How much of a downgrade is a 60D to a 5D?

[TheBiles]

I'm really interested in the full-frame world, but I wouldn't want to shoot myself in the foot with a straight trade. How does the 5D compare in terms of IQ and features? I don't use video at all, so that's a non-factor.

--
Sent from my HTC Pyramid.

 

[Big Mike]

I think that most would say that it's a improvement in image quality...probably a significant improvement.

 

[penfolderoldo]

Image quality would probably be better i'd say, but features wise they're VERY different beasts.

 

[TheBiles]

Could I get some specifics here?

From what I gathered:
The 60D has Live View, 18MP, video (non-factor), swinging high-res LCD, higher max ISO (though I never go above 1600), 1.6 crop factor (a con).
The 5D has full frame (I'm assuming much less noise and higher image quality), ~13MP, weighs more and has magnesium alloy body (this is a pro to me).

What am I missing here?

 

[subscuck]

What am I missing here?

The difference between a top of the line prosumer body and a top of the line consumer body. I'd take a 5D over a 60D anyday. For that matter, I'll take my 50D over the 60D any day.

 

[TheBiles]

What am I missing here?

The difference between a top of the line prosumer body and a top of the line consumer body. I'd take a 5D over a 60D anyday. For that matter, I'll take my 50D over the 60D any day.

But why? Sure the 5D was top-of-the-line years ago, but it isn't any more. Could you please provide the details? Also, what's the big difference in the 50D and 60D anyways? I notice the 50D is priced more new on Canon's site, and the only real benefits I see are 1fps faster continuous shooting and magnesium alloy body.

 

[Sw1tchFX]

noise performance might be a tad bit better, it only goes up to 1600, 3200 is a trick mode. The LCD screen SUCKS on the 5D, it's only about 3 fps, small buffer, basically you'd be buying the 5D for the perspective with fast wide angles (if you have any), and that little bit in noise performance.

What you might be able to do if you don't have much invested in lenses, is wait till the end of this month, sell of your 60D stuff and buy a D700. That would be an upgrade.

 

[Derrel]

First off, a correction to your post is in order, my young friend Sw1tchFX: You say "The LCD screen SUCKS on the 5D"...I'd beg to differ. It "blows", not "sucks".

However, I do strongly agree with you that moving from the 60D to the D700 would be an upgrade. A massive, smart upgrade. Especially for the OP,who does not have a lot invested in lenses or other accessories, that is if his profile is his complete gear list.

 

[TheBiles]

Not sure what D700 you guys are looking at, but there's no way I could afford the $2600 for that beast given the fact that I basically only own $2800 of gear TOTAL. Switching to Nikon is most definitely not an option for me, as I greatly prefer Canon. I'd like to keep this on the specific topic if you don't mind.

 

[Sw1tchFX]

Considering that the D700 is 2600 NEW, and it's going to be replaced in 2.5 weeks, i bet the used prices are going to be in a similar ballpark to a 5D. The only thing a 5D is going to be dramatically different when it comes to actual photography is that your 17-40 will be an ultra wide angle like it was built for. Otherwise, the 60D has better ergonomics, a much better monitor, much faster, better AF, more resolution, a pop up flash, video, and the list goes on and on.

If you really want to be cheap but want full frame (or bigger) what you can also do is buy an EOS 1V or 3, (both awesome cameras), anda good scanner like an Epson V750. Than you have tons of resolution, the perspective of full frame, a huge boost in dynamic range (usually), and when you want something faster, the 60D would be perfect.

 

[mjhoward]

Considering that the D700 is 2600 NEW, and it's going to be replaced in 2.5 weeks, i bet the used prices are going to be in a similar ballpark to a 5D.