Another person upgrading 5D Mark ll and I need some advice

[impatronus]

Hi! I need a new camera - my 5DII is experiencing technical difficulties and is telling me its time for a change. We have been together since it was first introduced and I have learned so much with it. I am not a professional - but need to shoot professional looking shots for my business and the 5DII definitley helped me do that - in addition to shooting anything and everything I wanted to capture. Today, I shoot a lot of macro -- portrait and landscape as well. Need to shoot products (accessories) in full detail as well as creative shots of the products while in use (fashion/lifestyle), both wide and portrait. I also just love to shoot things I see/like and will continue to do that too. I do not shoot video at the moment  - however, I need to begin immediately. I have some great lenses (macro/portrait/telephoto/wideangle/standard), which I will continue using. There has been so much advancement, including connectivity, which is extremely limited on the 5DII, I am not sure where to look. I want a camera that will continue to make me a better photographer, like my 5DII has to done up until now. I greatly appreciate all of the advice/guidance from the community!!

[diverhank]

I'd consider either a 5D Mark IV or an EOS-R (with adaptor).  Either one will be an awesome upgrade to the 5D Mark II.

[impatronus]

Those were the two top on the list - can you share your reasoning as to why the EOS-R? Wondered if it would give me more of a runway into the future?

[impatronus]

always had a canon and always will - I am not even considering a different brand. Regarding post/editing - adobe and I are BFFs. For now, I want to bring great shots to the computer - so I am limiting this inquiry to cameras. Thanks for the feedback!

[diverhank]

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@impatronus wrote:
Those were the two top on the list - can you share your reasoning as to why the EOS-R? Wondered if it would give me more of a runway into the future?

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The 5DIV and the EOS-R share a common sensor.  EOS-R being newer enjoys the benefit of better software processing so you get a little bit more out of the same sensor (minor though).  The EOS-R price is better also.

I don't own either one at the moment but had played with both cameras for a few hours each. There's a steep learning curve but I do think that the EOS-R will give you "more of a runway into the future" as you put it. 

The EOS-R can focus better in lower light than any Canon camera out there.  It also has the most focus points.  Focus is fast and precise and using EF lenses is not a hindrance. You won't even know the adaptor is there. 

Outside of fast sports action shooting, the Electronic Viewfinder is actually a huge advantage over the optical viewfinder.  It is brighter and the image you see there before you take the picture is actually the image that you will get (exposure, white balance, everything).

For wedding and church shooters, the EOS-R  totally silent shutter option is a godsend.

For portrait shooters, the face and eye autofocus is incredible...it will help you nail the shot, even at f/1.2 every time.  No more focus and recompose or awkwardly and slowly moving that focus point with the joystick. This is perhaps, to me, the single most reason why I prefer the EOS-R

For macro and manual lenses crowd, the EOS-R's "focus peaking" feature makes manual focus easy.

The fully articulated screen is a feature many discount but how I often wish I had it.  There were times I needed to be really low to the ground (pictures of wild life at eye level or landscapes where I want to accentuate the foreground)...  Those I had to crouch or lie down on muddy ground...not fun as I'm not getting any younger.  One time I actually fell down and hurt myself while trying to get up.   With the articulated screen I can remain standing and looking at it.

I don't do video but I think it's just as good if not better than the 5DIV.

You probably be able to guess that given the two choices, the EOS-R would be mine but some will disagree.

[impatronus]

Wow- Thank you for such a thoughtful and detailed response!! I can’t wait to go see it/hold it/test it., using your comments as a guide.

[RobertTheFat]

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@diverhank wrote:

I'd consider either a 5D Mark IV or an EOS-R (with adaptor).  Either one will be an awesome upgrade to the 5D Mark II.

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I agree with Hank, but I would definitely choose the 5D4 over the R. You may not consider yourself a professional; but you need your camera for business, so you're a semi-professional by my definition. In such a situation, reliability is paramount, and the 5D series has always had that. The R may well prove to be the beginning of a game-changing product line, but early reports suggest that the bugs aren't out of it yet. (How could they be? It's a radically new implementation of the mirrorless concept.) If you already had a 5D3 or a 5D4 and just wanted something more innovative to play around with, the R could well be right for you. As it is, I'd take the conservative path and get the 5D4.

EDIT: I hadn't read Hank's reply when I posted mine. He makes an excellent argument in favor of the R, but I'd still favor the 5D4 for the reason stated above. (Full disclosure: I own a 5D3 and a 5D4, but have never used an R.)

Incidentally, one argument in favor of the R that Hank didn't mention is that because all focusing is done on the sensor, it never needs aotofocus microadjustment.

[RobertTheFat]

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@114470 wrote:

Glad to hear it impatronus as this is my first Canon camera ever so I'm in the process of learning what it takes to use this camera. Coming from using a Nikon, then point & shoot cameras. I wanted something more and to be allowed to use my own lenses of focal lengths.

As for the Canon R, I've seen and heard good and bad things about it. Price is one of those issues I must deal with as I'm cheap or just search for refurbished units. So in my option, if the "R" is on your list, I best wait a few years till the bugs are worded out and if you're considering the "R" best search for a lens adapter if you want to keep using those lenses you already have.

Good Luck with your search as I wish I had as many lenses as you currently do, But I'll have to start somewhere as this is a totally new system to me. But one thing is for sure, I'll not be using multi focal length zoom lenses all primes from here on out.

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I think you're making a mistake to rule out zoom lenses. Zoom lens technology has improved considerably since your (and my) film Nikon days. It's frankly hard to justify the use of prime lenses anymore.

My wife and I, who are pretty well equipped, have, between us, exactly two prime lenses. And only one of them, Csnon's excellent 60mm macro, ever gets used.

[ebiggs1]

"I agree with Hank, and Robert, but I would definitely choose the 5D4 over the R."

Go with the 5D Mk IV.  It is the more "general use" version. And, that sounds like what you are wanting. As for using zoom lenses, zooms are where it at these days.  They are so good now, especially the two best in class Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM Lens and it's big brother EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM Lens, the need for a prime for IQ is gone.

I am glad you are getting up close and personal with PS and or LR.  It and the gear listed is the best photographic gear on the planet.

The only problem here is, if the photos are not good it is you not the gear!

[impatronus]

Going to test the two cameras over the next few days. I will let you all know my findings. I wish there was a way to rent the bodies, even overnight, so I could give them a true test run with different lighting, lenses and locations. oh well. I will go to a few different stores and get as much out of the day as I can.