back alley
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another 'best' question...
if you were to buy a used or discontinued full frame dslr... which would you choose and why?
if you were to buy a used or discontinued full frame dslr... which would you choose and why?
what's the 'best' used ff dslr?
- Thread starter back alley
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hipsterdufus
Photographer?
Any budget constraints? It's hard to beat a Canon 5D MK1 for bang for the buck. I've owned one twice. I just wasn't a huge fan of manual focusing with it with legacy glass. Couldn't complain about IQ/usability.
x-ray
Veteran
Top end, Nikon D800/E or D600 if budget is an issue. I think but have no experience with the Canon 5D series but the 5DII should be a good camera. If you want inexpensive the Canon 1DsII is excellent. I used a 1DsII for about 6 years and think it's still an excellent camera. I'm currently using a Nikon D800 and Df. The D800 and Df are in a class all their own.
YYV_146
Well-known
Not Canon for starters - poor IQ since the 5d mk1 days, and the lack of flexible spot metering is an issue. And if you can afford the Canon lenses that Nikon doesn't offer equivalents, you can probably also afford a brand new 1d...
The D700 shows its age in IQ but is a very good body otherwise. The D610 is much better image-wise but lacks quite a few "pro DSLR" functions. Anyways, if I were to choose it would probably be between a D700 and the A900, depending on the need for high FPS shooting. The A900 uses the Nikon D3X sensor, which is still among the best FF sensors for color depth.
The D700 shows its age in IQ but is a very good body otherwise. The D610 is much better image-wise but lacks quite a few "pro DSLR" functions. Anyways, if I were to choose it would probably be between a D700 and the A900, depending on the need for high FPS shooting. The A900 uses the Nikon D3X sensor, which is still among the best FF sensors for color depth.
jordan.dickinson
Jordan Dickinson
Nikon D700 in my opinion. I still love mine and haven't upgraded for years now. Used, they are still a viable option, depending on if 24mp + is a priority. To me 12mp is usually just fine.
Godfrey
somewhat colored
anselwannab
Well-known
I have a 5dii and while I know the 800 and 5diii are better cameras, for used prices it's hard to beat the 5dii. I use it more for landscape and portraits, so the AF isn't much of an issue- that's what my used 1Diii is for. Enough megapixels for most applications and cropping and good enough IQ. Pixel pepping sometimes doesn't look good, but then I actually print the pic, or any kind of on screen use and I'm never dissatisfied. I don't hear a lot about issues with used ones. I might look at a used 6D too.
Ko.Fe.
Lenses 35/21 Gears 46/20
What a load of genuine, warm and fresh BS 😀
This is how "poor IQ" looks from 5D SOOC:
Have 5Dc for years now, why to upgrade if they still offer some fancy new cameras with 12MPs. 🙂 You are looking at something like 500 CAD.
MKII is more advance and should be under 1K now. But many still prefer 5D MKI a.k.a. 5DC due to its unique IQ.
The only serious issue with 5Dc for me - it is not suitable for close street photography. Fine with 50mm prime, but at 17-28mm it is shutter. People wonder what is the loud bang they just hear.
This is how "poor IQ" looks from 5D SOOC:
Have 5Dc for years now, why to upgrade if they still offer some fancy new cameras with 12MPs. 🙂 You are looking at something like 500 CAD.
MKII is more advance and should be under 1K now. But many still prefer 5D MKI a.k.a. 5DC due to its unique IQ.
The only serious issue with 5Dc for me - it is not suitable for close street photography. Fine with 50mm prime, but at 17-28mm it is shutter. People wonder what is the loud bang they just hear.
back alley
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to be clear...this was a question plucked from the ether...
IF i were thinking about it for myself...i would look at 35/85 primes or a zoom...something like 24-70...
YYV_146
Well-known
These are fine pictures, but unfortunately meaningless from a "IQ discerning" standpoint. To actually gauge the IQ of any modern camera, you'll need to look at the RAW files and do some tests. Weakness is not going to be visible if you are shooting at normal conditions, such as your pictures.
Canon IQ is poor because:
1. All of their sensor have way too much color noise at almost all iso levels. I can brighten the shadows on a 5dmk3 file by two stops and get highly visible color noise. The issue is considerably worse on the older models.
2. Low DR at low iso levels. The D700 has twice the total dynamic coverage of the 5dmk2. This means more manageable highlights and shadows.
3. Low color depth at low iso levels. Boosting saturation easily results in tearing effects of color patches with Canon sensors.
Canon cameras are fine if, as you demonstrate, the light is good/even and you don't feel the need to push files in processing. But there are moments when even the best photographers make mistakes and must correct them after the picture is made. Also, why would anyone want a FF DSLR other than to shoot under less-than-ideal conditions?
kxl
Social Documentary
Kind of a trick question, isn't it? What you consider the best when brand new should still be the best when used. If you consider the Nikon D4s the "best" when brand new ($6500), shouldn't it still be the best even if it's used? Of course, it won't cost $6500.
Like Godfrey implied, when you buy a DSLR, you are really buying into a system. I am a long-time Nikonista and I can tell you that the best Nikon DSLR depends on what your needs are (of course, that's what any long-term Canionista or Pentaxian, etc... will tell you as well). Price is also an obvious consideration.
I make large prints on paper and on metal, and I need a LOT of megapixels, so for my needs, the D800E (and now the D810) is perfect. I own and use 2 D800e's.
Like Godfrey implied, when you buy a DSLR, you are really buying into a system. I am a long-time Nikonista and I can tell you that the best Nikon DSLR depends on what your needs are (of course, that's what any long-term Canionista or Pentaxian, etc... will tell you as well). Price is also an obvious consideration.
I make large prints on paper and on metal, and I need a LOT of megapixels, so for my needs, the D800E (and now the D810) is perfect. I own and use 2 D800e's.
taemo
eat sleep shoot
if I don't need to shoot higher than ISO1200 and 12MP is more than enough then no doubt the Canon 5Dc, you can snag one for $500 and lower.
back alley
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not a trick question...more a curiosity on my part.
so when looking at older tech/cameras what is lost is lower light shooting and less megapixels...it would seem.
so when looking at older tech/cameras what is lost is lower light shooting and less megapixels...it would seem.
kxl
Social Documentary
I am really fond on the relatively new line of f1.8 AFS lenses from Nikon -- 20/28/35/50/85. I have the 20/28/85. I would have bought the 50 but I already have a 50/1.4 AFS. Wrt the 35/1.8 AFS, I'm might pass on it in favor of the 35/1.4 Sigma ART, but I'm not much of a 35 FL shooter any more.
Wrt to a zoom, the 24-70/2.8 is big, bulk and just plain awesome!
ferider
Veteran
Actually, I'm looking for an A850 - because I love the Minolta lenses that I already have.
Anybody have one ? I have lots of Leica stuff to trade ....
(Forgive the shameless plug for my For Trade Add Joe 🙂 )
back alley
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ferider
Veteran
Cheap, and I already have the Maxxum primes which are really stunning, Joe.
kxl
Social Documentary
The larger pixels of the FF help with low light, when compared to DX bodies. However, there is more pronounced noise with the higher resolution bodies (D800/D800e/D810) compared to the other Nikon FF bodies, until you down sample the output from the 36mp bodies to equivalent resolution - then they are all pretty much comparable.
So, I would say that if you want to shoot in low-light and don't need to print large and want to spend less than $1K for a used and discontinued FF DSLR, go for the Nikon D700. I had one before I upgraded to the D800e, and it was/is one hell of a DSLR.
Paulbe
Well-known
joe--what's your "ether" budget?
lots of good new stuff doing a fine job in non-"pro" situations..
Paul
lots of good new stuff doing a fine job in non-"pro" situations..
Paul
back alley
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i've shot minolta lenses before...they are lovely no doubt!
