I find it difficult to simply trust someone on the internet. That's all.
Oh, damn, I know the feeling. The Internet is just just like real life! People are dirt and you feel like the friggen dustpan! If you don't trust "people on the internet," you'll to pay extra for gear from dealers or maybe hot cameras from your local listings or pawn. With that said, I have bought and sold dozens of pricy items on B&S without a problem. Had problems with dealers and buying from locals. I figure the members here are a more "select" group than your run of the mill local icehead camera salesman in your paper or craigslist.
I agree, I don't trust the internet. I also pose questions to these same shady people to get their opinions.
+1 5D
1D2 is heavy, 1.3x crop (but you need FF lenses) if you're not aware, the batteries and charger are bulky, and you will most likely need to PP the images (though not an issue if you have a RAW workflow now). A 1 series is like no other camera, but as mentioned, it's features aren't your priorities.
I would suggest you try them out in person and see what you think.
I trust everyone here on this forum. Plenty of post and feedback even better. Everybody here is always out to help one another, just good people! ++++ Welcome to the forum
One last question before I stop slacking and get back to work: If I choose to go for a 1D2 over a 5D (simply because of the price), would that be a worthy investment at this juncture (being that it's 2009 and it was discontinued 4 years ago already) or am I just going to find myself in a world of hurt?
All cameras lose value over time. If you are worried about resale value IMHO you are focused on the wrong selection criteria.
I have a 5DMk2 (had a 5D) and a 1DMk2. For what you are proposing the 5D is a better choice.
jerrykur wrote:
All cameras lose value over time. If you are worried about resale value IMHO you are focused on the wrong selection criteria.
I have a 5DMk2 (had a 5D) and a 1DMk2. For what you are proposing the 5D is a better choice.
The resale value wasn't what I was concerned with. Rather, I was concerned that the camera would break down or require frequent reconditioning over time.
kakomu wrote:
The resale value wasn't what I was concerned with. Rather, I was concerned that the camera would break down or require frequent reconditioning over time.
In that case just makes sure the shutter count is not too high. Except for shutters, 1 series cameras seem to hold up pretty well. If you get a 5D send it in for the free mirror replacement that Canon is offering.
I bought my 1D III from the b/s forum here and am very happy with it. You have a greater chance of getting something that has been better maintained here as opposed to other sources (pawn shops, ebay, craigs list, etc.) IMO. Most folks here are serious about their hobby or profession and probably treat their equipment accordingly.
B&S here is great. I have bought and sold tens of thousands of dollars here without a hitch... And now each members feedback is visible right in each of their posts.
Greg Feldman wrote:
You can find a 5D for $1200. It's such a logical choice for what you want, don't even bother with the other stuff. You will never, ever look back.
Greg hit the nail on the head.
I own two 30Ds, a 5D, and a 1D2.
For nearly everything, I use my 5D. The images from it are wonderful. The high ISO performance is stellar, and the higher MP is a huge asset when cropping.
If I am shooting my dog sport or something which needs beastly auto-focus, the 1D2 is my weapon of choice, but you havent indicated any needs for AF performance.
Buy a used 5D from a reputable member on the Buy-n-Sell here, and dont look back.
I bought mine here, with one month still left on warranty, nearly brand new in box (8K on the shutter, shoulder strap unused), *with* a grip and extra battery for $1200. The seller even stopped by the Irvine Service Center on his way home from work before shipping the camera to have the sensor and viewfinder cleaned (he included the service receipt for the work in the shipment as proof)!
I shoot portraits/fashion/weddings and just recently picked up a 5D. I really like it as it is much lighter/easier to conceal/has more megapixels than my 1D2. Full frame really makes my lens wider than on the 1.3x crop factor and the differences is huge. Noise wise the 5D seems slightly ahead and the colours and sharpness at ISO 1600 is a tad better on the 5D but the 1D2 is no slouch and I can get decent 1600 shots out of it.
The AF system seems very fast (perhaps faster?) on the 5D but only for the center point. All the points are bunced in the middle on the 5D and that is pretty pointless compared to the wonderfully 45 AF points on the 1D2. I really miss the 8.5 FPS and it really helps as a "fake-IS" system to shoot multiple shots but it's really crappy having to deal with 3 FPS now.
If you just want wide save up and get the 5D. If you want a speed demon get the 1D2. I have and am keeping both. I hope this helps you make up your mind!
I bought a 5D on ebay for $900 and its been working great so far, and looks like its going to be fine for the next few years as well.
If u're that worried buy a warranty or use credit card.
There's no guarantee that buying a brand new camera is going to fix all of life's problems, just ask a 1DMkIII owner that had to deal with the recalls.
Lance Couture wrote:
Greg hit the nail on the head.
Yes, well.
Here's the best 5D endorsement I can give: My "main" body is a 1DsMkII, but I find myself going for the 5D for casual photography and when I don't need the resolution or AF of the 1DsMkII.
People can talk all day long--or rather all year long--about per-pixel noise, detail, and dynamic range in all these bodies, but when I set all that aside and look at the final images, the ones from the 5D are unbeatable.
