Full Frame on a Budget: Why the Canon 5D Classic Is a Steal Under $200

Island By Film
10 Apr 202413:53

TLDRIn this episode of Island by Film, Wes discusses his recent purchase of the Canon 5D Classic, a camera that, despite being 20 years old, offers exceptional value and renowned image quality. He shares his experience of buying the camera for $175 and the minor repair needed to fix a mirror issue. Wes highlights the camera's full-frame sensor, which provides excellent color science and tonality, a simplified menu system, and a vast library of compatible Canon EF lenses. The camera's RAW image capture is impressive for its age, and its handling is comfortable and professional. However, he also points out the drawbacks, including the lack of a live view screen, the use of more expensive Compact Flash cards, limited autofocus capabilities, and the camera's significant weight. Despite these cons, Wes finds the camera's value undeniable, especially for under $300, and recommends it for those looking to add a full-frame option to their collection.

Takeaways

  • 📸 The Canon 5D Classic is considered a great value under $200, offering full-frame image quality at a fraction of its original price.
  • 🔍 Despite being 20 years old, the camera is still used by professionals for its renowned image quality.
  • 💲 The reviewer purchased the camera for $175, which they acknowledge as an exceptional bargain, with an average price point under $300.
  • 🧩 The camera had a mirror issue but was easily fixed by the reviewer with online guidance, highlighting the robustness of the camera's design.
  • 📷 The 5D Classic features a 12.8-megapixel full-frame sensor known for its excellent color science and image output, favored by portrait photographers.
  • 📚 It has a simplified menu system that is easy to navigate, contributing to its ease of use.
  • 🔧 A vast selection of Canon EF lenses are compatible with the camera, including many affordable options on the used market.
  • 🎞 The camera's RAW image capture provides a good dynamic range, despite the lower megapixel count.
  • 📈 The reviewer appreciates the filmic image quality and the slow, methodical shooting process that the camera promotes.
  • ⚙️ The camera's tactile and comfortable handling with easily accessible dials make it a joy to use for photography.
  • 🔋 The battery life is impressive, with a single charge lasting for hundreds of shots.
  • 👎 The lack of a live view screen and the use of Compact Flash cards are downsides of the camera, contributing to its weight and inconvenience.
  • 🏞 The full-frame look of the images, especially when paired with a fast prime lens, is a strong selling point of the camera.
  • 📉 The camera's autofocus system is less advanced than modern cameras, with a focus and recompose methodology being necessary for best results.
  • 🏋️‍♂️ The weight of the camera is a significant drawback, making it less suitable for extended periods of use or travel.

Q & A

  • What is the title of the video episode Wes is discussing?

    -The title of the video episode is 'Full Frame on a Budget: Why the Canon 5D Classic Is a Steal Under $200'.

  • What is the Canon 5D Classic known for?

    -The Canon 5D Classic is known for its full-frame sensor, renowned image quality, color science, and value for money, despite being an older model.

  • Why did Wes decide to purchase the Canon 5D Classic?

    -Wes decided to purchase the Canon 5D Classic because of its exceptional value, full-frame sensor, and the fact that it was a significant bargain compared to its original price.

  • What was the initial issue Wes encountered with the Canon 5D Classic?

    -The initial issue Wes encountered was that the mirror from the prism had come off the actual shutter, making the camera unusable at first.

  • How much did Wes originally pay for the Canon 5D Classic?

    -Wes originally paid $325 for the Canon 5D Classic, but after a refund due to the camera's initial issue, he ended up paying $175.

  • What is the resolution of the Canon 5D Classic's sensor?

    -The Canon 5D Classic has a 12.8-megapixel full-frame sensor.

  • What is the advantage of the Canon 5D Classic's lower resolution compared to modern cameras?

    -The lower resolution of the Canon 5D Classic results in smaller file sizes, which is beneficial for storage space and is adequate for most uses, including printing up to 11x14.

  • What is the main disadvantage of the Canon 5D Classic's screen?

    -The main disadvantage is the lack of a live view and an inaccurate representation of exposure on the rear screen, which forces users to rely on the histogram for proper exposure.

  • What type of memory cards does the Canon 5D Classic use?

    -The Canon 5D Classic uses Compact Flash cards, which are more expensive and less common than SD cards.

  • How does the Canon 5D Classic perform in terms of autofocus?

    -The Canon 5D Classic has a slower autofocus system with a total of nine focus points, six of which are usable, and it relies on the center focus point for the most accurate focusing.

  • What is the main concern regarding the weight of the Canon 5D Classic?

    -The Canon 5D Classic is quite heavy, which can be a disadvantage for those who need to carry it for long periods or want a more discreet camera for street photography.

  • What is Wes's overall recommendation for the Canon 5D Classic?

    -Wes recommends the Canon 5D Classic for its exceptional value, image quality, and suitability for those who occasionally shoot or even for daily use, despite its age and some drawbacks.

Outlines

00:00

📸 Introduction to the Canon 5D Classic

The speaker, Wes, introduces the topic of discussion - his recent purchase of the Canon 5D Classic. He shares his background as a family and wedding portrait shooter and his affinity for Canon equipment, specifically the Canon 6D. Wes narrates his search for a Canon 60D but stumbles upon the Canon 5D Classic, a 20-year-old camera with a cult following. He emphasizes the camera's value, having purchased it for a mere $175, and notes that even professionals still use it for its renowned image quality. Wes also discusses his experience with a malfunctioning mirror in the camera, which he managed to fix himself after an internet search. He advises viewers to research and inspect the camera, especially the mirror attachment, before purchasing.

05:02

🎞️ Reasons to Consider the Canon 5D Classic

Wes lists several reasons why one might choose the Canon 5D Classic. It has a full-frame sensor with a 12.8-megapixel resolution known for excellent color science and image quality. He mentions the simplified menu system and the extensive library of Canon EF lenses available. Wes also highlights the camera's raw image capture capabilities and dynamic range. He shares his personal experiences with the camera, noting the filmic image quality, the slow and methodical shooting process due to the lack of live view and slow autofocus, and the comfortable handling. Wes also addresses the camera's lower resolution compared to modern cameras, stating that 12.8 megapixels is sufficient for most uses and offers benefits in storage space. He also praises the camera's battery life and full-frame look, which helps separate subjects from the background.

10:06

🚫 Cons of the Canon 5D Classic

Wes discusses the downsides of the Canon 5D Classic. He points out the lack of a live view screen and the inaccurate representation of exposure on the camera's screen. He also mentions the use of compact flash cards, which are more expensive and less convenient than SD cards. Wes suggests workarounds for these issues, such as transferring images directly from the camera to a computer. He also notes the camera's limited autofocus points and the need to learn the focus and recompose methodology. Lastly, Wes addresses the camera's weight, describing it as heavy and potentially cumbersome for extended use or stealthy street photography.

🔚 Conclusion on the Canon 5D Classic

In conclusion, Wes weighs the pros and cons of the Canon 5D Classic and finds its value undeniable, especially for under $300. He suggests that the camera could be a great addition to one's collection for occasional use or even daily shooting. Wes is impressed by the image quality, comparing it to Portra film and sharing that all his images were edited minimally in Lightroom. He encourages viewers to share their thoughts on the Canon 5D Classic and any tips for getting the most out of it.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Canon 5D Classic

The Canon 5D Classic is a full-frame digital camera that was released by Canon over 20 years ago and has since gained a cult following. It is praised for its image quality and color science, which is often described as 'magical' by portrait photographers. In the video, the speaker discusses the camera's value, especially when purchased for under $200, and its continued use by some professionals despite its age.

💡Full-frame sensor

A full-frame sensor is a digital camera image sensor format that is equivalent in size to the 35mm film frame, which is the traditional size used in film cameras. The Canon 5D Classic features a 12.8 megapixel full-frame sensor, known for its exceptional image quality and color reproduction. It is a key selling point of the camera, as full-frame sensors generally provide better low-light performance and more detailed images.

💡Ergonomics

Ergonomics refers to the design of products to ensure that they are comfortable and efficient to use. The video mentions that the Canon 5D Classic has a solid build and good ergonomics, which means it is comfortable to hold and use for extended periods, a feature that is appreciated by the speaker and is a testament to its professional-grade design.

💡Canon EF lenses

Canon EF lenses are a series of interchangeable lenses produced by Canon for its EOS line of cameras. The speaker highlights the vast library of Canon EF lenses available for the 5D Classic, which includes both native Canon lenses and third-party options. The availability of these lenses provides photographers with a wide range of creative options and is a significant advantage of the camera system.

💡RAW image capture

RAW image capture refers to the process of recording all the information from the camera's image sensor in a file that preserves the full dynamic range of the image. The Canon 5D Classic is noted for its RAW image capture capabilities, which provide a significant amount of data and dynamic range, allowing for high-quality post-processing and creative flexibility.

💡Dynamic range

Dynamic range in photography refers to the ratio between the maximum and minimum measurable light intensities. A camera with a high dynamic range can capture a wider range of tones from the darkest shadows to the brightest highlights. The Canon 5D Classic's dynamic range is praised for allowing the capture of detailed images even in challenging lighting conditions.

💡Bokeh

Bokeh is a term used to describe the aesthetic quality of the blur in the out-of-focus parts of an image. The speaker mentions that full-frame sensors, like the one in the Canon 5D Classic, paired with a fast prime lens, can create a pleasing bokeh effect that helps to draw the viewer's eye to the subject by separating it from the background.

💡Compact Flash cards

Compact Flash (CF) cards are a type of flash memory used for data storage. The Canon 5D Classic uses CF cards, which are larger and more expensive than the more common Secure Digital (SD) cards. The speaker discusses the inconvenience of using CF cards, including the need for a specific card reader and the potential for damaging the camera's card slot if not inserted carefully.

💡Histogram

A histogram is a graphical representation of the distribution of tones in an image, showing the number of pixels for each tonal value. The speaker mentions using the histogram mode on the Canon 5D Classic to ensure accurate exposure, as the camera's screen does not provide an accurate representation of the image's brightness levels.

💡Center focus point

The center focus point refers to the primary autofocus point located in the center of the camera's viewfinder. The Canon 5D Classic has a limited number of focus points, with the center point being the most reliable for accurate focusing. The speaker discusses the need to master the focus and recompose technique due to the camera's focusing limitations.

💡Weight

The weight of a camera refers to its physical heaviness. The Canon 5D Classic is described as being quite heavy, which can be a disadvantage for extended periods of use or for photographers who need to travel light. The speaker mentions that the weight of the camera might deter some users from using it for street photography or carrying it for long distances.

Highlights

The Canon 5D Classic is considered a great value under $200, offering full-frame capabilities at a fraction of its original price.

The camera has a cult following for various reasons, including its renowned image quality that is still used by professionals today.

The Canon 5D Classic was purchased for $175, an exceptional bargain, and offers a full-frame camera body for under $300.

The camera's mirror issue was resolved by the user with online research and a simple fix, highlighting its repairability.

When purchasing, it's important to check the serial number range to avoid known issues with the Canon 5D Classic.

The 5D Classic features a full-frame sensor with a 12.8-megapixel resolution, known for its excellent color science and image output.

The camera has a simplified menu system that is intuitive and easy to operate.

There is a vast selection of Canon EF lenses available for the 5D Classic, including affordable options on the used market.

The camera's RAW image capture provides a remarkable dynamic range for its age and sensor size.

Shooting with the Canon 5D Classic offers a filmic image quality with warm and rich colors and a grain-like appearance to noise.

The slow autofocus and lack of live view encourage a more methodical and therapeutic shooting process.

The camera's tactile and comfortable handling, with easily accessible dials, makes it well-suited for professional use.

Despite being 20 years old, the Canon 5D Classic's 12.8-megapixel sensor is still adequate for most shooting needs, including family portraits.

The camera's battery life is impressive, lasting for hundreds of shots without needing to be replaced.

The full-frame look of the 5D Classic helps separate subjects from their backgrounds, enhancing the image's appeal.

The major drawback of the 5D Classic is the lack of a reliable live view screen for accurate composition and exposure setting.

Compact flash cards are more expensive and less convenient than SD cards, requiring careful handling and alternative transfer methods.

The Canon 5D Classic has limited autofocus capabilities compared to modern cameras, requiring users to master focus and recompose techniques.

The camera is quite heavy, which may be a disadvantage for those planning to carry it for long periods or in street photography.

Despite its drawbacks, the Canon 5D Classic offers undeniable value and excellent image quality, making it a great addition to any photography collection.

Create Stunning AI Art Instantly

No login. No cost. Just incredible AI images !

Create Stunning AI Art InstantlyGenerate Now