Thanks in advance for your input and opinons ... and yes, I've searched and researched and read ad nauseum, so if anyone is compelled to post "These questions have already been answered", save the wear and tear on your fingers and understand this question is being posed in the present, with new model releases and costs being what they are as of 2/23/07.
I'm a Digital Rebel XT owner who came into a couple thousand bucks unexpectadly (yay, casino dice) and is thinking about upgrading. I'm a rather rank amateur, but enthusiastic, and I really would like a camera that's more amenable to landscape photography. When I started looking at new lenses, I found myself reluctant to shell out $1000 on an EF-S mount lens, because I've always wanted to upgrade to full frame. Of course, I came into the $$$ the day the canon double rebate deal ended, else I probably would have already ordered a 5D and a new EF L lens.
That being said, after reading tons of posts the last few days, and reading ad nauseum the speculation on the 1D Mark III and the new "improvements", I'm wondering if I should still make a move to the 5D now, rather than waiting for a few months or maybe a year to see whether they upgrade.
I want to use the camera primarily for travel photos with the family. We've got some trips planned (to Traverse City, Michigan and Disney World), and I'd like to use the camera in both environments. Here's my concerns :
1. Since the new model Canon's all have dust reduction features, how big of a problem is dust for "limited use" users like me ? I haven't noticed a problem yet after using my Rebel XT for a year, but then again, I haven't taken it on any extended trips yet. Is this a feature worth waiting for , or just one of those complaints that affects a limited number of users, who happen to be rather vocal about it.
2. How's the 5D autofocus ? The improved 1D Mk III system, as described, sounds great ... but I've gotten good results with my Rebel, which has a similar autofocus system to the 5D from what I understand.
3. Does the lack of weather sealing really matter for a casual user ? I'm worried somewhat about taking the 5D to Florida in June, where the thunderstorms are a daily occurance ... but I'm capable of being careful with my gear. What problems occur in misty conditions, or if you use it briefly in rainy weather (taking appropriate precautions with an umbrella or poncho) ?
An ancillary concern of mine is low light performance. While I prefer shooting outdoors, on the trip to Disney, I'd like to be able to get some good interior shots of the family at restaurants, indoors in rides, etc.
This is probably going to be my biggest camera purchase for quite some time, so I'm more concerned with being happy with my purchase than anything else (ie, I'll wait if waiting is "right") ... but at the same time, if another rebate promotion is launched and the 5D is going to be right for me, I'd rather be snapping then waiting. At least these things tend to retain their resale value !
jcv
I'm a Digital Rebel XT owner who came into a couple thousand bucks unexpectadly (yay, casino dice) and is thinking about upgrading. I'm a rather rank amateur, but enthusiastic, and I really would like a camera that's more amenable to landscape photography. When I started looking at new lenses, I found myself reluctant to shell out $1000 on an EF-S mount lens, because I've always wanted to upgrade to full frame. Of course, I came into the $$$ the day the canon double rebate deal ended, else I probably would have already ordered a 5D and a new EF L lens.
That being said, after reading tons of posts the last few days, and reading ad nauseum the speculation on the 1D Mark III and the new "improvements", I'm wondering if I should still make a move to the 5D now, rather than waiting for a few months or maybe a year to see whether they upgrade.
I want to use the camera primarily for travel photos with the family. We've got some trips planned (to Traverse City, Michigan and Disney World), and I'd like to use the camera in both environments. Here's my concerns :
1. Since the new model Canon's all have dust reduction features, how big of a problem is dust for "limited use" users like me ? I haven't noticed a problem yet after using my Rebel XT for a year, but then again, I haven't taken it on any extended trips yet. Is this a feature worth waiting for , or just one of those complaints that affects a limited number of users, who happen to be rather vocal about it.
2. How's the 5D autofocus ? The improved 1D Mk III system, as described, sounds great ... but I've gotten good results with my Rebel, which has a similar autofocus system to the 5D from what I understand.
3. Does the lack of weather sealing really matter for a casual user ? I'm worried somewhat about taking the 5D to Florida in June, where the thunderstorms are a daily occurance ... but I'm capable of being careful with my gear. What problems occur in misty conditions, or if you use it briefly in rainy weather (taking appropriate precautions with an umbrella or poncho) ?
An ancillary concern of mine is low light performance. While I prefer shooting outdoors, on the trip to Disney, I'd like to be able to get some good interior shots of the family at restaurants, indoors in rides, etc.
This is probably going to be my biggest camera purchase for quite some time, so I'm more concerned with being happy with my purchase than anything else (ie, I'll wait if waiting is "right") ... but at the same time, if another rebate promotion is launched and the 5D is going to be right for me, I'd rather be snapping then waiting. At least these things tend to retain their resale value !
jcv