Canon 5D Mark III Long-term Review

[TonyAndChelsea]

True, but that's not evident in most conditions, so it depends on how you're shooting and whether those artifacts are worth the extra expense.

[TonyAndChelsea]

I use a Sennheiser EW112PG3-A wired right into the camera if it's just one person. If it's two people, I wire the mics into a Zoom H4N and sync the audio in post.

[TonyAndChelsea]

I use the thumb controller, but I think you have to turn it on to control the AF points... Set it on the C.FN2:Disp./Operation menu, Custom Controls, and then the setting in the lower-right corner. Then you can move the AF point around with the joystick; it's pretty quick.

[joncothranphotography]

I found this a cool review. The price changes from the time of recording to now. The 32GB UDMA 7 CF card you mentioned was over $200 at time of recording and is $30 currently. The camera itself is around $600 gently used now. That's just crazy!

[TonyAndChelsea]

Yes, it's good for instant backups, or for using the eye-fi

[TonyAndChelsea]

It's not just you, but it's really just one of many features you need. For example, if the camera doesn't have a good AF system, it won't be useful for wildlife. If the controls are terrible, you'll be stuck with automatic settings. There's a lot more than image quality.

[TonyAndChelsea]

OK, so take the challenge-which scenes were filmed with which body?

I'll agree that the 5D3 wins hands-down at high ISOs, and I always make a point of grabbing it when we're shooting at night.

[TonyAndChelsea]

Raw image quality is indistinguishable at ISO 25, 000 and below, according to both my own tests (which included side-by-side examination by a panel of pros) and tests from organizations such as DXO.

I do talk about the vastly superior focusing speed of the 5D Mark III and specifically recommend it for wedding photographers, so we agree on that point... you make it sound like I think the cameras are identical in every way; that's definitely not the case.

[TonyAndChelsea]

Oh, I've read the stats on it. I plan to order one, too, for its video capabilities.

[TonyAndChelsea]

Get the Mark II, used if you can find it. If you said you were doing wildlife and sports, I'd push you to a 7D. The Mark II is definitely the better choice for portraits, and the AF system is fine for that. You'll finally take advantage of your 24-70.

You might also grab a 70-200 f2.8; Tamron makes a $750 model.

BTW, check Chapter 6 in Stunning Digital Photography (link in the description) for more information about portraits and portrait equipment (including studio lighting).

[TonyAndChelsea]

I'm not a fan of the A99. If you're a Stunning Digital Photography reader, check the Files tab for the DSLR Camera Buying Guide, because I have a comparison of their focusing systems in there, and a pretty detailed discussion of Sony as a system overall.

[TonyAndChelsea]

The biggest factor is going to be the types of photography you plan to do. If you're doing landscapes or portraits, get the 5D2. If you're shooting action, you should spring for the 5D3. Like the 5D2, the 6D's continuous focusing system is really only useful on the center point, so you're limited when composing action shots. However, it has some nice gadgets, like Wi-Fi and GPS.

Anyway, if you mention what your goals are, I can provide better recommendations.

[TonyAndChelsea]

Yeah, we've tried hand-held video for quick on-location shoots, and it's basically not doable without a large and expensive shoulder mount... and at that point, it would be easier to setup a tripod.

[TonyAndChelsea]

If it's for video, get a video camera. Check out the Black Magic cameras, too.

Modern video cameras are better at video than the DSLRs. There was a time period there when DSLRs were superior (when the 5D Mark II was new), but that time has passed.

[TonyAndChelsea]

Check out the Black Magic Cinema Camera. It takes Canon lenses, costs the same as the 5D3, and if you're a sticker for video quality, it's far, far better. It's also much more usable, because it's designed for video.

On Amazon right now, the 5D3 is 63% more expensive than the 6D.

[TonyAndChelsea]

I've shot weddings with both cameras, for the record.

My tests, and DxOs, show no significant difference in image quality below ISO 50, 000. But yes, I totally agree that the 5D3's focusing is far superior and that makes a huge difference for wedding photographers, which is why you and I both recommend the 5D3 for pro wedding photogs.

[TonyAndChelsea]

Good question, and I haven't seen anyone review the D800's capabilities at night. However, I'd steer you towards the Canon 6D. I have a review coming out next week, but for night photography, the 6D is even better than the 5D3.

[TonyAndChelsea]

It's glow wire. Chapter 10 in Stunning Digital Photography has a detailed description of how to do it.

[TonyAndChelsea]

I don't think we disagree. I specifically say the 5D3's video quality has some technical advantages over the 5D2's, but explain that depending on the type of work you do you might very well be better of spending the extra cash on lighting, sound, etc. The fact is many or most will never notice the video quality improvement.

[TonyAndChelsea]

The firmware update doesn't change the metering.