Advice on New DSLR

excessivetosh · Aug 3, 2011

Hi guys,

I apologize in advance if this topic/type of question has been beaten to death. I wanted to get some advice on the purchase of a new camera. The two I've been considering are the Canon 5D Mk. II and the Nikon D7000. I've been researching both and am still torn between the two.

To give you a little background on what my needs are and what I plan to do with the camera, I am not a professional, Photography is a hobby for me. I had a Canon 35mm film camera when I was growing up and had a couple of lenses for it, one factory Canon (can't remember exactly which one) and a Tamron telephoto. Since that time, I had just been buying basic digital point-and-shoot cameras which were fine, but I missed having a true interchangeable lens camera. I am anxious to get back into photography and thus am looking to jump into a DSLR.

I would mainly be using the camera to shoot for fun, candid friends and family, weekend events, nature/landscape while hiking, city/architectural. Budget-wise, I am not too concerned about the price difference between the D7000 and 5D, and was thinking that in the long run, it might pay off to invest in a full-frame camera to utilize my existing lenses and to invest in higher-quality lenses in the future. If I went with the D7000, I would have to start over and would have to purchase new lenses, etc. I would like to purchase within the month and am not too concerned about buying all my gear at once, just at least one decent lens to start with.

Given these conditions, what would you pick? Thanks in advance for your advice.

KmH · Aug 3, 2011

What mount do your older lenses have?

Canon has historically redesigned their mount fairly often. The last change was in 2003 when they introduced the EF-S mount. EF-S lenses will not mount on the 5D MKII.
The EF mount was introduced in 1987.
The FD mount preceeded the EF mount.

By contrast, Nikon has used the same F mount, since 1959.

tirediron · Aug 3, 2011

First of all, I wouldn't worry about your legacy lenses. They're old enough that the quality likely isn't that great, especially the Tamron. If you can afford it, I would always recommend going to full-frame for the better overall image quality and high ISO performance. That said, the the D7000 is by all accounts an excellent camera.

My recommendation would be to go to a real camera store (NOT a big-box store that happens to sell cameras) and play with both models and find out which one you like better from an ergonomics and controls point of view. Both will do wwhat you want, although for landscape and architecture, the FF body will have the advantage in wide-angle work.

jgooz · Aug 3, 2011

what he said ^^ and from the sounds of it if your looking at a 5d then your budget is obviously in the 2.5-3k range im guessing. a d7000 will do everything you want it to imo. the full frame is great, but at 21mp unless you're shooting to print out billboard size prints you could get by with a 8mp. i would say if its mostly for fun anyway, id go d7000 and buy some really nice glass. sounds like your older lenses most likely wouldnt be compatible for either one anyway. but im curious too what mount they are.

excessivetosh · Aug 3, 2011

Thanks for all the feedback so far.

@KmH - An educated guess would be that my old lenses have the EF mount as they are definitely older than 2003 and newer than 1987, but I am not 100% certain.
@tirediron & jgooz - that's great advice. My dad recently purchased the D7000, so I've been playing around with it any time he's in town. I haven't had any experience with the 5D thus far, so I will definitely stop by a camera store to play around with it.

I agree the D7000 is a fantastic camera and feels great to use, I guess I may just be overly worried about the Full-frame vs. crop issue. For me, I want to buy a system that I'm happy with, invest in some quality lenses and can enjoy for years to come. Again, thanks for your honest opinions.

analog.universe · Aug 3, 2011

I definitely vote for full frame, but the Canon/Nikon ergonomics issue is important. Buy the one you like using...

jgooz · Aug 3, 2011

i wouldnt worry too much at this point with the ff vs crop issue unless it's a specific thing you're looking for. i can tell you tho if you have lots of time and tylenol there are many threads pretty easily searchable regarding the ff vs crop topic. i personally like my 5d, mostly because of the way it feels in my hand, the fact that the body is very durable and will last (im hoping). its very heavy and it gives me the same feel that i had when i shot with my mamiya body, which was cast iron i think

. I don't have experience with d7000, but i owned nikon prior to my current camera and i loved it as well. so gl with your quest and i look forward to seeing some photos

excessivetosh · Aug 3, 2011

@jgooz - I know what you mean about the ff vs. crop discussions, very fierce arguments on both sides. I definitely don't want to get too wrapped up in that battle.

It sounds like the best option is to get what feels right for myself, what is comfortable to use (and what i'm comfortable with spending!

). I'm sure I'll be happy with either camera and I will be sure to let you guys know what route I take. Again, thanks for all your help!