The 5D gave me two great opportunities at the same time. First, I had the pleasure of moving to a full-frame sensor. At the same time, I didn't need to relinquish my 20D to do so, and I've since enjoyed the combined benefit of having a superb full-frame camera for more artistic and larger output work, and the 1.6x when I need some extra reach, want to throw down a few more pixels over a particular area of subject matter, or need to double the rapid-fire shot rate. It's a great thing to have the two choices.
Now I'm confronted with a choice. For all of the benefit this arrangement provides, it still doesn't solve the issue of carrying two bodies to an event shoot to solve the focal length/lens swap problem. Since a 5D is essentially 3 20D's in terms of the credit card bill, I'm at a bit of a crossroads trying to decide whether to move to three bodies (1x5D and 2x20D), or two 5D's and foregoing the benefits of the crop sensor. It really makes sense to have two bodies of common crop factors, and while the 20D is certainly a gem, the 5D is subtly and uniquely superior.
Any thougths on this? (I should have been prepared for this, having completed my lens arsenal, I was silly to think the chase was over).
What kind of events do you shoot? Is it paid work? If it is, you should DEFINITELY have a back up. For a back up, I don't think you'll need the level of a 5D though.
I think the 5D, 20D combo is a great choice. You mentioned that one has extra reach and is faster and that's precisely why having that and the 5D are such a good match. Plus they share the same batteries and controls. I've got this combo myself.
I was in a similiar situation as yourself. I went for a 1DMKII for the 45 af points for action events and the 1series "pro" feel and build. It is a fine camera and compliments my 20/5D's. Now I have a FF,1.3 and 1.6 camera and love all 3. The 20D has the onboard flash which comes in real handy for indoor or fill flash events.
Dan
I regularly shoot with a 1DII and 20D together. I find that having 2 bodies (especially with the same pixel count) of different crop factors to be a real advantage to me because it gives me more flexibility in terms of how I use my lenses. For me, when tricky AF situations exist or 8 fps are a priority, I use the 1DII, and when the priority is length, the long glass goes on the 20D. While it would be ideal to have both bodies have identical controls/button layout/menu, etc., I find the 20D layout to be so simple and intuitive, that switching back and forth is no problem. I would think that there would be some real similarities to a set up with a 5D and 20D or a 5D or 1DII, and I could see some real advantages, depending on your type of shooting, to either of those two set ups.
Les
uz2work wrote:
I regularly shoot with a 1DII and 20D together. I find that having 2 bodies (especially with the same pixel count) of different crop factors to be a real advantage to me because it gives me more flexibility in terms of how I use my lenses. For me, when tricky AF situations exist or 8 fps are a priority, I use the 1DII, and when the priority is length, the long glass goes on the 20D. While it would be ideal to have both bodies have identical controls/button layout/menu, etc., I find the 20D layout to be so simple and intuitive, that switching back and forth is no problem. I would think that there would be some real similarities to a set up with a 5D and 20D or a 5D or 1DII, and I could see some real advantages, depending on your type of shooting, to either of those two set ups.
Les...Show more →
