The Canon 5D Classic. Outdated?

[The Captain]

I recently sold my camera equipment, with the intention to upgrade. The forerunner for bodys would be the 5D classic. I really want to go full frame, but I'm worried I'm gonna pick up this already several year old body and Canon is going to come out with a cheaper alternative to the MarkII and I'm gonna be pissed.

So what are your thoughts? My price range is right around the 1100-1300 mark for the body, so that's why the classic seems like a perfect fit, but at 5 years old, should I wait it out a little longer?

[YO CAMRY]

The 5D is definitely still a good camera, I wouldn't worry about getting one at all. Canon's always gona make something better and cheaper after you get a new camera. First camera I bought was a 20D, and the next day in the mail I got an issue of Pop Photo with a picture of Canon's new release, the 30D, on the cover. Same price I paid for the 20D and a hell of a better camera.

[grumpyjap]

Yeah there are no plans for canon to release a price point full frame camera. The only other thing is to wait for a 5dm2 to go on sale used.

[i like rice]

I have both the 5D MKI & 5D MKII. Unless I'm shooting in low light and plan on hand holding the camera, the 5D MKI image quality is fine in all other conditions. The 5D MKII has better high ISO performance, a much better LCD, and the movie capability, but the 5D MKI image quality is still going to be superior over the prosumer and entry level bodies.

Depending on what lens I have attached to the body at the time is what determines which one I use. I sometimes have the 70-200 2.8L IS on the 5D MKII, other times I'll have the 16-35 2.8L on it. I'll usually leave the 24-70 2.8L on the 5D MKI, so if I only want to carry one body, I'll grab the 5D MKI.

[The Captain]

Is it worth it to save for a few weeks for the markII? I don't plan on using the video, but in IQ terms?

[i like rice]

If you plan on using ISO 3200 or 6400, yeah, it's worth the extra few bucks. The LCD is worth it, also.

[AristoSan]

I'd save for the 5DII but the classic is still good, I plan on getting one as a second body myself

[97TurboDSM]

5D classic is MORE than worth the price. do it. it amazes me every time i use it

[The Captain]

How's the 17-40 with it, on the wide side? That's the lens I was going to most likely go with.

[i like rice]

Originally Posted by The Captain

How's the 17-40 with it, on the wide side? That's the lens I was going to most likely go with.

Depends what body it is on. It's wide on a full frame, ok on 1.3x, not wide on 1.6x crop body.

[grimm]

If you really want full frame the 5D is great and would be my first choice. If you think you'll use the higher ISO and don't mind paying for video features than wait and save for the 5DMKII. If you aren't concerned as much with full frame and want high ISO and video features look to the 7D.

the 17-40 is a great L lens at good price used. But I find the focus to be pretty slow. Personally

[sisforsurfing]

5D Mk1 + 17-40L, then pick; 24L1, 135L, 80-200L, whatever else you want
or
5D Mk2 + 17-40L + video, one stop ISO, and a better screen. Oh, and if you print bigger than 12x18 and view from within 2 feet.

I'd chose the older camera and better lenses all day. It's not like the 5D has gotten worse since it was the best <$8k body in the world a few years ago, I'd still love one with a 35L+85L.
Or just save your cash, this is an expensive hobby.