Choices for a budget FF camera

I've been thinking about getting a full frame camera to complement my current crop gear. My main reason for the full frame camera is doing some urban photography and playing with it for some fireworks shots. Since new isn't in the budget (more focused on glass right now), I was thinking about either a 5D classic or a 1DS Mk.1. Both seem to be going for about the same price on Ebay. Which is the better camera?

I'm lost as to why you'd need a FF to do either of those...

Heya,

I take it you're wanting to do some lower light photography and want better ISO performance than what the 7D and XTi offer?

I'm afraid even an older FF will only really give you perhaps a stop of ISO performance increase. Not worth the cost you'll pay.

I've done fireworks and urban scenes with a crop. It's just long exposure with low ISO value on a tripod. Noise isn't a problem. Usually use around 15 second exposures.

Very best,

The 5D Is a great FF bargain. I would stick with it simply because of the inexpensive batteries. If you have to replace the 1 series batteries its more expensive.

I'm not really looking for better low light performance as most of my photography is outside. I'm looking for expand my skills and trying out a full frame camera seems like a logical step. Plus If I do decide to get a better FF camera down the road, whatever I buy this year probably gets converted to IR since I've been aching to try that.

waylandcool wrote in post #16748162
I'm not really looking for better low light performance as most of my photography is outside. I'm looking for expand my skills and trying out a full frame camera seems like a logical step. Plus If I do decide to get a better FF camera down the road, whatever I buy this year probably gets converted to IR since I've been aching to try that.

Heya,

FF and Crop make no difference when it comes to "expanding skills." They're two separate tools, but otherwise function the same. FF doesn't make you a higher skilled photography just by using a larger sensor.

Very best,

To be honest, this idea started off as "let's pickup an older body for a digital IR conversion". Then it morphed into "wouldn't an old 1D series body be nice for DIR". Then I thought that a full frame body would be better than a crop body for it, especially considering I want to do landscapes in IR, which led to this discussion.

So this body would serve two purposes, a "Do I want to invest in a 6D in 2015" trial body and a body to convert to IR.

waylandcool wrote in post #16746923
I've been thinking about getting a full frame camera to complement my current crop gear. My main reason for the full frame camera is doing some urban photography and playing with it for some fireworks shots. Since new isn't in the budget (more focused on glass right now), I was thinking about either a 5D classic or a 1DS Mk.1. Both seem to be going for about the same price on Ebay. Which is the better camera?

The most economical "full frame" cameras are old 35mm film units. The expensive ones are US $400 and most cost around US $100. KEH has a wide selection of EOS film bodies.

DC Fan wrote in post #16748466
The most economical "full frame" cameras are old 35mm film units. The expensive ones are US $400 and most cost around US $100. KEH has a wide selection of EOS film bodies.

I already have a EOS 7NE and a bunch of FD bodies so I'm covered in the film department.

MalVeauX wrote in post #16748174
Heya,

FF and Crop make no difference when it comes to "expanding skills." They're two separate tools, but otherwise function the same. FF doesn't make you a higher skilled photography just by using a larger sensor.

Very best,

You also don't have to apologize for wanting to move to a FF camera. For $500, the 5D is a steal and at least then he'll be able to determine for himself if there is any worth of expanding further into FF with more lenses and possibly different camera.

We all upgrade lenses to seek out the better images...why not cameras as well?

OP, I think a nice used 5D would be a good move for you.

Why I would go with a 5d? can use magic lantern, 3 years newer technology, still serviced by Canon, battery, smaller size

Why I would go with a 1ds? 1d AF/shutter lag, weather sealing, arguably better at ISO <400

edit:

For IR conversion these days, I dont know if I would go with either. Live view focusing is much easier than worrying about IR focus shift. The eos m would be a great IR camera, just would have to add the ef m 11-22, which I might add is quite a gem, for wide angle.

To provide a final answer, a 5DC should be arriving next week. Looking forward to bringing it on vacation with me in a few weeks.