T2i Wise buy/sell decision?

D

DDirector

Veteran
I have a Canon T2i, Canon 17-55mm f/2.8 IS and a Contax Zeiss 85mm f/2.8

I would like to upgrade my camera to a 5D mkii as I still cant afford professional video cameras. So, its the best I can do at the moment.
Sell T2i & 17-55mm lens for the 5D mkii body.

In the end I have the 5D & 85mm Contax lens.
I probably wont be able to get more lenses until August or so most likely.
 
It seems to me that if you can't get more lenses, this upgrade doesn't make a lot of sense. Having only a 85mm will be very limiting. Consider an upgrade to a cheaper camera, so that you can also get some decent lenses. Interesting options: Nikon D5200, NEX-5N. You'd still have to get glass for them, but they're cheaper so this should be feasible.
 
It would depend on what you plan on using it for, but in my professional opinion it would be in your best interest to keep the t2i and try and invest in an 85mm 1.8 or 50mm 1.4 until you can afford the 5D. The t2i still will prove more useful in paid gigs with the added range from the crop factor + the 60fps mode, which allows for true smooth slow motion when converted in post. Additionally, you ll probably have more record time with the cheaper SD's/sdxc than the more expensive CF cards needed for the mk II. Best of luck!
 
Also, just as an aside, keep checking craigslist/kijijji and local ads for used 5d MKII's, they are getting cheaper and you may be able to find a good deal somewhere.
 
I'd say to wait until you can afford more lenses too. No point having that big sensor if you can't take advantage of the lens selections it offers. You could look at a collection of cheap older Nikon primes or similar - you could pick up a few lenses for $200-$300 if you hunt around.

If you are stuck with just an 85mm lens, it is definitely not worth the upgrade.
 
Yeah I think it's too early- the sensor difference is not night and day and the 85mm is way too limiting as your only glass.
 
DDirector said:
I have a Canon T2i, Canon 17-55mm f/2.8 IS and a Contax Zeiss 85mm f/2.8

I would like to upgrade my camera to a 5D mkii as I still cant afford professional video cameras. So, its the best I can do at the moment.
Sell T2i & 17-55mm lens for the 5D mkii body.

In the end I have the 5D & 85mm Contax lens.

I probably wont be able to get more lenses until August or so most likely.
Click to expand...

I'm in the same boat. I had a 550D and someone wanted to buy it off me when the 60D came out so I upgraded 3 years ago with the same image quality. I've been waiting for years for something new. I also wanted a FF Canon and rented many times where it was needed, but I stopped short of investing in one to own. I love the 5Dmk2, but it's old technology, and still almost 2 grand for a body. an Mk3 is 3 grand and it's claimed to be soft compared to the MK2. So where do I go? The 60D is making money with no complaints from clients and the APSc format is more forgiving to keep in focus. I'm from the era when we were worried about not being in focus where now soft focus seems that it's sought after.
I'm going to hold my breath and wait till something is released that is a real improvement. If you have that nice Canon 17-55 2.8 and that beautiful Zeiss 85. I'd stay in the APSc format unless you shoot stills that need to be blown up. I've been following the prices of MK2s and love them, but when it comes to forking over the cash for a 2008 design camera don't think it will happen.
 
ROCKMORE said:
I'm in the same boat. I had a 550D and someone wanted to buy it off me when the 60D came out so I upgraded 3 years ago with the same image quality. I've been waiting for years for something new. I also wanted a FF Canon and rented many times where it was needed, but I stopped short of investing in one to own. I love the 5Dmk2, but it's old technology, and still almost 2 grand for a body. an Mk3 is 3 grand and it's claimed to be soft compared to the MK2. So where do I go? The 60D is making money with no complaints from clients and the APSc format is more forgiving to keep in focus. I'm from the era when we were worried about not being in focus where now soft focus seems that it's sought after.
I'm going to hold my breath and wait till something is released that is a real improvement. If you have that nice Canon 17-55 2.8 and that beautiful Zeiss 85. I'd stay in the APSc format unless you shoot stills that need to be blown up. I've been following the prices of MK2s and love them, but when it comes to forking over the cash for a 2008 design camera don't think it will happen.
Click to expand...

Apparently it sharpens well in post. But that's not my cup of tea either...
 
DDirector said:
I have a Canon T2i, Canon 17-55mm f/2.8 IS and a Contax Zeiss 85mm f/2.8

I would like to upgrade my camera to a 5D mkii as I still cant afford professional video cameras. So, its the best I can do at the moment.
Sell T2i & 17-55mm lens for the 5D mkii body.

In the end I have the 5D & 85mm Contax lens.


I probably wont be able to get more lenses until August or so most likely.
Click to expand...
I got a 5 part location shoot starting in May where I need a backup camera and a longer lens for race track series. Since there is nothing new in Canon APSc out I decide to get a 600D as the spare camera in the bag. It's very cheap and has the 3x crop mode which will expand my telephoto capability at the same time. My theory is when I add an updated body to replace the 60D it could be a 5D2 full frame along with the 600D which is light weight to carry along. This would be the best of both worlds and a backup body is necessary on a paying job.
When I travel and shoot alone I have a tripod, jib, small dolly and audio gear so I'm already pretty loaded down as it is. A FF camera for wide shots along with a 3X crop camera for long shots could cover a lot of ground with the least amount of glass.
The 5D2 with a 24-105 f4 plus the 600D together will actually cost less than a 5D3 body. Maybe get an Mk3 later if the price ever drops back to reality.
 
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Just a note: I have decided a while back that the 5D is not for me. I am thinking about the BMC 4K at the moment. But everything is open right now.
 
DDirector said:
Just a note: I have decided a while back that the 5D is not for me. I am thinking about the BMC 4K at the moment. But everything is open right now.
Click to expand...

If I were planning a feature project I'd do the same, but with my documentary work I can't afford to miss a shot. The car only passes the checkered flag once and this client will know if I got it or not.
DSLRs may not be as high resolution but they are reliable for run & gun work.
Good luck with your project!
 
The T2i (with Magic Lantern) has better overall image quality out of the camera than the 5D Mark III at anything ISO 800 or below.

However the downside to the T2i is that it over heats very easily. So it is a risky proposition for live event situations.

Comparing the T2i to a 5D Mark III from an artists' perspective is comparing Apples to Oranges as both have different sensor sizes.

For an economical "video camera" purchase I'd get the Panasonic GH3 as it is essentially a TRUE video camera within a DSLR body. The advantage you have is that you don't have a bunch of lenses yet so you can still jump into a different camera mount system without alienating your investment in lenses.

But it all still comes down to STORY and HOW you plan on telling the stories. The camera is still a tool afterall.
 
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