Has anyone ever done this?

Has anyone ever downgraded from a 5D MARK II, to a 1.6 crop sensor? If so, to what and how do you feel or think about your decision?!

I have been contemplating about this ever since I used a 60D and realized how great the AF system was and also realized how great the Articulating screen was. I wish it had a 100% viewfinder though.

You get used to the slight crop of the viewfinder pretty quickly - and obviously the LCD will show you the entire frame right after you take the shot.

I think it really depends on what you want the camera for...I don't really have any desire to upgrade my camera to FF because I like being able to use EF-S mounts and since this is a hobby I really don't want to put in the investment to get into a FF body and replace 2 of my lenses with significantly more expensive versions. Also the fact that my 55-250 has the equivalent reach of a 400mm on FF in a lightweight lens only measuring about 4.3" is cool.

Yes sort of - I had a 5D2 and was dissatisfied with the focus and tracking performance. Center point with my body worked well only with stationary subjects. Anything moving and it struggled quite a bit. I sold it and kept my 7D. Eventually I moved to the 1D series which still aren't a full frame cameras. Some folks believe there is something magical about full frame. I've never seen it other than extreme shallow depth of field - for me that is a very limited scenario and I prefer better AF performance.

Keyan wrote in post #12388365
You get used to the slight crop of the viewfinder pretty quickly - and obviously the LCD will show you the entire frame right after you take the shot.

I think it really depends on what you want the camera for...I don't really have any desire to upgrade my camera to FF because I like being able to use EF-S mounts and since this is a hobby I really don't want to put in the investment to get into a FF body and replace 2 of my lenses with significantly more expensive versions. Also the fact that my 55-250 has the equivalent reach of a 400mm on FF in a lightweight lens only measuring about 4.3" is cool.

Not with the 7D, you get 100% view in the viewfinder.

Good point about the EFS lenses, too many people seem to think they are a handicap, when in fact, most produce excellent IQ at reduced prices. IE. they are a great value for the money.

TeamSpeed wrote in post #12388522
Not with the 7D, you get 100% view in the viewfinder.

Good point about the EFS lenses, too many people seem to think they are a handicap, when in fact, most produce excellent IQ at reduced prices. IE. they are a great value for the money.

Yeah, although it sounded like the OP was debating getting a 60D, so I was referring to that model's viewfinder (it's also the one I own).

Keyan wrote in post #12388545
Yeah, although it sounded like the OP was debating getting a 60D, so I was referring to that model's viewfinder (it's also the one I own).

True, I just wanted to point out that not all APS-C crop bodies are created equal, so if the 100% viewfinder is a desire, there is a crop body that offers that.

Ah, yeah, good point.

I can't make up my mind. I really want the AF system of the 7D, 100% view Finder, FPS, Wireless ETTL Control and the Swivel LCD screen of the 60D.

Buff_GUY wrote in post #12388293
Has anyone ever downgraded from a 5D MARK II, to a 1.6 crop sensor? If so, to what and how do you feel or think about your decision?!

I have been contemplating about this ever since I used a 60D and realized how great the AF system was and also realized how great the Articulating screen was. I wish it had a 100% viewfinder though.

its not "downgrading" so much as just changing strengths

1.6x crop cams are better for say, wildlife and sports shooting because they put more pixels on target, Also for telephoto lenses they give you far more reach for the money, And in terms of IQ it ends up being quite close if you have to start putting teleextenders on your lenses and that, or you have to use a slower lens to get the same equivalent reach

So it really more depends on what you shoot...

OP you might wanna wait a bit however, the 5DIII and 7DII could be this year, one might offer an articulating screen

The worst that happens is the market is flooded with barely used 60Ds and 7Ds that you can get cheap

So when can we trade cameras? I'll bring my 7D and you bring your 5d MKII and meet up in jacksonville next week = )

Buff_GUY wrote in post #12388293
Has anyone ever downgraded from a 5D MARK II, to a 1.6 crop sensor? If so, to what and how do you feel or think about your decision?!

I have been contemplating about this ever since I used a 60D and realized how great the AF system was and also realized how great the Articulating screen was. I wish it had a 100% viewfinder though.

well the 5DII doesnt have a 100% viewfinder either, so youre not missing much.

wernersl wrote in post #12389257
well the 5DII doesnt have a 100% viewfinder either, so youre not missing much.

Correct, only the 7D and the 1D series have 100% viewfinders, but 98% on the 5D2 is so close, it never seemed to cause any issues when I shot with it.

The one thing that really pisses me off about the 5D MARK II is AF system

Buff_GUY wrote in post #12390134
The one thing that really pisses me off about the 5D MARK II is AF system

Why? ....no never mind, it will start a tirade of 5D AF arguments.

In my situations, I have been able to shoot basketball and birds in flight with the 5D2, so I never really hit conditions where the 5D2 wasn't sufficient in the AF department, shooting center point. I am sure there are other conditions that others shoot where better AF would be understandably desirable.

I almost never use the Center AF point. If the Camera had the 60D's AF system I would be happy. But because of it, I have lost alot of great shots