Camera Bodies

[Kayaker72]

I was wondering what people's thoughts were on their camera bodies moving forward. Are you looking for mirrorless to take the next step forward? Or is it already there (M5/M6, Sony/Fuji/Oly/Panasonic)? Are you set with your current body? Waiting for prices to drop? Or looking for a specific feature? Do you have an upgrade path?

I just pulled the trigger on a refurb 5DIV. This is about when I thought I would probably upgrade, about 1 year after the release. With a price of $2,379, I doubt I will see it for much less for awhile.

Ultimately, for me, the upgrade is a bit odd as I am very happy with my 5DIII. But I have decided on a strategy of selling my current body while there is still strong resale and I can resell it in good conscience knowing whoever buys it is getting what should be a great camera for years to come. My 5DIII currently has ~63K shutter actuations and used 5DIII's are going for $1,300-$1,600 on ebay. At this rate, if I waited another 4 years, I would be ~120-130k actuations, nearing the 150k actuations the 5DIII's shutter is rated and, thus, end of its rated life. Based on current prices of 5DII's, I would expect the resale would be less than $500, and justifiably so.

So, as long as the refurb camera body is as good as my experience with refurb lenses (which is excellent), I am excited about the upgrade.

But, this got me thinking, I just signed up for another ~4 years with a strategy of a single "generalist" do everything well camera body. I have added the M3/G7X II, but those are more for size/weight when needed. In terms of when I intended to go and shoot, I will be taking the 5DIV.

Given the cameras currently available, I still think this is the best strategy for me. But I can see my next upgrade cycle to be towards a two camera body system where the bodies are more specialized. Something like a high resolution (5DsR Mk ??) and something more geared for faster action (7D III or even 1Dx ??). I enjoy OVFs and generally like the ergonomics of the 5D cameras, so no current mirrorless camera appeals to me as my primary camera (the M3 is a great travel camera for when size/weight are factors, but, I am using the G7X II more).

So, that is my general path for my primary camera. Another 4 years with an excellent single camera I use for pretty much everything (5DIV), but I expect after that, I will be moving toward a two "primary" camera system.

I was wondering what other people where thinking?

[Joel Eade]

I do not have such a well thought out strategy but I can tell you that I have had good luck with used and refurbed camera bodies....

I have owned 40D, 7DII, 5DIII 715nm IR, 5DIV, 5DSr, 1DIII, 1DIV and 1DX.

I bought them all used after they had been out a year or more except for the 5DIV and the 1DX.

I had no problems with any of them. I think buying them used or refurbed is a great money saving plan because they do depreciate quickly.

In the future I would like to see Canon make a mirrorless that has AF capabilities similar to DSLR and also a medium format system would be interesting.

[HDNitehawk]

Currently I have a 7D II, 1D IV, 5Ds R and a 5M (wifes).
I feel like I am set for the next few years.

The next update to the 5Ds R might be of interest. Or the next 1D body.

Here is my dream plan.
My plan in four years is to move to a one body system, a 60mp, 12 fps weather sealed body with excellent noise reduction and increased dynamic range.
It will have a battery life of 1200 RAW shots and be full frame mirrorless with an AF system that never misses and is extremely fast.

[Jonathan Huyer]

I'm hooked on a two-body system, in the 1Dx and 5D lines. Having both available when I'm photographing a grizzly is a very happy time. I tend to upgrade sooner than I should (early adopter syndrome), but I never regret it. Even though the next upgrade is a few years away, I'm excited to see what it will be. With Nikon's new D850 out on the market, they've really raised the bar and I'm sure Canon will do their best to leap over it.

[peety3]

I'm in the good/bad position of being married to another Canon shooter. My plan these days is to buy a new camera annually, partly as a write-off and partly so that we don't end up with ancient cameras (two people * two cameras each). Right now, we've got two 1Dx, 5DsR, 5D4, and 5D3 (plus my trusty 1D3 that I refuse to sell). The 5D4 serves as both my wife's primary camera (lighter than a 1Dx, "safer" than a 5DsR as she's not disciplined enough to stay low ISO and shake-free) and a backup to "my" 5DsR. The 1Dxes get hauled out for action (not necessarily for frame rate, but for their responsiveness, and certain other features), and now that we got the 5D4, the 5D3 collects dust (actually it's on loan to my dad with our 100-400) but it is available for when we do Alaska cruises (I roll with three cameras) and when I need a remotely-triggered camera.

However, I'm really torn on what to get next. Do I wait for a new version of the 5DsR, and pay bleeding-edge prices for it? Do I get a 1Dx2 and begin to phase out the 1Dxes (or realistically sell the 5D3 and move the 1Dx to dad's place)? I don't see a need for two 5D4s: if my wife is shooting with two cameras, she's going to want one of them to be a 1Dx for action, and if I'm shooting with two cameras, I'm going to want a 5DsR or a 1Dx long before I want a pair of 5D4s.

[HDNitehawk]

This year has been a disappointing year for those who feel the need to upgrade each year.
Maybe next year we will see a 5Ds R II.

[Kayaker72]

Very interesting reading what all of you are thinking.

In terms of yet to be introduced by Canon, I would likely be most interested in back side illumination (BSI) sensors, which is supposed to take sensor efficiency from ~60% to a theoretical maximum of ~90%. That would give ~0.5 stops improvement across the board and also max out what sensors can do. The Nikon D850 and Sony A7R II have BSI. Using DXO data, they have a slight advantage of the 5DIV depending on where you look. But, for the most part and despite the buzz, the 5DIV seems to hold its own and even beat them in some areas, so, as is usual, there may be a lot more to the story.

After that, I may want 120 to 240 fps in full HD video most. The 5DIV has 120 fps for "HD" video (720 p), so that is something I am interested in playing with. As I actually shoot a lot of family stuff and am working to mix in more video. I like the idea of taking a scene and slowing it down.

Then there are a few radom things, fast flash sync speed, built in intervalometer, etc. I do like the flip screen on my other cameras, but am not sure if I will like it on my main body. There is just a line that is crossed in how I am using the body.

Medium format could be an alternative to my super high MP camera that I can see wanting some day. My issue will be the cost of everything that goes into a new system (lenses, etc), but you never know and that could be a great two camera system (general purpose and MF systems)


This year has been a disappointing year for those who feel the need to upgrade each year.
Maybe next year we will see a 5Ds R II.
That is the rumor, a 5DsR II, 7D III, and a "new dSLR" next year. Speculation for the "new dSLR" seemed to focus on a high MP/lower fps 1D series body. Then full frame mirrorless in 2019 and the next generation of the 1Dx and 5D in 2020/2021.

It actually lays out pretty nicely if you think about it from a revenue generation perspective for Canon. Of course, add in new lenses/rebels/M series bodies in there as well.


However, I'm really torn on what to get next. Do I wait for a new version of the 5DsR, and pay bleeding-edge prices for it? Do I get a 1Dx2 and begin to phase out the 1Dxes (or realistically sell the 5D3 and move the 1Dx to dad's place)? I don't see a need for two 5D4s: if my wife is shooting with two cameras, she's going to want one of them to be a 1Dx for action, and if I'm shooting with two cameras, I'm going to want a 5DsR or a 1Dx long before I want a pair of 5D4s.

Bit of a tough call. Even when new, a 5DsR will likely be less than a 1Dx II. Plus, the 1Dx series is intended to last longer. So, to me, you would really need to want a feature in 1Dx II to update. Otherwise, I suspect the 5DxR upgrade will be both less expensive and likely expand that camera's ability a bit more than the 1Dx vs 1Dx II. Of course, this is speculating about a yet to be announced camera. ;)

[HDNitehawk]

Speculation for the "new dSLR" seemed to focus on a high MP/lower fps 1D series body.

Lest we forget the 1Ds IV.

I think the days of two different 1D production bodies has past.

[Dave Throgmartin]

I think I'm going to go back to a crop sensor if the 90D / 7D Mark III offer a modest resolution bump, acceptable ISO, and improved dynamic range.

I've figured out I'm not willing to spend enough on camera equipment to really shoot full frame. I've enjoyed the 6D using it for 4 years now without an upgrade, but the 6D Mark II in my opinion is not a compelling upgrade and the 5D Mark IV is more camera than I really need.

I can't see myself leaving Canon because I like the lenses and don't want to lose all of the money in a system swap.

Dave

[NFLD Stephen]

I don't really have a plan either. Currently using a 5dIII which I am very happy with. I'd like to upgrade, but I'm not sure any of the current bodies have any compelling features for me to justify the upgrade cost at this point. Having said that, I'm not really sure what I would like to see to prompt an upgrade....I suppose just general improvements across the board (MP, noise, AF, etc.). I would like to have an intervalometer built-in (which the 5dIII doesn't have), but that's not enough of a specific need to force an upgrade. My other issue is that I'm not sure I want to hang on to the 5dIII for several more years to possibly wait for a 5dV; I'm not sure my current camera would last that long. So I may be interested in one of the other 5d versions (maybe a new sR?). I looked at the 6dII, but seemed like more of a lateral move from my 5dIII.

Stephen

[Kayaker72]

In reading this, "upgrade path" may not be what I am doing any longer. There was a point where I would shoot to need, decide what I wanted, and upgrade over time. While I still might want a few things, like a prime lens here or there, I am mostly set. So, really it is more of a maintenance path for me. Knowing that I plan to shoot for decades and the gear will eventually wear out.


I think I'm going to go back to a crop sensor if the 90D / 7D Mark III offer a modest resolution bump, acceptable ISO, and improved dynamic range.

I've figured out I'm not willing to spend enough on camera equipment to really shoot full frame. I've enjoyed the 6D using it for 4 years now without an upgrade, but the 6D Mark II in my opinion is not a compelling upgrade and the 5D Mark IV is more camera than I really need.

I can't see myself leaving Canon because I like the lenses and don't want to lose all of the money in a system swap.

Dave
Yeah, there would have to be something very specific that I wanted in another system to consider a swap. Right now, if you really wanted FF mirrorless, ok, Canon doesn't even have one. But the crop sensor mirrorless are pretty solid and the new sensor tech really seems to be keeping up with only negligible benefits of other tech.

As for APS-C, overall, to me it is a more viable option than ever before. I am not sure how much more it can improve (sensor performance is getting pretty efficient), but maybe another 1/3-1/2 of a stop. I occasionally think back to when I joined the forum in 2010. As many might remember, back then their was a common discussion between crop vs FF and a general consensus that FF was ~2 stops better in terms of most performance parameters. But, with the latest upgrades, current crop sensors actually exceed FF sensors (5DII) of that generation in some ways (low ISO DR) or have closed the gap in others.

Then throw in the cost, size, and weight advantages and I can really see why people would not need an "upgrade" path to FF. Crop is more likely than ever to suit someone's needs.

:)

I say that, but no one had better try to pry my 5D out of my hands. ;)


I don't really have a plan either. Currently using a 5dIII which I am very happy with. I'd like to upgrade, but I'm not sure any of the current bodies have any compelling features for me to justify the upgrade cost at this point. Having said that, I'm not really sure what I would like to see to prompt an upgrade....I suppose just general improvements across the board (MP, noise, AF, etc.). I would like to have an intervalometer built-in (which the 5dIII doesn't have), but that's not enough of a specific need to force an upgrade. My other issue is that I'm not sure I want to hang on to the 5dIII for several more years to possibly wait for a 5dV; I'm not sure my current camera would last that long. So I may be interested in one of the other 5d versions (maybe a new sR?). I looked at the 6dII, but seemed like more of a lateral move from my 5dIII.

Stephen

Ha....This is pretty much where I was at. But, as I do enjoy thinking about the gear, and am a bit into the latest and greatest. In thinking about an overall maintenance plan, I basically considered three options:


Just keep using my 5DIII and shoot until a real need developed or the camera died beyond reasonable repair. As a quick example, I talked about shutter actuations previously, from what I've read, replacing a shutter is only $300. Replace a shutter every 150k actuations and you can likely keep using the 5DIII for years and years.
Skip the 5DIV and wait for whatever is released after. I played with this and when factoring in resale value of the 5DIII, there was only a minor cost savings vs...
Upgrade to the 5DIV.


Really, all three are very viable options. The 5DIII is a great camera and as long as it is working, I can see running with it. But, me, personally wanting the latest, and running the numbers told me waiting a year wasn't so bad financially, so I have gone for the third option.

[wsmith96]

I don't really have a path planned out, or a plan at all. I've gone through my own personal preference test between FF and crop and I ended up selling both my 5D and 6D bodies. At the end of the day I didn't see a significant difference between the FF and crop based upon what I shoot and the prints I made (13x19). I'm holding on to the money from the FF cameras, and am considering a 5DMkIII used in order to get the auto-focus system. I think that is more of me wanting a FF camera rather than needing a FF camera though. I'm odd like that though, I want the latest, but I have my own personal spending threshold.

[Dave Throgmartin]

For me the biggest advantage of APS-C is cost. The 7D type cameras offer fantastic features and a huge amount less money than the 5D series. I'm not sure the image quality is there yet which is why I wait for the 7D3 :)

Dave

[Sheiky]

I've gone from a 450D to a 50D to a 5DII and last year I had a difficult decision to make. I pretty much only take photos during holidays so we try to go on holiday as often as possible :o so I doubted if I would really need a DSLR. In short "downgrading" to a mirrorless turned out more expensive than I thought and really not that beneficiary to me personally. Going all the way down to a "pro" level compact was tempting, but I was afraid to miss doing real photography and not be happy with the quality of the results. Then I chose to upgrade to a 5D3, however in the last couple minutes of decision making I saw the 5DS for a relatively small added cost...so I went for the 5DS.

I love the camera and it's so much better on pretty much every level compared to the 5D2 that I think I'm set for a while and don't need an upgrade soon. However the 5DS turned out to be quite an expensive upgrade as soon as I downloaded the first files to my computer(which was quite a good computer)....I needed a new pc badly with the large files. So I did a big overall upgrade.

I had some doubts if this was all worth it considering the amount of photos that I take, but it's also a hobby and hobbies just cost money.

Since then I also invested in a Lee Filter set and I'm more and more enjoying to take photos again so in the end I'm happier than ever.

Do I miss certain things? I'm a simple guy and use probably only 5% of the features that my camera offers(same counts for the little amount of apps on my phone). But one thing I do envy others for is the swivel screen when I have to go into backbreaking positions to take certain photos. I think the screen would be something I'd upgrade for in the future.

[Manofmayo66]

......I love the camera and it's so much better on pretty much every level compared to the 5D2 that I think I'm set for a while and don't need an upgrade soon. However the 5DS turned out to be quite an expensive upgrade as soon as I downloaded the first files to my computer(which was quite a good computer)....I needed a new pc badly with the large files. So I did a big overall upgrade.


Even though my photos are stored on a NAS, I find that editing them on an M.2 NVMe drive is the best. Can your computer handle the new NVMe drives? There might be a workaround possible, say installing a M.2 drive on a PCI-Ex4 card.

[Joel Eade]

For me the biggest advantage of APS-C is cost. The 7D type cameras offer fantastic features and a huge amount less money than the 5D series. I'm not sure the image quality is there yet which is why I wait for the 7D3 :)

DaveI had the 7DII for a while but found that to get the very best out of it required me to stay at relatively low ISO values. I think for someone who wants a DSLR that is versatile, has a lot of features for the money and is a decent action camera it represents a good value. It would also be a good macro body. I already owned 1D bodies when I got it and the IQ just did not compare so I sold it with a 17-40 Canon lens and bought a used 5DS-R.

[Sheiky]

Even though my photos are stored on a NAS, I find that editing them on an M.2 NVMe drive is the best. Can your computer handle the new NVMe drives? There might be a workaround possible, say installing a M.2 drive on a PCI-Ex4 card.
I'm pretty sure my pc could handle an M.2 drive, however I already had two SSD's in my previous pc and I kept them. All my photo's are downloaded to the second SSD to do most of the sorting and editing and afterwards I transfer them to the Raid HDD's in my PC. It works a lot faster than working from the HDD's. I don't know how much and if the M2 would improve the speeds. (PC is a I7 6700K, 32GB RAM, 2x512GB SSD, 2x2TB HDD in Raid, GTX1070)

[neuroanatomist]

No master plan for me. Started with a T1i back in 2009 (after a long P&S-only hiatus from film SLRs), soon moved to a 7D, then added a 5DII. Replaced both with a 1D X, and that's still meeting my needs just fine. Picked up an EOS M during the fire sale for travel/convenience, it spontaneously died about 2 years later, and for $10 more than Canon's flat repair fee I picked up a new M2 instead. Recently bought an M6, not really because I needed the upgrade, but mainly to hand the M2 down to my daughter (now 9, wanting something more flexible than the S100).

I've considered the 5Ds, but will likely wait for the MkII version.

[DavidEccleston]

I want a full frame with the 1DX II's pro level performance, with the 5D IV's improved sensor (ie: ability to push from shadows), at, preferably, less than the cost of a 7D II.

It's never going to happen, but that's what I want. ;)

[Kayaker72]

It's never going to happen, but that's what I want. ;)

This cracked me up.....

[Busted Knuckles]

Upgrade path???? Mine was more of a trip stumble fall thud dislocation groan and then some oozing.

T3i to 5d3 and now 1dx (that is for sale fyi) .

Just yesterday i looked up what the mf43 price/conversion might be.

I got the 1dx (used $3k and it still has barely 4k acuations) for a trip that didnt happen.

I dont do low light sports etc. Kayaker thought i was a birder only because that is what is world class in my neighborhood.

I have yet to print a 4th image. All my image consumption is on me 55" 10bit samsung 4k tv that is now my monitor. Soft proofing colors goes a long way to make 8 bit look like 10 but it doesnt quite get there.

All of this to say that bulk of FF is more hinderance than IQ for my purposes.

[Sean Setters]

5Ds R, maybe?

[Manofmayo66]

Where I go next is on my mind in the world of photography. I will keep my current body for astrophotography (6D), but would like to get a higher resolution body for landscapes, travel, etc. The 5DS(r) has been on my radar for some time now, as has the Sony A7r2 or 3. The IBIS would be a wonderful thing to have as I get older, as the cost of going to all IS lenses can be prohibitive.

I also expect to pick up my 2nd Tilt Shift lens next year, so IBIS might be an advantage on handheld shots. I find though, that the cost of Sony lenses to be too expensive for a hobby, especially to switch. I am happy with my current lens selection, and I am fine with using an adapter on the Sony camera.

I wish Canon would come out with a full frame mirrorless to compete with Sony (with a full size mount), but I suspect that would steal too much from the 5D series to make it happen any time soon.

[Photog82]

I don't have an interest in mirrorless at this time. I'm happy with the 5D line. Only improvement that I can think of is a better codec for 4k.

[Squidy]

My camera body has the same issue as my human body, unfortunately it's carrying too much weight.

I'd love to slim down both, my camera kit is just way too heavy at this stage. I'm not getting any younger and it's starting to become an issue. To the point where I don't even do much photography just so I can avoid carrying round my camera gear.

[Fast Glass]

Peety3, I am getting a 1D III soon as well. I've always wanted one and am now curious. Why do you not want to get rid of it? Doesn't it feel ancient compared the your 1Dx?

[clemmb]

I love my 1DIII. 10mp is usually plenty. If I had the opportunity to upgrade to a 1DIV I would but until, I'll keep using it. I also have a 1DsIII. Both are identical in terms of operating so its an easy switch back and forth but the 1DIII is usually my go to. :)

[Fast Glass]

I have always liked the 1D III. I have thought about getting a 1Ds III as a companion. But more than likely I'd would upgrade to a 1Dx. My thought is they both use the same bateries so I can snag a hell of a deal on a 1Dx body only.

So I would keep the 1D III and a 1Dx. Now that would be sweet.