d300 or 5d

[deedive]

I am not trying to start any company wars.
Here is my question, deciding between a d300 and 5d.
I shot low light (very low light) photography of people at events.

any comments?

[TimurCivan]

im in the SAAAME boat.... I want a 5D so bad it hurts......

[infokill]

I want a 5D so bad it hurts......

Me three.

[Spartacus]

I´m waiting for a "6D", the 5D has been out for some time now, my 20D has been "updated" two times already...
In need of a camera, I ´d go with a 400D right now and sell it as soon as an updated 5D comes out...

[MattinSTL]

Tough choice. I'm in the Nikon camp right now, but I was all Canon before that... and I actually shoot with a 5D for a company in town (occasionally)... The 5D is very nice. If I could get into a 5D somehow I'd have no problems switching back to Canon.

This entire debate hinges on you having or buying great glass either way. If you don't have 2.8 or faster glass then the whole low-light thing is a mute point. (I'm sure you already know this)

[bbguninteractive]

The d300 is a lot better camera (better built, faster fps, better focusing built in flash)but the 5d will be slightly better in available light. You could always get a Nikon D3 & have it all. I bought both the d300& the d3

[deedive]

im in the SAAAME boat.... I want a 5D so bad it hurts......

Yes, i think photography hurts in general. :cheesy:(my wallet) The 5d is really cheap now (compared to before). Its due for a update. But people where talking about a new one last year. :( (6D, 7D...)

I´m waiting for a "6D", the 5D has been out for some time now, my 20D has been "updated" two times already...
In need of a camera, I ´d go with a 400D right now and sell it as soon as an updated 5D comes out...

the 5d was 3000.00 when it was new. If the new one is 3k it is out of my price range. I sold my d50 for a 30d a while back. Somehow i got my hands on a 5d for a while and it is a huge step above. too bad i had to give it back.

This entire debate hinges on you having or buying great glass either way. If you don't have 2.8 or faster glass then the whole low-light thing is a mute point. (I'm sure you already know this)


Canon has faster glass but i like the nikon bodies and button placement.
i have zeiss glass on my canon now. If i sell all of my lenses i can buy zeiss zf with nikon mounts. so it wouldnt be too painful a switch. And maybe throw in one good zoom.


The d300 is a lot better camera (better built, faster fps, better focusing built in flash)but the 5d will be slightly better in available light. You could always get a Nikon D3 & have it all. I bought both the d300& the d3

wow, i wish i could do that. im still a poor man. A d3 is just a dream for me.

[bbguninteractive]

Lots of Nikon D300 high iso samples & discussions here
http://www.nikoncafe.com/vforums/forumdisplay.php?f=165

[avplumber]

this probably isnt an issue for you, but it became an issue for me. i started shooting Canon SLR about a year ago, and i've bought a few lenses. i'm looking at getting a 35mm adapter for my FX1 and HVX cameras. these adapters dont work well with Canon lenses because there's no manual iris adjustment on Canon glass. Nikon lenses have this adjustment (for the most part), so now i'm looking at switching from Canon to Nikon so i dont have to buy 2 sets of lenses for 2 different camera systems.

e

[deedive]

BB, your link lead me to a guy that at some point own both cameras. thx

this probably isnt an issue for you, but it became an issue for me. i started shooting Canon SLR about a year ago, and i've bought a few lenses. i'm looking at getting a 35mm adapter for my FX1 and HVX cameras. these adapters dont work well with Canon lenses because there's no manual iris adjustment on Canon glass. Nikon lenses have this adjustment (for the most part), so now i'm looking at switching from Canon to Nikon so i dont have to buy 2 sets of lenses for 2 different camera systems.

e

i have a few 35mm adapters so i know what u mean. But i got a thingy for zeiss lenses to work on canon eos camera bodies and 35mm adapters. I can also put nikon, leica R, and a few other brands of lenses onto canon eos bodies. So if i switch to nikon do u want some zeiss glass? One thing that i will miss, if i switch is that on the zeiss/canon lenses i have focus assist (you know, it beeps when its in focus) on my slr. i dont think thats the case with the nikon.

Do manual lens beep when in focus on the nikons? would anyone have an answer for this?

[TimurCivan]

like a film stock. i like how the 5d renders an image. i just find it beautiful.

[MattinSTL]

I'm glad you said that... I have always said that I can spot Nikon photos from Canon photos... and even though I'd love to have a 5D and I'd dump all my Nikon gear for a 5D... I've always liked the "journalistic" look of Nikon photos, but it's funny... I can chalk it up to opinion and fully see it both ways. I think it's like really expensive wine and that some people would say you (and I) are nuts.

Sorry I'm not trying to pull you into my view of this... but I agree that certain cameras seem to impart some x-factor that not everybody can see... or maybe you'd say that in that case everybody can see it... I don't know, but when I shoot with the 5D I've always been happy with the results... even though I dig Nikon as well.

[Eastside Parkway]

My vote's for the D300. I would buy Nikon over Canon any day of the week.

[Spartacus]

My vote's for the D300. I would buy Nikon over Canon any day of the week.
Why?

[Rick Meyer]

This may be a ridiculous suggestion, that is if you've already done this...but I would feel the cameras. Go somewhere you can pick up both cameras and see how they feel.

A couple of years ago, while in a camera store, I picked up a Nikon D50 I believe, and loved the way it felt. Solid, quick response...I just really loved it. But, I bought my gf the Canon Rebel XT because of price point. The pictures are GREAT and I love Canon...but I have never forgotten how much I loved the feel of that Nikon.

Fast forward to a year or so later, my gf gets me a Canon XTi (yes, we like to out upgrade one another) because we can use each others lenses. Though, I still think about that fateful day I spent in a camera store loving the way that Nikon felt...

[TimurCivan]

i like how the 5D felt..... it just felt, looked and operated, "Right" to me..... I m totally in love with that camera.

[Eastside Parkway]

Why?

Because Nikon is better.

[deedive]

I've always liked the "journalistic" look of Nikon photos,
but I agree that certain cameras seem to impart some x-factor that not everybody can see...
definitely agree with u, for some reason when i think canon i think fashion photography and when i think nikon i think war photography. I have no idea why.

A couple of years ago, while in a camera store, I picked up a Nikon D50 I believe, and loved the way it felt. Solid, quick response...I just really loved it. But, I bought my gf the Canon Rebel XT because of price point. The pictures are GREAT and I love Canon...but I have never forgotten how much I loved the feel of that Nikon.

Though, I still think about that fateful day I spent in a camera store loving the way that Nikon felt...

Yes i think the rebels are still the best bang for your buck. For image quality and price u cant go much better. Only reason i didn't get the XT back in the day was it was too small for my hands.

Went to the store yesterday. Picked up the 5d again and it felt graceful, smooth and powerful. Picked up the Nikon and it felt hardcore, a small beast in my hand, like it wanted to beat me up. (which for some reason i liked). :)
If i had to go with feel i like the d300 slightly better. and i mean slightly. Maybe have to wait to see more low light d300 shots. Already know the 5d is awsome.

Plus I have to factor in that, when i get the 3 REDS i ordered it will he harder to get a eos mount. lol.

[Oynk]

this probably isnt an issue for you, but it became an issue for me. i started shooting Canon SLR about a year ago, and i've bought a few lenses. i'm looking at getting a 35mm adapter for my FX1 and HVX cameras. these adapters dont work well with Canon lenses because there's no manual iris adjustment on Canon glass. Nikon lenses have this adjustment (for the most part), so now i'm looking at switching from Canon to Nikon so i dont have to buy 2 sets of lenses for 2 different camera systems.

e

I was just in this boat. I decided to go with Canon because I think the 40d is a great value. I also like Canon's button placement and menus better than Nikon, but that it totally subjective (I own an A1 so I am probably just trained to think Canon makes sense).

Before you switch and have to buy a whole new set of lenses, I would consider this (http://www.shop.com/Novoflex_Eos_Reversing_Lens_Mount_To_Reverse_Mount _Eos_Lenses_On_An_Eos_Body-42821904-56610110-p!.shtml?sourceid=298). You can hook it up between your adapter and your EF lenses as seen here (http://redrockmicro.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=3137).

It depends on the type of shooting you are doing, this may or may not work for you . It will allow you to proceed with one set of lenses and it may be a better solution than replacing all of your glass.

[deedive]

now everyone can have aperture control on there canons. On me..

http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthread.php?p=1120516#post1120516
i would rather sell in NY but will ship.

[puredrifting]

I have Nikon glass and a D-80. Love them.

I have a friend who is a set photog for some of the biggest TV shows and he uses two 5Ds, great camera, great quality.

If I wasn't already invested in Nikon glass, I would buy Canon, I really like some of their features, lens lengths and speeds better than some of the Nikon glass.

That said, D300 is a killer cameras well. Full frame isn't that big of a deal, it's nice but not essential for 99% of amateurs and about 80% of pros. D300 is newer technology and you know what they say about digital stuff, always buy the most current that you can.

The beauty of the whole situation is that either camera is a great machine and is capable of shooting amazing images. As you know, it's really more about if you are any good as a photographer, not the camera.

Dan

[infokill]

like a film stock. i like how the 5d renders an image. i just find it beautiful.

My exact thoughts.
I have a nikon d50 right now that is due for replacement (not really though lol)
The skin tones the 5D gives are great imho.
Anyone know a good place where i can buy a used 5d?

[deedive]

im still deciding, but need autofocus lenses for work. adorama has a used 5d for 1950. not much of a discount.

[strancali]

I'm sure you guys have seen this website before but man just look at the images the Canon 5D can produce. I want one so bad right now too. I like Nikons also but I guess it depends on the price range. If you're going to spend a few thousand, I think the 5D would be a better choice. Just look at those photos WOW!

http://www.cambridgeincolour.com/cambridge-gallery.htm

[Mino]

Those are some cat's ass images, thanks for the link!

[strancali]

LOL Mino, cat's ass?

[mcgeedigital]

I'll be getting the D300

[Eastside Parkway]

I'm sure you guys have seen this website before but man just look at the images the Canon 5D can produce. I want one so bad right now too. I like Nikons also but I guess it depends on the price range. If you're going to spend a few thousand, I think the 5D would be a better choice. Just look at those photos WOW!

http://www.cambridgeincolour.com/cambridge-gallery.htm

Just so you know, those images are not straight out of the camera. They're HDR. Any camera can do that if the photographer knows how.

[Pierre Petit]

I just got a 40d, i wanted a 5d but untill the successor(6d?) comes out i think the 40d is a better deal. Depending on what you use it for i kind of understand(after doing much research on the net) it is almost on par with the 5d quality wise. Also i got a good EF-s glass and it would have been very costly move to full frame.

[strancali]

Nice Pierre, I did some more research and it turns out that the Nikon d300 is pretty sweet too. The d300 has 14bit and tons of features that the 5D doesn't have and it's cheaper. I guess if you want good low light images than the 5D would be better but then again, Canon will answer the D300 with a new model. Arghhhhhh.... confused. I'm looking into picking something up soon.

[strancali]

Yes Eastside I did notice that on his website. I guess HDR will sell more photos.

[deedive]

Nice Pierre, I did some more research and it turns out that the Nikon d300 is pretty sweet too. The d300 has 14bit and tons of features that the 5D doesn't have and it's cheaper. I guess if you want good low light images than the 5D would be better but then again, Canon will answer the D300 with a new model. Arghhhhhh.... confused. I'm looking into picking something up soon.

the d300 is pretty dayum great. It has much less noise then the old version and 6400 ISO!!! which has pretty low noise. With a 2.8 zoom or 1.4 prime its like nightvision!

[TimurCivan]

Got the 5D..... ITs AMazing..... I love it.... the grain at 1600 ISO is like 200 ISO on my Point and shoot......

[deedive]

cool Timur! 5d is a great camera.
i got the d300. with some new glass.
Want a zeiss 85mm 1.4 with aperture ring, to go on that 5d? i got one waitin for u with the adapter.

u can look at it right here.
http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthread.php?t=118114

[TimurCivan]

hey dale lets talk.....

call me. or shoot me an email...

[WaveRiderXIX]

If you shoot highISO and need that, get the 5D.
But If you need speed, by all means get the 300. It's awesome.
The 5D produces an amazing picture, but I just like the way a Nikon feels in my hands. It works for my workflow.

You're going to have to just go to a store and try both side by side to feel out your decision.

[TimurCivan]

yea speedy instant setting adjustments isnt the 5D's strong point. nikons are much better for this. but i shoot portraits..... so i like the way it renders images...

[infokill]

Anyone know anyone who is willing to trade a used 5D body for a Macbook :)

[TimurCivan]

No way...... ;)


well maybe for an amiga.....

[infokill]

I was serious :(
brand new too.

[Spartacus]

Do you want the MacBook or the 5D...?

[infokill]

I want the 5D.
I have a practically new Macbook for my studio that ended up being extra.
So i just use it to web-browse lol.

[TimurCivan]

a 5d is worth 10 macbooks in awesome factor*




*opinion.

[infokill]

a 5d is worth 10 macbooks in awesome factor*




*opinion.

Duh lol.

[strancali]

dudes, I just got myself a 5D too! Will be getting here Tuesday, I can't wait!!!