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DPChallenge Forums >> Photography Discussion >> Tell me what you DON'T like about your 5D
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11/16/2008 01:11:09 AM · #1
I'm really close to making the swap to the Canon 5D (from D300), but when I spoke with the guy at my local camera store he started saying that there are too many limitations on 5Ds to warrant the swap. I'm not convinced, and thought it better to ask all 5D owners here what they're happy about, and what you don't like. My priorities are picture quality (of course), excellent low light abilities, good resolution, and the ability to use the fantastic L series lenses. This guy also said that the Nikon 24-70 is way better than the Canon, which I don't understand, and would also appreciate views on. As far as I can tell, the Canon lenses have a greater clarity, luminescence, and beautiful colours. Am I right or wrong?
11/16/2008 01:32:41 AM · #2
Here's a side-by-side comparison on DPReview:

5D vs. D300

11/16/2008 01:33:12 AM · #3
Why don't you rent a 5D for a week and see for yourself :)
11/16/2008 01:34:38 AM · #4
Howdy :-)
I havent used the Nikon equivalent camera and lenses but the Canon 5D and L lenses were the best purchases I have ever made. The low light abilities are amazing! I have the canon version of the 24-70 and it is a very sharp, fast lens. I do however tend to use faster in receptions. Like the 85mm 1.8, 135mm 2.0 or the 50mm 1.4.

Like I said, I cant compare it to the Nikon, but I know without a doubt in my head how happy I am with it. I seriously cant think of any negatives about it.

Good luck with your swap!
11/16/2008 01:55:45 AM · #5
Originally posted by K10DGuy:

Here's a side-by-side comparison on DPReview:

5D vs. D300


Thanks K10DGuy for taking the trouble to find the comparison for me, thats very kind. Unless I'm mistaken, the D300 looks better on that comparison, but I'm not seeing it in image quality. One thing the camera store guy (never trust a camera store...) tried to convince me to do was to upgrade to the D700. He was quite critical about the 5D Mark 2, saying it can't possibly have the good high ISO with the huge files, or something to that effect. Laughably he also said that half the wedding pros in town (to which I'm a new member) are swapping their 5Ds for Nikon D700 and D3's. Its all too confusing, and frustrating. The other problem is that my favourite lens, the 17-55 will not work on the full frame, so upgrading to another Nikon is just as expensive as swapping (well, it will work, but the files will be at 6MP instead of 12)
Katmystiry, I can't rent one here, unfortunately - they won't even let you take one out of the shop to try, and there's only 2 camera shops in town.
And Lisa, HI!, we haven't spoken for an entire week ! - I've been terribly busy uploading the new site and getting my act together with the marketing, thanks to you! Hope you're well and shooting beautifully as usual :-)
11/16/2008 01:56:18 AM · #6
I love both of my 5D's. The only thing I would change is the fps.
11/16/2008 02:27:44 AM · #7
Originally posted by jettyimages:

Originally posted by K10DGuy:

Here's a side-by-side comparison on DPReview:

5D vs. D300


Thanks K10DGuy for taking the trouble to find the comparison for me, thats very kind. Unless I'm mistaken, the D300 looks better on that comparison, but I'm not seeing it in image quality. One thing the camera store guy (never trust a camera store...) tried to convince me to do was to upgrade to the D700. He was quite critical about the 5D Mark 2, saying it can't possibly have the good high ISO with the huge files, or something to that effect. Laughably he also said that half the wedding pros in town (to which I'm a new member) are swapping their 5Ds for Nikon D700 and D3's. Its all too confusing, and frustrating. The other problem is that my favourite lens, the 17-55 will not work on the full frame, so upgrading to another Nikon is just as expensive as swapping (well, it will work, but the files will be at 6MP instead of 12)
Katmystiry, I can't rent one here, unfortunately - they won't even let you take one out of the shop to try, and there's only 2 camera shops in town.
And Lisa, HI!, we haven't spoken for an entire week ! - I've been terribly busy uploading the new site and getting my act together with the marketing, thanks to you! Hope you're well and shooting beautifully as usual :-)


I wish I could help you more, but I'm afraid this really is going to come right down to pure personal preference. I guess the best thing to do is sit down with pen and paper and start jotting down the cost of staying with Nikon and possibly upgrading to a full-frame body, or making the switch and having to deal with replacing your stable of lenses.
11/16/2008 02:39:29 AM · #8
I have no complaints about my 5D. I echo Judi's opinion, there are times when I wish it was faster.
11/16/2008 03:17:34 AM · #9
You'll probably hate me for saying this but it has to be said: If you're not getting excellent quality images from a Nikon D300 + 17-55 combo (or any one of the other lenses you own, for that matter), you will not get them with any other camera and lens including digitial medium format systems. That's to say that you need to improve your photography skills first, if you want to improve the quality of your photographs. That will save you a lot of frustration and headache, not to mention a good deal of money. But if you insist on upgrading your equipment to the so-called "pro level" hoping that that will make a significant difference, my recommendation would be Nikon D3/D700, the new Nikon 14-24 and 24-70 plus 105 and/or 135 DC lenses for portraiture.
11/16/2008 03:32:04 AM · #10
Originally posted by Tycho:

You'll probably hate me for saying this but it has to be said: If you're not getting excellent quality images from a Nikon D300 + 17-55 combo (or any one of the other lenses you own, for that matter), you will not get them with any other camera and lens including digitial medium format systems. That's to say that you need to improve your photography skills first, if you want to improve the quality of your photographs. That will save you a lot of frustration and headache, not to mention a good deal of money. But if you insist on upgrading your equipment to the so-called "pro level" hoping that that will make a significant difference, my recommendation would be Nikon D3/D700, the new Nikon 14-24 and 24-70 plus 105 and/or 135 DC lenses for portraiture.


Doubtless I have much to learn, I completely agree with you. But you don't understand why I wish to change to full frame. Firstly I consistently prefer the quality of shots that come from 5D. There is a luminescence in its light handling that I love. Its aesthetics. My 17-55 is my favourite lens, I have no problems with that combination whatsoever, but made the mistake of buying a couple of Sigma lenses (105 and 70-200) which I'm about to throw in the bin. I've used the 5D, and loved the image quality then. My question is on a technical basis, of which full frame to get, given that I'm now shooting weddings and portraits exclusively. Before judging my photos, please look at my website - I'm very happy to receive constructive criticism, I am still very new to the business and want to learn. But the camera issue is born of frustration with my setup and lens mistakes, and I want to go full frame.
11/16/2008 04:22:40 AM · #11
In my country a man is either a Mercedes Benz man or a BMW man. It is a very personal thing and can get even more personal when an argument ensues. In the older days, you were also either a Ford man or a Chev man. Then too, it was a very personal thing and the cause of many an argument.

In my world, you are either a Canon man or a Nikon man, not both unless you have the money to spend and an inclination to spend money. There are many arguments for and against, but in the end it is a personal choice to be made.

Personally, I made the choice, I invested much money and time in my choice and I have to live with my choice. And I do. In the end, however, the fact remains that the loyalty is to a name, the other differences are to say, the least.... minute, not really mentionable. And most probably a waste of valuable time. Question yourself very closely.... why change?
11/16/2008 05:09:23 AM · #12
Originally posted by jettyimages:

Firstly I consistently prefer the quality of shots that come from 5D. There is a luminescence in its light handling that I love.


Do you have some unprocessed images that you can show examples of what you are talking about here? Looking through the images shot on this site, as well as comparisons on others, I am just not seeing anything that grabs me and screams that there is a big difference between the 5D, the D300 or the D700. Its all in the hands of the photographer and what goes on behind the eyes that makes the difference. If you fell in love with the 5D, go spend the money and make the switch. I think that it is that simple if you have the funds to spend. You obviously have some reason, no matter where that reason lies, to lean toward that particular camera. No matter how many people tell you TO buy and make the switch or NOT TO buy it and make the switch, I don't think that you will get absolution one way or the other. It boils down to either loving the Chevy or the Ford. I'll just stick with my Fords.
11/16/2008 05:15:16 AM · #13
Ultimately, cameras are just tools to get a job done.

What is it about your current tool that you think the 5D will resolve?

A different logo on the camera sure ain't gonna help any.

bazz.
11/16/2008 05:45:53 AM · #14
Originally posted by jettyimages:


but made the mistake of buying a couple of Sigma lenses (105 and 70-200) which I'm about to throw in the bin.


Hi! Let me introduce myself. My name is Bin! Let me know the shipping and you can bin those puppies right here.
11/16/2008 06:19:15 AM · #15
Ultimately with this hobby, it comes down to IQ; yes its nice to have a 3in LCD, live view, weatherproofing etc, etc, etc! but it still comes down to the end result either as an image on your monitor or as a print hanging on your wall!
For a long time now, I've been courted by the d700, I like all the features it would give me over the 5D, but you know what, I just can't stand the thought of being parted from my canon! Reason: the IQ is as good as anything the D3/D700 can throw at it at low iso settings - I know I've tested both (I don't tend to shoot high iso, so that may be an area the nikons excell at). The other reason stopping me is the lack of affordable pro-grade lenses from nikon - where are their 17-40 f/4, 24-105 f/4 and 70-200 f/4 IS/non-IS equivalent lenses???

As for the D300, in IQ it doesn't compare to the 5D, feature wise it may excell, but in resolution and iso comparison testing it falls short - don't take my word for it, there are plenty of websites where you can compare both and come to your own conclusion! That's not to say its not a good camera, far from it, but if you're pixel peeping it shows.

So, if you want:
1. IQ to match the best nikon can throw at it (at low ISO)
2. Affordable FF camera (compared to D700)
3. Affordable pro-grade lenses
go for the 5D.

The reason I offer my opinion is because I've asked the same questions as you; I too looked at the D300/D700, but in the end, I saw no justifiable reason to change. That may be the conclusion you come to with the D300 also.
11/16/2008 08:00:18 AM · #16
Love the 5D. Agree with slow fps. Also no built in flash, flash would come in handy sometimes.
11/16/2008 08:11:19 AM · #17
Go with the 5D, it is an excellent camera. I am a D3 user, if I were in your shoes I would still go for the 5D over the D300
11/16/2008 09:28:46 AM · #18
I have a 5D and I have no complaints with it. Sometimes I wish I were a Nikon user, because their off camera flash system (SB900's vs Canon's 580EX's) seems superior. Never actually used Nikon's though, but from what I have read.
11/16/2008 09:36:21 AM · #19

Originally posted by Judi:

I love both of my 5D's. The only thing I would change is the fps.


Ditto
11/16/2008 10:00:52 AM · #20
The one thing I would change about the 5D is the lame AF system. The 9 point AF points dont cover near enough of the frame through the viewfinder. The FPS is also another thing I would change. Ultimately when mine comes back from a tune up at Canon it will likely be sold and I'll buy a 1DsMKII to go with my 1DMKIII. The FF is a great feature and the Image quality and High ISO performance are amazing. But the AF system, AF points, and FPS is very lacking. Even in the new 5DII it limits the ability of the camera IMHO. at F1.2, F1.4, F2.2, andything wide open and wanting to focus in the outer edge of the frame in low light you are pretty much going to focus and recompose and with such low DOF its a crapshoot. If the AF points were more spread out I'd live with the FPS.

Matt
11/16/2008 10:15:06 AM · #21
Maybe you are just suffering from Judy envy.

I do agree with Matt. The only real 2 issues with the 5D is the lacking AF system and the FPS. For the people that use the 5D for landscape and portraits the above issues are non-issue for them.

I'll sell ya mine!!

11/16/2008 10:48:11 AM · #22
Canon lenses.
11/16/2008 10:49:05 AM · #23
The only thing I don't like is that I don't own one.
11/16/2008 10:55:07 AM · #24
Originally posted by cloudsme:

Love the 5D. Agree with slow fps. Also no built in flash, flash would come in handy sometimes.

fps would be nice but IMO there's no need for a flash. I rather use no flash at all than a built in flash.

It's a great camera and if you're just eager for "a change of scenery" i.e. like to get new equipment; then I don't think you'll regret. But the one you already have is as far as I understand more than adequate.
11/16/2008 11:08:39 AM · #25
What I would love to do is borrow a 5d for a week (and a 1D III for a week) anyone got a spare one ?

:- )
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