Experience with Canon 5D Mark 2

Zombrex

Hi,

I've noticed that a few camera shops in town are selling second hand 5D Mark II's for about 1500 (mint condition apparently), which is cheaper than the 6D and vastly cheaper than the 5D Mark III.

I know the camera is a few years old, but just wonder what people's experience with it was, whether it would be worth the cost. I've been digital with my 30D for a few years now, but coming originally from film the full frame is appealing. Shooting video as well would be nice, but not top priority. Also the low light ability of the 30D is pretty poor, an upgrade would be nice.

Bare in mind I can't afford the 5D Mark III, so the only alternative would be spending a bit more for the new 6D.

Any thoughts? (including if you think 1500 is too much for a camera model that is 4 years old at this stage?)

5uspect

The mkII is an excellent camera, the main gripe people have about it is the relatively mediocre autofocus. Also bear in mind any EF-S lenses you have won't work on a full frame camera.

Regarding second hand purchases, well that's always a risk. My usual point of reference is Ian Kerr's price list. He has a new mkII for about €1400. If you contact him he may even do you a small discount. He did when I bought my 5D from him recently. These are grey market imports however, but are fully covered by Ian with import duty paid etc.
http://www.flashcamera.co.uk/canon-eos-5d-mark-ii-digital-camera-body/

Splinters

It really depends on what you shoot. The 5D mkII really is a stunning camera, its only downside is a truly mediocre autofocus. Its not terrible, its probably leaps and bounds ahead of the 30D but for a camera of its standard it really should be a bit better. Saying that its low light abilities are phenominal and the image quality really is top notch. I love mine and it suits the way I shoot. Hope thats of some help.

11811

I've recently bought a 5d Mkii and its an amazing camera. As mentioned The auto focus ain't great, but all the other pros outweigh this I reckon. If you're taking video into account apparently the 5dmkii outperforms the 6d somewhat.
Overall The 5d mkii is still a top notch all rounder.

flyingsnail

What is considered wrong (Not up to par) with the AF system, is it the speed, accuracy number of af points?

pixbyjohn

flyingsnail wrote: »

What is considered wrong (Not up to par) with the AF system, is it the speed, accuracy number of af points?

Lots of discussion here >>>http://photo.net/canon-eos-digital-camera-forum/00SXtB

11811

flyingsnail wrote: »

What is considered wrong (Not up to par) with the AF system, is it the speed, accuracy number of af points?

All of the above! Mainly lack of AF points and speed really. also i find its not great in low light.

Well in fairness it's not bad, just for a top end camera it should be far better. The mk iii's AF is streets ahead.

5uspect

flyingsnail wrote: »

What is considered wrong (Not up to par) with the AF system, is it the speed, accuracy number of af points?

People complain that AI servo isn't as speedy or accurate as its peers, the 7D for example. If you're not shooting sports or other similarly demanding subjects then its not an issue. For the mkiii canon pretty much shoe horned the AF from the 1Dx in response.

ronanc15

Having this debate myself at the moment, does anyone know is there much if any improvement on the AF in the 6d?

Does anyone know what Ian Kerr is retailing the 5d mkiii for ?

5uspect

ronanc15 wrote: »

Having this debate myself at the moment, does anyone know is there much if any improvement on the AF in the 6d?

Does anyone know what Ian Kerr is retailing the 5d mkiii for ?

I paid him €2350 for mine, late last year.

dpreview's 6D preview has this to say:

dpreview wrote:

...in our estimation a lot will hinge on the real-world effectiveness of the 6D's autofocus system. If it proves positive and accurate with off-centre subjects (a clear weakness of the EOS 5D series prior to the Mark III), then many users will probably be very happy with it. Our first impressions on this are quite positive, but we'll need to shoot with a wider range of lenses under various different lighting conditions to make a definitive judgement.

There's probably a full review up somewhere, these guys seem to take their time.

EDIT: Here for example

Snowie

5d mk2 focusing is fine its a little slow I always use a center point of focus as its the most accurate. I don't worry to much about it I work with what I got and being honest I used 135 L prime, and found the focusing fine i think it depends on what lens you got to! In terms of criticisms, I haven't got any I love it, its beside me where ever I go.

3 presets are great, video is lovely from it with the 50 1.4 ultra sonic, Just turn down the sharpness and contast all the way and drop two stops of in saturation, makes some lovely quality footage. Mics a bit crappy but hey its camera first right..

If you want something reliable with full frame capabilities all round greatness... Its an awesome camera for the money... Honestly i cant fault it in any way , some may say not having 100% view accuracy never bothered me.

as for the weather sealing it bothers me but its not as bad as some may say... I think you get lucky on that bit

Low light capabilities are still great, if your using 6400 iso you get a patch work tartin effect from noise in the mid tones and that one time i do use grain it masks it quite well

ronanc15

5uspect wrote: »

I paid him €2350 for mine, late last year.

dpreview's 6D preview has this to say:


There's probably a full review up somewhere, these guys seem to take their time.

EDIT: Here for example

For the mk3 yeah? Jesus that's not too bad at all. Must drop him a mail!

5uspect

ronanc15 wrote: »

For the mk3 yeah? Jesus that's not too bad at all. Must drop him a mail!

Yup