Canon 7d or the Canon 5d mark2?

[Miss Molly]

I know this question has more then likely been asked before, but I am upgrading my camera. I have had my canon for a couple of years now but still class myself as a beginner as I have never really taken it if auto, I have decided to go and book into a course and get a new camera as devote more time to taking photos, my favourite subjects to shoot are, animals, landscapes, children and flowers etc..
I just can not decide wether to get a 7d or a 5d mark2, is the mark2 worth the extra money?? I also thought my lenses would fit but after reading a thread on here I am thinking that they won't fit so I will need new lenses..
It is all so confusing.... Help...:confused013


edited to say, I reread my post and I should say I do use the camera off the auto settings but not the lenses..

[ricktas]

Neither. Keep the camera you have an learn how to take photos. You say you don't take it off auto, well what is the point of upgrading? Learn with what you have and THEN upgrade! Getting a 'better' camera will not give you better photos. The person behind the camera needs to know how to use their tools. So keep what you have, learn, then upgrade.

Re Lenses. EF-S lenses will not fit on full frame sensor Canon cameras

[Warbler]

EF-S lenses won't fit the FF 5D Mk II, so I'd suggest you need to find out the answer to what lenses you have before you get any further into this question. Once you have an idea of the costs associated, your choices become a little clearer.

[Miss Molly]

Because I am going to do a 8 week photography course I thought if I was going to upgrade at some stage I would do best to upgrade and do the course that would help me learn the new camera..

[ricktas]

Because I am going to do a 8 week photography course I thought if I was going to upgrade at some stage I would do best to upgrade and do the course that would help me learn the new camera..

Cameras are basically a light proof box with a light sensitive surface, and a lens. Once you grasp how ISO, Aperture, Shutter Speed work, it doesn't matter what camera you grab or use, they all work on the same basic principles. Learn with what you have and then upgrade. What you learn with the camera you have now, doesn't suddenly becomes obsolete with a new camera.

[rookie]

Stay with the camera you have as trying to learn about a new camera and do a coarse at the same might get a bit confusing.

[extraball]

keep your current camera for 12months, by that time your photography should be much better, and the camera you want will be cheaper!

[Mary Anne]

Hello Miss Molly and Welcome to AP. You say you have had your camera a couple of years yet you still class you self as a beginner, why is that don't you use it enough.
I am always practising many days I go out and take photos and when it raining I have a go inside at still life, low light and dead insects I have in a small chocolate box. :D
One camera is much the same as the next when it come to using it, some models have more things than others, like higher ISO and more megapixels and fps..
You don't say which camera you have. My 40D is old 10 Mps and I can produce good photos with it, macro, birds, flowers, I use is as much as my 5D Mk11 21 Mps.
As all Members said above you are better off learning how to use the camera you have now. Believe me a bigger more expensive camera will not make you take better photos..

[rossco]

Hello, my first dslr was a canon d20, a solid workhorse superseded by many models before i bought my 5dmk2, i agree that you should stick to the camera you have, i still take cracker shots with my d20 using only the basic kit lenses, learn the basics, practice alot, when it comes to photography its not all about the best and latest, look at the vintage shots of yesteryear, these were taken in a wooden box with a black cloth, knowledge is power in this game

[Miss Molly]

Hello Miss Molly and Welcome to AP. You say you have had your camera a couple of years yet you still class you self as a beginner, why is that don't you use it enough.
I am always practising many days I go out and take photos and when it raining I have a go inside at still life, low light and dead insects I have in a small chocolate box. :D
One camera is much the same as the next when it come to using it, some models have more things than others, like higher ISO and more megapixels and fps..
You don't say which camera you have. My 40D is old 10 Mps and I can produce good photos with it, macro, birds, flowers, I use is as much as my 5D Mk11 21 Mps.
As all Members said above you are better off learning how to use the camera you have now. Believe me a bigger more expensive camera will not make you take better photos..

Hope I can post this here..
i think I still call myself a beginner because even though I have read my manual a lot and take it with me when I take my camera out I think it is more luck when I get a great shot not skill.. I have some shots I love but I don't know if they are good shots, ( is there a thread I can post a link in to my Flickr account)?
My camera is a 450d, I do understand that it is not about having the best/latest camera, but the reason I was looking at doing a 8 week photo course which is limited to 12 people was so I could get some one on one teaching or group teaching about IOS, exposure, aperture etc because even though I read about it I still don't think I really understand it.. ( does that make sense)..

[ricktas]

Which you can easily do with a 450D. It is a great entry level camera and quite capable of being used by a photographer to create fantastic photos. Your 450D can do everything you will need of a camera at this time.

We even have a New To Photography learning plan here on Ausphotography: http://www.ausphotography.net.au/forum/showlibrary.php?title=Indexes:New_To_Photography_Book

This is designed to be easy to follow and not only teach you how ISO, Aperture and Shutter speed work, but how they work in conjunction with each other.

Buying a new camera now is only going to mean you learn the same stuff you could with your 450D, with a different camera. So stick with the 450D and learn first. Then when you reach the limitations of an entry level camera, and understand those limitations and why upgrading would help, then buy a new camera.

[fess67]

Hi Miss Molly - welcome to the obsession :)

I am going to echo much of what the others have said, at the moment I feel it is not the camera that is the limit but more the knowledge.

That said, your question was 7D or 5D2.

I would agree with the others, hold off until you feel it is the camera that is holding you back.....BUT, if you are determind to buy, I would go 7D. I have the 5D2 and it is an amazing camera but dated. The 7D benefits from newer technology and that is the reason I would go 7D.

Remember, you control the camera so whichever you chosse, the results are driven by what you do with it. Only you can decide your budget and desires (ps, I know about desire, I buy lots of stuff I cannot use properly but damn it feels good :D)

[arthurking83]

Another reason to hold off on a new camera for right now, is that once you learn more about photography, you'll also learn more about how you want to best capture your ideas and visions.

Sometimes this can only be achieved via a newer or better camera body, and other times this can only be achieved with an additional lens.
(I would have loved to written that as a new lens, but that could be misinterpreted as another lens purchased new .. which is not the case .. any lens added to your current lens collection can help you achieve another perspective).

Once you've done your course, you may have a better understanding of how you want to go about your photography.

as an example:
If you currently have a 450D and a couple of kit lenses to match, and you find that you want to pursue portrait photography ... firstly kit lenses are not ideal for portrait photography, and as already said EF-S lenses will not mount to a full frame Canon! So you'll have a body that also requires at least one new lens too.
So, a new lens may be the better option at this particular point in time, still used on the 450D, but also with the ability to be mounted onto the larger sensor camera too.

PS. why the 5DMII and not the newer 6D?(is there a huge price difference? Is the MkII second hand, and hence a lot cheaper).


Also as already stated, post a list of the lenses you currently have in your possession.

[Miss Molly]

Another reason to hold off on a new camera for right now, is that once you learn more about photography, you'll also learn more about how you want to best capture your ideas and visions.

Sometimes this can only be achieved via a newer or better camera body, and other times this can only be achieved with an additional lens.
(I would have loved to written that as a new lens, but that could be misinterpreted as another lens purchased new .. which is not the case .. any lens added to your current lens collection can help you achieve another perspective).

Once you've done your course, you may have a better understanding of how you want to go about your photography.

as an example:
If you currently have a 450D and a couple of kit lenses to match, and you find that you want to pursue portrait photography ... firstly kit lenses are not ideal for portrait photography, and as already said EF-S lenses will not mount to a full frame Canon! So you'll have a body that also requires at least one new lens too.
So, a new lens may be the better option at this particular point in time, still used on the 450D, but also with the ability to be mounted onto the larger sensor camera too.

PS. why the 5DMII and not the newer 6D?(is there a huge price difference? Is the MkII second hand, and hence a lot cheaper).


Also as already stated, post a list of the lenses you currently have in your possession.

I only asked about the 7d and the 5dm2 as they seems to be the ones that I have seen and heard about, but that is why I joined this forum to get an ideas on which camera I should buy.. I have found the 7d with a lens for $1799, or a 5dm2 body for the same price..

The lens I have are 18-55mm efs, 55-250mm efs which won't fit a new body. I also have a 50mm ef which will fit a newer body??

[arthurking83]

.... I also have a 50mm ef which will fit a newer body??

Which will work on a full frame camera!

That's a start, but remember that that is the only lens you will have that does.

In this case then, I'd hold off as already said on a new camera, and learn to use what you already have.

If you can find some money to add to your lens collection do this as a priority, with the view to full frame compatibility.

Once you have a clearer understanding of how each bit of gear works in relation to each other piece, and how this relates to what you want to achieve, then look to updating the camera to the best option for your purposes.

[William W]

My camera is a 450d, I do understand that it is not about having the best/latest camera, but the reason I was looking at doing a 8 week photo course which is limited to 12 people was so I could get some one on one teaching or group teaching about IOS, exposure, aperture etc because even though I read about it I still don't think I really understand it.. ( does that make sense)..

In 2011, I had an HSC Art Student, (Photography Major) who used a 400D and the Kit Lens. She creamed the HSC Art Exam, attaining a Band Six and a mention in the Premier’s List – her major work was selected and hung.

Your camera is capable of taking fine photographs and is a most suitable tool for you to learn Photography.


In point of fact – the 450D is a MORE SUITABLE camera for you to take to an eight week course: because no matter how limited your experience and knowledge of the 450D, you have much MORE experience than if you were to buy and use a new camera, for the course.


WW

[Brettmc20]

As a beginner myself, dont get hung up on new cameras and gear because you will spend so much time thinking about it and reading reviews on your computer you will never get out and take photos.
My friend has a 1100D and without a doubt he can take better pictures than me with my 550d and my other friend with a 7d with L Lens. He really knows how to use the camera and use it to its full potential.

Hes been taking photos with his 1100D for quite sometime, you need to do the same. Practice with your 450D, until you know when the camera has reached it limitation.

[fabian628]

good advice about upgrading cameras here, a more expensive camera wont take better pictures. If anything spend the money on a new lens! Maybe a wide aperture standard lens like 50mm f/1.4 or 1.2 or 35mm f/1.4. These are great on every camera and will stay with you forever if you stay with canon.
If choosing 7D of 5D2 i would choose 5d2 unless you are primarily shooting sports or wildlife with action. I have owned/own both cameras and in terms of full frame vs crop full frame is much nicer for most situations due to depth of field control and overall better image quality (in my experience). This is not to say 7D is a bad camera, If choosing one I go with 5D2.

[Miss Molly]

Just wanted to say thank you to everyone for taking the time to reply to my question and give me your thoughts, I do appreciate it..

Thanks

[unistudent1962]

Hi Molly,

There's a big difference between wants and needs. While you may not NEED a new body, I can only assume that you WANT one, and that you have the disposable income to purchase either the 7D or the 5DII. In answer to your question as to which body, that depends in part on what you prefer to shoot.

If you prefer landscapes and portraits, the 5DII is the pick of the two.
If you prefer sport, action and/or birding, the 7D is the one to go for.
That's not to say that either body can't do all of the above, it's just that each has its strengths that makes it better suited to particular applications.

Whether you upgrade, or stick with your current body, make the most of the course you're about to undertake, and practise, practise, practise. The more you use your camera, and the more images you capture, the better your photography will become.

Good luck,
Mark

[Dachimas]

After reading all the advice about not upgrading till you know your current camera and own style better...I say that I agree! http://fstoppers.com/iphone is an example of 'a better camera doesn't necessarily take better photos'
Take your time and make sure you know what you want from your camera before upgrading...what's the rush? Just have fun!

[Mat]

Hi Molly

I also believe you should stick with the one you have. It maybe only an entry level (I say only with a grain of salt) camera but as said before you can get some great images out of an entry level camera. I still have only 1 DSLR and it is an entry level unit. You can learn all you need to learn about the art of photography with the one you have.
Once you understand ISO, aperture and shutter speed you can create all sorts of wonderful images. But don't forget the need to learn to post process. But first learn the camera.

[Dachimas]

Hi Molly

I also believe you should stick with the one you have. It maybe only an entry level (I say only with a grain of salt) camera but as said before you can get some great images out of an entry level camera. I still have only 1 DSLR and it is an entry level unit. You can learn all you need to learn about the art of photography with the one you have.
Once you understand ISO, aperture and shutter speed you can create all sorts of wonderful images. But don't forget the need to learn to post process. But first learn the camera.

Well said!

[macrocephalic]

I would argue (because I like to) that there is one reason to get the newer body - and that's if you're going to be in a fast paced, time limited situation. Having the dual dials and easier to access functions of the better body will help your reaction time.

That said, you're not going to be shooting a wedding just yet, so you probably won't need this.

[GerryK]

personally, I would exploit what you currently have. Use all the features/functions on your existing camera. Play with manual everything - focus, aperture, speed. Learn photography. I am not saying you dont know how to take a photo but there is so much more than kit. I am delving in to an upgrade from a Pentax K20D to Canon 5dM3. What i want and what I need are two very different worlds. I know a 5D M3 will be brilliant, but so will other bodies. This level of kit is near pro standard.
I was once told the following
"an expert can make brilliant photos from any camera while a beginner will make poor photos from the best kit'.
Photo quality is about how you see & can use the kit available. Buying a Phase One 80Mb camera does not guarantee perfet photos.