https://blog.mingthein.com/2018/08/20/digital-classic-robin-reviews-the-original-canon-5d/#more-17429
I guess a lot of us are wrapped up in a mid-first-decade of the new century reappraisal/re-appreciation of just how good the camera tech was for the third generation of full frame gear.
Would be interested to hear back from the newest D700 users to see what they think. Chime in!
9 comments:
I'm not a Nikon user, but the 5D was and remains my only full-frame DSLR. My experience (I'm an old amateur) with the 5D mirrors Mr. Wong's. Used within its limitations, I get highly satisfactory results. And because it is simple and ergonomically sound, it is fun to use. By not stretching the 5D's capabilities, I don't have to use the (nearly invisible) LCD, and can trust either the metering system or, in constant light, use manual exposure.
Wobin is not wong.
I recently purchased a D700 along with the 24-120 f4.0 lens. I can echo many of Robin's pros and cons of using an older full frame DSLR. Like Robin, I have been firmly entrenched in the M43 ecosystem for many years and have come to rely upon the technologies present in the Olympus and Panasonic mirrorless cameras. I have a ways to go before I become proficient with the Nikon FF. I struggle with the OVF and chimping is foreign to me. Also like Robin,the "extreme" depth of field is taxing my ability to produce the results I am used to with a crop sensor camera. I also miss the focus peaking, live exposure tools and face detect autofocus available in mirrorless cameras. In the end it is all about the image and I have to admit that using a camera with a full frame sensor even one that is 10 years old has opened my eyes. I may not go back.
The Canon 5D and Nikon D700 serve as reminders DSLR model updates since then have been mostly iterative and not game changing with disruptive technology. The issue is one of perception, driven by marketing, where consumers expect some radical new feature will magically transform the quality of their photographic experience. Buyers’ remorse usually sets in after the disconnect between expectation and reality becomes evident. So it’s good to have these reality checks once in a while as reminder to preserve our mental and financial health.
"Field test" for the first time on Sunday. Literally. The Philadelphia Folk Festival is a 3-day music & culture event held in a farm field set in rolling hills. Things I like so far: it focuses faster and more accurately than I ever could; the weight of it acts as a stabilizer, so hand-held shots are possible at slower shutter speeds; I really like the images. Things I don't like: the weight (I possibly won't act on your recommendation for that 24-120 zoom because of the added weight); new learning curve.
Still using the baby brother of the D700, the D300, with no plans to change unless it's to buy the D700. However, there have been some amazing used deals on the D800 in my area and I was sorely tempted to pick one up. Like most of us here I suffer from GAS, but I've managed to not get too caught up in the marketing hype. Older stuff works just fine for my needs and that includes some printing. The price of new gear also makes it a lot easier for me to just ignore it. I'm sure the new Nikon mirrorless cameras will be good, maybe great, but I'm not interested at the prices they will be asking. I have the money, but Nikon is not getting it. My lighting game can always use an upgrade so I'm always on the lookout for good, cheap lighting. Kirk, maybe you can make some recommendations in that area?
The older medium format backs such as the Phase One P30 are selling for around $3,000 on ebay. I'm curious if you would be tempted to rediscover any of those.
The 5D was always a good camera, although not quite as good as the D700, but the 5DII was the benchmark to judge 'modern' DSLRs from, in my opinion.
Incidentally, the 40mm f2.8 Canon pancake lens Robin used is a cracker, I have one and I can vouchsafe for it: 6 elements in 4 groups, 1 aspherical element. I paid £120 for a mint, used example, (actually, Shirley paid for it as it was my birthday present this year!).
Dug up my old Pany L1 with the Leica Summy 25/1.4. Love the colors Shooting is tons of fun.
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