10 reasons to get a Canon 5D mark 1

It's 2017 and people are asking me whether I still recommend the Canon EOS 5D classic (mark 1). I still own one and I still think it's a great camera. Here are 10 reasons why.

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[ericnathanguel]

I still use the Mark 1 for professional work (and a Mk II). Only time I get raised eyebrows is from other photographers. :-D Love the Mark 1. The back screen is horrible, but that just trained me to turn off preview mode completely and spend more time actually framing images. When you load the photos on to a computer, the images are gorgeous. I suspect I'll have a Mark 1 in my camera bag for years to come.

[pdpiper]

I've been using my 5D mk 1 for 10+ years. I've never felt like I've needed anything better. I'm not a professional but I use it at social events and when I travel. EF mounting means you get access to the best Canon lens' and the portraits this camera takes with the "nifty 50" are as good as you will ever ever need. Battery life is out of this world too. I've never known a battery to last so long

[hinakhalid]

I have two Mark 4's... but thruout my journey, I have still kept one of my mark 1's... and I still use it. The back screen, while nothing compared to the new bodies, trains you a lot more on using the histogram, and that alone is the key to keep producing perfect exposures. Also the one center point AF recomposition technique trains you better, and makes you quick on your creativity... and I agree, there is a bit of a film look, even at ISO 1600, the extra grain is just magic

[gavinbainvisuals]

I've used my 5D classic for about 5 years now and I 100% agree, there is something about the look of the images from this camera that always brings me back to it over other newer cameras!

[fangbifxx]

I will get this classic one day. Sometimes we need camera to use only iso, shutter speed and aperture. I heard that the skin tone from this old gun is beautiful.

[pinksparkle]

Just wanted to say THANK YOU. Your video helped me decide on buying a 5D and I never looked back. Thank you and Wish you all the best!

[gridref]

Nice to see you posting content again. Appreciate your tone and viewpoint. Bought one on the strength of your previous recommendation. There is certainly a lovely quality to the images which I do not see if I shoot the same scene with a 7D. It seems to make interior shots sing.

[kathyrobinson]

Jamie! Such an awesomely encouraging video. I'm upgrading to the 5d I. Can't afford the new 5 right now.

Great images. Thanks for sharing!

[evertondel]

I bought the Mk1 last year and within a month had a problem with the shutter, which apparently was part of a recall. Still I loved the camera so I paid seventy quid to get it sorted and I still use it today. It is now my backup camera to my 5D Mark 3 and there is no-way I will be getting rid of either for quite sometime to come.

[NIKONOVICH]

Nikon D700 and the 5D mk1, two awesome cameras

[richbarrett]

I totally agree. I just bought a 5D1 two weeks ago at B&H (used) for $380 US and it's like brand new. I paid a little more because B&H offers a 90-day warranty on their used gear. I'm extremely satisfied with this as an addition to my 60D which I now use more for video. In fact, my 13-yr-old son just bought a T5i as his first DSLR, and I wish he'd gotten a 5D1 so he could learn on full frame with a metal body.

[msmarji]

Thank you so much for educating folks about this little gem. There is “a special look” of this sensor. More like film, less digital. I bought it when it was released and still use it today for portrait and time lapse. I LOVE my Canon 5D Mark 1.

[rklmbd]

2018 now and prices are creeping up thanks to all the goshdarned youtube videos like this one! :P

[rufohot]

My first camera, Nikon D5100. My second camera Canon 5D Mark I and now I have the 5D Mark II and 5D Mark I .. excellent cameras!

[gonnahavemesomefun]

It's 2022 and I am buying the Mk1 for my son for his aviation photography - it'll be his first camera! Thanks for these 10 reasons, it's helped me know I am making the right decision.

[boyangeorgiev]

I got one recently and I love it! I see all the stuff you mention. I like that its basic and features don't get in the way of photography. You just shoot with your own abilities.

[shagadelic]

Still going strong in 2022 !! Love the simplicity of that camera and it produces great shots.

[cryingman]

Yes, it is a tough camera. I was Brunei in January this year and was caught in a monsoon rain (which caused flooding there and in a neighbouring country). By the time I reached a shelter, the camera was covered in rain water and would just not function. When I got back to my hotel, I removed the batteries and lenses and left the compartments opened overnight to dry out. The next day, it functioned flawlessly!

The colours are warm which is why I really like it. I had a Canon 1Ds Mark 2 but the colours were 'cool' compared to the 5D. I have also used it with mechanical lenses (Leica Summicron-R and Helios 44-2) and the images are just...beautiful. I recently bought the 5D Mark 3 but still keep the Mark 1 as a back up.

[melodychest]

I loved this video, thanks!
Having more megapixels (MP) means you also need very high quality expensive lenses for uncompromising light transmission as the individual pixels are smaller.
Here are some details regarding individual pixels of 5D Mark I, II and III.
Pixel Pitch: Mark I 8.2 Micron, Mark II 6.41 Micron, Mark III 6.22 Micron
Pixel Area: Mark I 67.24 Micron, Mark II 41.09 Micron, Mark III 38.69 Micron
Pixel Density per sq.mm: Mark I 1.49 MP, Mark II 2.43 MP, Mark III 2.58 MP
Mark I has lesser pixels but they are bigger and capable of collecting more light. Hence Mark I's rendering of the pics may stand out more!
Mark II and III are not that different really, however they will collect more detail due to higher MP. Detail is good for cropping and still keeping it "sharp".
You also get bigger photo print sizes with II and III. Not everyone is worried about this!
Note that from Mark IV onwards, you need really good expensive L lenses to optimise those 30 MPs with uncompromising light with fancy glass. Worth it for Pros but not for most of us really!
There is a lot of focus on video these days hence the higher MP count helps. However, for photography a Mark II body can still do wonders with some good glass plugged into it.
My two pence worth! Cheers.

[dape]

I use this camera since 6 months, and I totally agree with your 10 reasons, especially the last one. There is something in the pictures other cameras cant produce. Some kind of retro analog touch. Cant describe. :) Greetings from Germany