If your in the market for a 5D MK II... $1999 at Adorama...

[Big Mike]

Ok let's talk.... How do you like your new camera? I don't remember what you were shooting with before it, but you've had it for a little bit now so what do you think?

So far I'm loving my 5DmkII. I was coming from 20Ds, so the technology gap is pretty wide. The image quality is great, the massive amount of resolution is great (although the files are big). The ISO capabilities are so nice. I don't bat an eye to shoot at 3200 and 6400 doesn't bother me.
I still pick up a 20D every once in a while...and I have no idea how I ever managed to use the tiny screen on it. I could barely read the menu So I love the big screen on the new camera. Also, the big bright viewfinder is pretty sweet as well. Little things that don't, in themselves, warrant the expensive upgrade...but they sure make life easier. Also, the menu system is different and easier to use.

I've shot some video with it. It's pretty cool, but also harder than it looks. The live AF mode isn't great and while the quick mode works well, it interrupts the video/view. So when trying to manually focus while filming, isn't something I'm used to.

The one thing that I'm not impressed with, is the AF on the 5DmkII. Not that it's a surprise...I knew that it wasn't great, but I was expecting it to be at least as good as my 5+ year old 20D...and in some way it is. But I've run into a situation where it wouldn't AF, where I'm pretty sure my 20D would have been able to. And also, the AF point spread is the same, but not expanded for the larger frame/viewfinder of the 5D. So all the points are basically in the middle area. Not a big deal, but something I hope they upgrade on the new model.

This is the big reason why I think the D700 is, overall...possibly, a better camera. It's supposed to have a pretty good AF system, and it's got speed, if you need it. The 5DmkII is an outstanding 'studio' camera, but for action (which may include weddings) it might be lacking.

 

[MLeeK]

The AF system is my only real complaint on the 5D2. It's served me beautifully for weddings as long as I remember to only use that center focus point in low light/low contrast situations. The ISO ability comes in handy there, but otherwise I find the high ISO ability on it almost useless TO ME... big qualifier there with the TO ME part. I use high ISO's most when I am shooting sports and the 5d2 is NOT ideal for sports at all.
It's amazing for portraits-which are a situation I'd not be using a high ISO in either, so it really wasn't necessary for my portrait work.

If I had to choose again all over and I weren't married to one system or the other? I PROBABLY would have to look very closely at the d700 over the 5d2. It's a better balance of speed and studio needs and the focus system looks to be far better. If the new 5D3 isn't an improvement on balancing like Nikon does? I may liquidate and switch. I am getting ticked with Canon's extremely narrow range in the 5d line.


Where's Derrel? He needs to yank my chain for saying that!!! LOL!

 

[kevinkt]

Really makes me want to buy the 5d Mark II right now. How much do you think prices will drop once 5dIII gets released?

 

[MLeeK]

I am surprised to even see it this low. I really don't think it'll drop below this even when the 3 comes out for at least a year.

 

[fsquare]

I've seen it at $1999 at a local mom and pop shop here in Montreal which is even more surprising. With the exchange rate it would come out to $1940. I was shocked because i remembered seeing this thread then on my way to the car last night I passed by the shop and in the window there was a huge poster advertising the sale.