Fully aware both bodies are equipped with the same AF system, I was curious as to Canon's definition of 'tweaked' and whether or not it was just a marketing ploy or if they really had altered the AF. For those with first hand use with both bodies (preferably at the same time), have you noticed any difference in speed, accuracy, tracking or low light performance? BTW, I meant 'Center point' (singular) so don't give me garbage
EDIT
A few more things--If you voted, please try and comment as to:
A) The type of photography you shoot
B) If you do see a difference where (conditions) do you see it (eg: low light, action etc)
C) If you do see a difference under which settings/modes do you see it (eg: AI Servo, One Shot, wide/narrow apertures etc)
Try and be as specific as possible, rather than just stating you 'see a difference'. Thanks, Guys and Gals
Without a doubt the center point AI-Servo performance is much speedier. I have used (2) 5D's since the first week they were released. Been using the 5D2 for about a month and have been very successful using Servo with centerpoint and expansion points active. Shot a couple of NHL games along side my 1D3 just to try it out and was shocked. I would rarely if ever use servo on my 5D. The 5D2 works better regardless of the specs. Granted, I have not tried to servo focus in really dim lighting with it yet...but in a NHL arena there is a significant and very noticeable difference. Shooting a wedding Saturday, so I'll try out some low-light servo performance there.
I have the 5D and 5D2 and 2 copies of the 24-105L and just did a quick comparisson in one-shot mode.
Shooting a monument outside my window (night time 200 meters away) at 105mm both cameras locked on in about the same time. Then I tried shooting a pillow that was only lit by my Macbooks screen with all points activated and found both hunted around a bit before getting the shot. So for these cases it seems to be business as usual.
When I tried shooting windsurfing yesterday I was very impressed by the tracking in AI servo mode with the 5D2. Did not try the 5D then.
Tracking at dim light also good, I always using AI servo to track my son's eye indoor and sometimes in a very dim resturant (with the 24-70). Close to 100% hit target unless you can't point where you want.
Also used the 5D2 for a month and for sure the AI servo ability is equal or even faster than the 40D I used before.
The one shot mode I can't find significant different between my 40D, my friend's 5D and my 5D2
One situation where the outer AF points of the 5D would always let me down, was when I used a (medium) telelens up-close (2-3 meters) and focused on the eyes in portraiture shoots with good lighting. Focus had the tendency to lock on to the side of the head and not on the eyes.
Can anybody tell me if the 5D2 performs better than the 5D in this particular situation?
I hope people who vote in this thread are truely those with experience with both the 5D's ... and it dosen't become corrupted with votes based on opinions vs true observations ... like what people have read elsewhere, "I tried my buddy's MkII..." or "I tried one in the store...".
patriot wrote:
I hope people who vote in this thread are truely those with experience with both the 5D's ... and it dosen't become corrupted with votes based on opinions vs true observations ... like what people have read elsewhere, "I tried my buddy's MkII..." or "I tried one in the store...".
I noticed all AF points improved in Single Shot and Servo focus. I have about 10-15% less OOF shots with 5DMkII than with the 5D. The biggest difference is in Servo focus.
Daan B wrote:
One situation where the outer AF points of the 5D would always let me down, was when I used a (medium) telelens up-close (2-3 meters) and focused on the eyes in portraiture shoots with good lighting. Focus had the tendency to lock on to the side of the head and not on the eyes.
Can anybody tell me if the 5D2 performs better than the 5D in this particular situation?
Well, Daan your query is one of the reasons for the thread. While I own and love the 5D, I am often frustrated by its AF ability concerning its outer points--specifically when focus and recompose is not an option. This is why I'm having trouble choosing between the MKII and a 1DIII as my next body to replace one of my 40D's. When shooting events I usually get the shots I'm looking for with my 5D and while the AF can be hit or miss the keeper rate is within reasonable bounds. Of course If I were to shoot with a 1-series I'd have a much better keeper rate, but there are also a few, if minor, drawbacks--namely cost, weight and most importantly no FF sensor (including High[er] ISO performance) If I were to go with the 5DII I'd gain not only the FF sensor in a small light weight package but also a 35L in one fell swoop. Guess its more or less 'pick you're poison', and while I figured there wouldn't be a decent jump in AF performance I guess I was secretly hoping I was wrong.
M Vers wrote:
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While I own and love the 5D, I am often frustrated by its AF ability concerning its outer points--specifically when focus and recompose is not an option.
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I'll be keeping an eye on this thread for the same reason. Thanks for starting it.
I mainly shoot landscape and travel with my 5D and have been very happy with AF. It rarely let me down even in dim light. Certainly much better than my prior 10D and 20D (they missed 10-20% of the time in dim light). If the 5DII is even slightly better, it's still a big winner for its intended use/market. I was surprised Canon didn't go with all cross sensors like the 40D/50D. However, even my lowly 5D AI servo (with AF expansion active) tracked better than my 40D.
stanj wrote:
I have voted that all got better, but I will also say that it's a far cry form the 1D(s)3 cameras.
Well, compared to my copy of the 1D3, the original 5D is better. But to be fair, my copy of the 1D3 had a focus issue and was returned after a week of extensive testing.
If I were to go with the 5DII I'd gain not only the FF sensor in a small light weight package but also a 35L in one fell swoop. Guess its more or less 'pick you're poison', and while I figured there wouldn't be a decent jump in AF performance I guess I was secretly hoping I was wrong.