Did I make a mistake buying the 5D MKii?

[Ysarex]

Really well put. If you were in my situation though, would you buy a 5D MKii today? (As in, right now.)

Derrel pointed out that in the years that have passed since the 5DmkII real advances have been made -- agreed. Those real advances however are out on the edge. They let photographers who are pushing on the edge push it that much further. Do you classify your photography as pushing the technical edge? Up around ISO 6400 the new sensor cameras have improved performance over the 5D. So when was the last time I used my 5D above ISO 800? I've never even used ISO 800 and I probably never will. Do I have a tripod? Yes. Will I use it again? Yes.

The 5D's AF system has been faulted. It took me two days when I got mine to figure out how to turn off the multi-point AF and set it to single point. I'm not a sports photographer. I'm not missing anything. Do you really NEED something the 5D doesn't provide?

Yes, I'd buy a 5D today and I'd expect to get a good bargain.

Joe

edit: To further qualify; I would not back down from a full frame sensor. So in determining "good bargain" I'm going to only compare cameras with comparable size sensors. So if I can compare the 5DmkII with other full frame sensor cameras and save a significant $$$$ amount, yes.

 

[photodk]

Thanks guys. It sounds like I'm overly worried about the 1% of the camera that i'm not using anyway.

 

[MLeeK]

Really well put. If you were in my situation though, would you buy a 5D MKii today? (As in, right now.)

How long do you have before you can no longer return?
Photokina is next week. If you are worrying about the 6D, send it back and purchase again in a week.
HOWEVER, the 6D is rumored to have the same sensor and better focus system.
You don't have the need like I do with the focus points-I shoot sports and action a LOT. I LOVE LOVE LOVE my 5d2 for everything except for action and low light IF I AM USING A FOCUS POINT OTHER THAN THE CENTER. Otherwise? It's an amazing camera. Honestly? I think you have a great camera that will serve you well for the next 5+ years with what you do with it.
If you want to have the cutting edge of technology? Add a grand or so to that and buy the 5d3.
If you are worried about MAYBE needing those focus points some day down the road and can't justify the cutting edge technology go with the 7D.

It's a decision I can't make for you, but IMO: The 6D will be brand new with the same sensor technology as your 5d2 and a ramped up focus system that you don't even use. It'll be a couple hundred more according to rumors. Not worth the trade in and a few hundred bucks if you don't use it. You've got the right camera in your hands

 

[gsgary]

I don't do sports photography. I mostly take pictures of things that are relatively still. Landscape, a few portraits, buildings, candid, that sort of thing.

One thing that has me wondering is the multi-AF points. People complain about the 5D, but it isn't 'worse' than the 30D for focusing.

I almost always just use the center focus point, focus, then drag the camera to compose the shot. Am I missing out on something awesome by not having the "93 focus points with 8 cross-type focus?"

What about image noise? Everyone is talking about new sensors being so much cleaner. The 5Dmkii is miles ahead of the 30d in noise, but what am I potentially missing?

I want a camera that lasts me 5-6 years.

my lenses are
nifty 50
24-105l
70-200l

totally happy with my lenses.

People complain because they don't know what they are doing

 

[photodk]

I don't do sports photography. I mostly take pictures of things that are relatively still. Landscape, a few portraits, buildings, candid, that sort of thing.

One thing that has me wondering is the multi-AF points. People complain about the 5D, but it isn't 'worse' than the 30D for focusing.

I almost always just use the center focus point, focus, then drag the camera to compose the shot. Am I missing out on something awesome by not having the "93 focus points with 8 cross-type focus?"

What about image noise? Everyone is talking about new sensors being so much cleaner. The 5Dmkii is miles ahead of the 30d in noise, but what am I potentially missing?

I want a camera that lasts me 5-6 years.

my lenses are
nifty 50
24-105l
70-200l

totally happy with my lenses.

People complain because they don't know what they are doing

i dont deny it

 

[Derrel]

I maintain that the 5D series has always been made for serious shooters; that is to say people who really KNOW HOW to "work" a relatively simple camera. The 5D Classic and 5D-II are really quite simple,basic, straightforward, modestly-sepc'd cameras....not many bells and whistles, no built-in flash or flash commander,color-blind light metering and color-blind flash metering, and basically a $389 EOS Elan 35mm film type body with a very good sensor...lean on features, high on the need to know how TO SHOOT...

The D600 has color-aware metering, built-in flash, built-in flash commander, new wireless upload plug-in sender, programmed this, programmed that, yadda yadda yadda...to me the D600 seems to be the better choice for a fancy, expensive high-end run-n-gun camera to be used by the MWAC/GWAC/prosumer/hobbyist/soccer mom/soccer dad class of people. The 5D series. models 1 and II, were for SERIOUS SHOOTERS, people who freaking KNOW HOW to SHOOT. I mean people who really, truly KNOW HOW TO SHOOT.

The Canon 5D-III OTOH, is a whole nother bird....the first two 5D models were chickens...a hen, then a rooster....the new Mark III Canon is like a freaking Peregrine falcon...of course, it's a $3,500 camera, and maybe the finest camera Canon has ever made.

 

[Bitter Jeweler]

Yup, going from the 5DmkII, to the mkIii...the features are a little overwhelming. But as I dig through them, and learn about them....very cool. Thing I love most is the new auto focus control, and bajillion focus points. The in camera HDR is fun bonus.

 

[molested_cow]

If you have doubt in your purchase, I'd return it and wait it out.

Actually, if the 6D comes out, I'd think the 5DMII will drop in price.

 

[Herm99]

Awful awful decision, however today is your lucky day. I'm willing to help out because I'm just that kind of person.

Send it to me and I will EXPRESS MAIL you my T2i!!! Straight up! WHAT A DEAL!!!!!!!

 

[MLeeK]

Yup, going from the 5DmkII, to the mkIii...the features are a little overwhelming. But as I dig through them, and learn about them....very cool. Thing I love most is the new auto focus control, and bajillion focus points. The in camera HDR is fun bonus.

Bitter-I will be at your house come Tuesday to play with your new toy. I am so jealous! I am still holding out till I do my taxes and I know what my "bonus" check will be!

 

[Bitter Jeweler]

Make it a Monday, or Wednesday, and then I will be free to play.

 

[Tesseract]

Yeah, I work in IT. Any rapidly evolving technology over 3 years old is an artifact to me.

We're barely moving to Windows 7. You must not be on an enterprise level.

 

[jake337]

My d90 works pretty well. What is your 30D not doing for you.


I would be happy just to have a FF sensor in my camera!


But honestly I'd take some more flashy stuff first. And modifiers..

 

[photodk]

Yeah, I work in IT. Any rapidly evolving technology over 3 years old is an artifact to me.

We're barely moving to Windows 7. You must not be on an enterprise level.

The last place I was at... still on IE6.

 

[3bayjunkie]

Its never a bad idea to buy a canon mkII! Professionals around the world have been using it since it came out. So you cant go wrong with that. Invest in some quality glass and youre all set!