is 5D mark III worth it?

I understand pro photographers decision, who do photography for a living, to upgrade to a Mark III. But for a part time photographer, or for a newbie who is looking to go from a crop censor to a full frame camera, is it worth spending $3.5K to get a Mark III? or would you advice them to get a Mark II instead and save on about $1.5K?

For someone who doesn't do it for a living. I don't see the problem in going with a great priced 5DII and some premium glass, instead of going for the mark III.

For a Newbie or just an hobby i would put my money on 5D II and put the rest on some fine glass.

worth every penny for me

although the problem is after owning a 5D2 you'll want a 5D3 even more badly.

It's not about "worth it". If you shoot for money and you need it, then go get it. If you're just a hobbyist and you want it, then go buy it. Everybody knows it is a different body with the latest technology than 5d2.

dylshi wrote in post #14294180
It's not about "worth it". If you shoot for money and you need it, then go get it. If you're just a hobbyist and you want it, then go buy it. Everybody knows it is a different body with the latest technology than 5d2.

this.

As hobbyists or professionals we each have reasons why or why not to pay the $1,500 difference. My daughter plays soccer at night on fields where the lighting is less than acceptable. After seeing night lacrosse photos posted in other threads, I pulled the trigger. The quick and accurate low light focus at high ISO is worth the extra $1,500 cost if it means that I can shoot pics of my daughter playing night games and get better results. The ability to capture more of those memories is priceless - to me.

dylshi wrote in post #14294180
If you shoot for money and you need it, then go get it.

are you saying 5D2 can't produce results just as good as 5D3 that are worthy of money getting?

Just buy it... stop wasting time.

If you need/want it and can afford it, i don't see why not

Depends on the person. This questions only you can answer for yourself.

5W0L3 wrote in post #14294202
are you saying 5D2 can't produce results just as good as 5D3 that are worthy of money getting?

I did not say it. You should ask your self the question.

Either way, you're going to yearn for it sometime in the future or end up buying it. I considered alot on trading my 5D3 or selling it to just get a 5D2 again, but the three small improvements of AF, higher ISO and AF won't allow me to go back. The one thing that i do miss is how the 5D2 body felt. I like the boxy camera compared to the curves of the similar 7D frame.

Only you know the answer to questions like this.

Is it worth it? Well, that depends on what you want. If you feel you need the better AF then it may well be. If you do mostly studio work, then a 5DII will probably be almost as good at a much lower price.

The answer also depends on your available leisure money. If you earn $30k a year, then you would probably be better served saving some money for something else. If you earn $300k a year, then you probably won't notice the extra cost of the mk III.

Look at the features, weigh up what will actually be of use to you in the features you only get on the mk III, then consider what else you could get with the same money instead, a new lens perhaps, and would that be of more use than a slightly better body.

We can't tell you if a mk III is worth it to you, only you can decide that. I am currently trying to decide between a mk II plus something else, or a mk III, but whatever I decide upon will be the best option for me, it may not be the best option for you.