5D vs 7D

[MissChristina]

I'm wanting to upgrade from my Rebel to either the 5D Mark II or the 7D. I am a portrait photographer, not sure if that matters. Which one would you recommend?

[el_vago32]

It does matter.

Basically, the 7D is a much more faster camera than 5D.
If you're shooting portraits then you should go for the 5D since its bigger sensor will give better "bokeh" to your pictures...and maybe some other advantages I can't mention due to my ignorane lol

[LoveDSLR]

I shoot portraits with the 5D Mk II because it works well with my 85 f/1.2 L II. I wouldn't buy a 7D (for portraits) because it isn't FF with 21MP and I already have a Nikon D3 and D300.

Have you decided which lenses to shoot portraits? For example, the 7D may be a better choice if you plan to use a 50mm instead of 85mm.

The 5D Mk II plus 24 f/1.4, 35 f/1.4, 24-70 f/2.8, 70-200 f/2.8, 85 f/1.2, 135 f/2 and 200 f/2 is a very good portrait kit.

[inkista]

For portraits, a 5D would probably be the better choice, simply because the larger sensor lets you use the longer portrait lenses, like the 85L and 135L.

But it'll be a much more expensive proposition to transition to it if you're already shooting a crop body camera, not only because of the cost of the body, but also the cost of the lenses. Any EF-S lenses you have now cannot be mounted on the 5D Mark II, and most of the lower-cost lenses will not look as good as they do on a crop body because you will suddenly be able to actually see the corner performance, where lenses are traditionally at their weakest.

You do not, as some folks attest, require L lenses to shoot on a full-frame body. But you might be happier if you have at least one or two in the bag already before you make the leap..

[dlambert]

The 5D is generally considered a better portrait camera because of the full-frame sensor. The 7D is preferred for action and wildlife photography because of its fast continuous shooting speed and the 1.6 crop factor (which gives you a little more reach for wildlife shots).

[Hannah Webster]

I have a Canon 7D and I love it! It is very fast which although may be good for sport and wildlife in the main, I find it works great for portraits of kids, where you want to shoot lots of photos in quick succession in the hope of getting one perfect one when they are playing/laughing/running around!!

Using it in this way is great if you are after more natural candid style portraits, rather than posed ones.

Having said all that, I am considering buying a 5D II for the full frame sensor and keeping the 7D as a second body for my pro work..... though that would mean a set of new lenses too.... perhaps I need to save up for a while!

[MissChristina]

Thank you, that helps a lot.
I did not know I shouldn't use my lenses I use on my rebel on the 5D, that's a real interesting thing to know. Now I know to save a little more to get at least one L series lens to start with when I'm ready to buy the 5D.

Does it ever come with a kit lens? If so, is it a good lens?

[mrteacherdude]

You can't use your Rebel lenses on the 5D - IF they are EF-S lenses. If they are EF, then you can use them. Any EF-S lens you may be using now will still work on the 7D, but I think you want high quality glass anyway if you don't already have some. There is good glass out there that is not "L" grade.

[inkista]

Originally Posted by MissChristina

I did not know I shouldn't use my lenses I use on my rebel on the 5D, that's a real interesting thing to know.

That's not exactly how I'd put it. You simply cannot use EF-S lenses on a 5D. (18-55, 18-200, 55-250, 10-22, 17-55, etc.). You can use an EF 50mm f/1.8 II on a 5D Mark II if you want to, and it'll look good. It just won't look quite as good as it did on your dRebel. Think of it as something similar to getting a sports car, but then not investing in good tires...

Now I know to save a little more to get at least one L series lens to start with when I'm ready to buy the 5D.

Does it ever come with a kit lens? If so, is it a good lens?

It's an L-series, so yeah. The kit lens for the 5D Mark II is the EF 24-105 f/4L IS USM.

[luv2farmnd]

I just purchased the Cannon EOS 7D with new lens and cant wait to get it and learn a whole new life of photography I have a feeling.