What's a great cheap replacement for the ole 5D?

[Emulex]

don't want to spend much! What would be a nice equivalent quality to a 1st gen EOS-5D? i suspect the modern APS sensors have progressed in the last 6-7 years to make them just as good for cheaps? So what's a good lightweight shooter that can equal the 5D in quality. I'm not into megapixel's just the same image quality.

$500~ was a good target price. Don't need any fancy kit lens will probably use a prime lens. Willing to try different brand.

I've got a nex-3 - it's nice but don't think the quality is that great? maybe the smaller sensor? or just low end camera.

 

[996GT2]

What do you mean, "equivalent quality"?

ISO noise? Dynamic Range? A lot of the latest-gen APS-C cameras (like the D5100 or D7000) will give you similar or better sensor performance compared to a 5D Mark I, but there are just some things you can do with a FF sensor that you cannot do with an APS-C sensor.

Your NEX-3's sensor is actually quite decent for an APS-C sensor. If it's not good enough for you, then I don't think any of the current APS-C sensors are going to be all that much better.

Another thing that's been said many times but is worth repeating anyway: the camera is only a small part of the equation. Lighting, composition, and many other factors contribute to the strength of your final image much more than the performance of the camera's sensor. Unless you're taking all of your shots on a moonless night, all the high-ISO performance in the world won't necessarily make your pictures better.

 

[JohnnyRebel]

don't want to spend much! What would be a nice equivalent quality to a 1st gen EOS-5D? i suspect the modern APS sensors have progressed in the last 6-7 years to make them just as good for cheaps? So what's a good lightweight shooter that can equal the 5D in quality. I'm not into megapixel's just the same image quality.

$500~ was a good target price. Don't need any fancy kit lens will probably use a prime lens. Willing to try different brand.

I've got a nex-3 - it's nice but don't think the quality is that great? maybe the smaller sensor? or just low end camera.

There will be nothing that will get you the same technical IQ as a 5D for anywhere near $500.

Keep the 5D.

JR

 

[Sp12]

The only crop sensors with technical performance better than the 5D are the 1D series from Canon (thousands) or the D7000/D5100/K-5/Sony A550 which all use the same 16.2MP sony sensor. Definitely not available for 500$, and even then you can't get around the advantages with DoF that larger formats provide.

 

[corkyg]

I use my 5D for all jobs that require low light work sans flash. Yeah - it's a load, especially with the 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS lens. For jobs with good light and higher requirements for portability, I use the SX 30IS.

Right now I am looking to trade my 5D towards a 5d MKII.

 

[arrfep]

There will be nothing that will get you the same technical IQ as a 5D for anywhere near $500.

Keep the 5D.

JR

This. I've been jonesin' for an upgrade too. Have had my 5D since late '07. Lately I've been lusting after Nikon stuff, and am considering grabbing a D7000. I'd probably get at least another usable stop each of high ISO and DR, but I just can't deal with the trade-offs. Wish the D800 and 5DIII would be leaked already.

 

[996GT2]

This. I've been jonesin' for an upgrade too. Have had my 5D since late '07. Lately I've been lusting after Nikon stuff, and am considering grabbing a D7000. I'd probably get at least another usable stop each of high ISO and DR, but I just can't deal with the trade-offs. Wish the D800 and 5DIII would be leaked already.

Solution: wait until D800 comes out and grab a D700 on the cheap.

Or splurge for a D800 😉

 

[JohnnyRebel]

Solution: wait until D800 comes out and grab a D700 on the cheap

Exactly what I'm gonna do.