What should I buy? 5D?

First post in a long time, so I guess I'm new to the forum. I'm trying to decide what DSLR to purchase, I've been out of the camera scene for quite some time now, but now I have the bug. In the past I was shooting with a Hassablad 500c, mostly shooting portraits and weddings, I no longer have the hassablad and want to get back into shooting. I doubt I will shoot weddings again but love to shoot portraits and animal pics, I also spend allot of time in Hawaii and would like to shoot landscapes. So here is the dilemma, should I purchase something like a Canon Rebel or go straight to the 5D. There is such a difference in cost but it seems like FF is the only way to go. I need to make a decision fast if I'm going to take advantage of the rebate as it ends tomorrow. Is the 5D really all that different than a non FF camera?
Any help would be appreciated.

If you shot with Hassys in the past, I'd get the 5D. I don't think you'd appreciate the 350D given your background and experience.

I think you'll get opinions both ways on that one. Your budget and your personal preference will win out. Have you spent any time holding them? That alone might be the answer.

I havent had the time to hold them and plan on doing so today, but Im on a tight time frame if im going to get in on the rebate.

If go with the 5D, I have 2 options (from Costco) 5D with28-135 IS USM F3.5-5.6 or with 75-300 F4-5.6 III USM. The cost are $2599.99 and 2379.99 after rebate. What option would you choose?

Neither. You need better glass than that for a 5D. With its resolution it really shows the flaws of a lens. I'd go with a 24-70 or a 24-105. They are reportedly much better on the 5D.

Given your history, I think the 5D would be the better option for you.

Mark

At Costco the 5D only comes with the 2 lens option discribed above.

Then consider purchasing the equipment at B&H. They have some really excellent used lenses in stock right now and have competitive pricing. I never buy equipment at brick and mortar stores these day. To me, it's worth the wait for the savings I get online.

I think the 5D is the only way to go if you want to get anywhere near Hasselblad IQ. Don't forget to get a good lens too!

As a (former--more or less) 35mm film and medium format shooter, I waited for the
5D. It's a very comfortable transition. A friend has a Rebel, and I just didn't like the feel. The 5D is perfect for me. Exactly the feel I am used to. The 24-105 is a perfect match, given the 5Ds low-light capability and IS. But it depends on what you want to do, but what you have said, portraits and animals (the same thing?) I'd say this combination would definitely work.

5D. It's like a Mercedes compared to a Ford focus for the Rebel. Both will get you places, but the ride is significantly different. You'll get much more pleasure from the 5D if money's no object.

Definately the 5D and a 24-70L or 24-105L as has been said. The image quality and low noise performance of the 5D continues to amaze me. Just been editing a shoot where I used a 5D and a 1D MK II N. The image quality on the 5D is so superior. I was shooting landscapes in fading light at ISO 400 on both cameras and have had to do noise reduction on everything shot with the MK II N (in the sky to varying degrees). Not a bit with the 5D. Granted I had the 24-70L on the 5D and a 70-300 DO IS on the MK II N, but the DO lens ain't that shabby. Consider the performance of the 1D MK II N over your other option and I think the 5D is clearly the choice, especially with your background!

5D... FF..Spot metering... Nice piece of kit...

5D Full Frame.. FTW!!!

yep agreed 2 choices 5d or wait a couple of weeks for a cheap second hand 1dsmk11 when all the pros start selling them off