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Home: Video University Forums: Digital Photography for Videographers:
Got my 5D! First impressions

GmElliott
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Feb 17, 2006, 7:18 PM

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Got my 5D! First impressions	Can't Post

The 5D arrived today from B&H. No sooner did I unwrap the body, place the battery on the charger, and mount my favorite piece of glass (24-70 2.8L).

I wasn't too fond of the charger because they give you one of those all in one boxes with the plug built-IN to the base. Which basically means it's going to eat up some space on your powerstrip. No biggie...anyway the battery charged quite quickly (assuming it was shipped with partial charge) so I popped it in and began shooting.

Right off the bat I could tell it had a sturdier feel than the 20D. It's odd because the 20D is a solid camera. My only gripe with the 20D was the creaky battery compartment (it would flex and make a creaking noise when squeezed). Giving it a less than solid feel in the hand. The 5D seems to have fixed the CF door and feels like a hand grenade it's so solid. The body is noticably larger and thicker than the 20D which I personally feel is a good thing. I liked the size of the 10D over the 20D. Though my pinky finger STILL hangs on the very edge when griping the camera with my right hand. The battery grip will be a welcomed addition if/when I shoot with longer/larger lenses. That said the 24-70 isn't a physically short lense by any means and it felt fairly balanced on the 5D. A little undeady carrying the camera with just the right hand...it doesn't have the added height of the 1D body to REALLY get a good hold on it. Though when shooting it feels perfectly natural beings the left hand cradles the lense.

In use it feels less unweildly than the 1DmkII. The buttons are more logically laid out and I no longer have to hit a cobination of buttons and scroll wheel to change internal settings. Odldy enough I'm so used to the way the 1D body adusts settings I kept messing up my adjustments to the 5D...assumingly hitting buttons that I was more familiar with on the 1D.

The LCD is HUUUUGE improvement. I don't know why they didn't START out using a 2.5". The 1.8" looks half the size of the new 2.5 despite the physical dimensions being smaller by .7". The rest of the buttons and dials are very typical of your normal 20D variety.

The viewfinder is incredibly large. When you peer though it, it fills your vision. A definite perk of full-frame CMOS. It's so large I almost have to tilt my head slightly to see the readings at the bottom of the VF.

The focus is fast and accurate thus far and the shutter speed is amazingly quiet. I'd have to say quieter than my 20D AND 1DmkII.

The images out of the camera are a little more processed than the 1D (ie sharper) which I don't mind. I actually liked the look of the 20D images out of the camera. I have being FORCED to ALWAYS run USM on all images off the CF card. The best part is this is right in the middle I can turn the sharpness up or down to fit my liking. I used to have the sharpness bumped up a bit on the 1DmkII.

While shooting I immediately noticed the difference full frame made. 24mm is now actually VERY wide. I can sit in front of my computer desk and snap a shot without having to back up across the room. The same has affected my long end in that it's not quite as long, however the extra resolution and a little cropping will make up for that. I have however noticed a slight bit of vignetting on the edges at some exposures.

Burst mode is the only/largest dissapointment- not that I didn't know what I was getting into when I purchased the 5D. It's painfully slow in burst mode at only 3fps. I'm used to the 8.5fps of the 1DmkII that resembled an AK-47 when fired off at full speed. Alas I'm not much of a sports shooter and if/when I do I'll have to rely more on my refelxes (or borrow a 20D w/ 5fps burst).

I'm really enjoying the 5D. It's built incredibly well and have exceeded my expectations. I like the smaller form factor and the flexability to ADD a battery grip if/when I need one rather than having it permenantly built into the body which can make it's carying weight sometimes a bit on the cumbersome side. I like the fact I can attach little 50 1.8 and have a nice little vacation camera. I was so hesitant to use the 1DmkII for recreation because of it's weight/size.

Here are a few snaps right out of the camera (no post-processing other than 25% resize):

The last shot was a bit hard to meter for. Bright sunlight on white fur. Highlights are burnt a bit but I'd optimally under expose and regain shadow detail in post.

Glen Elliott
http://www.GmElliottVideo.com

Jeko
Enthusiast

Feb 17, 2006, 10:56 PM

Post #2 of 16 (3263 views)
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Re: [GmElliott] Got my 5D! First impressions [In reply to]	Can't Post

Thanks for the review G. It sounds like a wonderful new base. I am most interested in Full Frame for my fish-eye lense, so 5D may be on the wish list soon... especially if they can remodel it to have a better burst.

BTW, are you shooting a chunk of photography now and less video? I find myself starting more down the photography path this season...
I am liking it too as I backlog much less that way and proffit margins on both sides are improving (fill in no-video weekends with photography).

Jeko

Sony VX2100's, iRivers, M-audio 24/96, Canon 5Ds/20Ds (and too much glass), Vegas6, PhotoShop CS3, Lightroom, etc.

Toogy
User

Feb 17, 2006, 11:51 PM

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Re: [Jeko] Got my 5D! First impressions [In reply to]	Can't Post

I so want this camera. Just trying to justify the price........... to my wife Crazy

------------------------->
Jeff Toogood
Digital ISO

http://www.digitaliso.ca/blog
http://www.pbase.com/toogy

Jordan O.
Veteran

Feb 18, 2006, 8:01 PM

Post #4 of 16 (3179 views)
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Re: [GmElliott] Got my 5D! First impressions [In reply to]	Can't Post

dude, I gotta stop stumbling into the photography forum.......I want to buy a DSLR in the worst way, but can't bring myself to..

Nice pics man

cya Tuesday?
Jordan

Mathew
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Feb 19, 2006, 7:23 PM

Post #5 of 16 (3147 views)
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Re: [GmElliott] Got my 5D! First impressions [In reply to]	Can't Post

In Reply To

I like the fact I can attach little 50 1.8 and have a nice little vacation camera.

The 5D as a "nice, little vacation camera...."

Dude, first off, I'm totally envious. However looking at all those toys I have to say that you seriously need a house mortgage, some kids and a few gas bills to put things into perspective. It looks like you just won the Showcase Showdown on the Price is Right in that first image.

OT, I'm really impressed by the images from the 5D. Love the DOF.

GmElliott
Veteran

Feb 19, 2006, 7:43 PM

Post #6 of 16 (3144 views)
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Re: [Mathew] Got my 5D! First impressions [In reply to]	Can't Post

In Reply To

I like the fact I can attach little 50 1.8 and have a nice little vacation camera.

I would indeed take it on a vacation. Beings it's not a large 1-series body it's a little easier to tote around. With the right lense of course.... Tongue

Regarding the DOP. That's one aspect I never even covered. I loooove the shallower dop the larger sensor creates. I don't have to open up my iris to the max to get some good bokeh. Especially beings most lenses aren't their sharpest wide open.

Glen Elliott
http://www.GmElliottVideo.com

abracadabra
User

Feb 20, 2006, 7:33 AM

Post #7 of 16 (3117 views)
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Re: [Toogy] Got my 5D! First impressions [In reply to]	Can't Post

Don't discount a 20D with a 10-22mm lens. I have 2 20D's, one with a 24-70, the other with a 10-22mm. VERY happy with the 10-22! We're about to purchase a third 20D for our 70-200mm 2.8 IS. At $ 1,141.95 from BH it's lots less than the 5D. I'd get the 5D for sure but can't come up with the extra cost for our wedding work.

Lola Mitchell
Novice

Apr 9, 2006, 1:34 PM

Post #8 of 16 (2808 views)
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Re: [abracadabra] Got my 5D! First impressions [In reply to]	Can't Post

Thanks for the review Wink

My husband will kill me if I buy another camera body anytime soon. Besides, as soon as I buy a 5d, that will be Canons cue to come out with something else that I simply must have. I've learned to wait.
Brevity is the soul of lingere
-Dorothy Parker

mazzystar
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Apr 15, 2006, 4:31 PM

Post #9 of 16 (2717 views)
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Re: [GmElliott] Got my 5D! First impressions [In reply to]	Can't Post

Amazing the toys that you acquire! Work that ass off baby! Wink

I got intrigued with photography (what with two kids AND a photog for my best bud in the industry) and got a 350d. I'm learning slow (i know next to nothing) but enjoying every minute of it.

Like Bill, I'm thinking of which glass to buy next.

(but curiously, the wife supports this vice Smile

)

____
blog

(This post was edited by mazzystar on Apr 15, 2006, 4:32 PM)

krskrewz
Enthusiast

May 13, 2006, 1:30 AM

Post #10 of 16 (2377 views)
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Re: [GmElliott] Got my 5D! First impressions [In reply to]	Can't Post

Wow you got the 5D? That's awesome! You've got a ton of gadgets! Do you do photography for your business too? I just got my 30d today. Still trying to learn the ins and outs of it.

WLR
User

May 25, 2006, 10:56 PM

Post #11 of 16 (2270 views)
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Re: [krskrewz] Got my 5D! First impressions [In reply to]	Can't Post

Did you have a 20D first? And if so what are the differences you have noticed so far?

Friends don't let friends shoot jpeg.

Psynema
Veteran

May 26, 2006, 3:42 AM

Post #12 of 16 (2257 views)
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Re: [Mathew] Got my 5D! First impressions [In reply to]	Can't Post

In Reply To

I like the fact I can attach little 50 1.8 and have a nice little vacation camera.

Glen's kids are his z1u and glidecam. He is married to the TV - Glen even shot the wedding.

That's a nice kitty - pic makes my evolt 300 look like a $700 POS now LOL.

Still wierd getting into photo w/ a video bg - not having a preview for exposure and just some wierd quirks like getting a stable handheld image with 1/3 sec shutter speed LOL - video looks like crap at 1/30 of a second.

Surprised tho' and I'm totally new to Digital Photography - we all bitch about how bad video can be in low light - I never realized how much worse off photographers are. I mean sure they have the luxury of not having their light on continuously but sure makes me more appreciative of what a video camera can do in low light now and why we're paying $3-6 grand.

____________________________________________________
When Dave Williams Glidecams, he doesn't step forward, he rolls the earth backwards.

Bill Kinkle
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May 26, 2006, 8:38 AM

Post #13 of 16 (2247 views)
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Re: [Psynema] Got my 5D! First impressions [In reply to]	Can't Post

I mean sure they have the luxury of not having their light on continuously but sure makes me more appreciative of what a video camera can do in low light now and why we're paying $3-6 grand.

It's funny, Glen probably paind that much for his 5d and that sleek piece of glass he uses!

I have to say however, I am quickly becoming obsessed with photography. Up until 6 months ago I had no interest whatsoever...very strange.

Psynema
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May 26, 2006, 8:59 AM

Post #14 of 16 (2244 views)
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Re: [Bill Kinkle] Got my 5D! First impressions [In reply to]	Can't Post

In Reply To

I mean sure they have the luxury of not having their light on continuously but sure makes me more appreciative of what a video camera can do in low light now and why we're paying $3-6 grand.

What's more tempting is advertising yourself as a semi-pro photographer charging your day rate equivalent to shooting video on Craigslist...

Every booked 20 weddings in a week? I'm exaggerating, but sub1000 photographers aren't readily available - can easily score a few weddings rather quickly if you start looking -

$500-$1000 range for cd only plenty of takers - shame that won't cut it for video Wink

____________________________________________________
When Dave Williams Glidecams, he doesn't step forward, he rolls the earth backwards.

scotthayes
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Jun 16, 2006, 2:05 AM

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I joined the Canon club! [In reply to]	Can't Post

Got a 1D MK II today, and a 24-70L after selling all my nikon
stuff. the MKII was MORE than the 5D, but only by $100. Glenn,
you still have that 85f1.8?

If your gear is paid for, KEEP IT!

Postal Boy
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Jun 16, 2006, 4:37 PM

Post #16 of 16 (2042 views)
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Re: [scotthayes] I joined the Canon club! [In reply to]	Can't Post

And? You are supposed to tell all of us "wannabes" about it Cool