Wanted to go FF but budget permits only 7D

raptor117 wrote in post #14258613
joedlh, you've got nice sets of pics there on your site. What slr body did you used there? Is it crop sensor bodies?

Thanks. 20D and 40D. Some of the old film shots were on an EOS Elan (the one without the eye tracking focus). One or two were taken on a match-needle FTb. Great camera that was.

raptor117 wrote in post #14259400
Thanks for your inputs pandaspur. Honestly, I've been very happy with my Xsi 450D. But I think it's due for an upgrade. If money isn't an issue, I would definitely jump easily buying a 5D3. Since, my old slr gave me satisfactory results, I think 7D would be enough for me to learn new techniques thru newer technology upgrade like its focussing capabilities, wireless flash control, fast paced shooting, video options, etc. I like to have 5D2 but I'm not sure if it's worth the extra money to learn more on photography world other than pixel peeping high iso performances.

YOU'RE MISSING THE PINT BIG TIME!

Pixel per pixel they are almost the same, so I don't thing you get the point.

FULL FRAME FACTS:

1. Size of the sensor makes mirror bigger so you look through a much larger viewfinder compared to any crop!

2. The fact that you can approach subject closer with the same lens length means that you'll get much more dramatic DOF as a result.

3. Portraits look better when shoot with narrower lenses, and standing 10 meters / 30 feet away from your subject in order to capture him/her on 85mm is a major PITA, compared to 6 meters on a FULL FRAME.

4. You can buy it used (5d or 5dII).

Just get a 5dII. Honestly, a lot of people use it and it works just fine. I went from a 40D to it, and everything they say about FF is true. Once you go FF, you won't go back to crop. There is just a unique look you get that the crop cams can't replicate.

Has no one mentioned a 1D Mark III? A nice used copy can be had for not much more than a 7D.

elrey2375 wrote in post #14260283
Has no one mentioned a 1D Mark III? A nice used copy can be had for not much more than a 7D.

It is, but it's also neither a complete crop neither a full frame, and at 10 mpix it's a downgrade from an XSi/450d in terms of resolution. I'd say it's for events and sports photography, not so great as an all-rounder. 7d beats it.

jakovmarkovic wrote in post #14260325
It is, but it's also neither a complete crop neither a full frame, and at 10 mpix it's a downgrade from an XSi/450d in terms of resolution. I'd say it's for events and sports photography, not so great as an all-rounder. 7d beats it.

That might be conventional wisdom. However, shooting both side by side you might reach a different conclusion. Many prefer the 1DIII after having a 7D.

I decided to try out a 5dII mainly because I'm interested in doing some larger prints (maybe up to 20x30), and I've been comparing it to my 7D for a couple of weeks.

Probably the biggest difference I've noticed is the additional "depth" of the data files for the 5DII. There's noticeably more latitude for cropping, editing, noise reduction, etc. before running out of resolution or noise becoming too obvious. The 7D is still quite good though; I'd say (subjectively) 80-90% of the 5DII.

I only plan to keep one of the bodies (too much $ for a hobby to keep both, or for a 5DIII), and I'm leaning towards keeping the 7D. The 5DII does have better image quality IMO, but I'm not convinced it's enough of a difference for me.

Another big factor in favor of the 7D is that I've got some nice crop-only lenses that would be hard to part with. Plus, I just like using the 7D better than the 5DII, mostly because of the autofocus but some other features are nice (level display, customization options).

Anyway, I do need to spend a little more time with both bodies. Whatever I decide it's been fun to try out some different equipment, which is just part of the fun of this hobby.

mjmackinnon wrote in post #14258215
Ignore the SLR camera's are better.. You could save a whole heap of money getting an iphone 5. People overplay the richness of colour and sharp focus. it's all done in Post anyways. The iphone can also send your jpeg files directly to all your friends and post it to your facebook and twitter. No SLR has anywhere near that capability. DOF is just a fad. Fixed f/32 is way more sharp as everything you shoot is in focus. you don't need all those AF points. Just think of all the other things that you can buy if you just shot with a cell phone.

[/SARCASM]

LMAO!! Nice one

If you can afford it, go for it. I made the mistake of getting a 7D, then got the 5D2. If you're not a strict action photographer, FF is noticeably better. I kind of regret not going FF earlier when I could have afforded it. Even though TS ruled out the 5Dc, you should get one if you can find it for ~600. You could sell it if you dont like it and take a minimal loss. The image quality is on another level. It doesnt blow the 7D out of the water, but it's noticeable, and the low light capabilities are glaring.

Another thing to factor in besides the image quality is the lens selection. My 5D2 + 35mm F2 will give similar image quality to the 7D + 24mm F1.4. Both setups would cost around ~2000 give or take a hundred.

Once you start adding more lens, the 5D2 starts to prove it's value more. Say you add the 50L and 85 1.8 to each respective body.... at that point, FF will cost less while maintaining similar performance and quality. The 24-105mm vs 17-55mm F2.8. Both similar prices, but the L is clearly superior in build and quality when used with a FF and crop respectively.

So if you think long term it might be cheaper and give better quality results going FF.... that's if you're a serious hobbyist of course.

Thanks for all the replies. Having said that I'm only a hobbyist wanting to learn more. One thing that keeps be at bay having 5d2 new or used is the AF system. How will I justify If I made the right decision in the future having bought a FF with the same 9 pt AF(1 crossed type advantage) to my Xsi? I may get the best image quality from FF but will it make me a better photographer just from image quality? I do a lot shooting my 3yr old running playing around. It will be more advantage for me having better AF system, more features equals more learnings, better all arounder body on 7D. Any other inputs will be much appreciated guys

raptor117 wrote in post #14261407
Thanks for all the replies. Having said that I'm only a hobbyist wanting to learn more. One thing that keeps be at bay having 5d2 new or used is the AF system. How will I justify If I made the right decision in the future having bought a FF with the same 9 pt AF(1 crossed type advantage) to my Xsi? I may get the best image quality from FF but will it make me a better photographer just from image quality? I do a lot shooting my 3yr old running playing around. It will be more advantage for me having better AF system, more feautures equals more learnings, better all arounder body on 7D. Any other inputs will be much appreciated guys

well tbh, if u want to make yourself a better tog, you should be using inferior/more difficult equipment first to learn.

for instance if the AF is pants on 5d2, learn how to use manual focus. becoming a god in manual focus will make u a better tog, not having a camera that does EVERYTHING for u.

i have ditched digital photography btw for while and gone and shot film instead and more or less every single person who has seen my results(see my flickr ) says that these are the best shots i have ever taken.

jonneymendoza wrote in post #14261465
well tbh, if u want to make yourself a better tog, you should be using inferior/more difficult equipment first to learn.


for instance if the AF is pants on 5d2, learn how to use manual focus. becoming a god in manual focus will make u a better tog, not having a camera that does EVERYTHING for u.


i have ditched digital photography btw for while and gone and shot film instead and more or less every single person who has seen my results(see my flickr ) says that these are the best shots i have ever taken.

* How does using poor equipment make you a better photographer ??

*The camera's just a tool to take pictures with. Whether you focus manually or automatically will have no bearing on how good a picture is.

*So what are you doing differently that you say improves your shots ??

h14nha,

How's your learning progress using 7D from Xsi? I'm currently using my Xsi and wanted to buy 7D. Thanks for your inputs btw

raptor117 wrote in post #14261407
Thanks for all the replies. Having said that I'm only a hobbyist wanting to learn more. One thing that keeps be at bay having 5d2 new or used is the AF system. How will I justify If I made the right decision in the future having bought a FF with the same 9 pt AF(1 crossed type advantage) to my Xsi? I may get the best image quality from FF but will it make me a better photographer just from image quality? I do a lot shooting my 3yr old running playing around. It will be more advantage for me having better AF system, more features equals more learnings, better all arounder body on 7D. Any other inputs will be much appreciated guys

I'm in a similar situation and considering an upgrade of my 500D to chase around my toddler. Is the AF system in the 5D mark ii identical to my current 9-point system or is there more to it than having the 9 points in common? Leaning towards 5D mark ii but tempted by the AF of the 7D and I'm not sure I can justify the cost of the 5D mark iii.

joedlh wrote in post #14258528
Gee, it took three hours for the FF police to marshal their forces. They're slipping.

Well the OP stated his decision was made, back on Page 1 .... somebody has to continue the thread so let it be the FF fanboys!

I love my 7D's. At one time I gave up one for a 5D2, I was not impressed so I sold the 5D2 to get a second 7D back.

No more 5D bodies for me.

I have a deposit on a i1Dx, we'll see how that one pans out.