Nikon D800 vs Canon 5D Mark II vs Canon 5D Mark III purchase

[Colin Southern]

I say, "screw the camera and buy a Bugatti!!!"

With 1200 horse power, I'd probably screw the Bugatti

What a way to go though eh? 430+ km/Hr!

[Black Pearl]

Realy the camera should be of secondary consideration when thinking of investing in a system.

Decide what you would like to shoot.
Decide on a budget.
Find the lenses that will give you the best results.
Buy the body that fits the lenses with whatever money you have left.

The body doesn't really matter, not at this level, as even if it's the latest, all singing, all dancing wonder toy there will be another one in a couple of years and another one in a further couple of years. You're going to want at least on of them whereas the lenses you buy, if bought correctly, will last you for generations of bodies to come.
I know it is easier to compare body specs and it's fun to do, sitting with brochures, looking on the net and playing with them in your local camera store but it is the glass that at the end of the day will make or break a shot.......and the person behind it.

[nitrus]

I thought that the canon 5D mark 3 was $500.00 more than the D800.

[Black Pearl]

And?

[DoesNotFollow]

To the OP:

light > lens > camera body

As far as choosing a camera body, you've already decided on a full frame camera. If price isn't an issue, it comes down to either the D800 or Mark III. Try borrowing and/or renting each to see how each feel in your hands and how intuitive menu and button layout is. Pick one and don't look back. It's similar to choosing a Mac vs PC; both work very well, it's just a matter of getting used to one and not obsessing over what you might be missing from the other. Of course, if you have specific needs, (such as wanting better low light performance) that can help narrow it down a bit.

I feel it's more important to find a few accessories that making shooting easier so that photography remains enjoyable. ie: a good quality ball-head for your tripod that isn't constantly fighting you, or a speedlight with some light modifiers and an off camera trigger to allow yourself to be as creative as you want with your photography. After that, it's all about getting out there and actually taking pictures.

[AB26]

Hi Mike,
I am not an expert on cameras. Recently I was faced with a decicion to upgrade from a Sony DSC to DSLR.
A lot of recearch was done and many hours of time spent reading reviews.
The major brands of cameras are all good. What you have to decide on is what you want to do with the camera and what you can afford. If price is not a concern I would say cameras are a little like computers, buy the most expensive one that suits your needs.
You are venturing into professional terrain cameras and for professionals they are all good.

Go to agents selling the cameras you are interested in. Handle all of them and decide on the one you feel most comfortable with. Do not listen to sales talk. If you want massive enlargements buy yourself a Hasselblad.

Read all the reviews on the camera you are interested in and decide what is most important to you.

Find out where you will get the best service.

Mike to be honest: if you are really ready for a camera in that category, you should not ask for the opinion of others. It should be your experience and knowledge of cameras determining what you want and what you will buy. (Remember those cameras probably do not have a built in flash or a setting for A (not aparture) - to help you when you you get stuck.)
The menu on these cameras is very complicated with plenty of settings to satisfy the needs and demands of professional photographers.

Andre

[Glenn NK]

Mike to be honest: if you are really ready for a camera in that category, you should not ask for the opinion of others. It should be your experience and knowledge of cameras determining what you want and what you will buy.

Andre

Good point.

The other pitfall in asking advice, is that many (most?) of us have "bought into" a system (brand), and have our biases.

More often than not, the biases will be reflected in what we suggest/recommend.

Glenn

[kalpathy523]

I am in exactly the same positiion as Mike. Recently retired and terribly fascinated by photography. Unsure how far I will be able to sustain my new passion, I have settled for a entry level camera - Canon D-550 - and am just getting to know it. After three months, I have just learnt to shoot without too much camera shake. I believe it will take me not less than another 18 months before I manage to hone my skills and start feeling the lack of performance in any camera. I will upgrade after two years.

Thanks for the valuable comments from Collin and others.



Siva from Mumbai

[cherryvalleyman]

I found that the web address below has very detailed reviews and comparisons of Canon products, particularly DSLR cameras and the entire line of EF and EF-S mount Canon lenses as well as EF mount Sigma, Tamron, and a few Zeiss lenses. Me having OCD (Obsessive Canon Disease) and L fever find it to be an invaluable resource.

Good Luck

Troy

http://www.the-digital-picture.com