Posted by Carson Wilcox on November 29, 2007 at 1:32 PM
I've got a question, open to facts as well as opinions on this.
I am currently using a Canon 40D and really love it but I'm giving some thought
to adding a Canon 5D as well.
My question is what will this gain me. I do mostly landscape and nature shooting
and I know the full frame sensor of the 5D will give me a wider field of view
for specific glass but I have that covered with a new sigma 10-20 I just got, it
has a field of view of about 102 degrees which is pretty much compatable with
17 mm glass on a full frame senor.
So, please any thoughts on this??
Thanks.
Posted by Carl Battreall on November 29, 2007 at 2:33 PM
The only thing you will gain is larger pixels and a larger credit card bill. Sure the larger pixels will produce less noise, but remember, the 5D is over two years old, the 40D has the latest technology. The 5D will be replaced in the next year with a new version. I would wait and see what the new version will be, it has the potential to be spectacular.
You would also need to invest in a new wide angle lens for the 5D, Just doesn't make sense to me to spend the extra money.
I would use your extra cash and put it towards some nice glass, a good tripod,some high end filters, maybe a cool film camera, like a pano or a 4x5. Better yet, put it in the bank.
Posted by Mel Ladewig on November 29, 2007 at 5:01 PM
Carson,
You are probably in a similar situation to me. I am using an XT that I bought two years ago. In my lens bag I have a EF-S10-22, 17-40L, 28-70 2.8, 50/1.4 and 70-300IS. I do see an advantage to owning both "formats". For one, if you are shooting with both bodies, you can get very different results from the same lens (assuming it is an EF lens). My 50/1.4 is a nice little portrait lens on my XT. But all the 50s I used on film cameras are "normal". With a full frame body, this lens could pull double duty. On the other hand, I could buy a 28/1.8 for much less than the cost of a 5D body.
What will you get with the 5D over the 40D? Probably lower signal to noise ratios from the larger photosites. 2.7 million more pixels. A larger viewfinder. A few other items. The 5D is still a really nice camera, but there are new technologies that would makes its replacement even better.
That said, I agree with Carl. Unless you have a specific need for the full frame body, put your money in the bank. I'd wait until the next generation of the 5D is released. If you really have money burning a hole in your pocket, try 4X5 or a vintage film camera. I've added a 4X5 this year and I'm really enjoying it. A scanned 4X5 tranny will easily outperform the 5D in large prints.
Posted by Carson Wilcox on November 29, 2007 at 6:43 PM
Well I don't have money burning a hole in my pocket. I think I'll wait till the 5D MKII or what ever comes out and take a look. I really do like the 40D, I'm just always on the look out for something better I guess.
Posted by Kah Kit Yoong on November 29, 2007 at 10:28 PM
I review the 40D vs 5D on TPN
http://www.travelphotographers.net/imagecritique/bbs.cgi?a=vm&mr=889&b=vf2&st=0&la=848&ph=21&sid=31294&u=31294
Bottom line is that for landscapes the 5D wins for me as it allows use with L wide-angle zooms and the extra resolution allows me to print 20x30 inches at good quality.
Posted by Paul DeCesare on November 30, 2007 at 12:14 AM
Carson, the 5D sensor has a magic all its own, due to the larger pixels I think. Look at what it can do:
Get the 5D. I got mine last week... NO turning back.
:-)
Posted by Ernie Atkins on November 30, 2007 at 1:00 AM
I have a 5D and I also love it. However, I agree with waiting until the Mark II and/or using the cash on a 4x5. Given a choice I'd wait for the new 5D because the 4x5 - while mind expanding - will result in it's own list of expensive accessories while 5D and 40D accessories are compatible. Plus the new 5D will rival the 4x5 in resolutiion and you can spend more time with your creative side and less learning the subtelties of the 4x5.
Ernie
Posted by Graham Brown on December 1, 2007 at 5:17 PM
I have a 5D and 350D and have done many comparisons and on the monitor screen i cannot tell any difference. I gather from a learned friend that the difference will really only show itself if you intend printing A3 or larger.
Posted by Carson Wilcox on March 30, 2009 at 2:49 PM
Just a follow up to this old post. I got my 5D mk2 a few days ago and had it out over the weekend.
It doesn't take much to see the improvement over the 40D, especially with the 24-105L. I love this camera.
Discussion
8 repliesI am currently using a Canon 40D and really love it but I'm giving some thought
to adding a Canon 5D as well.
My question is what will this gain me. I do mostly landscape and nature shooting
and I know the full frame sensor of the 5D will give me a wider field of view
for specific glass but I have that covered with a new sigma 10-20 I just got, it
has a field of view of about 102 degrees which is pretty much compatable with
17 mm glass on a full frame senor.
So, please any thoughts on this??
Thanks.
You would also need to invest in a new wide angle lens for the 5D, Just doesn't make sense to me to spend the extra money.
I would use your extra cash and put it towards some nice glass, a good tripod,some high end filters, maybe a cool film camera, like a pano or a 4x5. Better yet, put it in the bank.
You are probably in a similar situation to me. I am using an XT that I bought two years ago. In my lens bag I have a EF-S10-22, 17-40L, 28-70 2.8, 50/1.4 and 70-300IS. I do see an advantage to owning both "formats". For one, if you are shooting with both bodies, you can get very different results from the same lens (assuming it is an EF lens). My 50/1.4 is a nice little portrait lens on my XT. But all the 50s I used on film cameras are "normal". With a full frame body, this lens could pull double duty. On the other hand, I could buy a 28/1.8 for much less than the cost of a 5D body.
What will you get with the 5D over the 40D? Probably lower signal to noise ratios from the larger photosites. 2.7 million more pixels. A larger viewfinder. A few other items. The 5D is still a really nice camera, but there are new technologies that would makes its replacement even better.
That said, I agree with Carl. Unless you have a specific need for the full frame body, put your money in the bank. I'd wait until the next generation of the 5D is released. If you really have money burning a hole in your pocket, try 4X5 or a vintage film camera. I've added a 4X5 this year and I'm really enjoying it. A scanned 4X5 tranny will easily outperform the 5D in large prints.
http://www.travelphotographers.net/imagecritique/bbs.cgi?a=vm&mr=889&b=vf2&st=0&la=848&ph=21&sid=31294&u=31294
Bottom line is that for landscapes the 5D wins for me as it allows use with L wide-angle zooms and the extra resolution allows me to print 20x30 inches at good quality.
http://photo.net/photodb/member-photos?include=all&user_id=1353935
Nuff said...
Get the 5D. I got mine last week... NO turning back.
:-)
Ernie
It doesn't take much to see the improvement over the 40D, especially with the 24-105L. I love this camera.