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Need help deciding on a Canon 5D MarkII or Nikon D700
Dwayne Woodard, Photographer
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Charlotte | NC | USA | Posted: 3:01 PM on 02.25.09 |
| ->> I am not trying to stir a Canon vs Nikon debate, but I need some advice. I am currently shooting a Canon MarkII and Canon 5D. I am happy with my current setup except for 3 things. 1st my 5D only syncs at 1/160 of a sec with my pocket wizards. I need to sync at 1/250 for some of the lighting I like to use on my fashion shoots. 2nd I wish my 5D had a faster focusing system. 3rd would like to have atleast 5 fps on a FF camera. I really enjoy shooting FF and I am looking to upgrade my camera system with another FF camera. Should I go with a 5D MarkII or is it time to move to the Nikon D700. How is the 5D MarkII focusing system vs Nikon D700? I like the fact that the Nikon 700 can shoot 8 fps. Is there a big difference in IQ between the two. Has anyone been down this same path? Any advice is appreciated. |
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Rafael Agustin Delgado, Student/Intern, Photographer
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Pasadena / Fullerton | Ca | USA | Posted: 3:32 PM on 02.25.09 |
->> I would focus more on the line up of glass you intend to use. Bodies come and go and what I have found is that you learn to deal with limitations of a certain setup and just deal with these obstacles for your style of shooting.
As for sync rate, I just read up on these radio poppers, I have no need to sync at 1/8000th of a second however these may help your need to go past 1/160th.
http://radiopopper.com/blog/
I am sure you have a local camera rental shop in Charlotte, NC. Rent each for a run through. Nothing works like a test run with the gear to find out your preference.
DSLR come and go with each sales quarter, while glass will be solid as long as you take of them. And like most members on them forum, just make great images, I care much more about lighting and framing more than whether you process a Canon or Nikon RAW file. |
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Rich Cruse, Photographer
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Laguna Niguel | CA | USA | Posted: 3:40 PM on 02.25.09 |
->> Yes, I would say borrow or rent both cameras. I switched my system to Nikon after waiting over a year for Canon to upgrade their gear.
Try contacting NPS or CPS (whichever you are a member of) and ask them to send you a loaner to test. Each company has their strengths and weaknesses. If you have a lot invested in Canon glass, it would make sense to give the 5D Mark II a shot. |
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Mark McIntyre, Photographer
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Greensboro | NC | USA | Posted: 3:43 PM on 02.25.09 |
| ->> Dwayne the flash sync on the 5D Mark II is 1/200. Not far off your desire of 1/250. Hard to tell a difference in flash sync between my 5D Mark II & my 1D Mark II. The focusing is slower than my 1D Mark II but not by much. Switching lenses as Rafael stated would be more of a concern. The fps is no where near the 8fps of the Nikon. |
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Eric Francis, Photographer
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Omaha | NE | United States | Posted: 4:10 PM on 02.25.09 |
->> Switch to Nikon...... LOVING IT!!!!
I will double the size of my system for half the price. Thanks D3 for making Canon gear cheap. |
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Adam Baudoux, Student/Intern
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Saginaw | Mi | United States | Posted: 4:38 PM on 02.25.09 |
->> I haven't shot with the 5D MarkII but I do use the D700 and D3 often, because the University I shoot for has both. I currently own a Canon MarkIII and 40D
Heres my thoughts:
I like the image quality of the Nikon much better as many would agree. To me it looks like the images quality upgrade on the Canon 5D Mark II is still falling short of Nikon. I haven't been able to get used the Nikon for shooting sports, I feel the AF is still behind Canon. The Nikon D700 you need the adapter to stick a D3 battery in it to get 8fps i believe. D700 is a little less consistent with exposures compared to the D3 and Mark III.
My advice:
Look at the cost you have into your glass. If you have a lot of Canon glass then I would stick with Canon. If you don't mind having to buy all new glass then switch (i really like Nikon's SB lights also) Or do what some guys are doing if money isn't a problem, keep your Canon glass because they will come out with something new and better soon, and buy all the Nikon glass you need and switch back and forth to whoever has the better body out at the time. |
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Jonathan Castner, Photographer, Assistant
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Longmont | CO | USA | Posted: 4:48 PM on 02.25.09 |
->> All the reviews of the 5DII say the same thing: it has a great chip but why did Canon put a horrid focusing system in it? I know of one fashion shooter who tried the 5DII but in the end kept using his 1DsIII because the focusing of the 5DII was so consistently poor. Also there are some durability issues that are popping up. Then there is the issue that Canon has not yet made a wide lens except for the 24mm f/1.4 that is sharp on their full frame chips.
If you have a lot of glass that you like and can hold out until Canon gets their act together then I'd stay with the bodies that you have. Otherwise, the D700 is a gem and Nikon has lenses that work perfectly well on FF. |
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Eric Francis, Photographer
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Omaha | NE | United States | Posted: 4:51 PM on 02.25.09 |
->> I agree..... Canon SUCKS!!!!!
Everyone needs to switch to Nikon NOW!!! |
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David Harpe, Photographer
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Louisville | KY | USA | Posted: 4:53 PM on 02.25.09 |
->> Go with the 5DMkII here's why.
If you buy the D700, you'll be switching systems and selling all of your gear. It's a big expense. If you get the D700 and a few weeks in you decide you don't like it, you are screwed because then you'll be out the expense of selling all your Nikon gear and switching BACK to Canon, or buying a more expensive body like a D3. The cost of making the wrong choice is very high.
If you buy the 5DMkII, all you spend is the cost of the body - offset by whatever you can get out of your existing body. The 5DMkII is a hot camera right now, so if you don't like it you'll easily recoup 80% of what you put into it on the used market. Then you can make the decision to switch to Nikon or spend a little extra money to make the jump to a 1DMkIII. The cost of making the wrong choice is much lower. |
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Michael Myers, Photographer
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Miami Beach | FL | USA | Posted: 5:37 PM on 02.25.09 |
->> If you get a D700 and it doesn't fit you the way you expect, you'll have no problem whatever selling it quickly, for minimal loss of money. Just don't buy the full set of lenses until you're sure you're comfortable with it, and are willing to make the switch.
Lenses hold their value for a long time, so even if you do sell your Canon bodies, maybe keep the lenses around for the future, just in case....
I can't tell what's better than what from reading the magazines and looking around on the 'net, but from what I read here, and trying to keep an open mind when I look over reviews and magazines, I think the D700 is the better choice right now - unless you have enough money sitting around to go for the D3 that is. |
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Walter Calahan, Photographer
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Westminster | MD | USA | Posted: 5:51 PM on 02.25.09 |
->> A friend switch to the D700 after owning a 5DmkII for six months. He was a long time Canon user for over a decade. He has not regretted the switch one second.
That said, the cost is huge if you have a lot of expensive Canon glass.
Have you tried renting both systems to do a side by side test for your needs. What we say here just reflect our bias. You need to measure the choice on your own criteria. |
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Rich Cruse, Photographer
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Laguna Niguel | CA | USA | Posted: 5:53 PM on 02.25.09 |
| ->> Agreed that if you buy all the Nikon gear and don't like the way it works for you, you would have no problems selling any of it! I would be interested if you buy Nikon and have a change of heart! |
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Jeff Mills, Photographer, Photo Editor
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Columbus | OH | USA | Posted: 6:10 PM on 02.25.09 |
->> Its a big expense to switch to Nikon so your not just decieded between a 5D mkII or a D700, but rather between keeping all your current Canon gear and adding a camera OR buying a whole new system.
Like many others I switched to Nikon last year and couldnt be happier. The Nikon stuff just plain works.
Like you, I had a 1D mkIII and a 5D. I was never thrilled with the 1D mkIII. Even after going through 3 of them, it still wasn't a perfect camera. Sort of beating a dead horse in that regard. D3 blows it away in terms of AF accuracy and high ISO noise performance.
I also had a 5D and really that was the straw that broke the camels back so to speak.
I was always happy with the 5D IQ, but using it for some weddings did it ever annoy me. The Canon flash system is frankly garbage. Nikon's system just works so much better in that regard. Additionally while the 5D took nice images, its metering and AF system were really poor. I struggled way to much in dark churches, bride down the isle shots etc.
Theres where I think the 5D mkII is still a letdown. Its got a great sensor and does video etc etc. BUT, its still basically the same camera as the 5D in terms of AF system etc. Plus Canons ETTL is still very poor. So in my eyes, Canon upgraded the one thing that wasn't an issue with the camera, its sensor. Its like putting a huge new V8 engine into a car but still keeping the same poor suspension and tires.
With Nikon you've got some fantastic lens as well, their 14-24 2.8 is just world class, as is the 24-70 2.8. The 70-200 isn't quite as good on full frame, but their 200 f2 is out of this world.
I guess bottom line is if you need 20+ meg, then unless you go for the D3x Nikon isnt an option "yet".
I've heard of very few people having issues with a D700 or D3 not giving them all the IQ they need though.
In fact, I dont think I've heard of anyone who's switched to Nikon and regretted the move. Granted the "backwards" zoom rings drove me crazy for about 6 months but dispite that, I couldnt be happier with Nikon. |
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Tim Snow, Photographer
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Montreal | Qc | Canada | Posted: 6:24 PM on 02.25.09 |
->> Another option for the flash sync issue is the new Pocket Wizard Flex TT5's which are backwards compatible.
As far as the camera goes, go with what works for you. Try to get rentals of both and try 'em out. I use a 1DIII and 5DII and couldn't be happier. Best of luck... |
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Mark McIntyre, Photographer
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Greensboro | NC | USA | Posted: 7:07 PM on 02.25.09 |
| ->> There has been plenty of great advice in your thread. I am sure whichever camera you choose, you will love it. The one caution I offer is to filter out 2nd hand experience with cameras. Many will offer opinions on what they have heard about a camera versus actually using it in the field. If you would like to discuss the 5D Mark II I will be more than happy to share my images and experiences with the camera. You can call or email me. |
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Dwayne Woodard, Photographer
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Charlotte | NC | USA | Posted: 8:02 PM on 02.25.09 |
->> Thanks to all for the great info and advice. Looks like it will be a good idea for me to rent both systems and give them a whirl.
Rich
I will keep you posted on my decision. May I ask why you made the switch?
Tim
Thanks for the info on the Pocket Wizard Flex TT5. I just looked at them and Wow these are sweet. |
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Dwayne Woodard, Photographer
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Charlotte | NC | USA | Posted: 8:05 PM on 02.25.09 |
->> Mark,
I will be in touch with you in the next few days. Thank you for your time. |
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Dwayne Woodard, Photographer
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Charlotte | NC | USA | Posted: 8:18 PM on 02.25.09 |
->> Jeff,
You are right about the expense. I am at the cross roads of switching systems or not. I am very happy with my 1D MarkII, however is is getting some years on it. I am happy with the IQ of my 5D and it stops there. I dislike the slow and jurky AF system, metering system is nowhere as good as 1dMarkII, slower flash sync, slow 3 fps, cheap card door and the vertical grip makes it feel cheap. I have learned to make the Canon flash system work, but the Nikon flash system is far easier to use. 10 to 12 mp is good enough for my needs.
The 5D markII was a let down for me in that I wanted at least 5 fps and better metering. Canon could have kept the same senor IMHO. I guess I better rent one to really see if it will work for me.
I am trying to be smart about making this move.
Thank you for your time and info. |
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Rich Cruse, Photographer
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Laguna Niguel | CA | USA | Posted: 8:39 PM on 02.25.09 |
->> Hi Dwayne:
I originally switched from Nikon to Canon in 1991 after seeing how awesome the autofocus performance was on the EOS 1. I always missed Nikon's metering and flash system.
I ended up switching to Nikon for the colors I was seeing from the Nikon chips and the higher performance ISO. Also Canon had fallen way behind in the megapixels in their mid range cameras. I had used a 20D and the 8 megapixels were no longer enough. The 40D was off the back and Nikon had introduced the D200. I bought that and used a D80 as a back-up. Now I have a D300 and a D90. The AF is no longer a major difference. Now I have a total package- Nikon metering, lenses, flash system, high ISO and beautiful color.
I use a D300, but I have used a D3 and it is truly remarkable! All my lenses are DX and I like using my 200mm as a 300mm (with the 1,5X factor), so I doubt I will be able to switch to the D700 or D3 anytime soon. Sigh. |
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Neil Turner, Photographer
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Bournemouth | UK | United Kingdom | Posted: 3:12 AM on 02.26.09 |
->> When Nikon released the D700 I played with it and was tempted. I got a look at the 5D MkII early on in the release cycle and decided to stay with Canon for the "I've got tons of lenses" reason quoted above.
I got my first 5D MkII on December 1st and fell in love straight away. My second one came along five weeks later and I now shoot 100% of my jobs on the 5D MkIIs. I shoot people not sports and so I have found the focusing to be both accurate and quick. The flash set up with the 580exII is a big leap forward from my old 1DMkII and 550ex combination. My list of problems with the 5D MkII is a very short one - shorter than I have had with any camera that I have ever owned.
It's early days - the camera has only been on the market for three months - but I am really happy with it. The quality at 2000 ISO (the highest that I've had to go so far) is breathtaking - to the extent that other photographers refuse to believe the images that I am showing them are for real.
There are a lot of negative comments on the internet about the new Canon but working news photographers here in London who have them are very happy indeed. |
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Long Nguyen, Photographer
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Albuquerque | NM | USA | Posted: 3:47 AM on 02.26.09 |
->> Hey Dwayne
I have been shooting with the 5D Mark II for about 2 and half months and love the camera. I shoot action sports and have not had an issue. The link below shows some of the images I have taken with the camera. I am a one shot person meaning I don't shoot in burst. Obviously the camera is slow in shutter and I think that's the only real draw back, but not to me. I have gotten great feed back from a fellow photography over at Red Bull and he loves the camera. I believe he shot winter X games with it. I have not talked with him in a few weeks.
(anything after 4 1/2 pages was shot with a Canon Rebel XTI)
http://www.flickr.com/photos/longnguyenphotography/
I think either way is a good choice. You have so much feed back already to help with your decision. |
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Michael Fischer, Photographer
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Spencer | Ia | USA | Posted: 12:43 PM on 02.26.09 |
->> Dwayne,
I switched back 14 months ago. I did it then because I knew that longer I waited the greater the beating I'd take on selling the goods. As it was, it was ugly.
If you itemize your tax returns, talk to your accountant now if you decide to switch. The advice to try both is very good advice.
I'll never switch again because I absolutely HATED having to put up with idiots that wanted the 300mm f2.8 IS and all the other equipment to be spotless cosmetically and wanted me to give it away because they could buy it somewhere for (fill in the blank).
Take your time and think it through.
Having said that, I will tell you the D3 is the most incredible camera I've ever owned.
Michael |
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Craig Mitchelldyer, Photographer, Assistant
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Portland | OR | USA | Posted: 12:48 PM on 02.26.09 |
| ->> If you already have Canon, it really makes no sense to switch. new lenses, etc would be a large expense. I have 2 5D Mark II's and I love them. I mean LOVE them. They look awesome at high ISO (5000 looks like 1600 on my Mark IIn) and the video is so cool. I got them for the video, and I never thought I would want video, but it has really changed the way I think, shoot, and has upgraded my business plan, I'm marketing video now, etc. If you visit my blog (warning, shameless plug) http://blog.craigmitchelldyer.com I have a couple of video's up as well as a post with a High ISO sports test at a dark college hoops venue, handheld and as a remote. |
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Eric Francis, Photographer
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Omaha | NE | United States | Posted: 1:33 PM on 02.26.09 |
| ->> Switch Switch SWITCH........ Canon sucks, Nikon is the shizznit!!! |
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Louis Lopez, Photographer
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Fontana | CA | USA | Posted: 4:56 PM on 02.26.09 |
->> "->> Switch Switch SWITCH........ Canon sucks, Nikon is the shizznit!!!"
Eric,
Hello, people ae trying to have a serious discussion here.
Your immature comments are sad...
You might want to tone it down, your not making a good impression. We got it the first time. |
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Nathan Welton, Photographer
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Denver | CO | | Posted: 6:29 PM on 02.26.09 |
->> for what it's worth, i bought two 5dIIs and sold both of them within 2 weeks. i'm still using the original 5d and pining for a pair of d700s.
i don't think there's that big of an upgrade. the files are unwieldy and take up too much space, the AF performance is really no better, and the only way to get an ISO improvement is to shoot at sRAW and you wind up with 10 MP files. so... who knows. if the cameras were $2000 i'd upgrade.
if i didn't have so many jobs coming up, i would switch to d700s and be super stoked about it. but i don't have time to relearn everything and be fluent. right now the 5d is like an extension of my body. |
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Lennart Wiedemuth, Student/Intern, Photographer
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Ennepetal | NRW | Germany | Posted: 6:43 PM on 02.26.09 |
->> I am so loving my 5DII, 6400ASA is still superb and the camera tracks pretty good in ai-servo, even in low light.
I cant see myself switching to nikon right now because of two reasons:
- 35L, 85L :)
- $$$
Though I am primary a photojournalist, working on longterm (1-3weeks) assignments.
But I shoot sports pretty often (basketball), and the 5DII gets me the same keeper rate of in-focus shots as my 1DII did. |
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Dwayne Woodard, Photographer
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Charlotte | NC | USA | Posted: 11:16 PM on 02.26.09 |
->> I appreciate everyone's response and advice. I am going to try both systems and will post my findings.
I can only go by what I have heard from friends that own the 5dII and this forum. Most like the 5dII.
The issues I have with the 5dII vs the 5D, are the AF isn't any better, the 3 FPS, metering system, and the cheap feeling of the vertical grip are the same as the 5D. I am sure the IQ is great.
With that said, I am enticed by the D700 due to the following:
FF 12 mp, up to 8FPS, improved AF, and great flash system. But then I have to switch systems.
I do not rely on the motor drive for capturing images, but
I like the response that 8 fps gives you for a 2 or 3 frame burst.
Please keep any info coming. |
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