5D or 7D?

[Punisher77]

I've been wanting to get a full frame camera for a while now and, being an amateur Canon user, I wanted to get the 5D. This was about 6 months ago and I figured that I would wait until PMA07 since there might be a new 5D released then. It also coincides nicely with my yearly bonus. :)

My dilemma is that there are some great prices on the 5D and the Canon rebate has been extended until just before PMA. I would also be looking at picking up the 24-70 f/2.8 because I'm not completely happy with my 17-40 f/4.0 as I find it a little slow. Picking up both the 5D and the lens means I get a double rebate and would see $700 coming back my way on top of an already discounted 5D and lens due to the 'psnov' B&H code.

Compounding my indecision is the fact that there are rumours of a 24-70 f2.8 IS coming out at PMA07 which seems to me like the PERFECT walk around lens for the 5D.

What I'm looking for in an updated 5D would be: Digic III (higher ISO, lower noise), better weather proofing, anti-dust. Everything else on the 5D is great for me since I don't need a very high shooting speed (although higher is always nicer) and I don't really care about the # of MP since I don't print very large photos.

I know that brand new products have high initial prices but you also get the benefit of the newer technolgy right away and I'm fine with that. I just don't want to be dissapointed in having waited for the 7D and missing a great deal.

Help? :D

[cdesperado]

You're in the same boat as a lot of other people. For me, one of the most appealing elements of the 5D is the FF but sigifnificantly lighter weight of the camera. As someone who typically walks around with the camera in the up position for 10 hours straight or more, the weight definitely becomes an issue towards the end of the day.

Here's a few quick things to think about that might help:
1. If a new 7D (or 5D MK II, etc) is released, you will see a price reduction of the 5D as people with old stock want to offload it as quickly as possible before the demand drops.

2. If a new 7D (etc) is released, some people with 5Ds will begin to sell their old cameras to get the newer model. The upside of this is that the used 5D will likely be in good condition as primarily only pros justify the expense of the upgrades to the newer models. The downside to this is that pros can sometimes a be a little rougher with their equipment. (Just be careful buying used gear).

As far the tech specs for a 7D (etc)... that is anyone's guess. For me, FF with a higher burst rate, weather proofing, and DIGIC III would probably be enough to get me to step into it. (I'd be very content with anything in the 16-22 mp range.)

It's definitely something I am considering, that's for sure. I was expecting the model to be released last September....

[AdamJL]

You're in the same boat as a lot of other people.

ain't that the truth.
I'm waiting to see what happens. If there's no updated 5D with weather sealing (my first priority), and DIGIC III (my second priority), then I might even decide to wait until Canon release such a camera.
There's no way I'm going to get a 1 series camera at the moment, so an upgraded FF 5D will be perfect.

[Punisher77]

I suppose what I could do is to get the 5D & 24-70 f/2.8 now. Cashing in on the double rebates and using 'psnov' would bring that kit to about $3000 USD. If the updated 5D/24-70 come out in March then I could probably sell the kit used for roughly the same price. I could probably even wait until the fall when there will be yet another Canon rebate (and normal 6 month price drops).

[cdesperado]

If you have a pressing reason to get it now rather than wait 5-6 weeks, then what you suggested makes sense.

As far as the lens, I don't know. I've read a few people suggesting there would be an IS version of the 24-70, but I don't know if that is true or not. I use that lens a LOT and I've never really felt the need for IS, but I have to admit, if it were there, there have probably been a handful of times where it might have made the difference between a good shot and a "great" shot.

I'm hoping if they do release a next gen for the 5D that it will have more auto-focus points...

[Punisher77]

I'm hoping if they do release a next gen for the 5D that it will have more auto-focus points...

I usually just leave my 350D on center point focus and recompose when necessary. I wonder what I'm missing because everyone loves multi-point AF. I find that it usually gets it wrong but maybe that's just the 350D.

[cdesperado]

I haven't used a 350 before, so I can't really comment on its accuracy. For heavy shooters, having a lot of AF points provides some distinct advantages over having 7 AF points (the 5D has 9 AF points and the 1Ds MKII has 45).

In your case, I can assume you aren't doing a lot of extremely detailed macro photography or motion photography since recomposing for either would be a little difficult.

Having 7 AF points available is definitely plenty for most styles of shooting and there is definitely nothing wrong with hitting the center then shifting your camera position.

I'm hoping the 5D next gen will have more than 9 AF points (15-20 would be perfect). 45 can be a little bit of an overkill at times and I am sure there are other heavy shooters who primarily have about 15-20 "favorite" markers that are used more than anything else.

I just checked with some friends in Germany and Switzerland who test gear pretty regularly and they havent heard anything yet either.

[cdesperado]

Here is a shot of what a 45-point AF layout looks like.

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/canoneos1dmkii/Images/af-02.gif

[blackshadow]

As far the tech specs for a 7D (etc)... that is anyone's guess. For me, FF with a higher burst rate, weather proofing, and DIGIC III would probably be enough to get me to step into it. (I'd be very content with anything in the 16-22 mp range.)

That will be a new 1D I'm thinking not a 5D replacement.

[Punisher77]

That will be a new 1D I'm thinking not a 5D replacement.

All I want upgraded is Digic III, and weather resistant. Everything else is a bonus.

[iacas]

I'm considering this:

1) Buy a 5D on February 18.
2) Don't open it for the next 0-20 days.
3) If nothing new is announced, use and enjoy.
4) If new stuff comes out (that I want), return.

[EORI]

All I want upgraded is Digic III

If the reviews of the SD800 or G7 are anything to go by, Digic III may not be an improvement over Digic II, but may even be a step back from strictly an IQ standpoint.

[Punisher77]

If the reviews of the SD800 or G7 are anything to go by, Digic III may not be an improvement over Digic II, but may even be a step back from strictly an IQ standpoint.

Yes, but those are P&S cameras. They've also included the face-finding auto focus which is a completely waste on DSLRs. I'm hoping that they'll have thought of DIGIC III for more uses than just that and that the DSLR market will get a boost in ISO and FPS.

[EORI]

Yes, but those are P&S cameras. They've also included the face-finding auto focus which is a completely waste on DSLRs. I'm hoping that they'll have thought of DIGIC III for more uses than just that and that the DSLR market will get a boost in ISO and FPS.

From all of the reviews that I've read, Canon appears to have tweaked the Digic III with an aggressive noise filter that noticeably diminishes highlight and shadow detail. I suppose they can adjust that for SLRs or it presumably won't affect images shot in RAW format. I'll want to wait to see reviews of SLRs using this new processor before concluding that the latest is actually the greatest.

[SuzyView]

It's so hard to decide whether to wait for new releases. I got the 5D before Christmas and I don't regret it. I took some amazing pictures with it.

[Punisher77]

I'll want to wait to see reviews of SLRs using this new processor before concluding that the latest is actually the greatest.

That's always the best way to go! If Digic III isn't a big leap over Digic II then Canon has some problems coming up. I don't think they can rest on the success of Digic II for much longer.

[circa]

what exactly does Digic III do? All I've heard of is the face detection stuff, but what good is that? Like what does the face detection do?

[joegolf68]

It is a GOOD thing that people are now beginning to wait for the new releases. This will make Canon either come out with them, or come out and state that certain upgrades aren't happening soon. IMHO.

As others said, you are in a big boat with lots of other folks trying to decide what to do. Personally, I've struggled, almost buying a used Mark II N (twice) but luckily, I held back and am trying to be patient. I think many people would kick their own butts to buy now, and have a new release within a very short time due to missing out on either a new camera, or a significant price fall on the camera they just bought. A free market system is a coo thing, it gives the power to the consumer on these issues, and I'm sure Canon knows it, and they are looking at sales right now to see if the rumors are having their effect.

[Punisher77]

what exactly does Digic III do? All I've heard of is the face detection stuff, but what good is that? Like what does the face detection do?

I'm *hoping* that the face detection is just a small part of what DigicIII can do and that it was designed specifically for the P&S market. If you're buying a 1d or a 5d then I'm sure you can probably focus on a face yourself. ;)

With DigicIII, I'm hoping for an increase in ISO and faster FPS. Greater dynamic range would be nice as well.