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09-13-2009, 10:03 AM   #1
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which FF camera will you choose?

I am thinking about getting a FF DSLR recently. However, it is kind of difficult to pick one from Sony a900, sony a850, nikon d700 and Canon 5d2. They seem at same price range except the new sony 850. however, after I read all kind of reviews online, I found out there are many complains about everyone of them. I am kind of lost. Canon 5d2 seems to be the best choice so far because the high iso performance and HD video feature. However, I heard it has some AF issues. Any thoughts?


Last edited by happygui; 09-13-2009 at 10:14 AM.
09-13-2009, 10:06 AM   #2
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I would choose the D700. purely because I admire nikon and their products. and I have a few Fmount lenses. all camera models are going to have some faults, and some features (or lack there of) that will cause people to complain. they are all however, very competent performers.
09-13-2009, 11:11 AM   #3
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If I'd drop Pentax, I probably wouldn't get another underdog no matter how good it is bang for buck -wise. So no Sony for me. Never having touched either a Canon 5D mk II or a Nikon D700, I trust a bit more in Nikon's quality. But since I'd want - unlike many if not most here - the camera to be able to do proper video, so if I was buying today I'd most likely get a 5D mk II.
09-13-2009, 11:27 AM   #4
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I would love to have a Leica M9 with some lenses, but it's so expensive

09-13-2009, 11:31 AM   #5
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I just bought a 5D2. My primary requirements were good low light and some higher resolution for cropping and still printing large. D700 is the low light (and allegedly AF champ) but I just didn't like the way it felt in my hand despite the better build quality. In addition, I would be taking a resolution drop from the K20d, but the D700 is amazing at iso 3200 and 6400.

I actually preferred the SR on the Sony, and the low iso files on the Sony beat Canikon imho. BUT, the Sony really starts to struggle at 800 and above. Since I was wanting usable 3200 and 6400, that was a deal breaker, along with the fact that I just don't like Sony as a company.

Canon was the "compromise" camera. It is not as good at hi iso as the D700, but better than the others. The AF is less sophisticated than the D700, but I am used to paying attention to the AF with Pentax. Plus from what I read center point single shot on the Canon is quick and accurate. The resolution is great, and the video is a plus as I will likely end up using it.

But in the end it was the glass that made my decision. All of the f2.8 zooms are expensive and large/heavy from all three, though the 28-70 Canon is hundreds less. I love the Zeiss glass but don't like Sony and the hi iso results so then it became Canon vs. Nikon. Nikon has some great glass, but they have not updated many of their primes and they don't have good reasonably priced and relatively compact good zooms.

For me, the Canon 70-200/f4 IS was the tipping point. I loved my 50-135* Pentax, and that Canon is very similar. Also, the Canon 50/1.4 is under $400, well built, and has USM (silent AF). Plus Canon has the 35/1.4, 50/1.2 and 85/1.2 lenses. Yes, they are heavy and expensive, but I can see myself buying one or more of those over time.

So it really depends. I don't like the user interface on the Canon - I end up having to work around it instead of having it work with me. But you can usually learn to deal with those things. It did make me appreciate how good Pentax is wrt UI and usability. Plus after doing some pixel peeping, frankly going from a good APS-C (like the K20d) to the 5D2 isn't night/day difference. They render differently, and have differet DOF. The 5D2 does make very nice 3200 files, and 6400 is usable. The higher iso is just for emergencies, but nice to have it.

I still think that APS-C is a sweet spot for quality and size/portability. WHen you go FF. be prepared to spend a lot of money on good glass. Otherwise you'll actually be worse off. You really need fast/good glass to realize the advantages. Most are frankly better off with an APS-C body and some glass optimized for that (like the DA*s).

Shots from the 2nd day/night with the camera. Most cameras could get the first set, a couple of the second set are in near darkness. While the 50/1.4 did hunt on some of the shots, if there was anything to grab onto it would AF. And I like the look of the raw files at 3200.














Last edited by nostatic; 09-13-2009 at 11:36 AM.
09-13-2009, 12:12 PM   #6
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I'd buy an M6.
09-13-2009, 12:15 PM   #7
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QuoteOriginally posted by a a i b Quote
I'd buy an M6.
M9. best of both worlds IMO.

oh if only I had the cash.

09-13-2009, 01:22 PM   #8
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I've already got mine - a Super Program and and a Mamiya 645
09-13-2009, 01:25 PM   #9
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Guys, somehow these film FF jokes are getting a bit old after the first twenty times of uncontrolled laughter.
09-13-2009, 01:51 PM   #10
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Another vote for the D700 - a fine piece of engineering.
I have no personal aversion to Canon, but just find the D700 both easier to use and finer in its operation than the 5DMk2.
But the choice would definitely be between these two, and I personally wouldn't consider the A900 even for its cheaper price.
09-13-2009, 02:21 PM   #11
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Thanks guys. Very interesting discussion. Especailly thank you-Nostatic. Very helpful information. To be honest, I am considering 5d2 and d700 too. However, I heard the next generation nikon FF is on the way out. Not sure if d700s/d800 will have higher resolution. I guess I will wait until early next year and see what happens unless I can get some really good deal on either d700 or 5d2.
09-13-2009, 04:10 PM   #12
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ATM i would choose nikon D700

i have used Nikons in the past, and the higher end ones are just as nice as pentax in your hand, in some cases the interface is even better (in some worse)

their zooms are the best, expensive, but once you bust down on the 24-75 and 70-200, and insure them, you pretty much will not require anything else

their flash support is from what i understand the most versatile

unfortunetly at the moment it is rather pricey.
09-13-2009, 04:11 PM   #13
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5D2 as I'm a takumar junkie =o If they will come up with a model that does not require mirror shaving, I would get that in a heartbeat
09-13-2009, 04:34 PM   #14
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Here's a handy link to m42 adapted to 5D Classic

Here's a handy link to m42 glass adapted to 5D Classic.

To shave or not to shave ? Nice list


M42 lenses on Canon EOS 5D - compatibility list


QuoteOriginally posted by Andi Lo Quote
5D2 as I'm a takumar junkie =o If they will come up with a model that does not require mirror shaving, I would get that in a heartbeat
09-13-2009, 05:05 PM   #15
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QuoteOriginally posted by Samsungian Quote
Here's a handy link to m42 glass adapted to 5D Classic.

To shave or not to shave ? Nice list


M42 lenses on Canon EOS 5D - compatibility list
Thanks alot Samsungian... I was thinking earlier today I should find a list like this!
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