Canon 5D or 7D and lens compatability
Discussion
Firstly, apologies if some of this has been covered before but I always like to hear second opinions which can prevent expensive mistakes, so any advice gratefully appreciated.
I'm looking to buy my first DSLR, and having been used to a Canon 35mm (T70) I'm happy to stick with Canon.
I have looked at the D5 mk11 and the D7 and each seems to have some plus points over the other, making it difficult to choose, i.e. D5: full frame, better low light performance, less noise at higher ISO, slightly higher resolution (although I'm not intent on printing posters so 21 MEG compared to 18 MEG for the D7 shouldn't be an issue). D7: faster (8fps compared to 4), cheaper, (about £500 currently), more autofocus points (19 compared to 9), apparently better weather protection, has a built in flash.
Both seem to have similar 1080 HD video capability now that the 5D has apparently had a firmware upgrade unless anyone knows differently.
In terms of use, it will be for landscapes, portraits, wildlife and possibly some motorsport photography if time permits (this was making me think the 7D could be more useful with it's faster fps capability)
I'm an amateur but tend to buy the best I can afford so I want something which I can use to improve my skills and not be found wanting in terms of lack of functionality.
So opinions please from those used to one or both of these cameras. is it worth spending the extra money for the D5? Would the quality of the results make it worth the extra outlay?
Lastly, the T70 kit I have has a Canon 35-70mm lens and a Canon speedlite 277T flash unit both of which work fine. Does anyone know if these would be compatible with the 5D and/ or the 7D as that could well sway my decision?
Sorry for the length of the post but again, any advice appreciated
I'm looking to buy my first DSLR, and having been used to a Canon 35mm (T70) I'm happy to stick with Canon.
I have looked at the D5 mk11 and the D7 and each seems to have some plus points over the other, making it difficult to choose, i.e. D5: full frame, better low light performance, less noise at higher ISO, slightly higher resolution (although I'm not intent on printing posters so 21 MEG compared to 18 MEG for the D7 shouldn't be an issue). D7: faster (8fps compared to 4), cheaper, (about £500 currently), more autofocus points (19 compared to 9), apparently better weather protection, has a built in flash.
Both seem to have similar 1080 HD video capability now that the 5D has apparently had a firmware upgrade unless anyone knows differently.
In terms of use, it will be for landscapes, portraits, wildlife and possibly some motorsport photography if time permits (this was making me think the 7D could be more useful with it's faster fps capability)
I'm an amateur but tend to buy the best I can afford so I want something which I can use to improve my skills and not be found wanting in terms of lack of functionality.
So opinions please from those used to one or both of these cameras. is it worth spending the extra money for the D5? Would the quality of the results make it worth the extra outlay?
Lastly, the T70 kit I have has a Canon 35-70mm lens and a Canon speedlite 277T flash unit both of which work fine. Does anyone know if these would be compatible with the 5D and/ or the 7D as that could well sway my decision?
Sorry for the length of the post but again, any advice appreciated
Both of those cameras are great pieces of kit, you'll just need to pick which one is the better compromise for your needs. I use a 5D mk ii as I mainly shoot weddings and portraits, but they're fantastic for landscapes and not bad for motorsport/wildlife.
The lens from your T70 is the old Canon FD mount and won't directly fit to either of these cameras. I think adaptors are available, but its probably better just to start your lens collection with the newer EF / EF-S mount lenses. Only EF lenses will work on the 5D and both will work on the 7D (don't try an EF-S lens on a 5D as the mirror will hit the lens when it flips up, resulting in a large repair bill).
The crop sensor of the 7D will effectively increase the focal of length of a lens by a factor of x1.6. This makes for an advantage for wildlife and nature photography, so along with the 7D's better autofocus and fps might tempt you to go that way.
If low light performance is of massive importance to you, then the 5D is the one to choose.
I'm not familiar with that flashgun, but am guessing its of a similar era as the T70 so I can't see it supporting E-TTL metering, so it's use would be quite limited.
The lens from your T70 is the old Canon FD mount and won't directly fit to either of these cameras. I think adaptors are available, but its probably better just to start your lens collection with the newer EF / EF-S mount lenses. Only EF lenses will work on the 5D and both will work on the 7D (don't try an EF-S lens on a 5D as the mirror will hit the lens when it flips up, resulting in a large repair bill).
The crop sensor of the 7D will effectively increase the focal of length of a lens by a factor of x1.6. This makes for an advantage for wildlife and nature photography, so along with the 7D's better autofocus and fps might tempt you to go that way.
If low light performance is of massive importance to you, then the 5D is the one to choose.
I'm not familiar with that flashgun, but am guessing its of a similar era as the T70 so I can't see it supporting E-TTL metering, so it's use would be quite limited.
I upgraded to a 7D from a 450D because like yourself I wanted to improve and felt that the 450D was limiting me a bit (well that's my excuse!).
Love the 7D and did consider the 5DMK2 but decided that I wanted the higher frame rate for sports. The difference with lens choice between the two is that the 7D takes EF and EF-S lenses whereas the 5D only accepts EF lenses. Whether that bothers you or not depends on how much cash you have got. Obviously you get a better selection of lenses at your disposal with the 7D.
I'd still quite happily updrade to a 5DMK2 for the better noise control but am sat tight at the moment waiting to see if it's replacement will come out in the next year.
Love the 7D and did consider the 5DMK2 but decided that I wanted the higher frame rate for sports. The difference with lens choice between the two is that the 7D takes EF and EF-S lenses whereas the 5D only accepts EF lenses. Whether that bothers you or not depends on how much cash you have got. Obviously you get a better selection of lenses at your disposal with the 7D.
I'd still quite happily updrade to a 5DMK2 for the better noise control but am sat tight at the moment waiting to see if it's replacement will come out in the next year.
It seems to me that for everything that you apwant the camera for, the 7d will deliver. I own a 7d and I have to say that with low light I have never found the 7d to be lacking. Personally I would say, get the 7d and put the difference that you would have spent on the 5d towards lenses.
Which ever one you go for, I hope you enjo.
Which ever one you go for, I hope you enjo.
Thanks fellas, good advice there. I am erring more towards the 7D because of it's faster image taking capabilities, it's price and as mentioned above, the greater choice of lenses. On the subject of lenses, the deals available at the moment (from Jessops who appear to have the best price) are either the 7D plus the 18 - 135mm or, for £200 more, the 7D plus the 15 - 85mm. Both Canon lenses. For general purpose use as mentioned above. Do you think it's worth paying the extra or is the 18 - 135mm a decent enough lens to start with? Thanks.
Simpo Two said:
Sounds like one for Rob, when he wakes up
In absolute terms the 5D2 has better image quality. You wont notice below ISO 1600 unless you print posters.
The 5D2's centre point focus is as capable as any canon, and it has 6 'hidden' helper points for AF tracking.
But the outer points, especially in low light are slow and suspect for accuracy. Depending on how you shoot this could be important (sport & fast lenses).
The 5D2 is also less suited to sport, more shutter lag, more viewfinder blackout, slower FPS etc than the 7D. BUT dont take this to mean its no good. Machine gunning 8fps isnt going to guarantee you many great photos IMO.
They are both weathersealed to the same limits, neither of which are fully trustworthy. The 5D2 battery grip makes the 5D2 more prone to water damage.
7D is more ergonomic and customisable and has an LCD overlay in the viewfinder.
I'd avoid the 18-135. The 15-85 is OK if not fast its a great general purpose lens.
For the 5D2 get a 24-105L
Add a fast prime (50/1.4, 85/1.8) for portraits, or a good zoom 70-200f2.8IS.
Both cameras are hugely capable expect a BIG learning curve and also look at shooting raw and processing, this is really needed to get the most out of them.
Just a thought..
Would the OP benefit from a simpler body ? say a 500D ?
This would allow him to build up a lens collection and understand a bit more about what he likes to photograph and what focal lengths he likes and then in a year or two can pick a higher end body according to shooting preferences ?
If you stick to buying EF lenses they could be used on any Canon body, so no money wasted on that front and theres always someone who'll buy a entry level body.
Would the OP benefit from a simpler body ? say a 500D ?
This would allow him to build up a lens collection and understand a bit more about what he likes to photograph and what focal lengths he likes and then in a year or two can pick a higher end body according to shooting preferences ?
If you stick to buying EF lenses they could be used on any Canon body, so no money wasted on that front and theres always someone who'll buy a entry level body.
Jumping into a 7D or 5D2 is a fair way up the line.
I suspect the OP's experience with P&S/bridge cameras has made him want something that is certain to 'do the job' and assuming the lower bodies wont.
Which is a shame cause they are hugely competent, but then I can see the reason for buying a 7D or 5D2 over a 600d or 60d.
Also I cant stress how important a good lens is, I'd take a 550d and great lens over a 7D and poor lens.
I suspect the OP's experience with P&S/bridge cameras has made him want something that is certain to 'do the job' and assuming the lower bodies wont.
Which is a shame cause they are hugely competent, but then I can see the reason for buying a 7D or 5D2 over a 600d or 60d.
Also I cant stress how important a good lens is, I'd take a 550d and great lens over a 7D and poor lens.
RobDickinson said:
Jumping into a 7D or 5D2 is a fair way up the line.
I suspect the OP's experience with P&S/bridge cameras has made him want something that is certain to 'do the job' and assuming the lower bodies wont.
It's that and, as with anything I buy, I don't like buying knowing I'll need to upgrade. I'd rather get a high quality fully spec'd product and stand the steep learning curve. Besides which, I enjoy the challenge of new technology.I suspect the OP's experience with P&S/bridge cameras has made him want something that is certain to 'do the job' and assuming the lower bodies wont.
RobDickinson said:
Also I cant stress how important a good lens is, I'd take a 550d and great lens over a 7D and poor lens.
Definately agree with that. From my limited experience I've found Canon lenses as good as anything else.RobDickinson said:
I'd avoid the 18-135. The 15-85 is OK if not fast its a great general purpose lens.
Add a fast prime (50/1.4, 85/1.8) for portraits, or a good zoom 70-200f2.8IS.
Both cameras are hugely capable expect a BIG learning curve and also look at shooting raw and processing, this is really needed to get the most out of them.
I'm going to read a bit more about both before I make a final decision but I'm inclined towards the 7D, 15-85mm general purpose lens plus a zoom as you suggested as a starter pack.Add a fast prime (50/1.4, 85/1.8) for portraits, or a good zoom 70-200f2.8IS.
Both cameras are hugely capable expect a BIG learning curve and also look at shooting raw and processing, this is really needed to get the most out of them.
Appreciate the advice gents. Now I'm really looking forward to getting started.
Fair enough with regards to knowing you're going in at the deep end, I do read posts from people who've bought an entry level camera and are frustrated they can't get to grips with it, let alone a more complex body.
Just be aware not all canon lenses are good, 75-300 and 90-300 come to mind in this regard.
Just be aware not all canon lenses are good, 75-300 and 90-300 come to mind in this regard.
DIW35 said:
Just be aware that whilst Canon do indeed make some stellar lenses, there are also a few out there, aimed at the budget end of the market, whose shortcomings will be shown up by either a 7D or 5DII.
I'm well aware of what the 7D needs screwing on the front of it and implying that only Canon L lenses will do the trick is simply wrong.2slo said:
Firstly, apologies if some of this has been covered before but I always like to hear second opinions which can prevent expensive mistakes, so any advice gratefully appreciated.
I'm looking to buy my first DSLR, and having been used to a Canon 35mm (T70) I'm happy to stick with Canon.
I have looked at the D5 mk11 and the D7 and each seems to have some plus points over the other, making it difficult to choose, i.e. D5: full frame, better low light performance, less noise at higher ISO, slightly higher resolution (although I'm not intent on printing posters so 21 MEG compared to 18 MEG for the D7 shouldn't be an issue). D7: faster (8fps compared to 4), cheaper, (about £500 currently), more autofocus points (19 compared to 9), apparently better weather protection, has a built in flash.
Both seem to have similar 1080 HD video capability now that the 5D has apparently had a firmware upgrade unless anyone knows differently.
In terms of use, it will be for landscapes, portraits, wildlife and possibly some motorsport photography if time permits (this was making me think the 7D could be more useful with it's faster fps capability)
I'm an amateur but tend to buy the best I can afford so I want something which I can use to improve my skills and not be found wanting in terms of lack of functionality.
So opinions please from those used to one or both of these cameras. is it worth spending the extra money for the D5? Would the quality of the results make it worth the extra outlay?
Lastly, the T70 kit I have has a Canon 35-70mm lens and a Canon speedlite 277T flash unit both of which work fine. Does anyone know if these would be compatible with the 5D and/ or the 7D as that could well sway my decision?
Sorry for the length of the post but again, any advice appreciated
I bought a 5dii for various reasons despite not being a pro or needing all the flexibility it gives, but having bought it I am very pleased with it. Regarding lenses - I have a couple of general purpose lenses which give great results, a 28-135 IS USM as a walkabout lens for example. It's not one of the great Canon lenses but gives very respectable results when I'm in tourist mode. If you put something like the L 100mm EF macro lens on it the results are simply stunning. One very useful feature is its low light ability - I've been able to take pictures in old cold war bunkers in Germany lit by weak single bulbs and still got good results, even HD video is possible in such conditions.I'm looking to buy my first DSLR, and having been used to a Canon 35mm (T70) I'm happy to stick with Canon.
I have looked at the D5 mk11 and the D7 and each seems to have some plus points over the other, making it difficult to choose, i.e. D5: full frame, better low light performance, less noise at higher ISO, slightly higher resolution (although I'm not intent on printing posters so 21 MEG compared to 18 MEG for the D7 shouldn't be an issue). D7: faster (8fps compared to 4), cheaper, (about £500 currently), more autofocus points (19 compared to 9), apparently better weather protection, has a built in flash.
Both seem to have similar 1080 HD video capability now that the 5D has apparently had a firmware upgrade unless anyone knows differently.
In terms of use, it will be for landscapes, portraits, wildlife and possibly some motorsport photography if time permits (this was making me think the 7D could be more useful with it's faster fps capability)
I'm an amateur but tend to buy the best I can afford so I want something which I can use to improve my skills and not be found wanting in terms of lack of functionality.
So opinions please from those used to one or both of these cameras. is it worth spending the extra money for the D5? Would the quality of the results make it worth the extra outlay?
Lastly, the T70 kit I have has a Canon 35-70mm lens and a Canon speedlite 277T flash unit both of which work fine. Does anyone know if these would be compatible with the 5D and/ or the 7D as that could well sway my decision?
Sorry for the length of the post but again, any advice appreciated
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