Reddit reviews Canon EOS 5D Mark II Full Frame DSLR Camera (Body Only) (OLD MODEL)

Indeed - here's a caption from one of his photos:

"My new lens came in today! I bought the 17-40L lens. Soon I will buy a 5d2 and that lens will be ultra wide on the full frame. It's OK on the crop body for now."

That lens costs more than most mid-range DSLRs... Also, the Canon 5D II is about two grand. Boo hoo.

You can afford to keep a 3000 dollar camera always handy? I must be doing something wrong.

It's pretty expensive: Canon 5d Mark ii with 100mm macro lens.

Hi /u/qsv11427 - the least expensive [used 5D Mark II you'll find is around $1000] (http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B001G5ZTLS/sr=8-1/qid=1407074177/?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&condition=used&creative=390957&linkCode=ur2&qid=1407074177&sr=8-1&tag=battleforthew-20&linkId=PFSC635DBUYRJ6QJ) - and if you have that much money to spend, there are a lot better video capable cameras on the market today.

For $500, the best video image quality you're going to find will be from a used Panasonic GH2, [starting at $457.48 in the Amazon Marketplace as of this post] (http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B0043VE26U/?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&condition=used&creative=390957&keywords=Panasonic%20DMC-GH2&linkCode=ur2&qid=1407074812&sr=8-1&tag=battleforthew-20). There are also a couple available in the Adorama used store right now, one for [$399] (http://www.adorama.com/US%20%20%20%20652476.html?KBID=66297) and one for [$474] (http://www.adorama.com/US%20%20%20%20649718.html?KBID=66297).

The GH3 and GH4 that /u/capri_stylee mentioned are fabulous video capable cameras (I have both of them), but they are above your $500 budget limit.

The GH2 is better than the T3i because it doesn't have the T3i's 12 minute continuous recording limit, it has a viewfinder that actually works while you're shooting video (unlike a DSLR, where the viewfinder is blanked out by the mirror during video recording), and it is resistant to the shot-ruining moire that bedevils lower-end Canon DSLRs - as seen in these comparisons between the GH2 and the Canon 60D (same sensor and downscaling algorithms as the T3i):

http://vimeo.com/20565849

http://vimeo.com/21962491

Here is what the GH2 can do:

FEATURE FILMS:

[Upstream Color - 2013] (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BMTX0SC/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00BMTX0SC&linkCode=as2&tag=battleforthew-20&linkId=D3IJQSCOWLWIXWKX)

[Musgo - 2012] (http://vimeo.com/45596420)

DOCUMENTARY:

[Whitstable Dream] (https://vimeo.com/40029107)

You'll find many more examples on Andrew Reid's Vimeo GH2 group here: https://vimeo.com/groups/gh2

In my view, a used GH2 is the best bang for the buck below $500.

Hope this is helpful!

Bill

Not really, it sells for over $2,200 brand new.
http://www.amazon.com/Canon-Mark-Frame-Camera-MODEL/dp/B001G5ZTLS

In your opinion, what does "professional quality" mean?

"Professional quality" is a very subjective description.

If you want to know what the industry says about it, it is not actually the quality of the images that is what makes the 5D a "professional" camera. It is the fact that it is supported by Canon's Professional Services. If you're a professional photographer, and your camera breaks when you're on the job, Canon will give you a camera to use. They will give you lenses to use. They will make sure your needs are taken care of.

That is what owning a professional camera is about.

Being able to guarantee that you can do your job when it is crunch time.

Also, $2500 will not get you the 5D with a lens. It isn't even enough to buy you the 5D with the standard lens.


The 5D mark II will be about $2000, and a good lens would be $2200 by itself.

I might be using the wrong adjectives here.. sorry, like I said, it's subjective. The 24-70 is an excellent lens. Probably the best lens for normal usage. And the standard lens is a very good lens. I don't think canon will sell you a bad lens to use on the 5D.

As for the "bonus features" here are a few the differences between the 5D and the Rebel:

Advantages of the 5D:

• Larger sensor (this leads to an increase in quality, but you have to buy larger lenses, which are more expensive, and they will be heavier. You also get better control of depth of field thanks to the larger sensor.)
  
  
• Quality - it has better noise, dynamic range, and colours.
  
  
• Resolution - more megapixels
  
  
• Larger viewfinder - easier to see through
  
  
• Weather sealed - you can shoot in the rain, and it will be fine.
  
  
• Bigger battery - take double the photos before charging
  
  
• Less start up time - flick the switch to "ON" and start taking photos a second faster.
  
  
• Extra card slot - use two memory cards at the same time, so you don't lose your photos from an accident.
  
  The Rebel:
  
  
• Cheaper
  
  
• Lighter and smaller
  
  
• shoots just as fast (3.7 photos per second)
  
  
• A lot cheaper. Equivalent lenses are cheaper and smaller.
  
  
• Has a built in flash (The 5D assumes you're a pro who owns external flashguns)
  
  As for the quality of the images being "professional"... well, all of these were taken with the T3i

That's including a lens too. Body only is $2500: http://www.amazon.com/Canon-EOS-5D-Mark-II/dp/B001G5ZTLS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1268977674&sr=8-1

the mark ii is discontinued now, the next gen is the mark iii, but i'd recommend the 6d at this point. You can look up the prices for them on amazon, but for the lazy:

canon 6d

5d mark ii

> Fuj X-E2 - http://www.amazon.com/Fujifilm-X-E2-Compact-Digital-3-0-Inch/dp/B00FPKDSC2[1] 999

> Fuji 23 1.4 (35mm on crop) - http://www.amazon.com/Fujifilm-XF-23mm-F1-4-Wide-Angle/dp/B00EZ8BEXK/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1383167025&sr=1-1&keywords=23+1.4[2] 930 Fuji 56 1.2 - my speculation based on their prime pricing policy

> Canon 5d II - http://www.amazon.com/Canon-21-1MP-Frame-Digital-Camera/dp/B001G5ZTLS/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1383167100&sr=1-1&keywords=canon+5d+ii+body[3] 3k

> 35 1.4 - http://www.amazon.com/Canon-35mm-1-4L-Angle-Cameras/dp/B00009R6WY/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1383167117&sr=1-1&keywords=35+1.4+canon[4] - 1470

> 85 1.2 - http://www.amazon.com/Canon-85mm-f1-2L-Lens-Cameras/dp/B000EW9Y4M/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1383167156&sr=1-1&keywords=85+1.2+canon[5] 2200

> Every single one of my prices is correct, 50 dollars difference is nothing when you're buying thousands of dollars worth of equpment, thanks for posting!


The fuji 35 is $600, the 35/2 equiv is $850.

The X-E2 price is actually correct, I assumed it was launching for the same $1200 as the X-E1, sorry.

The 5DII is discontinued, the 5DIII is $3000. The 5DII if you can find it is ~$1500 or less.

The 35/1.4 has a rebate, it's $1300, or less refurb.

The 85 is also $2000, or less refurb.

Fuj X-E2 - http://www.amazon.com/Fujifilm-X-E2-Compact-Digital-3-0-Inch/dp/B00FPKDSC2 999

Fuji 23 1.4 (35mm on crop) - http://www.amazon.com/Fujifilm-XF-23mm-F1-4-Wide-Angle/dp/B00EZ8BEXK/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1383167025&sr=1-1&keywords=23+1.4 930

Fuji 56 1.2 - my speculation based on their prime pricing policy

Canon 5d II - http://www.amazon.com/Canon-21-1MP-Frame-Digital-Camera/dp/B001G5ZTLS/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1383167100&sr=1-1&keywords=canon+5d+ii+body 3k

35 1.4 - http://www.amazon.com/Canon-35mm-1-4L-Angle-Cameras/dp/B00009R6WY/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1383167117&sr=1-1&keywords=35+1.4+canon - 1470

85 1.2 - http://www.amazon.com/Canon-85mm-f1-2L-Lens-Cameras/dp/B000EW9Y4M/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1383167156&sr=1-1&keywords=85+1.2+canon 2200

Every single one of my prices is correct, 50 dollars difference is nothing when you're buying thousands of dollars worth of equpment, thanks for posting!

Oh, to expand on that, it was a Canon 5D Mark II with a 24-105 f/f L-series lens. I was shooting at around f/9, I believe, and I white balance on the camera before shooting using white balance cards. I often use a reflector as well to fill in the front, but this time I didn't.

Post processing was in Photoshop. I did just a tiny bit more white balancing using a curves layer, then I punch up the highlights and bring down the darks (a standard S-curve). I also use the shadows/highlights tool to bring up the darkest darks so they aren't just straight up black.

I then make a mask around the parts that I really want to feature (in this case the beef and the folded towel on the right), the do a minor Gaussian blur on everything else to just slightly blur it, which makes the meat and texture on the towel pop a little more. Too much and it ends up looking like an Instagram photo.

Similarly, I use that same mask to blow out the lights and darks in the un-masked sections slightly so that the beef and towel pop even more. The key is really being subtle about it though. I probably did a quick sharpen on the whole image as well.

Actually, the REAL key is good lighting. You get good lighting and you're 99% of the way towards a good photograph.

Well, we can get some rough idea, perhaps, by looking at the Amazon price history of the 5DMII:

http://camelcamelcamel.com/Canon-Mark-Frame-Camera-MODEL/product/B001G5ZTLS?context=browse

The III was released March 2012. The Amazon price on the II dropped from 2500 to 2200, then went briefly back to 2500 again, then 2200, then lower than that. After about a year (March 2013), the price was down to 1800.

Will the III follow the same pattern? I don't know, but it might. One thing I do think will happen: the price won't drop immediately, it will drop gradually over the course of a year, and bounce back and forth a bit.

TLDR: Wait a month or two, the price should drop about US$300.

What's your budget?

You can get an used 5D Mark II for around $500 and a 50mm f/1.8 for about $100.

Ahhh, my bad. I just googled and saw a few price tags and thought that's what their general price range is just above a thousand. 8 and 0 looks awfully similar out of the corner of your eye.

Just found a used 5Dmkii on amazon tho

Edit: Used 5Dmkii for 1075.

Here are some cameras i'm used or that i've worked with footage from that are in the "affordable" range I think. This is a decent cross-section I think of a lot of the DSLR and Camcorders out there.

It really depends on if you just want a really basic camcorder to just use as a learning platform (I would consider a used DVX or something if that's the case), or if it's something you want to try to use as a professional rig, and if so what do you want to do with it? Narrative work, documentaries, videography work?

Depending on what you're planning some cameras on this list will be good choices, some will be bad.

If you don't mind spending more, maybe think about the Panasonic AF100, or consider looking into the Black Magic: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/855879-REG/Blackmagic_Design_BMD_CINECAM26KEF_Cinema_Camera.html

Or maybe even a used Scarlet or something.

Sub-$1000 Range:

CANON:

T4i/650D, $600-800 depending on kit and reseller.


-Sample Videos:

https://vimeo.com/44077443

https://vimeo.com/44366121

https://vimeo.com/49516874


60D, $600-900


-Sample Videos:

https://vimeo.com/32416450

https://vimeo.com/38775602

https://vimeo.com/15181980

https://vimeo.com/37153340


Canon HF-G10 $900


-Sample Videos:

https://vimeo.com/22978435 - Various cameras are used in this one, but gives you a general idea to the quality of Canon Camcorders

https://vimeo.com/21301495

https://vimeo.com/6519838





NIKON:

Nikon D5200 $800


-Sample Videos:

https://vimeo.com/54991854

https://vimeo.com/60135187

https://vimeo.com/57861628

https://vimeo.com/59832019



D7000, $700-900


-Sample Videos:

https://vimeo.com/25585194

https://vimeo.com/15894774

https://vimeo.com/31984384

https://vimeo.com/17696909



PANASONIC:

Panasonic GH2, $565-950


-Sample Videos:

https://vimeo.com/28454865

https://vimeo.com/57878898

https://vimeo.com/22605282

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5U9KmAlrEXU - Trailer for a feature-length film shot with it.

https://vimeo.com/33047750



SONY:

Sony NEX6 $800-900


-Sample Videos:

https://vimeo.com/52942499

https://vimeo.com/55598921

https://vimeo.com/56972084



$1000-1800 Range:

CANON:

7D $900-1200


-Sample Videos:

https://vimeo.com/25968181

https://vimeo.com/16117083

https://vimeo.com/7764570

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PF_jWPJwKIE - Trailer for feature-length film shot with it.


5D MK.II, $1400-1800+


-Sample Videos:

https://vimeo.com/16339841

https://vimeo.com/33342571

https://vimeo.com/4704533

Some 5D/7D comparisons: https://vimeo.com/14832168



NIKON:

D7100


-Sample Videos:

https://vimeo.com/62624613

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EgVhkZdyP1c

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nb1FbZcIfvw

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HR1oZsqhrX0


PANASONIC:

Panasonic GH3 $1200-1500


-Sample Videos:

https://vimeo.com/49420579

https://vimeo.com/49944730

https://vimeo.com/54266780

https://vimeo.com/58762647

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o3fhEazbFKI


SONY:

Sony NEX7 $1140


-Sample Videos:

https://vimeo.com/33599712

https://vimeo.com/36845339

https://vimeo.com/36117747

https://vimeo.com/35176255



$1900-2500 Range:

CANON:

XF100, $2500


-Sample Videos:

https://vimeo.com/16963810

https://vimeo.com/21187597

https://vimeo.com/27391327


5D MK.III $2500+


Sample Videos:

https://vimeo.com/56203946

https://vimeo.com/47767166

https://vimeo.com/41657820

https://vimeo.com/37838697



NIKON:
D600 $2000-2500


Sample Videos:

https://vimeo.com/58319404

https://vimeo.com/52952766

https://vimeo.com/49989606

https://vimeo.com/52634062


D800 $2500+


Sample Videos:

https://vimeo.com/36305675

https://vimeo.com/56135940

https://vimeo.com/38912704

https://vimeo.com/42065372



PANASONIC:
HMC-150, $2100-2500+


Sample Videos:

https://vimeo.com/9783117

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nIRUUnmnMFk

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WF29YfIKErc


AF100/105 $2500-3000


Sample Videos:

https://vimeo.com/16724324

https://vimeo.com/15765280

https://vimeo.com/16000333

https://vimeo.com/30063219


SONY:
VG20 $2200


Sample Videos:

https://vimeo.com/32747038

https://vimeo.com/31024014

https://vimeo.com/37048917



A99, $2500+


Sample Videos:

https://vimeo.com/52031763

https://vimeo.com/58012010

https://vimeo.com/50982162

Canon 5D, without lens - $2,500.

The 6Ds are cheaper, but still a bit above her $150 budget. I only pointed it out because I see this quite often, people ask for a camera in a certain price range, and then they get suggested cameras that are 10x or more what they want to spend.

That's a $2000 camera...

Does it have to be a camcorder? And is your budget strictly for a camera, or does it include all accessories, as well?

The BlackMagic Cinema Camera is $2,995, but you'd need to spend some extra cash on related gear.

If you're not opposed to using a DSLR, I'd recommend either a 5DmkII or a Panasonic GH3. There's some other options, but those are good ways to go, in my opinion.

Note, however, the BMCC requires a good deal of consideration, especially if you choose to shoot RAW.

I definitely don't mind a refurbished camera and don't mind an older camera model. I do agree that that kit seems to have a lot of things that I probably won't need. Is the best website the Canon website for refurbished/used items? Perhaps this?:

https://shop.usa.canon.com/shop/en/catalog/eos-rebel-t6-ef-s-18-55mm-f-35-56-is-ii-kit-refurbished

I also can't believe I could purchase this one with just a little more money refurbished:

https://www.amazon.com/Canon-Mark-Frame-Camera-MODEL/dp/B001G5ZTLS/ref=sr_1_1?s=photo&ie=UTF8&qid=1491945066&sr=1-1&th=1

I hope to do night sky photography, but in the beginning, I will probably just take photos of things in everyday life. I might like something that is more environment resistant though. Not too many photos that will require macro lens. It will mostly be photos of buildings, landscapes, and everyday life.

Do you think a refurbished camera in the same price range as that bundle with the plastic fantastic will be a good start? Just those two items?

/u/frugalpricebot https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001G5ZTLS/

/u/sonicsizzors - I started with a Canon DSLR and transitioned to Panasonic DSLMs about 5 years ago. Here are a few advantages for each camera:

Pros for the Canon 5D Mark II:

• full frame "look" - very shallow depth of field
  
  
• all metal weathersealed body
  
  
• Canon color
  
  
• Used prices start at [$675 on eBay] (http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?ff3=4&pub=5575034783&toolid=10001&campid=5337235943&customid=&mpre=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com%2Fsch%2FDigital-Cameras-%2F31388%2Fi.html%3F_from%3DR40%26LH_BIN%3D1%26_sop%3D15%26_nkw%3DCanon%25205D%2520Mark%2520II%2520body%26LH_PrefLoc%3D3%26_dcat%3D31388%26rt%3Dnc%26_mPrRngCbx%3D1%26_udlo%3D100%26_udhi) and [$800 on Amazon] (http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B001G5ZTLS/ref=as_li_ss_tl?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1458376908&sr=1-1&keywords=Canon+5D+Mark+II+body&condition=used&linkCode=ll2&tag=battleforthew-20) [Referral Links].
  
  Pros for the Panasonic DMC-G7:
  
  
• 4 times the 5D Mark II's resolution in UHD
  
  
• 2.6 times the 5D Mark II's bit rate at 100mbps
  
  
• hours of continuous recording (the 5D Mark II shuts down and has to be restarted after 12 minutes of continuous recording)
  
  
• fully articulated LCD (the 5D Mark II has a fixed LCD)
  
  
• better low light performance than the 5D Mark II as seen [here] (https://youtu.be/GTlgFRzuQsA) and [here] (https://youtu.be/tC-aV0lQnZk)
  
  
• smartphone/tablet remote control and file transfer via wi-fi
  
  
• [$597.99 new with the kit lens, a full manufacturer's warranty and a free Audio Technica AT8024 shotgun mic] (http://adorama.evyy.net/c/60286/51926/1036?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.adorama.com%2FIPCDMCG7B.html) (a [$237.90 value] (http://www.amazon.com/Audio-Technica-AT8024-Stereo-Camera-Mount-Microphone/dp/B00V66XWTI/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&linkCode=ll1&tag=battleforthew-20)) [Referral Links].
  
  Here are a few comparisons between full frame 1080p and micro 4/3 UHD image quality (please watch at 2160p and your monitor's highest resolution):
  
  Auto Racing
  
  G7 UHD: [Shot on the Panasonic G7: The 2015 Indianapolis 500 in 4K by Resource Magazine] (https://youtu.be/q4OPPUH5FsE)
  
  5D Mark II 1080p : [Smolensk Race Circuit from hexacopter 5D Mark II on board] (https://youtu.be/kFnjYVQgPwM)
  
  B&W Fashion
  
  G7 1080p: [Zuzana (2016) by Antoan Pepelanov] (https://vimeo.com/155100189)
  
  5D Mark II 1080p: [AMDK fashion 01 ///Canon EOS 5D mark II by Dmitriy Kapshivyy] (https://vimeo.com/12515008)
  
  Cooking
  
  G7 UHD: [Stroganov | A delícia russa! - Panasonic Lumix G7 | 4K by Hilário Pereira] (https://youtu.be/tPOfdv8tAV0)
  
  5D Mark II 1080p: [Royal Cook Commercial by jusytintime] (https://youtu.be/PCZLNg_ze_M)
  
  I tried to find side-by-side comparisons, but this was the best I could do.
  
  My recommendation would be the G7 with an [inexpensive adapter] (http://www.amazon.com/HuiHuang-Electronic-Aperture-Control-Panasonic/dp/B019GRWZNC/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&linkCode=ll1&tag=battleforthew-20) [Referral Link] and Canon lenses. That way, if you ever decide to upgrade to a cinema camera or if Canon comes out with a superior camera in the future, you can keep your lenses.
  
  I hope this has been helpful and best of luck with your decision!
  
  
  
  

Coming from a photographer, let me break down operating costs for you.

http://www.amazon.com/Canon-EOS-5D-Mark-II/dp/B001G5ZTLS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1325291048&sr=8-1 Camera

http://www.amazon.com/Canon-85mm-f1-2L-Lens-Cameras/dp/B000EW9Y4M/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1325291095&sr=1-1 Great portrait lens.

http://www.amazon.com/Elinchrom-EL-20744-Style-600RX/dp/B000S5IL4Y/ref=sr_1_12?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1325291124&sr=1-12
Cheap lighting gear.

I went a little crazy and used all my lens since my room is small, I also took some other pictures that weren't in this album.

The Camera: Canon 5D2

Lens:

• Canon 85mm f/1.2
  
• Canon 50mm f/1.4
  
• Canon 17-40mm f/4 with Polarizing Filter
  
  

It is - There is a bit of a paradigm shift going on right now with videography. DSLRs are about to become (IMO) a very disruptive force in the market.

From FreddieW's (the guy who made the video you linked) FAQ (emphasis mine):

>What camera should I buy?

>Rule 1: If you can borrow a camera, just borrow it! Otherwise, get the nicest camera you can afford. I’m super jealous of all you guys nowadays because almost any camera you can buy is about a thousand times better than what I used to use. Otherwise, look for a camera that shoots HD, and a camera that ideally doesn’t record to tape – that way you don’t have to deal with capturing from tapes, which can be a pain.

>DSLR cameras are currently the best blend of being affordable while still providing a professional quality image. If you don’t take a lot of still photos, I recommend the Canon T3i or the Canon 60D (T3i is slightly cheaper). If you do take a lot of still photos, look at the Canon 7D or 5D. Alternately, the Lumix GH2 is another really good DSLR camera.

So if LOTR ticket price was $9, and LOTR II was $13... you would be ok with that?

It's not $500. It's nearly $1500.

http://www.amazon.com/Canon-Frame-Full-HD-Digital-Camera/dp/B007FGYZFI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1331523348&sr=8-1

http://www.amazon.com/Canon-21-1MP-Frame-Digital-Camera/dp/B001G5ZTLS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1331523359&sr=8-1

It's not like we're going from the 5D to the 1D...we're going from the 2008 model to the 2012 model of the same camera.

With the mere price difference b/n the two models you can practically buy yourself a 7D with that money.

http://www.amazon.com/Canon-CMOS-Digital-Camera-3-Inch/dp/B002NEGTTW/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1331523433&sr=1-1


You're supporting your argument by saying that the Ipad followed with a pricing structure that would match what I'm requesting, then you go on to say the iPad's pricing structure is irrelevant to the discussion.

I can plainly see I'm not exactly going up against a master of logic and will refrain from taxing your mental resources any further.