I am considering buying a new camera. I currently use a combination of a Canon 30D and a Pentax *ist DS – both DSLRs – with an assortment of lenses.
The Canon is a work camera, and I am considering three choices.
1. Canon 5D
2. Canon 40D
3. Canon 30D
I would ultimately love to get a 5D, with the full frame and 12mp sensor. I think this would suit wedding, landscape and portrait photography – which I want to focus on. The 40D comes a close second, and is about a third cheaper. Not as high res and 1.6 crop factor, though 6fps is pretty hot. 30Ds have really come down in price because of the 40D replacing it. I also get to use the 70-200L IS lens I bought for work, which takes amazing shots.
The Pentax was my first DSLR for personal use and takes a lovely shot, but I am wanting to up the ante equipment wise.
Budget-wise, I could really be spending my money on better things, especially for the house. I’m not sure I’ll have enough money coming in just yet to justify it.
I appreciate anyones thoughts, feelings and experiences.
dodgsun, about 1 year ago
oh no…another one jumping the pentax ship….aaaaaaahhhhhhh :)
wait a couple of months for the price drop and get the 1d mkII..!!!
Rajiv Ashrafi, about 1 year ago
Considering how you want to focus on wedding, landscape and portraits you should get the 5D if money is no problem. It will really help with landscape shots thanks to “true” wide angle.
Other than that, the 40D is where its at! I’m personally getting one pretty soon.
Mark Williamson, about 1 year ago
I have a 5D and a 10D I love the 5D its screen is big and bright. Its a super quick camera and just loverly to work with.
Mel Brackstone, about 1 year ago
I have a 5D, and the 20D is my backup these days, but since the 5D just keeps on keeping on…..and the full frame is fantastic for wide angle landscapes :) I’d go the 5D again….
Melinda Kerr, about 1 year ago
Don’t worry about the house. If you get a big enough lens you can stand under it when it rains. Besides which you could visually document your life in the gutter and win every photojournalist prize going. Buy all of them.
Geoff White, about 1 year ago
Ha ha Melinda. You’re a crack-up.
Yes, so far my thinking is saving for a 5D with a L series lens. Better start selling some photos then. Anyone recommend a particular standard lens?
Andrew Bosman, about 1 year ago
5D, at least you can see whats going on in the view finder!
BalancedArt, about 1 year ago
One consideration you need to think about regarding the different cameras is the life span of normal operation. I think the 5D has a shutter lifespan around 100k apature movements or whatever they measure that by and that the 30d is better than the prosumer 400D but I don’t know how much better.
It came as a huge shock to me to find out that my digital reb had a plastic pin holding the auto focus mirror in place, once this broke the autofocus was dead and it’s now in the shop :-( so ask what the working life span of the camera is…it might help justify the extra money if you can afford it.
lightmonger, about 1 year ago
Hi Geoff, Before you a final & expensive decision have a play with a Nikon D200, with a good lens mounted on the front. ED Glass ( nikon)
or EX glass ( sigma). the 18-70 G ED makes an awesome combination.
cheers
James Pierce, about 1 year ago
Gotta be the 5D (or the new Nikon D3)
Geoff White, about 1 year ago
Lightmonger,
I wasn’t discounting Nikon, it is just I have access to some good Canon lenses through contacts. I do have a Sigma EX glass for my Pentax and find that quite good for portraits.
Thanks everyone for their comments and experiences.
Geoff
Tracey White, about 1 year ago
i like the one you said would be good for weddings…. cause remember you’ll be having one coming up in the up coming years! (that’ll be fun!)