all these rumors...

[jparniawski]

With all the rumors flying, I am curious on what you guys/gals would do...

I really want to upgrade to a 5D (or the newer one rumored all over this forum) from my XTi. I have a number of lenses, 3 of which are L, and although I love my XTi, the full frame and the sharpness/color of the photos I see folks with a 5D take surely tickle my fancy.

My problem, I am really wanting to get the new camera before the 2nd week of September, so I can have it for my next vacation. I work in a field where I am lucky enough to travel extensively through the year on 3 separate vacations, and travel internationally 100% of the time. The downside is, I live/work in Iraq, and though I have had no problems with my XTi getting dusty (only have had to clean it once in over a year) out here, I read a lot about the 5D having a huge 'dust on sensor' issue.

The other thing I wonder about is, if they come out with a successor to the 5D, would the first generation of it be quality tested enough for most of you to trust? Will I run into problems, it being a 1st-run production and all...

I don't *need* a whole lot of bells and whistles, but some of the rumored things around here would be nice to have (live view, sensor cleaning, etc...).

I have had a 5D and the grip (plus a few other accessories) in my B&H check out cart for over a month, and some of the items are already out of stock. Could this be due to the price drop on the 5D and lots of people just not wanting to wait, and pulling their trigger on one and its accessories?

Any ideas on what I should do? I'd like to hear from some of you experienced people out there on what you think...

Thanks!

[CoolToolGuy]

The chances are very good (at this point in time) that if Canon announces ANY new cameras, their "on the shelf" date will be mid/late September, in preparation for the Christmas season. That might be a little tight for you.

My 2 cents.

Have Fun,

[ohnnyj]

I would place my bets on October.

Canon is running a contest for the best photo from a national park (http://www.usa.canon.com/dlc/controller?act=GetArticleAct&articleID=1326&fromTips=1) which ends on 9/30.

The grand prize includes a 5D.

Why would Canon give away a 5D if a new 5D MII was available? That is unless Canon decides to replace the prize, which could definitely happen.

Just my 2 cents.

[ckgowens]

If I were you, I wouldn't buy the 5D. I'd wait for the new model to come out, but for your vacation simply rent a 5D from one of the many online rental outfits. I just did that for my vacation last month renting a 5D and lens from LensRentals.com. I'm pretty much in the same boat as you. I've been wanting to pull the trigger and upgrade to full frame since late last year, but I'm not about to buy a three year old model and certainly can't afford a 1Ds Mk III, but wanted a FF body for the vacation. The rental solved that at a reasonable price and was very satisfied with the 5D, but realized it needs the dust reduction system found in the XTi and every other current Canon model save the XT. I'll likely be renting again for a trip/mini-vacation to Olympic Natl Park & Seattle for my brother's wedding in October.

The problem would be your location. Are you coming to the U.S. before you leave for vacation or are you departing directly from Iraq? You will need to check the rental agreement language. I know some of the rental places don't allow the bodies and lenses to leave the country, but I think LensRentals.com's language is something along the lines of it is allowed if they are notified that you want to take it out of the US and approve of the location to which you will be traveling.

Another point to consider on trying to buy immediately is this: if Canon releases the camera today, the supply chain for such items is such that it can often be a couple of months before you can buy one. The 5D mk II/7D/3D/6D/Whatever-the-f***-it-will-be-called is going to be a higher end camera and initial demand is likely to be very high. Unless you plop down the cash now to get on a pre-release buyers list at an authorized dealer (if the dealer is even doing that yet), you will likely be waiting or taking a huge risk of not getting it in time. Canon usually announces a couple of weeks or so before the trade shows. Photokina 2008 doesn't start until September 23. Canon isn't likely to announce the new product during the Olympics, which begins Aug 8 and ends August 24. In other words, they wiill announce within the next three weeks or, more likely, wait until after Aug 24, which would give you less than two weeks to get the camera.

[blackshadow]

You could always jump over the whole 5D line and go straight to the 1D Mark III... the only problem there though is once you have gone to a 1D series body there is no way you will ever go back to one of the Canon prosumer model bodies.

[JAcosta]

You could always jump over the whole 5D line and go straight to the 1D Mark III... the only problem there though is once you have gone to a 1D series body there is no way you will ever go back to one of the Canon prosumer model bodies.


This man speaks the truth. I had a 1D MK II which I sold to get a 5D. I had my 5D for a week before I sold it and bought a 1D MK IIn. Its just something about a 1-series that I cant put my finger on, but I cant go back to anything else.

[gdl357]

Its just something about a 1-series that I cant put my finger on, but I cant go back to anything else.

Yeah, it's the bragging rights that's incorporated into all 1D models.

[rexspangle]

Yes there are a ton of rumours that has made it quite obvious that no one knows exactly when or what Canon will be releasing. However, it is entirely possible one will be released soon...but soon could even be 6 months who knows? There are also a ton of threads like "should I buy a 5d now or wait?" You could find many topics filled with the same arguments to support both directions.

There is no correct answer since everyones situation is different. I think that is the only accurate advice that can be given. But if you want my opinion I wouldn't purchase a 5d at this stage in the game unless I had more money than I needed.

[danielyamseng]

I guess canon purposely let the guessing game goes on. If they're smart enough they should listen to us and collect our opinion for the upcoming model.

[Pinto]

I guess canon purposely let the guessing game goes on. If they're smart enough they should listen to us and collect our opinion for the upcoming model.

Not a chance in the world.