Upgrade Advice

ShrubMonkey

ShrubMonkey

Suspended / Banned
Messages
4,627
Name
Julian
Edit My Images
No
Hi Folks,

I've had my trusty old Canon 350D for some time now and have been considering and contemplating an upgrade at some point (faster focusing, higher ISO, better LCD screen, etc). I take all sorts of photography and having started a 365 personal challenge this year I'm hitting the 350D limitations more frequently.

Having recently been given a substantial sum of money, I'm re-evaluating my options. I was looking at either a Canon 50D or Nikon D300, but I'm now also considering the Canon 5D MkII. Obviously I do not want to jump into a quick purchase that I would later regret. So I'm looking for any advice on which way to go, play it safe and go with D300 or use this chance to go for the 5D mkII.
 
I guess it comes down to a few things - what do you shoot, what Canon gear do you already have, and whether you like the feel and operation of your choices - I don't just mean picking them up, but how the menus operate etc...
 
My Canon gear consists of:
Canon 350D
Sigma 18-50 DC
Tamron 90mm AF Di Macro
Canon 50mm 1.8
Canon 75-300 (yuck)

So as you can see no 'L' glass or other quality lenses (so switching to Nikon would not be too much of a loss) and obviously I would need 'L' glass if I went for 5D mkII

In terms of what I shoot, thats anything (expect studio) and I'm taking photos every single day.

Of course your right, I need to go and try out these cameras.
 
To be honest, you will be delighted with either of your suggested cameras.
You aren't heavily committed to Canon, so changing to Nikon isn't a huge financial burden and as you rightly say, you'd need to upgrade some of your glass, if you went with the 5D2.
As OutLore says, its down to how the cameras handle to YOU. The feel of the camera and access to menu items that you use regularly.
Good luck with whatever you decide. :)
 
ShrubMonkey said:
My Canon gear consists of:
Canon 350D
Sigma 18-50 DC
Tamron 90mm AF Di Macro
Canon 50mm 1.8
Canon 75-300 (yuck)
Click to expand...

you've got a couple of lens worth keeping but they'd not be too expensive to replace, so it's really a question of 5DII versus D300. try them out and see which you're happier with. if you could beg/borrow from family or friends that would be a bonus.
 
Spudgun said:
you've got a couple of lens worth keeping but they'd not be too expensive to replace, so it's really a question of 5DII versus D300. try them out and see which you're happier with. if you could beg/borrow from family or friends that would be a bonus.
Click to expand...

I was about to post something nearly identical to this! The only thing I'd add is that the D300 is currently considered probably the best DSLR available at the moment, but the 5DII isn't far behind so try them out to see which one works for you. Personally I can't get on with the Nikon button layout, so I've stuck with Canon.
 
Wow, thanks for all the prompt replies :)

Yes I need to try both, obviously the 5D mkII is substantially more (and need to consider L glass lenses on top).

Or maybe wait for the expected D400?
 
The trouble with waiting for the next model is a bit like doing the same with a new computer - within 3 months its superseded by something bigger and better. Where do you draw the line? Both the 5D2 and the D300 have their strengths and weaknesses, and we all have our opinions on which is the best camera out there. The problem is, that it is just an individual view. Pixel peeping is a waste of time, I sometimes wonder if the peepers ever find the time to actually go out and enjoy their photography. ;)
The bottom line is: Do you enjoy the camera and are you happy with what ends up on your HDD. :D
 
snowy said:
... the D300 is currently considered probably the best DSLR available at the moment...
Click to expand...

Sorry - that was a mistake on my part. The D300 is certainly good, but it's the D3X that's the best around right now, but that's considerably more expensive than the 5DII.
 
Am I missing something here? D300 and 5D2 are not really comparable.

If you want ultra sharpness, 5D2, 1Ds3 or D3x.

If you want high ISO, big dynamic range, super-good AF and still more pixels than any sane person can handle, D700 or D3. Maybe 1D3.

I was in a similar position recently and looked very hard at a D700 based switch to Nikon. But I'm heavily into Canon, and actually very happy with it. It would have been many thousands of pounds for, in reality, a handful of pics a year that the Nikon would do substantially better than my 40D. It just didn't make sense, but if I did a bit more action or wildlife I would have gone to Nikon.

Starting afresh however, I would go for the superb D700 without a moment's hesitation. Everyone raves about the D3, quite rightly, but the D700 is even better to my mind - smaller/lighter, has built-in flash, and takes an optional high speed winder. A 5D2 might suit others better, but those are the best/best-value DSLRs out there. D300 or 50D don't even figure against those two.
 
happy haggis said:
To be honest, you will be delighted with either of your suggested cameras.
You aren't heavily committed to Canon, so changing to Nikon isn't a huge financial burden and as you rightly say, you'd need to upgrade some of your glass, if you went with the 5D2.
As OutLore says, its down to how the cameras handle to YOU. The feel of the camera and access to menu items that you use regularly.
Good luck with whatever you decide. :)
Click to expand...

COUGH*** nikon d3
 
HoppyUK said:
Am I missing something here? D300 and 5D2 are not really comparable.
Click to expand...

Indeed I was just highligting if I should go for the best mid-range camera or take the plunge and go for a FF camera (used the 5D mkII as an example) so yes the D700 would be another consideraton.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top