For me it's the 7D, unless you are really budget-conscious. I haven't noticed some of the prohibitive issues with my 7D that others have, and have really enjoyed the faster, more accurate AF, higher FPS and improved low light performance. Plus, the video option is intriguing, though I've only dabbled with it slightly to date.
The 5DII would certainly be an option if your priority isn't necessarily shooting that requires high FPS or an added crop factor. For example, I often find myself in environments where wildlife is quite a distance away, and I also shoot a lot of sports, so the 5DII didn't really make sense for me over the 7D. Of the three cameras, the 5DII seems to produce the best overall image quality though.
If you have the money and landscape photography is your preference, then the 5DII is the obvious winner. Note that you need to have the best (or near best) quality lenses possible with this camera in order to achieve the best possible images. Putting a cheap lens on the 5DII is like putting generic tires on a Ferrari. This advice is actually relevant to any choice you make in camera bodies.
If having the best (or near best) lenses is not in your budget, then I would always recommend dialing down the budget for the camera body and investing the money saved in good glass.
Posted by Dan Borzynski on April 14, 2010 at 9:09 PM
In all honesty, I think the 7D and the 5D (either version) are aimed at different markets and uses. The 7D is a faster camera, especially for autofocus and fps. I tend to view it as a scaled down version of the 1DMIV (which probably slightly offends the 1DMIV owners). If a lot of action, need for longer focal lengths or macro to get to a frame filling composition is a priority, this is probably the choice I would make.
The 5DII is the choice when image quality is the highest priority. Full frame with effectively fewer pixels per unit area, wide angles remain wide angles, more magnification to get to the same frame filling composition = slightly different artistic rendition - some DOF at the same f-stop. This is actually my first choice of camera, more on the image quality and the fact that most of the time I don't need the speed of the 7D.
Both cameras will provide high quality images so that isn't a huge issue but I'd give the nod to the larger pixels of 5DII
There really isn't a clear winner here. What do you need the camera to do?
I'd really like to own both cameras because of their different capabilities.
Posted by Colin Smith on April 14, 2010 at 9:41 PM
I own both the 50D and the 7D. I bought the 7D for near 100%viewfinder, much better autofocus and weather sealing. The 50D is also a fine body, but not as good for BIF.
I agree with everybody so far. Fortunately I am able to have both and I use them almost exclusively as described. The 5D Mark II for true wide angle and landscape work, the 7D for fast focus flight shooting and extra reach on long lenses. I also agree that image quality is great for both and unless extreme cropping or very large enlargements, both are fine. In either of those cases the 5DMkII then gets a slight nod. I never had a 50D as I went from 40D to the 7D. I know people who have 50D's and swear by them but I have read about some noise issues with 50D. I have no clue whether valid or not and only mention it in case you wish to investigate that issue.
If I could only afford one, I'd go 7D simply because it's the later generation with more advanced features...two digic processors and in general later technology than the 5DMkII.
I have no regrets selling my 50D to get the 7D. The noise is much better controlled, especially at the higher ISOs. I wasn't that sure I would use the video much, but I'm finding that I do use it some, especially since I still have kids. It was also nice a couple weeks ago when the whooping cranes came through :).
Thanks everyone. I will order the Canon 5D II. I have the "glass", all L series lenses. This camera will be used more for macro work and landscapes; than birds in flight. I will keep my 1D Mark IIN for other types of photography. Thanks again.
Posted by Bill Brennan on April 15, 2010 at 4:32 PM
Good choice, Sue. Its wonderful how many members are willing to share their knowledge and experience to help another make a decision.
Discussion
9 repliesThe 5DII would certainly be an option if your priority isn't necessarily shooting that requires high FPS or an added crop factor. For example, I often find myself in environments where wildlife is quite a distance away, and I also shoot a lot of sports, so the 5DII didn't really make sense for me over the 7D. Of the three cameras, the 5DII seems to produce the best overall image quality though.
Max
If having the best (or near best) lenses is not in your budget, then I would always recommend dialing down the budget for the camera body and investing the money saved in good glass.
The 5DII is the choice when image quality is the highest priority. Full frame with effectively fewer pixels per unit area, wide angles remain wide angles, more magnification to get to the same frame filling composition = slightly different artistic rendition - some DOF at the same f-stop. This is actually my first choice of camera, more on the image quality and the fact that most of the time I don't need the speed of the 7D.
Both cameras will provide high quality images so that isn't a huge issue but I'd give the nod to the larger pixels of 5DII
There really isn't a clear winner here. What do you need the camera to do?
I'd really like to own both cameras because of their different capabilities.
If I could only afford one, I'd go 7D simply because it's the later generation with more advanced features...two digic processors and in general later technology than the 5DMkII.
Bill Brennan