Author Topic: Thinking about buying the 5D MarkII (Read 3710 times)

click_click · « **on:** March 18, 2012, 15:32 »

This would be my transition from Nikon to Canon.

I'm doing more footage/time lapse than stills so Canon I would think, offers the better package.

I know that the 5D MarkIII will have major improvements in terms of video but the body is just too pricey for me.

I was wondering if I could get some more feedback on the video capabilities of the MarkII here on a stock related forum.

What are the significant shortcomings of the MarkII which could make me want to reconsider buying it? Did firmware upgrades significantly boost the performance?

Have any manufacturer issues been rectified over time like focusing screen is coming loose?

I've read in the comments on Amazon that Canon support (supposedly) is terrible. I can't believe that but did anyone here have problem with Canon support (regarding warranty claims)?

Thanks in advance for your comments.

sharpshot · « **Reply #1 on:** March 18, 2012, 18:27 »

The Panasonic GH2 is another option worth considering. Have a look at this:-
http://www.eoshd.com/content/4279/how-the-gh2-is-still-top-dog-for-video-quality#c2
My 5DMKII is a bit of a dust magnet and I use my 550D for most of my video clips. There's nothing worse than having a video clip with dust blobs. They aren't easy to remove.

sharpshot · « **Reply #2 on:** March 18, 2012, 18:32 »

Double post.

click_click · « **Reply #3 on:** March 18, 2012, 18:57 »

WOW the GH2 does produce nice footage.

Do you recommend to get a lens adapter for my existing Nikon stuff?

sharpshot · « **Reply #4 on:** March 18, 2012, 19:20 »

Seems like a good idea, if you get a decent adapter. I don't have a GH2 or Nikon lenses, so I would recommend searching some video forums. Here's one thread I found http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/archive/index.php/t-230864.html

click_click · « **Reply #5 on:** March 18, 2012, 20:56 »

Thanks for the link! Much appreciated.

I was looking forward to getting a full frame body though...

Ugh, I'll do more research!

borg · « **Reply #6 on:** March 19, 2012, 14:04 »

Quote from: click_click on March 18, 2012, 15:32

This would be my transition from Nikon to Canon.

What is reason for switching?

I think D800 is much better machine thank MkIII, also D800 is in the middle with price, between MK2 and MK3...

gwhitton · « **Reply #7 on:** March 19, 2012, 16:29 »

Click,

I know of a fellow timelapse shooter who uses 5D Mark II, named Randy Halverson (dakotalapse.com). He seems pretty open about what he's doing so you might ask him a question or two. He obviously likes the camera, or wouldn't have upgrade to it in the last year or so.

Of course timelapses aren't traditional video in origin, but rather hundreds of stills stitched together. This seems a very popular approach these days to get really high quality footage, and to do night sequences.