replacement for D60 (not 60D!)

[nathanbarlow]

hi guys,

looking to replace my Canon D60 body... i've been looking on a secondhand website called TradeMe (a NZ site) and two sales have caught me eye.

First one is a 1D Mk II - 8.2 MP, 1.3x cropfactor - more specs here Auctions is asking for 1,300 NZD (about 1,032 USD)

Second one is a 5D Mk II - obviously much newer and higher spec key thing is the HD Video. One auction asking 1,500 NZD (1,191 USD) for body only, and another is at 1430 NZD (hasnt met reserve) and includes a 1.8 50mm (which i already have one of)...

My question is: do these seem reasonable prices for secondhand cameras? In particualr the 1D seems a high price for such old tech even if it is pro-level

I know the 5DmkII is a new model hence the price, but the 1DmkII is a 2004 model, and to be honest the only reason im entertaining it, is the ruggedness - as it is a pro model. 8MP is small for today, and its not much of an upgrade over the D60 which is 6MP.

Does anyone have suggestions for a body that matches the D60 (prosumer model) in terms of ruggedness and features, and is an upgrade. Prefer to buy secondhand, so obviously unlikely to be the latest and greatest, unless some fool is selling one by chance (eg that 5D mk II i mentioned)

Just occured to me that the 5D has a single digit number.,.. soes that mean it is a PROFESSIONAL model ? I thought it was a high end prosumer?



Thanks for your help

[RichardTaylor]

I own an original 5D.

The 5DII is "pro" as far as IQ goes.

Body wise & focus wise it is not - it is as you say "high end prosumer".

See the review on DPR
Canon EOS 5D Mark II Review: 1. Introduction: Digital Photography Review

[Nicole]

Originally Posted by nathanbarlow

Second one is a 5D Mk II - obviously much newer and higher spec key thing is the HD Video. One auction asking 1,500 NZD (1,191 USD) for body only, and another is at 1430 NZD

That seems really low in terms of price. The only 5d I'm seeing on TradeMe is one that's $2500.

No advice on the cameras themselves from me though.

[ceremus]

I'm not an expert on the 1D series (don't imagine I'll ever be getting one anytime soon...) but my understanding is that the 1Ds line was built for studio work and it specialized in full frame sensors with the highest resolution whereas the 1D line utilized the smaller APS-H sensor with a buffer that was built for high speed continuous shooting. Being an older camera the MP count of the 1D mk2's MP count isn't huge, but it does sport a larger-than-APS-C sensor, and the continuous shooting specs are still pretty respectable.

Continuous Shooting
• Maximum approx. 8.3 fps
• JPEG: up to 40 images (JPEG quality 8)
• RAW: up to 20 images (2)

If you'd like a newer model with a higher resolution sensor and probably some newer features like a dust-cleaning-sensor and micro AF adjustment, you'd probably want to look into the 50D.

edit: that is of course assuming you only want some of the discontinued models which will be much easier to pick up on the secondhand market. The 7D is Canon's APS-C flagship and is a helluva sports camera. The 5D mkII is very popular both for being a full-frame sensor camera as well as its high quality HD video. Expect to pay closer to the top-tier prices for them.

[nathanbarlow]

yeah i get that the 1D is the high frame rate... but I dont (currently) shoot sports... but that is mostly because I know my D6 couldnt handle it. I expect I would get into sports with a 1D or a 5D etc.

My main concerns are that these two cameras are within the same ballpark of price... but are completely different products.

For the 1D... i think the pro build quality is a bonus and the weight/size is the con. The 1.3 crop is better than my current 1.6 on the d60

For the 5DmkII ... i like the idea of the HD 1080p video... but unsure how much I would use it. I am a photographer rather than a videographer... but it would replace me ****ing about with video on a point and shoot... biggest Pros are the fullframe... as i use old 35mm lens and can use them as they were intended rather than at 1,6x focal length. ... cons would be the weird shape... it seems rather different to other model - especially the viewfinder and flash-bump bit

[A@EPOCH]

The price for the 5DII is incredibly good, even on sites like fredmiranda used bodies go for no less than $2,000. Also, I would look into a secondhand Canon 7D or even a 50/60D because no matter what your going to see a jump in upgrades from your previous body. Plus whatever money you save by going the used route would allow you to invest in some new glass...

[ceremus]

The viewfinder on the 5D doesn't look terribly odd to me... aside from the obvious of being larger and brighter due to having 98% coverage on a full-frame. And of course with there being no pop-up flash there's no need to for the top of the camera to jut out forward like the ones that do have them. Just need a spot for the hot-shoe.

[nathanbarlow]

just went back to the site to put a bid on the 5DmkII.... and theres a note saying the dude DROPPED the camera, and its in the shop being repaired... yeah might stay away from that.... probably why its so cheap.... he hasnt looked after it, especially if he managed to drop it AFTER deciding to sell it.

most Mk2's are like 2,300 NZD minimum