Cheapest Full Frame DSLR worth bothering with?

jsrockit

jsrockit

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I've been thinking that I maybe should try a DSLR after using many film cameras and digital rangefinders /P&S cameras. However, I don't know much about what's been out there in the past. I'm trying to do this as cheap as possible, but would love full-frame. I notice there are older full-frame DSLRs, but do not know how they stack up against newer models. Any help would be appreciated.
 
there are not many in reality:

Kodak PRO SLR/n
Canon 1ds
Canon 1ds II
Canon 5d

Canon 5d II
Nikon D700
Nikon D3
Nikon D3x

Only the first 4 are discontinued and could classify as old...
 
I don't own a full frame DSLR. However, why do you want to invest that much money right from the get go? The only justification I can see would be you have a lot of money sunk into old lenses. I would suggest starting off slow, get one of the many fine entry-level Canons or Nikons that are APS-C. Much cheaper, and you can decide if DSLRs are for you before jumping in full tilt. I'm sure you considered this, but it merits reconsidering.
 
The Sony Alpha 850 is, I think, the lowest priced among current offerings. It does not have a particularly good selection of lenses, though.
 
Sigma has what looks like an interesting full frame, the SD15. Not sure the mount is (says sigma is it compatible with anything else?).
 
Cheapest FF DSLR

Cheapest FF DSLR

If you are used to Leica IQ, and especially if you intend to print, I think you will find full frame really is worth getting and a good used Canon 5D will not disappoint - excellent IQ and brings out the subtle qualities of a good lens - which does not have to be a Canon L but like an inexpensive Contax Zeiss 50/1.4 + adapter.
 
sony A850 has not good lenses???:D

sony A850 and a couple of carl zeiss lenses (the choice is among cz16-35 2.8, cz24-70 2.8, cz85 1.4 and "the king" cz135 1.8).

gorgeous.

my cz135 at work, closed @f4.5:
DC43129F42034F6C8BBD75E799622E34.jpg
 
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5D for sure.
Buy a quality Leica R to Eos adapter, leave it in the camera, Bingo! Digital Full Frame Leica R.

I have used Contax, Leica, Zuiko, and Nikon lenses as well as many M42.
The 5D is a perfect platform if you like manual focus quality glass. If you only plan to use AF I would suggest save a bit longer and take the Nikon D700.
 
Don't take a Kodak PRO SLR14/C or N, even if somebody includes some Magic Beans and a handful of subway tokens. Slow, color shift, no support and a battery that last (literally) 50-100 shots.

5D is the only choice here.
 
So, the original 5D is still considered good? This is what I was hoping. I'm sick of cropped sensors and have used the low-end DSLRs.
 
jsrockit said:
So, the original 5D is still considered good? This is what I was hoping. I'm sick of cropped sensors and have used the low-end DSLRs.
Click to expand...

It is still considered good. Definitely. Some time ago I did a comparison between a Canon 5D, Canon 40D and a M8. With the same lenses the 5D showed more details and more detail sharpness than 40D. M8 comared to 5D is about equal at low ISOs. 5D wins at higher ISO.
This is just my personal opinion and for Canon and Leica I dont' have the top-of-the-line lenses.

I don't want to have a crop DSLR again. If making a compromise then I choose a mFT.
 
NO DOUBT in my mind... Canon 5D first version

NO DOUBT in my mind... Canon 5D first version

Read the reviews at DPreview, Steves-Digicams, DCresource. They almost wet themselves when reviewing the 5D.

Lot of 5D's popping up used, with the intro of the 5D-II, which indicated many were happy with them. Almost every one I have seen used is replaced with the MK-II.

Showing up for $900 (on a good day) to $1200 (body)

Many claim to be backup bodies for the more advanced FF Canons.

Have to be sent to Canon for shutter count to be given. Canon charges $40 to run a program that extracts the shutter count. There is no user accessible on-board shutter count function.

Look for service records. Many of the sellers seem to send their cameras to Canon or other for sensor cleaning, since they don't have a "dust shake" system.

I am considering it and for $1000, I don't personally believe there is a better choice. Been looking at this option for about 6 month now rather intently.
 
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jsrockit said:
So, the original 5D is still considered good? This is what I was hoping. I'm sick of cropped sensors and have used the low-end DSLRs.
Click to expand...

The 5d is a total bargain these days and an excellent camera. It set the bar a few years back and continues to hang with the big boys.

The great thing is that you an find ones that have been in the hands of hobbyists with low shutter counts.

The sensor cleaning "issue" is a non issue in my opinion. It isn't rocket science cleaning those things.
 
Listings that are popping up on the Canon 5D

Listings that are popping up on the Canon 5D

I use a spider search on CraigsList and am finding these 5D listings popping up more frequently. This is one of the lower ones, out of Portland Or.

I am not affiliated with this listing, nor am I endorsing it. This is just and example of one of the lower prices beginning to show up:

http://portland.craigslist.org/mlt/pho/1681173716.html

I can generally search the West Coast Craigslist in about a half hour.
 
I'm a Canon bigot, the 5D has great image quality but it isn't as nicely built as the Nikon D700, same goes for it having weak AF and metering. For actual shooting, the similarly priced D300 will trump the 5D in every way other than having FF. Save up for a D700 and time it for a few weeks after Nikon announces an upgraded camera.
 
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