5D Mk.I, or save for 7D

I ran into a low shutter count (under 11k) 5d, Canon grip with RRS L bracket , all boxes, docs, straps and it had the mirror fix. It looked like new, and the seller wanted $800 so I grabbed it. I had 40d/7d and was pretty happy, but I have to say the IQ I'm seeing from this old 5D is exceptional. I was never happy with the performance of my 85L on the 7d, on the 5D it really shines. Get it, if you don't like it they're still popular and you can sell it.

Is there anything lacking wit you 50d? It is still a fairly new camera.
The 5d will provide a certain level of IQ that cropped camera seemed unable to. But most people will not be able to tell the difference.

The 7D is more advanced that both obviously and if you are into capturing fast movers, this is the camera to have saved for a 1D camera. It also has HDSLR capabilities that neither the 50d nor the 5d has. In the end, I would rather save the money and keep the 50d unless you can identify some areas where it is seriously lacking. Put the money towards lenses or speedlites instead.

...and this is coming from me that owns both cameras in question.

usingthejohn wrote in post #13579694
I want the L because it gives so much better photos (horrible english, LOL) My dad has a 24-70L and I'm tired of fighting him over it, hahaha

What I should have said was get the 5D and see how you like your tamron on it, you may be surprised. My Sigma 24-60 2.8 was OK on my crop cameras but so much nicer (sharper, wider obviously) on the 5D I was impressed. It works so nicely that I will never sell it, it's a perfect backup if I ever to get a nice L zoom lens.

You say you want to get into portraits? If the 7D's strong point is shooting sports/action, the 5D's is shooting portraits and people. It's used mine for several weddings and events and been very happy with it (huge improvement over 30D/40D.) It is a SLOW camera though, the 40D I had was noticeably more responsive (similar to 50D) but for my use it did not matter.

If I am reading right & you are KEEPING the 50D... then the 5D ALL the way, the 5D + 50D combo make a GREAT set up to have for all situations. Go for it!

Lore wrote in post #13583828
If I am reading right & you are KEEPING the 50D... then the 5D ALL the way, the 5D + 50D combo make a GREAT set up to have for all situations. Go for it!

Agreed.

And FWIW, I have had the 7d twice and just never took a liking to it. Picture quality isn't there. 5d, OTOH, completely different story.

^ I liked the 5D better than the mkII, definitely be picking another one of those up.

I have gone from a 30D (amazing camera), to a 5D, to a 50D, a 7D and now a 5D Mk II. The only one I wish I had not purchased is the 50D, only because it was too similar to the 30D. I have kept the 30D because I have an underwater case for it and don't want to spend another $1500 to make something else waterproof.

The 5D would still come out when I wanted to do anything like a portrait. You just can't beat the image quality of a full frame sensor camera when you are doing people shots. The 7D is still my "take it everywhere" camera. Best image quality while not needing to cary an external flash. That, and I am starting to get into video, so it has that going for it as well.

Just got the 5D Mk II yesterday. Mostly playing with the video to see if I can do anything at all interesting with it. Probably gonna head out and shoot stills today, weather permitting.

We are probably at least 3 months, and more like 9 months, from the introduction of the 5D Mk II's replacement. At least according to canonrumors.com. Price on the 5D Mk II finally got to the point where I didn't think the bruises would show from the beating I knew I would get from my wife. Besides, the savings account was just sitting there with all that money in it. I just had to do some retail therapy. lol

So, to answer the question, an original 5D and a 7D are different animals. The 7D adds video to your tool box, the 5D a major upgrade in still image quality. Not everyone sees the better quality, but you will. Since you can't please everyone else, might as well please yourself.

Lore wrote in post #13583949
^ I liked the 5D better than the mkII, definitely be picking another one of those up.

(shameless attempt to make money mode)

If you're interested, I am just down the road from "the Chicago 'burbs". Got a 5D with grip and two Canon batteries I'm probably gonna sell. Shutter count is just over 11k. Let me know if you are interested.

OK, Well thanks to SRPhotographic, I'm soon to own a 5D + grip. I'm actually very excited to get it and start shooting stills. Probably gonna try and source a 17-40 f4L, or maybe a Tammy 17-55 f2.8. Either way, thanks for the help and opinions!

PS: For those who were curious: Yes, I'm holding onto my 50D

It's nice having 2 bodies, and the 5D and 50D use the same battery which is a real bonus! The Tamron 17-50 does not work on a 5D BTW.

I see in your signature line that you already have a 50D. That being the case, I wonder why you are interested in a 7D.

I think the 5D would be an excellent compliment to your 50D. I happen to have that same pairing - a 5D classic and a 50D. Even though I shoot wildlife, I don't think a 7D would be much of an improvement over my 50D. I just can't justify spending the extra $600 or $700 that a 7D would cost (50D for $550 vs. 7D for $1200).

My suggestion would be to keep the 50D, and add the 5D as an alternative body. There are some situations (albeit very few) in which the full frame sensor will help to capture images that the 1.6 crop cannot capture in an effective way. About 80% of my work is done with the 50D, with the 5D classic being used for the remaining 20%.

I'd get it, but to compare I picked up a gripped 5d, 4 Canon batteries, under 11k clicks with RRS L bracket for $800 and got all the boxes/docs.