Decisions Decisions

Kilree

This has probably been done to death but - A quick poll for someone who is agonising at the moment.
Couple of grand to spend and already have 17-40 and 50 1.8 prime
Hi Def video no great interest
Liveview - nice but not a deal breaker.
Extra megapixels - Yes but not at a huge cost.
Self cleaning sensor - desirable.

What would you do:
1) a nice well cared for 5D Mk1 with a nice piece of L glass and a 580EX flash.

or

2) a 5D Mk2 body only and save for the rest.

Any help appreciated

DotOrg

dependsa what you do with your photos, if you want large prints and/or do lots of high iso work, then get the markII otherwise the 5d and a 70-200

Kilree

Thanks dotorg. Whats the max size print you could get with the Mk1? I like your site by the way.

Fajitas!

I've printed a slight bit bigger than A0 off the MkI, and viewing from 1 meter+, there's no difference in quality... The shot was with a Lensbaby too, so sharpness wouldn't have been all that in the original.

Personally, I'd go for a second hand MkI and a 24-70, 70-200 or the like. A sensor cleaning kit is about 60 quid, and will do a far better job than any shakey sensor ever will (You'll still have to buy one, regardless of having it in camera!), and it's not that terrifying to do!

For the difference in ISO... Well, I used my MkI at 3200 very...very often. Now, while the MkII is good at high ISO's, (Well, 3200 anyways) there's not a thing wrong with the MkI's capabilities.

DotOrg

I've printed A0 with a 350D and it looked amazing, in fact I have an A1 from my old Canon 300D which also looks great.

Kilree

Thanks Al. I know there is a difference in the pixel count between the two cameras but from the reviews I've read on line the image quality between the Mk1 and Mk2 doesn't seem to warrant the price difference between a good 2nd hand Mk1 and the new Mk2. I was all set to go the Mk2 route but I've had the opportunity to use a friends Mk2 and whilst the quality is excellent I think that only pixel peeping will show the difference. I don't have access to a Mk1 for comparison. I really appreciate your taking the time to give me some guidance. I am moving up from a 400d by the way so I should probably see a big difference on the FF camera.

Kilree

Thanks dotorg. Am definitely leaning towards the Mk1 and some good L glass.

Fionn

i've had very big prints done from an EOS 350D - great clear sharp prints, some done on canvas! so I'd say dont get too hung up on the camera!!
I'd be more leaning towards the good lens!!! for the most part, cheap low quality lens tend to give lower IQ images!! I like the 5 D mk II considered getting it but eventually decided to make do with what i have!!

Kilree

Thanks Fionn. Yep, agree that the lens is whats important at the end of the day. I think I was getting a bit carried away with the sales blurb for the 5d Mk2 but when I thought about it is it worth more than twice what a good and well cared for 5d would sell for? I actually was just about to order the Mk2 last night and but for the fact that the sellers system went down at the checkout page would actually be already committed. It was only today that it struck me that maybe I should do a little more thinking about it. Thanks for your thoughts and also to the other lads for their input too.