5D2 vs 5D4

I've been using a 5D2 since 2012 and have always been able to get the shot, though I have encountered minor frustration with the outer AF points in low light. I have no complaints about the IQ, and I personally find ISO 6400 perfectly useable. That said, this summer I'm going on a possibly once-in-a-lifetime trip, and I'm wondering if it would be worth it to buy a 5D4. As I said, I've never been in a situation where the 5D2 couldn't deliver, so deep down I know I don't need a 5D4. But it is an improvement in every way (unlike the 5D3 & 6D2), and I have a feeling the GPS could come in quite handy. I just struggle to justify spending the money when I know my 5D2 can get the job done. I considered renting but nixed that idea because I'd just as soon put the money towards buying the camera. Another consideration is that I planned to buy a 5D4 eventually, but at the final clearance price. The current street price (new w/ USA warranty) is hard for me to justify, though it might be worth the splurge to have it for my trip?

I won't vote because the decision is yours. I was a 5D owner and never felt the need to upgrade to the 5D2 (I didn't need video and the main improvement I wanted was AF). The 5D3 was a giant leap for me in terms of AF (having more customization, more AF points and faster tracking with AI Servo). The 5D4 has a slight vertical AF spread over the 5D3, improved tracking, some more customization, increased DR, and increased resolution (the main points I've found as worthy upgrades). I've found the best place to find deals for authorized dealers (full waranty) is going to Canon price watch. Right now they have a street price of 5D4 with grip for $2649. When I bought a similar bundle through them (for $200 more at the time), the dealer wound up being from Canada: not an issue since Canada and USA are same warranty.

The 4 would be a BIG upgrade, and I think you'd find that you get a lot out of it.

That said, I would say buy a used camera. Use it all summer and then decide if it is worth the extra money invested. You could probably sell it for the same, or at least very close to what you paid for it. I did the same with a 100-400 and didn't lose a penny other than gas to meet the buyer.

I went though the same upgrade path as you are looking at, from the 5DII to the 5DIV. The 5DIV is about the most perfect camera Canon has put out. It is an improvement over the 5DII in every way, just a joy to use and if you do choose to upgrade, I'm sure you will enjoy the 5DIV. However, I voted "keep the 5DII" because of one statement in your OP. You said, "The current street price is hard for me to justify". As you have no issues with your current camera and are not bumping into it's limitations, and the price is high, maybe the $$ would be put to use elsewhere. Not sure what your lens line up looks like but many times the addition of a new lens in a range where you are lacking opens up all kind of new photo possibilities.

Another thought, check out the EOS-R. It's more or less a 5DIV in a mirrorless package and quite a bit less expensive than the 5DIV.

Following this thread with interest. Had to double check that I hadn't written the original post. I've been wrestling with this for a few weeks now. Honeymoon in a month, and Machu Picchu in October... Pretty sure I couldn't do any better with a 5D4 than a 7D2 (and I'll probably bring the 5D2 for good measure), but the once-in-a-lifetime nature of both trips has me second guessing myself...

You are going to take 2 DSLRs on your honeymoon? Seems like the time could be better spent!

Always bring a second one for backup, even if it never leaves the bag Plus, it's a two week trip, so plenty of time for everything... and she wants to hike a volcano, which means I'm definitely bringing a camera to the top!

duckster wrote in post #18858815
You are going to take 2 DSLRs on your honeymoon? Seems like the time could be better spent!

20 minutes/day leaves a lot of time....

If you just need a camera for hiking, etc you don't need another 5D series. This is a good time to either think about the RP for a little less bulk, or the M50 with a good prime for alot less bulk. You will be happy you did...

Both will do quite well for outdoor shots. Having gone to Hawaii for an anniversary with the DSLRs like the 1D and lenses, I swore the next time I go, I will not take all that bulk.

I use both and the 5D4 is a massive improvement in every way from the 5D2. Main things I notice is AF that works all the time, noise is way better and the dynamic range also seems better. If you find ISO3200 OK with the 5D2 you will be blown away with it on the 5D4.

But, take a look at your glass as well. I was pretty well sorted for glass so upgraded bodies when I had some budget to spend. If you don't have great glass maybe that would be a wiser investment than a new body especially as you say you are happy with the 5D2.

I also bought used and saved a lot on the new price. The camera I got was virtually indistinguishable from new other than the price tag and the shorter warranty. Used dealers all have different warranty schemes so check before you buy. As electronics seem to follow the "bathtub" failure curve (they either fail early or last forever) you are at a pretty low risk anyway.

So, I haven't voted yet, need to know about your glass before I finalise my opinion

A decsion yet? I'm late to this thread. I've had the 5D, 5D-III and 5D-IV. I demo'd a 5D-II but didn't quite feel as much urgency to update at the time. That said, they all are great and deliver the improved spec for users to enjoy. On a cost to benefit that's subjective for you to determine. What is the main goal for the images? The 5D-IV is a well rounded body that integrates a feature set that is very useful and image quality that is pleasing. I really liked that body and miss it at times. As above if you want the improved spec, the R is a consideration and less than a IV.

No sense getting into a financial hole either so pick what is a comfortable balance for your uses.

I think it would be a good upgrade, and with this being the trip of a lifetime it would be smart to have a back up. What happens if say 4 days into your trip the 5D2 craps out?

Or another thought....where the 5D2 meets all of your needs do you really need to spring for the 5D4, as there are others that will serve you well as a back up, and not cost as much. Could go with another used 5D2, 5D3, 6D, or even step into the crop world with the 7D, or even a new 80D.

Just my 2 cents for what it is worth. I currently still use the 5D2 as well, and have a 60D to go along with it. They both still perform very well for what I need.

When you go on a once-in-a-lifetime trip, are you wanting to experience it and be part of it, or spend more time behind a camera and photo document the trip without experiencing it. This is always the hardest thing. People always want to take everything on a big trip... because of what if's and once they're there, they totally forget that the trip isn't about photography (unless it is) and either hardly take photos because they're enjoying their experience, or do take photos but find out that it doesn't matter that it came from their smartphone with convenience, or from a fancy new camera, because the light will be the same either way, the memory is in your mind either way, and you had fun either way.

If you know you're going to buy a 5D4 anyways, then just do it and move on. you got 7 years out of your 5D2 which is great. Maybe consider the mirrorless R.

And by the way, the 5D3 is a significant upgrade over the 5D2 in terms of the AF engine. If you're happy with the image quality already, then you get 1D AF performance in a body you're already familiar with, for a good price. It's still worth considering a used 5D3.

As you pointed out, you're fine with the 5D2 sensor. So what are you truly gaining from the 5DIV that isn't going to show itself other than from specifically shooting and processing with its sensor in mind? You're basically getting better AF for the most part. I don't think you'll see a game-changer in image quality based on what you've stated you feel about the 5D2 sensor and output. Seems mainly it's just the AF you are starting to feel the age of.

Anyhow, you really need to just do what you want to do. It's you're time and money.

This is a great time to go mirrorless unless you need something specific from the SLR bodies these days.

Very best,

You'll be fine with the 5D2 image quality right up until you first look at your 5D4 images in your application of choice and go,...

I enjoyed the 5D mk ii when I had them. Sold both almost three years ago. Recently, I almost bought a used one just for an extra, seeing they're out there for about $500. But I held back because that would be $500 less for the next RF mount model when it finally arrives. I almost bought a 5D mk iv, but the EOS R and the two cards in my 5DS have been working out fine for me. At the moment, Either the EOS R or the 5D mk iv should satisfy you.