Upgrading from 5D MK1 -> EOS R??

Hi,

For years I've been using a hand-me-down 5D MK1 that my dad bought when it first released.

The camera is still going strong but I'm really starting to get frustrated with it's dated features - my phone manages to focus faster and produce cleaner images. The poor ISO performance particularly frustrates me - taking pictures while on the move or of something moving like a dog is difficult with really slow AF and shooting at anything above ISO 200 start to introduce some horrible noise if the shutter speed is quick.

I've got 3 EF Lenses (used to have more but 2 mysteriously went missing in a removals van, £2k down the drain for my dad.)

I have about £3k saved up so I was looking at the EOS R and while I understand it's an astronomical leap from an OG 5D, all the hate being flung towards that camera has me concerned that I might get buyers regret a few months down the line when Canon inevitably releases another iteration. While I know 3 lenses isn't a lot, and to some switching to Sony would be recommended, I don't have a lot of money to start buying more lenses so I'd rather just stick with what I have for now. (I've been saving up for a while now)

I know the EOS RP is cheaper but the horrible distortion in the video mode looks completely unusable. 

The EOS RP isn't getting good ratings.  I'd stick with the EOS R, you'll spend more $$, however it's a better camera.  

You're better off going with a Sony or Nikon Z if you want a mirrorless.  Or upgrade to 5D Mark IV.  The R isn't good reviews as Canon took too many short cuts on it.  

You have a modest budget. Why are you considering bleeding edge products? Unless you like being an early adopter, and can assume the associated risk, you are far better off sticking with a DSLR at this time.

Look at a more modern full frame body, even used. It will be lightyears ahead of the mk I (which was a horrible camera, IMHO...) A $700 APC-S Nikon body will run circles around that.

There are lots of options available to you. The EOS R shouldn't be among them.

garyrhook wrote: You have a modest budget. Why are you considering bleeding edge products? Unless you like being an early adopter, and can assume the associated risk, you are far better off sticking with a DSLR at this time.

Look at a more modern full frame body, even used. It will be lightyears ahead of the mk I (which was a horrible camera, IMHO...) A $700 APC-S Nikon body will run circles around that.

There are lots of options available to you. The EOS R shouldn't be among them.

+1 very good advice.  

Ontherocks wrote:

garyrhook wrote: You have a modest budget. Why are you considering bleeding edge products? Unless you like being an early adopter, and can assume the associated risk, you are far better off sticking with a DSLR at this time.

Look at a more modern full frame body, even used. It will be lightyears ahead of the mk I (which was a horrible camera, IMHO...) A $700 APC-S Nikon body will run circles around that.

There are lots of options available to you. The EOS R shouldn't be among them.

+1 very good advice.  

I forgot to add "in my not so humble opinion." My bad.

The EOS R is an excellent camera- anyone who says different is too focussed upon irrelevant specification details that give no more than a psychological advantage to those whose photography skills need the 'boost' of at least thinking they have the 'best' tool or who are being petty over the omission of a specific feature most do not need. 

I'm no Pro but I am friends with a few who are producing fantastic images from the EOS R; wildlife, landscapes and portraits. With the new RF35 it is a wonderful street and travel camera. 

Wedding photographers who feel they must have dual card slots have a good reason to wait for that feature, as do Sports and Action photographers who need faster FPS. Everyone else will be just fine. 

It is comical when people compare one camera to another and cite a 'winner' but cannot ever get to the level of photography either camera is truly capable of. Camera's have reached a point whereby they all are generally great in the hands of a competent photographer. 

When choosing a brand, look beyond just the body to the lenses - the whole system. Also the ergonomics, how it feels in the hand, the feature-set, does it match your preferred work-flow. These are far more important than the whinges of a couple of Pro's because their specific line was not catered for with this initial release or pixel-peepers who spend more time salivating over gear and its ultimate specifications than actually taking images and enjoying them. 

Personally, having tried the EOS R, I bought one. I then sold my 5DIV and 7DII, they did not produce 'better' pictures and were redundant because I preferred the R in terms of ergonomics, handling, work-flow and size. 

I ended up going for the EOS R. I've been using that 5D for 12 years so I was looking for something that would last another 12 at least - I wasn't going to go for Nikon with an APC-S, I'd rather have stuck with the 5D!

EOS R + 24-105 was a bitter pill to swallow but I as a I said, I'm in it for the long run. So far it has reinvigorated my love of photography, it's such a joy to shoot with and doesn't at all frustrate me like the ageing 5D did.

Definitely got my eyes on that RF 35mm, would have gone for it had I not had a 50mm that just about does the job.

So it's been a month, how do you like the EOS R? 

I absolutely love it! The new button layout is taking some getting used to and I'm really rusty after falling out of love with photography for so long but the EOS R has really rekindled that.

I've heard people mock the EOS R for having shooting slowly but it feels like a minigun compared the OG 5D I'd been using. It makes shooting moving subjects so much easier (mostly just swans at the moment)

I wasn't sure what to expect in terms of the image quality but holy cr*p does it make a difference. Even with my cheapo telephoto lens, the quality of the 30mp RAWs is leagues ahead of what I could get with my old 5D.

Photography will always just be a hobby but I'm so glad I made the upgrade, despite how much it cost me.

Everything after the drone pano's on my Flickr has been shot with the EOS R: www.flickr.com/photos/wickerman123/

Congratulations on your new gear. I have a couple of friends that bought the R as well and they love it. Glad you didn't take advice from people who had no experience with the camera. These spec wars are a little ridiculous. The difference in image quality between the brands has less to do with a successful image than the light and composition behind the image. If you can make a good image with your old camera, then this one will be even better. 

Coolbanana wrote: Personally, having tried the EOS R, I bought one. I then sold my 5DIV and 7DII, they did not produce 'better' pictures and were redundant because I preferred the R in terms of ergonomics, handling, work-flow and size. 

So you made a decision based on everything but image quality? Although I'm unclear on how a mirrorless system could impact your workflow. Maybe I don't understand this point.