5D... to be or not to be?

[MrJones]

Hi All,
I must admit, I've got the itch... I want it, really want it but it's really expensive.
I'm currently using the 40D with two L lenses (24-105 and 70-200 f/4 IS) but I could never get sharp crisp, perfect photos that I see people are pulling of the 5D MK II (like this post)
now, of course it's a photographer as well as the camera (maybe even more) but those of you who are using it, do you really think that the full frame and all other features really bring the quality to a all other level or should I stick with the 40D for now?
don't want to throw money in the wrong direction as, like for all of us, it doesn't grow on trees (yet).
thanks
Ori

[gifarkas]

It's only my 2 cents, but I think if you're not happy with your current shots, there's a 95% chance that it's not the equipment (esp. if you're using L lenses).

[MrJones]

Originally Posted by gifarkas

It's only my 2 cents, but I think if you're not happy with your current shots, there's a 95% chance that it's not the equipment (esp. if you're using L lenses).

it's not that I'm not happy. I am pleased with the results, just think it could be better.
I'm trying to understand the affect of a full frame body besides just getting the wider picture.

[OsmosisStudios]

Originally Posted by MrJones

I'm trying to understand the affect of a full frame body besides just getting the wider picture.

Then you shouldnt be buying one.
And you don't get a "wider" picture. You get a wider field of view on the same focal length.

As gifarkas said, it's likely not equipment issue. The 40D is more than capable.

[mattjordan]

Wow that is exactly what I was thinking when I saw that post, but the only difference is that I don't have any 'L' lens (just yet). I can take a great shot but I am just blown away with the clarity and sharpness of some of the shots I have seen here.

[ravncat]

you certainly have the ability to make photos like that with your glass and camera - I agree with the others - It`s unlikely that a new camera will improve your image quality. I suspect investing in yourself may be a better way to go - either classes, workshops or books.

How`s your technique and shot discipline? Hows your post processing knowledge?

Generally - I`d recommend a newer camera if there is either A, a feature that would be very useful and something about your current camera is holding you back or B your current camera is broken =D

[MrJones]

Originally Posted by OsmosisStudios

Then you shouldnt be buying one.
And you don't get a "wider" picture. You get a wider field of view on the same focal length.

As gifarkas said, it's likely not equipment issue. The 40D is more than capable.

you know exactly what I mean even if you put it in better words.
it's also nice to throw in the "Then you shouldnt be buying one." saying without actually explaining what is the difference.

anyway, thanks for the non helpful comment.

[RichardTaylor]

I shoot with a 40D and a 5D.

My gut feeling is that if you can't get sharp crisp images, in good lighting, with your 40D then you are not going to get them with a 5DII..

I did notice a difference between some of my 5D pics and the 40D - they just seemed to have a little more "pop or crispness" but then I realised I had always shot with an L lens on the 5D.

Here are two examples,. Both shot with a Canon 135 F2 L lens @ F2
Both pics have been PP'd from the original RAW files.

(1) 40D

Camera Canon EOS 40D
Exposure 1/6400 sec
Aperture f/2.0
Focal Length 135 mm
ISO Speed 100
Exposure Bias -1 EV
Flash Off, Did not fire

(2) 5D

Camera Canon EOS 5D
Exposure 0.001 sec (1/1000)
Aperture f/2.0
Focal Length 135 mm
ISO Speed 100
Exposure Bias 0 EV
Flash Off, Did not fire


The the main difference between full frame (beside better noise performance) and the wider field of view, is that DOF is shallower when shooting subjects that fill the frame, because you will be shooting closer.

What do you want to use your 5DII for?

Edit: This was being posed at the same time as the two preceeding posts.

[MrJones]

Originally Posted by ravncat

you certainly have the ability to make photos like that with your glass and camera - I agree with the others - It`s unlikely that a new camera will improve your image quality. I suspect investing in yourself may be a better way to go - either classes, workshops or books.

How`s your technique and shot discipline? Hows your post processing knowledge?

Generally - I`d recommend a newer camera if there is either A, a feature that would be very useful and something about your current camera is holding you back or B your current camera is broken =D

again, I'm more than happy with my results although there is always a place for improvement.
the main issue I'm having trouble with is actually not telephoto but shooting wide. the 24mm on a crop body is, well, not that wide and I've had a few events that I photographed that I was pressed against a wall trying to get everyone in the photo.
naturally, that alone is not a reason to spend 2500$
thanks for you comment, I appreciate it.

[RichardTaylor]

The original reason I purchased a 5D (beside the price reduction just before the 5DII came out) was to have a great travel/walk around camera & lens combination and the 5D + 24-105 is just that.

Providing your 40D is not reaching the end of its l life. I would consider a very wide angle zoom for your 40D.