5DM3 vs 5DM2 (upgrade from 40D) What do I do?

Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8 L IS

04/10/2012 06:02:56 AM · #1

I apologize for the yet another of these "what should I do" but I need you guys to put me up of my misery.
Here we go:

I own: Canon 40D +

Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro
Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II
Tamron SP AF 28-75mm f/2.8 XR Di for Canon
Tokina AF 12-24mm f/4.0 AT-X Pro DX

+ Sigma EF-500 DG flash, Velbon Sherpa 600R, 2 Photomatix umbrellas with stands, Nikon SB-80DX flash

and have access to:

Canon EF 24-105mm f/4.0L IS
Canon EF 70-200mm f/4.0L USM, bu they are not mine.

I live in Hong Kong and here are the prices (equivalent in US$):

5DM3 USD3,603,
5DM2(brand new) USD2,123
5DM2(second hand) USD1,544. In Hong Kong the second hand products are usually 85-95% new, well maintained.

Scope: I want to go shot more for microstock (yeah, I know...) and enjoy a better camera and have an urge to buy more toys hihi

Budget: I have about USD2100 saved (... 1,100 from the microstock)

I would eliminate the 5DM3 even though I salivate...

Questions:

1) New 5DM2?
2) SH 5DM2?
3) Stay with the 40D and work it out till it dies and meanwhile buy some decent flash, lens, tripods and take my family on a nice trip?

Is that big the difference in real life?

On top of these I also own the Oly EPL1 with Olympus 14-42mm f3.5-5.6 M.Zuiko Digital, Panny 14mm 2.5, FujiEXR200 (... too many toys)

Many Thanks,

Tibi

Message edited by author 2012-04-10 06:17:15.

Leo

Apple iPhone Xr

04/10/2012 07:02:11 AM · #2

For what its worth from a hobbyist who hasn't maximized his equipment, personally, I'd go with option 3.

However, from your scope; you're making money off of your photography, and you want a better camera, I'd say go with option 2.
Option 2 because eventually you'll probably want or need(?) to buy better (L lenses) lenses to maximize the FF sensor.

Just my 2cents,
Leo

kirbic

Canon EOS R5

04/10/2012 08:02:49 AM · #3

As I've watched the reports, both professional and user, on the 5D Mk III, my impression is that if the AF system and/or frame rate is a big deal for you, then go with the Mk III, and don't look back. If AF performance and frame rate are not holding you back, go for a Mk II. Buying lightly used would be a great way to go. I'd also consider Canon-refurbished, if you have access to their refurbished products there.
It's become apparent that while the high-ISO performance of the Mk III is very good, it is not a big leap forward from the Mk II; more like a moderate step.

snaffles

Nikon D7100

Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR II

04/10/2012 09:13:30 AM · #4

Originally posted by kirbic:

+1 I know someone who is madly in love with his new Mk III for the AF and frame rate alone. There are of course a whole bunch of other features but those are definitely huge faves with him. Not there was anything wrong with the Mk II - check out the FS winner for March!

Canon EF 24-105mm f/4.0L IS

04/10/2012 07:31:49 PM · #5

Thanks.

Any more opinions?

DrAchoo

Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX5

04/10/2012 08:20:26 PM · #6

Originally posted by Tiberius:

Thanks.

Any more opinions?

Cringe every time you spend money on a body. It will appear obsolete before you know it. Rejoice every time you spend money on good glass. It lasts nearly forever.

Magnumphotography

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

Canon EF 500mm f/4.0L IS USM

04/10/2012 11:07:12 PM · #7

Going from the 40D to the 5DII will be perfect for you.
You will notice a big difference in IQ in all aspects. Plus the whole package is nice.
The camera does have an old autofocus system. So not the best choice for movement. Although it's centre point performance is very good.
I usually shot only on centre point. I would look for a lightly used one. Then maybe my a booster for it and some batteries.
You will not be disappointed...

If you need responsiveness in a camera, look at the mark III. I am very impressed so far. It has already produced some fantastic images for me. A joy to use as well.
As an animal/bird shooter, I cannot ask for much more. Maybe frame rate, but 6 seems to work well for me. Oh and the focus system! Drool.......

Canon EF 24-105mm f/4.0L IS

04/11/2012 07:46:30 PM · #8

Originally posted by DrAchoo:

Originally posted by Tiberius:
Thanks.

Any more opinions?

Cringe every time you spend money on a body. It will appear obsolete before you know it. Rejoice every time you spend money on good glass. It lasts nearly forever.

True!

Still tempted to go for a good used 5DM2.

How's the video on markII?

Thanks

DrAchoo

Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX5

04/11/2012 08:03:14 PM · #9

Originally posted by Tiberius:

How's the video on markII?

Thanks

I like it a lot, but have no other point of comparison. The lack of autofocus is the hardest thing to get used to, but I don't think the mark III offers that either.

04/17/2012 12:52:04 AM · #10

How about 7D?