when you're shooting at candlelight level and getting shots that would have been utterly impossible with the 5D.
It's just insane good, and I'm not just saying that coz I'm an early owner. I also have some faults with it, but again, the high ISO performance will change how many take pictures.
Concert photogs and other low lighters? Rejoice.
Was gonna write a long spiel but in short the noise level @ ISO1600/3200/6400 is so low that I think that will effect how/what/where/when people shoot, more then the increase in MPs.
10MP or 30MP dont matter when you're shooting at candlelight level and getting shots that would have been utterly impossible with the 5D.
It's just insane good, and I'm not just saying that coz I'm an early owner. I also have some faults with it, but again, the high ISO performance will change how many take pictures.
Concert photogs and other low lighters? Rejoice.
Mute*
15 years ago
If people are looking for 5d2s in the US Best Buy apparently got stock in just about every store over the weekend and there have been a lot of people going in and buying over the counter (BB don't do preorders). It's possible some stores still have some in.
LoSt CaUsE_26
15 years ago
I have an xti and have printed larger then 66x33 on a numerous amount of occassions for customers and they always turn out nice. If you are buying new, then go for the 5d mark II. If used then you can get a 5d for around 1200 right now and maybe a lot cheaper in a few months.
Mute*
15 years ago
Yeah, I can't print 66x33 with the images from my 40d, not to an acceptable level, 36x24 is the maximum that's ok and then only with images that don't contain a high level of detail (such as blurred motion shots or lots of OOF areas.)
sar-kelandi
15 years ago
Camera labs has just uploaded a high ISO comparison between 5D & 5D mk2:
www.cameralabs.com/reviews/Canon_EOS_5D_Mark_II/noise.shtml
It seems that 5D image is a bit sharper and in my opinion with some noise reduction should match 5D mk2's results.
* I've also read in at least three sources that 20D, 30D & 5D are 1/3 stop more sensitive than current cameras (40D, 50D & 5d mk2), which needs to be taken into account when comparing these cameras.
translation: ISO 3200 on 5D is equal to ISO 4000 on 5D mk2
or ISO 1600 on 5D mk2 is equal in sensitivity to ISO 1250 on 5D
With all that mentioned if 5D mk2 only matches the 5D (which it seems to surpass), means with almost twice the pixels it manages to keep the noise in check which is a great achievement.
www.cameralabs.com/reviews/Canon_EOS_5D_Mark_II/noise.shtml
It seems that 5D image is a bit sharper and in my opinion with some noise reduction should match 5D mk2's results.
* I've also read in at least three sources that 20D, 30D & 5D are 1/3 stop more sensitive than current cameras (40D, 50D & 5d mk2), which needs to be taken into account when comparing these cameras.
translation: ISO 3200 on 5D is equal to ISO 4000 on 5D mk2
or ISO 1600 on 5D mk2 is equal in sensitivity to ISO 1250 on 5D
With all that mentioned if 5D mk2 only matches the 5D (which it seems to surpass), means with almost twice the pixels it manages to keep the noise in check which is a great achievement.