Which is better one Canon 5D Mark II or two Canon 5D Mark I?

Question

I'm a wedding photographer. I'm currently have a Canon 5D Mark II with 24-70mm L f 2.8 and 70-200mm L f 2.8. I'm wondering if it is acceptable if I trade in the Mark II for two Mark I, or one Mark I with 50mm L f 1.2. I don't use the video function on my Mark II.

Answer 1

I personally wouldn't make such a trade. I'd rather buy a used 5D (the original) to use as a backup to the current camera or save my nickels and dimes until I can afford a second 5DmkII. I don't use the video capability of my cameras (5DmkII and 7D) either but, there's nothing the original 5D can do that the current 5D Mark II can't do better and faster.



All that said, if you're a pro at this, you have to make your own business decision. Having just one camera for an event, especially a wedding, is a huge gamble. Weddings especially, are such a high stress, high pucker factor event that I generally won't shoot them without a second shooter or while acting as a second shooter to another pro. Even then, I will either rent or borrow a second 5D Mark II for such events. My other work is reaching a point that I can justify the cost of the upcoming 1D X and simply write off the cost as a business expense. Still, there's no way I'd trade a working camera for two used, lesser cameras of known origin and history. Certainly not for my business.

Answer 2

I had the original 5D, and upgraded to the Mk II.

While the original 5D was a superb camera, the Mk II is better in many ways -- especially in still image quality. Even at ISO 100, it has less noise than the original, more dynamic range, and significantly higher resolution.



Peace.

Answer 3

The mark II is much better all around. You have really good glass. Wait for the new Canon and get that.