5D with less magnification??? (no pic)

I was playing around with my 5d and macro lenses. I am a little bit disappointed because it seems that I lose some magnification with the 5D vs. the 20D. I didn't know that it does make a difference between a FF and a 1.6x crop when it comes to magnification. Now, jut wonder if any one who have gone from a non-FF to FF notice the same. Want to hear what you guy says because I'm considering getting rid of the 5D

Thanks!

you wont be losing magnification but the subject will be a smaller % of the sensor than on the 20D. If you then crop you can lose out in the pixel count. you need to try and fill the viewfinder with the image when using a FF sensor. This is why for macro and sport it seems to me better to use a 1.6 sensor but Bald Eagle reckons he gets better images with the 5D so what do I know?

Thanks Racketman for your input. This is exactly what I meant when I said "losing magnification". It's because the frame now is much bigger than that of the 20D, everything looks really small . Another thing I don't like about FF is the magnification of vignetting problem on a few of my lenses. Thanks!

Interesting that there seem to be more advantages than disadvantages for 1.6 crop cameras at macro and telephoto ranges. Seems to be the areas in between these two where the FF cameras shine.
One thing I can't quite get my head round is that the DOF will be narrower with a FF vs a 1.6X with the same lens but I assume this is only true for exactly the same FOV (ie the FF camera is nearer)
Brian V.

Yep, I agree. The 5d is definitely a great camera by itself, but when it comes to macros and telephotos, the crop cameras really shine.

Theoretically, I think you are right that the DOF would be narrower, but practically I can hardly see the difference, especially in the case of macro photography as the DOF is already very shallow .

I found that to be the same with mine , much cleaner images with the 5d though. i took mine back on sunday , but now i wish i had tried it with an extension tube before parting with it so quickly. any thought on this anyone , cos being as spontaneous as i am i am thinking of getting it back and trying it out! 12 million pixels does make a difference!

I use Extension tubes regularly on mine, I walk around with a 36mm tube on my 150 , it gives me the closeness I need and a decent amount of working room. I keep a full set with me for those extreme close-ups. To me, its been a great improvement.

So I'm not the only one. I was trying out the 5d and compared it to the 20D. Yes, the IQ of the 5D is just amazing, but the main subjects that I am shooting are insects and animals. Both would benefit from a cropped sensor

Bald Eagle wrote:
I use Extension tubes regularly on mine, I walk around with a 36mm tube on my 150 , it gives me the closeness I need and a decent amount of working room. I keep a full set with me for those extreme close-ups. To me, its been a great improvement.

Hi, BE. I'm glad that you like yours. As I can see, your images have noticeable improvement in image quality. The thing for me is that I'm so used to the "size" that I would get with my 20D already. When I look at the images taken with the 5D, things are very small even with 2x magnification I've decided I'm selling this baby with a lot of pain because I know that one day I will want it back

If you still have the 20D i'd wait for the 40D instead of ordering the 30D which doesn't appear to be a big advance. Then again if you can afford a 5D but want a crop factor maybe you could stretch to the ID MKIIn - heavy beast but by all accounts the meanest AF and build quality.

I plan on getting a 5D and keeping the 20D. You can take advantage of both sensor sizes as the need dictates.

Yes, I think I could happily sell one of my 20Ds for a 5D if I only had the $$ difference.
5D would be great for the portraiture work and keep the 20D for macro play.

I had a 5d and a 20d, and sold both. I just cannot justify the extra cost of the 5d. I can cover the wide end with a 10-22mm, which I am looking to buy now. With the proceeds of the sales, I was able to buy a 30d and a Nik*n D200 and the new 105 Micro IF VR.

The Nik*n 105mm Micro IF VR is the world's first macro lens with VR (equivalent to Canon's IS), which will give me 4 extra stops. Hopefully it will help me to handheld better

Now, I just can't wait the bugs to come

*gasp* You said the "N" word.

I have the EF-S 10-22. Don't use it much, but wouldn't want to part with it either. Good lens.

lol........

Yep, I heard that the 10-22 is one great lens. I'm selling my 17-40 to get this baby