in this video i talk about the canon Canon 5d mark 1 classic and discuss if its still a viable option in 2021 My custom Lightroom CC presets: bit.ly/2SNfa19
Shot a wedding with my MK I. Loved the photos more than the MKIV. Beautiful sensor and really fun to shoot with. The fact that there's less technology/options allowed me to focus on being a photographer and brought me back to the film days.
*5D Classic* was my first full frame in 2018 (obviously tried it after APS-C due to the lowest price possible) and I loved it so much that dedicated a whole playlist on my channel for reviewing every bit of it (including useful Magic Lantern software which is available for 5D and rarely mentioned). And now, having owned or reviewed 5DII, 5DIII, 6D, 1DX, RP, R, R6 and tons of cropped sensor models (including 1DIV) it still remains my favourite in terms of colours and... shutter sound! Pure pleasure in use and result. Perfect border between simpleness of film cameras (with similar look and grain structure) and versatility of digital files. Thank you for keeping 5D Classic known!
I researched this when I bought it a 3rd time & it is Pixel size! The larger the pixel, the better the overall image. Been pricing the 11 megapixel 1Ds for ages to further prove my point. Also, the 5D AWB is its best feature. Like Tina sings 'You're simply the best. Better than all the rest.'
Thank you for your honest and well-organized opinions. After selling my 5D Mark III and several lenses years ago and using Fuji systems for a while, I recently bought back a lens I missed very much (EF50/1.4) and paired it with a 5D Classic. I am really blown away by the color in these raw files - they are really something special.
I promised myself not to buy another old digital camera, but having watched this, you've convinced me I need to buy one of these😆 Great demonstration Martin of such a great classic. Top stuff
Hahah well it’s more of a fun extra camera to have now really, nostalgia for those who have had it for a long time too 🙂hope you saw my reply to your first message to me on the d600 video
Great perspective as always Martin, I have 5 motorcycles, the one I enjoy just riding the most is an old Harley with nothing electronic, no gauges, no speedometer, no tachometer, just a seat , a fuel tank, a headlight and a motor, nothing to think about except the ride 💖
Thanks for sharing Mark. Love the passion your old per gear, your attitude, knowledge and the way you talk to the camera. You deserve 10x more subscribers Mate. 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏
I bought one in 2019 and I love the camera. I have a 5DmkIII and a RP but the classic will always be my favorite portrait camera because it just works like nothing I've used before.
Martin, you beutifully articulated many aspects of my perception of and experience with the 5D mark I. Some years ago, after trading up from a 5D classic to 5D Mark II, I sold the Mark II and bought a good second hand 5D classic again - because it produces images with qualities that are unique and beautiful - Images that would not be possible with the 5D Mark II. I grew up with black and white film and positive transparencies (colour slides) and the 5D seems to capture the best of these mediums in a way that no other camera can.
I've progressed, moved on, leaning ever more heavily on the full-frame Sony system. But the 5D classic was my first full-frame DSLR. It offers film-like nuances that I have not found in any other camera. My Sony A7R2 may be the closest thing to it--but not very close. I still own a Canon 6D; it is wonderful. But the rich film look of the 5D classic just fills a unique space. I was once a medium format photographer. My favorite camera from that era was the Mamiya 1000s with an 80mm f1.9 lens (I hope I'm remembering those numbers correctly). Runner up was the auto-focus Pentax 645NII, an amazing medium format beast. The Canon 5D classic satisfies my eye as well or better than either of those film-era Titans. What Mr. Castein has stated in this video is the absolute truth. And when he talks about having a special place in his heart for this very special camera, I understand completely. I sold my 5D to purchase my next full-frame; but this video has prompted me to purchase another 5D and keep it. Excellent video.
thank you, thats a very similar journey to mine im now using the a7iii mostly but i kept my original 5d which i bought because i couldnt afford a 5d ii at the time and never sold the 5d now i want to start getting a couple more lenses for it and use it more. Its really interesting reading your thoughts here and seeing how many others feel just the same. thanks!
I was a canon fan boy for years and switched over to Sony and fell in love. Until now where I’ve become a color freak and color is absolutely important for my portraits. I find that Sony files are extremely sharp but they have horrible color run off along, it just messes people faces in the dark. It’s not the end of the world, I’ve just spent a couple of months trying to lock down the perfect settings and everything. I locked down a deal for the 5d, a 28-200 (crappy lens I know but it is what it is, I’ll probably sell it and buy a 35 or 28) the grip and a memory card for 250. It’s not too much cash but as a fun toy and possible a tool that will help my career I’m definitely excited.
You wont go wrong with the 5d, i think it needs the more modern lenses to focus more accruately though, well at least for the wider aperture primes. although the 50 1.8 is good and thats not very expensive. You should be excited. its not the easiest camera to use by any measure these days but it will make you a better photographer for it. I guess its kind of like an older sports car without all the fancy electronics but if you can drive well it wont matter. It has a unique look among digital sensors too.
You wont believe my canera journey..... had a D700, great camera. Then I bought the Sony A7ii... was amazing to use my old film lenses, but the novelty wears off quickly. The files were sharp but I ALWAYS had issues with WB. I then sold that and bought a X100F. That was an amazing camera, but I kept on reading about the 5d and I was intrigued. I then traded the X100F for a 5d mki and a few lenses. This is honestly the first camera which i have owned where I could load in RAWs and not see any editing needed... that is amazing. I never print bigger than A3 so 12mp is more than enough for me. So here I am in 2021 with both a Nikon D700 and 5d mki.... and I could not be happier.
i was the opposite , started with Sony and every single portrait that came out of my camera was ugly as F, then i went Canon and there it is , nice portrait . And then i wanted to see what the hell is going on , because i know Sony has better sensor how come image looks worse . And i found out its all about Shadows and lights , Canon has flatter image , or as they say Lower dynamic range , this is the reason , the only reason Canon looks better is lower dynamic range you can , move the sliders around and get same image as Canon on Sony , but you have to work for it .. Plus colors of course . And i was able to get more Canon like images and better from Sony eventually once i figured out whats going on , but for every single image i had to work in post , every single one . And im like well , if this is so then i will just go Canon and be done with it . And so i did . But Sony remains loads better in Video , it is technically better in Stills as well , it just that we perceive technically worse as better looking .
@@waltherziemerink I don't like the RAWs of the 5D. They look good, sure, but give it a slight S Curve in Lightroom and the image pops! I don't like the youtube loved faded look. I just pull down the shadows a little bit and give it a slight push in the highlights. The RAW looks very flat and unpleasing in comparison. Color wise you don't have to change the picture if you don't want to. They look good. With a little bit of tweaking the JPEGs out of came look pretty decent too.
Great video. This and a couple of others convinced me to try and track down a 5D. Managed to find an unused boxed one on eBay complete with a Nikon Nikkor 50mm 1.4 AI-S. omg the results are astonishing. Thanks for the steer. You talk a lot of sense!!
Thank you for the best video (on photography) I have ever seen. I have a 5d M1, 2,& 3. My favourite camera is the 5d M1. I do lots of photography on all 3 & to be honest I can not tell the difference between them. But I have noticed that the best pics always seem to be from my M1. Love your video I have subscribed. Thanks again yours sincerely John.
Hiya Martin.. Can I say a massive thank you for doing this video As a newbee I fell into that rabbit hole of thinking more lenses and more kit would improve my skill set... Wrong... Learning the basics well learning to read a histogram and loads of practice with a camera that doesn't hold your hand but gives your images beautiful colours that makes you want to do better and keep practicing, this to me has been a game changer. I've even bought a m42 adapter and a couple of vintage primes I've a long way to go but the images do look bloody stunning.. So again many thanks great channel and content keep up the good work mate.
Cameron, thanks for replying, great to hear you are having such a good experience with the 5d, i have an m42 adapter too its a great way to add to the system too! all the best and keep shooting!
I feel the exact same way about my 5d mark ii getting into this photography recently I was nervous to purchase a camera that did not have all the bells and whistles as some of the latest stuff like the Sonys and the R5 but tech aside I’ve noticed that the portrait shots coming out of this camera with a 50mm f 1.8 lens are just stunning and just have a different look then more modern cameras do not have and I’m happy that this camera has allowed me to separate myself allowing me to create unique photos that I just don’t see anyone else producing… sometimes less is more great video
Very interesting. I've heard a few people say that about the old classic. I have the 5Dmk2, but it kinda makes me maybe wanna give one a try at some point. Nice breakdown. 👍🏿
Thank you very much for this review. Ive had my 5d for years now. Initially I bought it as my first full frame. Later on I wanted to upgrade. Until I realized: all so called Upgrades to me were downgrades. The reason is: simplicity is addicting. Also canon pretty much NAILED it with color science on the 5d. So much that I only shoot in jpeg. I am just that happy on how it performs and looks out of the box. Just like you said: choose good glass and youll get good results. To be honest I just got a small neoprene bag for my 5D and a Helios lens, and cary this combo everywhere I go.
I still have mine I bought new. Biggest limitation really is dynamic range and you can blow the highlights easy. Nowadays you can pull up shadows with ease but Canon was not known for that for many years. You kind of have to shoot it the way you want it to look, which, basically is somewhat like film but not quite. It is probably a bit more like slide film, you have to choose how to handle shadows and highlights. Also there is the mirror issue, but mine lasted for maybe 13 years until it fell out, glued it back in still works fine. Nice video. Best wishes!
Yeah the dynamic range is rubbish by today’s standards but with lighting and bracketing when needed you can get around most situations. Luckily not had the mirror fall out so far but we will see!
@@MartinCastein In case you need the mirror fix: four tiny drops of super glue, pressure to hold in place for 30 seconds, let dry 24 hours, mirror fixed. Mine working fine for quite some time. My serial number is in 2's, some though only 1's were affected.
Thanks so much for this review. Personally,having listened to a few reviews about the 5D,this is my favourite. Reasons being you are not just a hobby photographer but a pro, and your presentation was straightforward,to the point,and seeming honest with no fluff. I trust your commentary here for all these reasons. I am purchasing two 5D bodies and a 24-70 F2.8 lens as a start. I am excited. I'll have to make an adjustment in initially to no live view,I'm used to relying solely on my LCD to to view and then decide to shoot a shot after it's caught my eye initially. I'm sure in time that hurdle will disappear as a problem in my mind when shooting the 5D. I also like very much a manual/physical shutter and aperature control,iso not so much. That's my other hurdle when I start using the 5d. That too will dissipate and disappear as a problem given time and practice I'm sure. Apart from that I don't see any problem and very much look forward to image rendering and colour I have heard and read so much. Ihave relied solely on a fixed focal lenth of 35 mm (full frame equivalent) on my Fuji X100 for 8 years,a very long time connected to one camera and one focal lenth. I needed expanded borders in terms of focal length,and 24-70 is greatly anticipated by me. That being said,35 mm is focal length I understand well and really like. Thanks again for a great rev iew Martin... 9
I enjoyed your video and I had the 5d classic a few years ago, it was my first full frame paired with the 85 1.8. I went to mark two shortly after due to the sensor cleaning but, I agree there is something special about the body, and one day hope to get another body for like you say, the simple shooting!
Thankyou so much for your honest review regarding the 5D classic. I can see that this body has a special place in your heart/experience. I have purchased a used one to go along with my 50mm 1.8 lense. This will be my first full frame DSLR. I'm sooo looking forward to experiencing the photons captured! Thank you ☺️
Thanks for this Chris I wish you lots of happy shooting, it’s not an easy camera, sometimes it will delight you and sometimes frustrate you but you’ll be a better photographer for it and eventually probably love it.
@@MartinCastein thx for replying, I've been out 6 days/ eves on the bounce with it ( back out tonight before sunset with tripod and 16-35mm L capturing landscape) and it's such a great camera, I have to constantly keep an eye on exposure (which is a great learning tool for me being a novice) and adjust as the evening goes on. I only ever shoot in manual as I want to learn all I can. One thing I have noticed is that any underexposure of the shadows then it does crucifie me. I need to keep an eye on the histogram a little more and over expose (sometimes) to get some of the shadow detail back. Tonight I'll be focusing on bracketing and see how that goes. Thx again and all the best!
@@chrissmith7069 its best to over expose slightly with the 5d 1, sounds like you are having a good time with it. eventually you may want to get a newer camera, dont sell this one, youll always want these days back again. stick at it, there isnt much this camera cant do. only limitaion is you, im glad you are having fun with it! Hope you continue to enjoy!
@@MartinCastein I'm having a great time with the 5D, it's frustrating but I don't mind that at all as I'd sooner learn how to expose correctly then let the camera decide as I won't learn that way. I wouldn't ever sell it Martin, I invested sooooo many months finding a one owner from new in the box one that it's always going to be a keeper for me. I have the 5D and a 7D, sometimes I'll go out with both then compare and there's just something that's so nice about the images the 5D captures. It's difficult for me describe (maybe down to lack of other cameras and general experience) but it does create really wonderful images, when I get it right that is.. On I side note, I was watching your reviews regarding the Eos RP and after that I was thinking maybe in the future I might like to try one. Do you think that would be a good choice for me as I've already invested in quite a few L, EF and efs canon lenses. . Look forward to your thought Martin. Cheers
It’s also terrific with vintage glass I shoot mine with classic M42 and Leica visoflex lenses the results are fantastic. I would say for someone who normally shoots film and already has vintage prime glass this is the best digital camera it’s so instinctive to shoot if you’re used to doing everything manually
I enjoyed watching your video! Recently, I bought a Fujifilm X-T3. It is a great camera and I am enjoying taking photos with it. However, like you mention in the video there are a lot of extras on the camera that I could use but don't, and still manage to take lovely photos. However, as I have a lot of good Canon lenses from my past experience of using the Canon EOS 30D, I decided to buy a second camera. After much research and so much positive feed back, I have treated myself to a ( barely used) Canon 5D mark 3. This will be my first full frame camera and I'm excited about using it. Love your photos!
Hi Martin,Really enjoying your videos,Im Just getting into landscape at the moment and long exposure in particular, I have the 5d for 3 years now and would'nt part with it but was concidering a 5d mk ii or a 6d mk i for the live view and video ,What would you go for ?
Thanks for the video. As a hobbyist the cost of entry into photography has always been eye watering. I'm more into wildlife with occasional landscape photography. Beginners luck or complete chance my first purchase happened to be a 5d mkii followed by the crop sensor 7d mkii. Both cameras picked up at bargain prices. I'm currently building up a small collection of L lenses, I'm sticking to version 1 lenses in order to keep the price down, my reasoning is that in good nick they will outlast me and they are the perfect vehicles to improve my skills. Its impossible to blame the equipment when you know you are using gear that pro's used 15 years ago to great effect. My motto has become upgrade skills before upgrading equipment. The way things sometimes go I don't think I will be upgrading my equipment very soon 🤣
Great channel MC. I am an amateur (borna again) shter coming from the Nikon and Fuji world, although my first personally bought camera was a Minolta X-700 back in 1982.. Recently I have gotten an EOS 630 film camera, a copy of one I had used extensively before getting into a Nikon N80/F80 and then my digital D70 going back about 25-30 yrs ago. Unfortunately I don't have any EOS lenses and was wondering which one to get. I did note your recommendation of 50mm f1.8(II). Your video has given me another angle of interesting insight into the image quality that Nikon D700 delivers, which I own and cherish. I embrace your insight into the Canon 5D and its relative "specialness" similar to D700. I am very receptive to that. Besides the D700 I also own a D7100, which is an outstanding crop camera. Of the Fujis, I have 3 of them X-M1 (1st generation x-trans), X-E2 (2nd generation) and the X-T30 (4th generation). Of those 3 cameras I mostly shoot the M1 with myriad of vintage glass I managed to collect. I am looking to sell the X-T30 for now, since a lot of it's hi tech capability I don't really use.
I bought a Canon 30d a few weeks ago for £45. It's a sort of baby crop sensor version of the 5d. All the controls are in the same place and only a few differences in the menu. Has 8.2 megapixels and doesn't appear to suffer from the 5d mirror issue. I'm having great fun playing/learning with it. I'm really focused on working it manually and I find it so easy to control. I love the fact I can look through the viewfinder and adjust all my settings with the front and rear scroll wheels. I really find pulling it off AWB and using one of the other choices usually cloudy makes a huge difference to my photos. I'm also weaning off Jpeg and moving to RAW. I actually prefer it to my more modern Canon with its touch screen. I'd love a 5d for full frame, would be interesting to see how the 5d and 30d compare.
Well that’s pretty similar to my path but I had the 40d the 30d is very similar and an excellent camera. My 40d died on me but I still have it’, very fond memories and lots of photos taken on it. The 5d gives a little something extra due to its unique sensor. These older canon bodies are more fun to shoot with.
This was extremely helpful. I always liked the more film like Canon colors straight out of the camera way more than the more vivid ones Nikon is producing. Plus the 12mp full frame sensor of the D5 seemed to deliver less "digital" photos to my eyes even before watching this. But the way you explained things really helped my brain fog riddled mind to realize that this is the camera I want as a tool to go back into photography. Time to find a nice example, dust off my 50mm 1.8 II lens, and get going. Thank you!
Been mulling over "stepping up" from an old APS-C to Full frame... And adding the Classic to the camera bag. Your presentation and review helped with the decision.. now it's a case of which one and from which vendor of used kit. Thanks!
Hi Martin, really great works you've done and inspiring. Thanks to your channel and insight on the 5D classic, i got myself a used 5D classic in great condition. I also want to find out if i can take product photos with this camera not for commercial use but personal and social media sharing purposes. Thanks 🙏🏻
Hi Victor, thanks for your kind words. You can photograph basically anything with this camera. I have photographed weddings portraits landscapes cars it’s very capable. Only limit is yourself so get going with it. 🙂
@@MartinCastein oh my,this brings me pure joy 😊🤲🏻. Thank you soo much for the encouragement this goes a long way. I've also included a 50mm & 85mm f1.8 to Kickstart this journey. Thanks once again sir Martin, continue with the great works,we're watching 💯🙌🏼
I think they are all on the 50mm 1.2 but none at 1.2 I also use the 24-105 and 24-70 in some pictures too the helios works well but don’t think I have any examples online
My first and only digital camera is the canon 20d. Crop censor at 8 megapixels it renders some great images. Ive collected some good quality and L series lenses from canon over the years, my favorite being the canon 35mm 2.0 ( “the noisy cricket”). I’ve recently been offered a literally brand new 5d mki. After watching this video I’ve decided to accept this gift. Maybe I can get some inspiration to start shooting again. Great video. Thank you so much..
I started out with the 5d mark 1 and it's probably the best camera to learn how to shoot. It's like driving an oldtimer - manual shifting, no power steering, no power breaks, no electronic aids... you get to know the limitations real fast and learn how to deal with it and work around them!
Hi Martin, thanks for your most interesting videos. I have a 5D and 5D Mark ii, which I love. However, I've recently become intrigued with the the 1D and 1Ds mark iiis, which appear ro have a similar color profile to the 5D. Would you ever consider doing a review of these cameras?
i have three of these bad boys, there is something about this that stands out from others I dont POST and don't need to I love it, yea sure every shot it not a winner but when you get a winner, it is always a Wow did i take that. I like to use old glass and manual but there really is something special going on.
Hi Ozan. You will love it. It may have less modern features, but it makes up for it with stunning image quality, two dials to control aperture and shutter speed in manual, easy to use menu system, a bright pentaprism viewfinder (you'll notice how much more sharper/clearer it is compared to your T3), higher max shutter speed, great build quality with a better feeling in the hand, and of course, the shutter sound which is pure bliss :)
I absolutely love using my 5D classic as my primary. I had a MKii til recently still favored the classic over it due to its film look. Now I have a second classic as a backup.
Martín, thank you so much for this video I was uncertain in regards the 5D mark I. You help me a lot. I am planning to do landscape photography. If you could only afford one lens for landscaping which one would you choose? Like 28 to 200 or anything on between? 🙏🏼
17-40 if you are on a budget or 24-105 or 16-35 f4 you could start with a 24-105 and have a pretty flexible lens there. But start with something, anything. Just start. 🙂
Good morning Martin, I agree wholeheartedly, you said it best. These older machines can easily produce stunning work, once the operator learns how to shoot with it. Also, limitations are not always a bad thing, kinda like Longrider and his harley analogy. Get the gadgets out of the way and the experience is better, at least it is for me. Cool chat, glad I got to see it. 👍📸
@@MartinCastein Just get that sweet 85mm and go to town. Portraits are your specialty from what I can tell. You are VERY good at that and really seem to enjoy doing it too. Did I mention how great your portraits are?😬🤷🏻♂️ Those are incredible...just incredible.
@@davidsaylors haha thanks David, I’ve done portraits more than anything else and it’s my main thing, I’m getting in to landscapes gradually too, but portraits are my main thing, could be a while before I get to do any again now though!
@@MartinCastein Yeah, you guys just went back into lockdown again, didnt you? I forgot about that. I have a feeling that we will be doing the same thing soon, just to be honest. Interaction is going to be touch n go for another year or two, if I have to guess... maybe landscape isnt such a bad idea😬🤷🏻♂️
@@davidsaylors haha yes, well right now i really cant go outside my local area so i can go to the park and thats about it for now. not much can be done about that so nevermind, just have to wait now.
I am waiting for a 5d to arrive and wanted to get a lens ready for when it's here, but your saying to get the 50mm II instead of the STM version surprised me. Everywhere else I see people advicing the opposite. Would you share why you think it's better? Anything specific besides the motor? Thank you.
The disadvantages are actually one of the draws of this camera. If you've ever made a living with something like a Nikon FM SLR and a couple of basic lenses there is something about using these early Canons. You remember what it is to make images without all the bells and whistles. You look through the viewfinder, you pick your ISO and other settings, and you are processing the variables in you. I picked up a a 20D for $50 recently to get back to that shooting experience. I have newer DSLR and mirrorless cameras. The newer ones have their advantages and for specific uses I would use them. As you said, using the older body has a purer feel to it. I shot my 6D and Tamron 24-70 f2.8 on a portrait shoot this weekend. Alongside I tossed the 20D in with the 40mm f2.8 STM pancake to take a few shots. The 20D amazed me with the SOOC shots. The smaller files load and process faster in post. If I need to go really big for an enlargement I can use Gigapixel AI or Photoshop Super Resolution to resize. I'm thinking I want a 5D Classic. 12 MP full frame should do just fine. If I really, really need to shoot higher resolution then my other cameras have it covered from 18 to 24 MP. I do find that I enjoy shooting a purer camera and feeling at home.
Absolutely and really what more do you need. I think the 5d classic can do most things well with a few exceptions such as sports but it wasn’t made for that anyway. I think you should try a 5d it’s the best of that era in my opinion. 🙂
In its day, it was groundbreaking camera and it took Nikon some time to surpass it with the D700, which is still capable of competing with the state of the art cameras of today. I sold mine three years ago but I still have my MKii.
Nice video, I take photos nearly everyday, with a different camera, from a 1937 6x9 Voigtlander Bessa to a 2020 Olympus OMD1mkIII, vintage 135, 120mm, large format, "vintage" digital (My oldest is a 1Mp Sony Maciva still using floppy disks) and I enjoy all of them, I am not a professional but an enthusiast, I studied photography in the late 90s when digital cameras were just stammering. And I think old cameras are still great and give sometimes more pleasure than new ones, as I must deal with their technical limits and constraints, with an old camera, I must use my brain as the camera has no intelligence to help me. Older Cameras also have a personnality, the images are less "artificial" even with old DSLR such as the 5D, close to film images.
I’ve been shooting more and more with my 5D classic lately and I’m constantly amazed by the colors and tonality. Often I do NOTHING to my raw files, not even a picture profile. Tip: I use my old Sigma 50mm 1.4 EX DG HSM and it works great with this camera (!). Focus is spot on and colors are amazing.
I know how you feel about the dslr being more exciting than the mirrorless. I have like 5 mirrorless and eveytime i take up my 1d4 (first dslr) i always get excited.
Unless there is something you need from the 5dsr then stick with the 5d dont get sucked into the megapixel stuff that’s only really relevant for some commercial work.
Hello, what camera do you suggest for someone looking to upgrade from a T3i, especially where they feel like they want to take it to the next level? Thanks
I got my 5D as a christmas present from my parents 4 years ago; previous camera was an olympus EM1 mk1, and an old fuji S200exr previous to that. Upon receiving the 5D (which only had 9k clicks), I got a 50 1.8 straight away, but barely used the camera afterwards. Recently got back in after finding your videos and basically falling in love with the camera, I found this older lens, a 20mm f2.8, which I really like. The main issue I have with the camera (most likely user problem) is getting sharp images. Before finding your videos, I was using mostly off-center focus points, with slight focus and recompose. Now I'm going to use more of the center point, though I'm still not pleased with my keeper rate, I'd say at least half aren't in focus. I used to do a lot of backbutton focusing but seems useless here? I use AI focus instead of servo because it feels the tracking isn't too great. Maybe I'm not getting this right. Any tips? I'd step the 50 down to 2.2 or 2.8 to get more depth of field, but because I'm trying to keep ISO as low as possible given the camera's age, it seems every 1/3 step counts. Thanks!
I have a 5d, 6d and 550d. I took about 800 photos between each and when reviewing them in lightroom I realised the 5d photos looked best. The other cameras looked more digital and plastic somehow
Hi Martin, As it doesn’t have auto ISO, does setting it to Av help the camera automatically expose brightness if ISO is roughly in the right place, or is it still very much a case of shoot and review like it would be in manual? Thanks!
Yeah if you get iso in the right range then aperture priority will adjust shutter speed for you, you need to make sure you pick an iso high enough so you have some range so your shutter speed won’t drop too low
@@MartinCastein thanks mate! I used to have one but idk why, felt I had to shoot in manual 😂, I don’t shoot sports or anything, so Av sounds like the way! Been waiting to see if any 6Ds come up cheap, but with the 5D classic at a quarter of the price, I may end up going back to it! Cheers.
How well does it fare with vintage M42 lenses? I already got the 550D and had some marvellous years out of it. Still, FF would be very nice and I really like the "film look" that's possible with the 5D Classic. Resolution is much less, than 550D's, though. Does that show up on the images when compared?
ive only used it with a helios lens which worked well on it, i cant say more than that with m42 lenses though. the resolution is fine though, its not going to be higher but if you dont zoom in will look sharper due to lack of aa filter. the 5d is OLD, it takes more work, its harder to use and youll make more mistakes with it but when you get it right its unique imo at least as unique as a digital camera can be. i guess if you dont like it you could always sell it anyway, its certainly not for everyone.
ive only used it with a helios lens which worked well on it, i cant say more than that with m42 lenses though. the resolution is fine though, its not going to be higher but if you dont zoom in will look sharper due to lack of aa filter. the 5d is OLD, it takes more work, its harder to use and youll make more mistakes with it but when you get it right its unique imo at least as unique as a digital camera can be. i guess if you dont like it you could always sell it anyway, its certainly not for everyone.
Hello Martin,hope you are doing well.I have just bought a canon 5d classic as my first full frame camera along with 50mm lens.I like doing street photography,portraits,events sometimes.What couple of lens would you suggest me buying for canon 5d? Thank you
I’d actually get the old 24-70 2.8 if you can. Especially if you want to do any events. It depends on you budget though. You could get the 85mm 1.8 for portraits and a 35mm for street but you could do all that on the 50mm which why I think a zoom could be good
@@MartinCastein Thank you very much,sorry i couldn't reply you earlier as i was in my village where there is no internet connection. I am a student and i am in a very tight budget right now.Thank you for your lens recommendations,i highly appreciate it. I am looking to buy a 50mm 1.8 stm lens and one zoom lens to go with it. What would you recommend between 24-85mm 3.5-4.5 or 28-135 mm 3.5-5.6 Is lens? Do you think if any of these lenses will work well in canon 5d classic?Have you tried it before? I will highly consider your recommendation,thank you
Totally get where you're coming from. This canon is very much like the Nikon D700. A well built, but pretty simple camera by today's standards. Low MP, which is better in some ways. Big eyeballs to capture the light. The D700 produces a very film like image compared to all the other Nikon's I've used, and with good glass is capable of producing amazing images in any kind of photography. As amazing as mirrorless cameras are, I love using DSLRs. I stupidy sold all my pro Nikon gear and lenses and moved to Fuji XT system last year. After 6 months I sold the lot and rebought all my Nikon kit again. The images from Fuji were great, but the cameras are like toys to use and very uninspiring to use. The actual enjoyment in the act of taking the photo is just as important as the finished result. Hence I'll stick with my d700 and 2 Nikon D4!
I had the d700 too I regret selling that camera so much. I used it for many weddings and some portrait shoots. It was fantastic never let me down and had good skin tones too. I really should not have sold it and I might buy one again some time.
It’s different the mk ii is very good too but I’d say no it doesn’t but the Mark ii is what most people should but as it’s much easier to live with and has better iso.
@@MartinCastein I've taken your recommendation and just bought a nifty-fifty (the original, not the STM), and I've also got my eye on a 12-24 wide-angle. I have a lot of old Legacy glass, which is why I bought the A7, so I will most certainly be buying a couple of adaptors to try out those. Mind you, getting focus at wide apertures, without focus-peaking, is going to be a challenge, I reckon.
The fun thing is that the 5D was the first full frame I ever owned. I'm just a hobbyist and take photos of my surroundings, my kids, friends, my everyday life. Bought it very cheap some 5 years ago. The moment I got the first pics into lightroom I was like "wow" so this is what full frame is all about. Thinking that things would be even better in the newer bodies I actually after that bought, tried out the 5D ii, 6D and Nikon D610. Resold them expect the 5D ii which I use for really low light shooting if I need to use ISO 6400. I then came to realise that the "wow" factor was not in full frame but in that particular camera model itself. The 5D really sings and there are some lenses that goes extremely well with it. Canons old EF 35mm F2 (not the new version with IS) and the 50mm STM produces absolutely stunning results with people, landscape and cityscapes. It's that 3D look that is so well described in your videos. The effect is not as pronounced in my opinion with teles as the 135L and the 70-200 F4 give more similar results on other cameras, maybe because the the flattening effects of teles in themselves. The very strange thing is that the 35mm looks like meh on the 6D and 5D ii but absolutely breath taking on the 5D. I can't explain it but if annyone has a theory I'd be interested to hear. Nowadays I just leave the 135L on the 5d ii for low light high ISO tele and switch between the 35 and 50 on the 5D depending on mood. The 17-40L also produces noticeably finer pics on the 5D compared to the other cameras. Another interesting thing is that it seems like the the 5D gets more light. If I compare images taken with the 5Dii/6D with the 5D the histogram is shifted somewhat to the right and the images are somewhat brighter in the 5D if shot on same ISO/Aperture/Shutter. So in reality it seems to have about 0.3 to 0.5 more stops than the specs would say, could shoot the 5D on for example iso 100 F2.8 at 125th and the picture would be identical to 100 f2 at 125th on the 5Dii. If someone could explain this to I would like to hear. Shoot only in RAW.
asking because the histogram is based on the jpeg settings regardless of if you are recording raw to the card or not. the histogram is from the jpeg preview.
@@MartinCastein Actually I was refering to the histogram in Lightroom, and when imported into lightroom my experience is you need to increase the exposure by .3 to .5 stops to get aprox same output with same settings and same lens.
Old is better (ok I'm 66 😂) ... I've tried to buy an used 5D mark III but, where I live, the prices in the second-hand market are crazy high, so I've buy a 6d mark II. I believe is the photographer not the camera the most important thing. Have a nice year !
One camera I actually regret selling, because it was such a nice example and yes only the Leica M240 has better colours than this (in good outdoor light, indoors this Canon is the best). I had the 50/1.8 II with it but I preferred it with manual glass like Olympus OM Zuiko, 50/1.4 135/2.8 and so on. Even though I wasn't very confident about nailing the exact focus in the viewfinder, when I reviewed the images I found it to be quite reliable, better in fact than most electronic viewfinders with peaking where it was the opposite, I felt I got it but without magnifying I often missed slightly.
There is the classic is more creamy and more yellow the 5d ii is more brown and rustic toned. Both are good. The 5d ii is easier to live with by a fair bit. The classic has my favourite output.
Simplicity of use - Canon ergonomics (fits well to the hand and built like a tank) - compatible with a wide selection of good glass and accessories - a distinctive full-frame sensor returning superb image quality - great colours. and an easy workflow experience... Shooting my 5D Mk1 with the double battery grip gives no worries about power issues. With the simplicity of operation and no video functions; means no chance of overheating. I can't think of anything more a 'good stills photographer' needs...well, maybe a pretty girl to shoot. ;o) With the price to performance capability as it is today - on balance. I'd have to say that; in the right hands this little gem of a dslr is a world-beater; for portraiture. street. and everyday general use. The praise from it's many users speaks volumes. I love shooting mine - colour and b+w. I have been considering the Mk3 for quite some time - if only for better auto-focus potential, and a few more pixels. Hopefully someday the price will match the value/performance ratio of the Mk1. Thanks for the upload Martin.
Read everything you wrote there and totally agree. I had the mkiii it is a better camera and the focus is better too but I prefer the mk1 but if you need the focus I’d get the mkiii
My custom Lightroom CC presets:
bit.ly/2SNfa19
Shot a wedding with my MK I. Loved the photos more than the MKIV. Beautiful sensor and really fun to shoot with. The fact that there's less technology/options allowed me to focus on being a photographer and brought me back to the film days.
*5D Classic* was my first full frame in 2018 (obviously tried it after APS-C due to the lowest price possible) and I loved it so much that dedicated a whole playlist on my channel for reviewing every bit of it (including useful Magic Lantern software which is available for 5D and rarely mentioned). And now, having owned or reviewed 5DII, 5DIII, 6D, 1DX, RP, R, R6 and tons of cropped sensor models (including 1DIV) it still remains my favourite in terms of colours and... shutter sound! Pure pleasure in use and result. Perfect border between simpleness of film cameras (with similar look and grain structure) and versatility of digital files. Thank you for keeping 5D Classic known!
Oh man the shutter sound I know it’s geeky but it has the best sound and satisfying Ka-klunk doesn’t it. Thanks for your input!
Rarely mention magic lantern 😅
I researched this when I bought it a 3rd time & it is Pixel size! The larger the pixel, the better the overall image. Been pricing the 11 megapixel 1Ds for ages to further prove my point. Also, the 5D AWB is its best feature. Like Tina sings 'You're simply the best. Better than all the rest.'
Thank you for your honest and well-organized opinions. After selling my 5D Mark III and several lenses years ago and using Fuji systems for a while, I recently bought back a lens I missed very much (EF50/1.4) and paired it with a 5D Classic. I am really blown away by the color in these raw files - they are really something special.
I promised myself not to buy another old digital camera, but having watched this, you've convinced me I need to buy one of these😆 Great demonstration Martin of such a great classic. Top stuff
Hahah well it’s more of a fun extra camera to have now really, nostalgia for those who have had it for a long time too 🙂hope you saw my reply to your first message to me on the d600 video
Great perspective as always Martin, I have 5 motorcycles, the one I enjoy just riding the most is an old Harley with nothing electronic, no gauges, no speedometer, no tachometer, just a seat , a fuel tank, a headlight and a motor, nothing to think about except the ride 💖
Yes I think that’s exactly it, also jealous you have that, sounds awesome
Thanks for sharing Mark. Love the passion your old per gear, your attitude, knowledge and the way you talk to the camera. You deserve 10x more subscribers Mate. 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏
You are welcome! and thank you!
I bought one in 2019 and I love the camera. I have a 5DmkIII and a RP but the classic will always be my favorite portrait camera because it just works like nothing I've used before.
That’s good to hear so many people seem to love it
One of the best 5d classic review on RUclips. Thank you!
Thank you very much 🙏
I absolutely agree, even though my previous favorite 5D RUclips review is no slouch!
Martin, you beutifully articulated many aspects of my perception of and experience with the 5D mark I. Some years ago, after trading up from a 5D classic to 5D Mark II, I sold the Mark II and bought a good second hand 5D classic again - because it produces images with qualities that are unique and beautiful - Images that would not be possible with the 5D Mark II. I grew up with black and white film and positive transparencies (colour slides) and the 5D seems to capture the best of these mediums in a way that no other camera can.
PS - I also have a 550D and the original 6D and still love the 5d the most
Thanks Alan yea I the Mark ii is good as well but there is just something about the classic.I really like the 6d 1 as well.
@@MartinCasteinjust not able to decide between the 5d n 6d
Love your reviews...agree 100 percent!!! Love old cameras...they magic!
Absolutely agreed. I've always loved the results from my Canon 5D. There is most definitely something special.
Excellent video once again. Very honest and simple, yet sophisticated thoughts. Lots of experience and sensitivity there. Thank you.
Thank you!
I've progressed, moved on, leaning ever more heavily on the full-frame Sony system. But the 5D classic was my first full-frame DSLR. It offers film-like nuances that I have not found in any other camera. My Sony A7R2 may be the closest thing to it--but not very close. I still own a Canon 6D; it is wonderful. But the rich film look of the 5D classic just fills a unique space. I was once a medium format photographer. My favorite camera from that era was the Mamiya 1000s with an 80mm f1.9 lens (I hope I'm remembering those numbers correctly). Runner up was the auto-focus Pentax 645NII, an amazing medium format beast. The Canon 5D classic satisfies my eye as well or better than either of those film-era Titans. What Mr. Castein has stated in this video is the absolute truth. And when he talks about having a special place in his heart for this very special camera, I understand completely. I sold my 5D to purchase my next full-frame; but this video has prompted me to purchase another 5D and keep it. Excellent video.
thank you, thats a very similar journey to mine im now using the a7iii mostly but i kept my original 5d which i bought because i couldnt afford a 5d ii at the time and never sold the 5d now i want to start getting a couple more lenses for it and use it more. Its really interesting reading your thoughts here and seeing how many others feel just the same. thanks!
I still got my 5D with me since I bought it back in 2008. Awesome camera
I love the skin tones from the original 5D
Me too, the best
I was a canon fan boy for years and switched over to Sony and fell in love. Until now where I’ve become a color freak and color is absolutely important for my portraits. I find that Sony files are extremely sharp but they have horrible color run off along, it just messes people faces in the dark. It’s not the end of the world, I’ve just spent a couple of months trying to lock down the perfect settings and everything. I locked down a deal for the 5d, a 28-200 (crappy lens I know but it is what it is, I’ll probably sell it and buy a 35 or 28) the grip and a memory card for 250. It’s not too much cash but as a fun toy and possible a tool that will help my career I’m definitely excited.
You wont go wrong with the 5d, i think it needs the more modern lenses to focus more accruately though, well at least for the wider aperture primes. although the 50 1.8 is good and thats not very expensive. You should be excited. its not the easiest camera to use by any measure these days but it will make you a better photographer for it. I guess its kind of like an older sports car without all the fancy electronics but if you can drive well it wont matter. It has a unique look among digital sensors too.
You wont believe my canera journey..... had a D700, great camera. Then I bought the Sony A7ii... was amazing to use my old film lenses, but the novelty wears off quickly. The files were sharp but I ALWAYS had issues with WB. I then sold that and bought a X100F. That was an amazing camera, but I kept on reading about the 5d and I was intrigued. I then traded the X100F for a 5d mki and a few lenses. This is honestly the first camera which i have owned where I could load in RAWs and not see any editing needed... that is amazing. I never print bigger than A3 so 12mp is more than enough for me. So here I am in 2021 with both a Nikon D700 and 5d mki.... and I could not be happier.
i was the opposite , started with Sony and every single portrait that came out of my camera was ugly as F, then i went Canon and there it is , nice portrait . And then i wanted to see what the hell is going on , because i know Sony has better sensor how come image looks worse .
And i found out its all about Shadows and lights , Canon has flatter image , or as they say Lower dynamic range , this is the reason , the only reason Canon looks better is lower dynamic range you can , move the sliders around and get same image as Canon on Sony , but you have to work for it ..
Plus colors of course .
And i was able to get more Canon like images and better from Sony eventually once i figured out whats going on , but for every single image i had to work in post , every single one . And im like well , if this is so then i will just go Canon and be done with it .
And so i did . But Sony remains loads better in Video , it is technically better in Stills as well , it just that we perceive technically worse as better looking .
@@waltherziemerink I don't like the RAWs of the 5D. They look good, sure, but give it a slight S Curve in Lightroom and the image pops! I don't like the youtube loved faded look. I just pull down the shadows a little bit and give it a slight push in the highlights.
The RAW looks very flat and unpleasing in comparison. Color wise you don't have to change the picture if you don't want to. They look good. With a little bit of tweaking the JPEGs out of came look pretty decent too.
very well explained! thank you so much for explaining it in a simpler way. new sub
Thanks Paul!
Great video. This and a couple of others convinced me to try and track down a 5D. Managed to find an unused boxed one on eBay complete with a Nikon Nikkor 50mm 1.4 AI-S. omg the results are astonishing. Thanks for the steer. You talk a lot of sense!!
Glad you are having a good experience with the 5d! All the best!
Thank you for the best video (on photography) I have ever seen. I have a 5d M1, 2,& 3. My favourite camera is the 5d M1. I do lots of photography on all 3 & to be honest I can not tell the difference between them. But I have noticed that the best pics always seem to be from my M1. Love your video I have subscribed. Thanks again yours sincerely John.
Hiya Martin.. Can I say a massive thank you for doing this video
As a newbee I fell into that rabbit hole of thinking more lenses and more kit would improve my skill set... Wrong... Learning the basics well learning to read a histogram and loads of practice with a camera that doesn't hold your hand but gives your images beautiful colours that makes you want to do better and keep practicing, this to me has been a game changer.
I've even bought a m42 adapter and a couple of vintage primes I've a long way to go but the images do look bloody stunning..
So again many thanks great channel and content keep up the good work mate.
Cameron, thanks for replying, great to hear you are having such a good experience with the 5d, i have an m42 adapter too its a great way to add to the system too! all the best and keep shooting!
New subscriber but really enjoying your vids mate. Cheers for the honest and professional opinions rather than pixel count and spec rubbish.
Thanks Jay glad you are enjoying them!
I feel the exact same way about my 5d mark ii getting into this photography recently I was nervous to purchase a camera that did not have all the bells and whistles as some of the latest stuff like the Sonys and the R5 but tech aside I’ve noticed that the portrait shots coming out of this camera with a 50mm f 1.8 lens are just stunning and just have a different look then more modern cameras do not have and I’m happy that this camera has allowed me to separate myself allowing me to create unique photos that I just don’t see anyone else producing… sometimes less is more great video
Thanks for your review!
Very interesting. I've heard a few people say that about the old classic. I have the 5Dmk2, but it kinda makes me maybe wanna give one a try at some point. Nice breakdown. 👍🏿
Well it’s a lot more basic but if you see one at a good price maybe pick one up to try!
Thank you very much for this review. Ive had my 5d for years now. Initially I bought it as my first full frame. Later on I wanted to upgrade. Until I realized: all so called Upgrades to me were downgrades.
The reason is: simplicity is addicting. Also canon pretty much NAILED it with color science on the 5d. So much that I only shoot in jpeg. I am just that happy on how it performs and looks out of the box.
Just like you said: choose good glass and youll get good results.
To be honest I just got a small neoprene bag for my 5D and a Helios lens, and cary this combo everywhere I go.
I still have mine I bought new. Biggest limitation really is dynamic range and you can blow the highlights easy. Nowadays you can pull up shadows with ease but Canon was not known for that for many years. You kind of have to shoot it the way you want it to look, which, basically is somewhat like film but not quite. It is probably a bit more like slide film, you have to choose how to handle shadows and highlights. Also there is the mirror issue, but mine lasted for maybe 13 years until it fell out, glued it back in still works fine. Nice video. Best wishes!
Yeah the dynamic range is rubbish by today’s standards but with lighting and bracketing when needed you can get around most situations. Luckily not had the mirror fall out so far but we will see!
@@MartinCastein In case you need the mirror fix: four tiny drops of super glue, pressure to hold in place for 30 seconds, let dry 24 hours, mirror fixed. Mine working fine for quite some time. My serial number is in 2's, some though only 1's were affected.
Ah ok thanks I will check my serial number tomorrow, I knew about the mirror issue but not the serial numbers
Thanks so much for this review. Personally,having listened to a few reviews about the 5D,this is my favourite. Reasons being you are not just a hobby photographer but a pro, and your presentation was straightforward,to the point,and seeming honest with no fluff. I trust your commentary here for all these reasons. I am purchasing two 5D bodies and a 24-70 F2.8 lens as a start. I am excited. I'll have to make an adjustment in initially to no live view,I'm used to relying solely on my LCD to to view and then decide to shoot a shot after it's caught my eye initially. I'm sure in time that hurdle will disappear as a problem in my mind when shooting the 5D. I also like very much a manual/physical shutter and aperature control,iso not so much. That's my other hurdle when I start using the 5d. That too will dissipate and disappear as a problem given time and practice I'm sure. Apart from that I don't see any problem and very much look forward to image rendering and colour I have heard and read so much. Ihave relied solely on a fixed focal lenth of 35 mm (full frame equivalent) on my Fuji X100 for 8 years,a very long time connected to one camera and one focal lenth. I needed expanded borders in terms of focal length,and 24-70 is greatly anticipated by me. That being said,35 mm is focal length I understand well and really like. Thanks again for a great rev iew Martin...
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Brilliant review - thanks.
Thank you!
Totally agree. I have a 5dsr I use for tripod work/landscapes I got on sale for 1k and love the 5d for more day to day stuff.
Very well explained sir!
I bought the 5D Classic for £115 last year. I can't believe how much I like it. The quality and style of picture it gives you is unique and excellent.
I enjoyed your video and I had the 5d classic a few years ago, it was my first full frame paired with the 85 1.8. I went to mark two shortly after due to the sensor cleaning but, I agree there is something special about the body, and one day hope to get another body for like you say, the simple shooting!
Thanks Ashley! The mark ii is really good too it’s nice if you can own both.
Thankyou so much for your honest review regarding the 5D classic. I can see that this body has a special place in your heart/experience.
I have purchased a used one to go along with my 50mm 1.8 lense.
This will be my first full frame DSLR.
I'm sooo looking forward to experiencing the photons captured!
Thank you ☺️
Thanks for this Chris I wish you lots of happy shooting, it’s not an easy camera, sometimes it will delight you and sometimes frustrate you but you’ll be a better photographer for it and eventually probably love it.
@@MartinCastein thx for replying, I've been out 6 days/ eves on the bounce with it ( back out tonight before sunset with tripod and 16-35mm L capturing landscape) and it's such a great camera, I have to constantly keep an eye on exposure (which is a great learning tool for me being a novice) and adjust as the evening goes on. I only ever shoot in manual as I want to learn all I can.
One thing I have noticed is that any underexposure of the shadows then it does crucifie me. I need to keep an eye on the histogram a little more and over expose (sometimes) to get some of the shadow detail back.
Tonight I'll be focusing on bracketing and see how that goes.
Thx again and all the best!
@@chrissmith7069 its best to over expose slightly with the 5d 1, sounds like you are having a good time with it. eventually you may want to get a newer camera, dont sell this one, youll always want these days back again. stick at it, there isnt much this camera cant do. only limitaion is you, im glad you are having fun with it! Hope you continue to enjoy!
@@MartinCastein I'm having a great time with the 5D, it's frustrating but I don't mind that at all as I'd sooner learn how to expose correctly then let the camera decide as I won't learn that way.
I wouldn't ever sell it Martin, I invested sooooo many months finding a one owner from new in the box one that it's always going to be a keeper for me.
I have the 5D and a 7D, sometimes I'll go out with both then compare and there's just something that's so nice about the images the 5D captures. It's difficult for me describe (maybe down to lack of other cameras and general experience) but it does create really wonderful images, when I get it right that is..
On I side note, I was watching your reviews regarding the Eos RP and after that I was thinking maybe in the future I might like to try one.
Do you think that would be a good choice for me as I've already invested in quite a few L, EF and efs canon lenses. .
Look forward to your thought Martin.
Cheers
It’s also terrific with vintage glass I shoot mine with classic M42 and Leica visoflex lenses the results are fantastic. I would say for someone who normally shoots film and already has vintage prime glass this is the best digital camera it’s so instinctive to shoot if you’re used to doing everything manually
Good tips there Robert, thanks
Still an excellent camera despite its age. Love shooting it. Great video!
Thanks glad you liked it!
I enjoyed watching your video! Recently, I bought a Fujifilm X-T3. It is a great camera and I am enjoying taking photos with it. However, like you mention in the video there are a lot of extras on the camera that I could use but don't, and still manage to take lovely photos. However, as I have a lot of good Canon lenses from my past experience of using the Canon EOS 30D, I decided to buy a second camera. After much research and so much positive feed back, I have treated myself to a ( barely used) Canon 5D mark 3. This will be my first full frame camera and I'm excited about using it. Love your photos!
Hi Sonya, that’s great to hear I hope you’ll have a lot of fun with your new camera!
@@MartinCastein Thank you Martin!
Great video, well balanced and based on experience with good photos, thank you!
Glad it was helpful!
Hi Martin,Really enjoying your videos,Im Just getting into landscape at the moment and long exposure in particular,
I have the 5d for 3 years now and would'nt part with it but was concidering a 5d mk ii or a 6d mk i for the live view and video ,What would you go for ?
I’ve had both and the 6d has the best sensor and is overall the better camera. I’d get the 6d without hesitation it also has good dynamic range.
Thanks for the video. As a hobbyist the cost of entry into photography has always been eye watering. I'm more into wildlife with occasional landscape photography. Beginners luck or complete chance my first purchase happened to be a 5d mkii followed by the crop sensor 7d mkii. Both cameras picked up at bargain prices. I'm currently building up a small collection of L lenses, I'm sticking to version 1 lenses in order to keep the price down, my reasoning is that in good nick they will outlast me and they are the perfect vehicles to improve my skills. Its impossible to blame the equipment when you know you are using gear that pro's used 15 years ago to great effect. My motto has become upgrade skills before upgrading equipment. The way things sometimes go I don't think I will be upgrading my equipment very soon 🤣
Great channel MC. I am an amateur (borna again) shter coming from the Nikon and Fuji world, although my first personally bought camera was a Minolta X-700 back in 1982.. Recently I have gotten an EOS 630 film camera, a copy of one I had used extensively before getting into a Nikon N80/F80 and then my digital D70 going back about 25-30 yrs ago. Unfortunately I don't have any EOS lenses and was wondering which one to get. I did note your recommendation of 50mm f1.8(II). Your video has given me another angle of interesting insight into the image quality that Nikon D700 delivers, which I own and cherish. I embrace your insight into the Canon 5D and its relative "specialness" similar to D700. I am very receptive to that. Besides the D700 I also own a D7100, which is an outstanding crop camera. Of the Fujis, I have 3 of them X-M1 (1st generation x-trans), X-E2 (2nd generation) and the X-T30 (4th generation). Of those 3 cameras I mostly shoot the M1 with myriad of vintage glass I managed to collect. I am looking to sell the X-T30 for now, since a lot of it's hi tech capability I don't really use.
thanks for this, good to hear about other peoples experiences :)
I bought a Canon 30d a few weeks ago for £45. It's a sort of baby crop sensor version of the 5d. All the controls are in the same place and only a few differences in the menu. Has 8.2 megapixels and doesn't appear to suffer from the 5d mirror issue. I'm having great fun playing/learning with it. I'm really focused on working it manually and I find it so easy to control. I love the fact I can look through the viewfinder and adjust all my settings with the front and rear scroll wheels. I really find pulling it off AWB and using one of the other choices usually cloudy makes a huge difference to my photos. I'm also weaning off Jpeg and moving to RAW. I actually prefer it to my more modern Canon with its touch screen.
I'd love a 5d for full frame, would be interesting to see how the 5d and 30d compare.
Well that’s pretty similar to my path but I had the 40d the 30d is very similar and an excellent camera. My 40d died on me but I still have it’, very fond memories and lots of photos taken on it. The 5d gives a little something extra due to its unique sensor. These older canon bodies are more fun to shoot with.
I would say it's perfect, the file size is spot on and you can't beat the color rendition.
Well said sir. I've had mine since 2006. Still the best camera I've ever owned.
Thanks, it’s a brilliant camera isn’t it
This was extremely helpful. I always liked the more film like Canon colors straight out of the camera way more than the more vivid ones Nikon is producing. Plus the 12mp full frame sensor of the D5 seemed to deliver less "digital" photos to my eyes even before watching this. But the way you explained things really helped my brain fog riddled mind to realize that this is the camera I want as a tool to go back into photography. Time to find a nice example, dust off my 50mm 1.8 II lens, and get going. Thank you!
Oh good for you Jochen hope you enjoy using it and get back into photography, you’ll need a cf card and card reader too!
@@MartinCastein Thanks Martin, I'm sure it'll be fun shooting with it. I just saw you got a video abt the best settings uploaded so I'm fully covered!
@@jochenbaum996 hahah! great, reply again one day on this thread and let me know how you are getting on. its not an easy camera but very rewarding.
@@MartinCastein Will do Martin and thanks again 😊
The EF 50mm F1.8 mki is a shade better than the mkii IMO. Also, the early Ef 35mm-70mm F2.8 is rather nice too.
Been mulling over "stepping up" from an old APS-C to Full frame... And adding the Classic to the camera bag. Your presentation and review helped with the decision.. now it's a case of which one and from which vendor of used kit. Thanks!
You are welcome Ian!
good review, honest and clear. think we know each other.
Hi Martin, really great works you've done and inspiring. Thanks to your channel and insight on the 5D classic, i got myself a used 5D classic in great condition. I also want to find out if i can take product photos with this camera not for commercial use but personal and social media sharing purposes. Thanks 🙏🏻
Hi Victor, thanks for your kind words. You can photograph basically anything with this camera. I have photographed weddings portraits landscapes cars it’s very capable. Only limit is yourself so get going with it. 🙂
@@MartinCastein oh my,this brings me pure joy 😊🤲🏻. Thank you soo much for the encouragement this goes a long way. I've also included a 50mm & 85mm f1.8 to Kickstart this journey. Thanks once again sir Martin, continue with the great works,we're watching 💯🙌🏼
Thanks I will have new content soon, all the best buddy.
@@MartinCastein 🙏🏻🙌🏼
The best camera to learn digital photography on ,it makes you work for the shot.love the sensor.
Stunning photos! You used a Helios lens for those photos at the beginning? Would love more info on that lens + the lenses you use
I think they are all on the 50mm 1.2 but none at 1.2 I also use the 24-105 and 24-70 in some pictures too the helios works well but don’t think I have any examples online
My first and only digital camera is the canon 20d. Crop censor at 8 megapixels it renders some great images. Ive collected some good quality and L series lenses from canon over the years, my favorite being the canon 35mm 2.0 ( “the noisy cricket”). I’ve recently been offered a literally brand new 5d mki. After watching this video I’ve decided to accept this gift. Maybe I can get some inspiration to start shooting again.
Great video. Thank you so much..
Good luck to you hope you get back into photography
Agree 100% with you Martin about the 5d .
Thanks Graham :)
I started out with the 5d mark 1 and it's probably the best camera to learn how to shoot. It's like driving an oldtimer - manual shifting, no power steering, no power breaks, no electronic aids... you get to know the limitations real fast and learn how to deal with it and work around them!
Hi Martin, thanks for your most interesting videos. I have a 5D and 5D Mark ii, which I love. However, I've recently become intrigued with the the 1D and 1Ds mark iiis, which appear ro have a similar color profile to the 5D. Would you ever consider doing a review of these cameras?
I would review them but i dont own them and havent so i cant review them unfortunately.
i have three of these bad boys, there is something about this that stands out from others I dont POST and don't need to I love it, yea sure every shot it not a winner but when you get a winner, it is always a Wow did i take that. I like to use old glass and manual but there
really is something special going on.
Absolutely I couldn’t sell it and I’d get another in case mine breaks I just love it in all the ways you could never list on a specs sheet.
I miss my original 5D it had a unique image the old censor yields special coloring
Great video thanks
You inspired me to take out my classic and try some portraits.
That’s great to hear 🙂
Hey Martin! I bought one of 5D. I was using canon t3 crop sensor camera. I hope I will love it
I think you will but you need to accept it is older tech and you have not many features. With good lenses and shooting carefully it’s fantastic
Hi Ozan. You will love it. It may have less modern features, but it makes up for it with stunning image quality, two dials to control aperture and shutter speed in manual, easy to use menu system, a bright pentaprism viewfinder (you'll notice how much more sharper/clearer it is compared to your T3), higher max shutter speed, great build quality with a better feeling in the hand, and of course, the shutter sound which is pure bliss :)
I absolutely love using my 5D classic as my primary. I had a MKii til recently still favored the classic over it due to its film look. Now I have a second classic as a backup.
I know what you mean it’s just a wonderful camera with a perfect sensor which was never repeated
The MK ii has the ‘worst’ sensor output of all the 5D line. Didn’t like it one bit.
You've start me thinking now. I was going to buy mark ii but after all those comments I'm starting to struggle.
There is something about the 5D Classic. Simplicity, and just a joy to use. Love it.
Absolutely Bob!
Martín, thank you so much for this video I was uncertain in regards the 5D mark I. You help me a lot. I am planning to do landscape photography. If you could only afford one lens for landscaping which one would you choose? Like 28 to 200 or anything on between? 🙏🏼
17-40 if you are on a budget or 24-105 or 16-35 f4 you could start with a 24-105 and have a pretty flexible lens there. But start with something, anything. Just start. 🙂
Good morning Martin, I agree wholeheartedly, you said it best. These older machines can easily produce stunning work, once the operator learns how to shoot with it. Also, limitations are not always a bad thing, kinda like Longrider and his harley analogy. Get the gadgets out of the way and the experience is better, at least it is for me. Cool chat, glad I got to see it. 👍📸
Hi David, thanks I really need to get some lenses for my 5d as well now I’ve sold most of my canon lenses now. I love and miss using it!
@@MartinCastein Just get that sweet 85mm and go to town. Portraits are your specialty from what I can tell. You are VERY good at that and really seem to enjoy doing it too. Did I mention how great your portraits are?😬🤷🏻♂️ Those are incredible...just incredible.
@@davidsaylors haha thanks David, I’ve done portraits more than anything else and it’s my main thing, I’m getting in to landscapes gradually too, but portraits are my main thing, could be a while before I get to do any again now though!
@@MartinCastein Yeah, you guys just went back into lockdown again, didnt you? I forgot about that. I have a feeling that we will be doing the same thing soon, just to be honest. Interaction is going to be touch n go for another year or two, if I have to guess... maybe landscape isnt such a bad idea😬🤷🏻♂️
@@davidsaylors haha yes, well right now i really cant go outside my local area so i can go to the park and thats about it for now. not much can be done about that so nevermind, just have to wait now.
Great channel.
Thanks Kev!
Thanks Martin, you convinced me to buy one, I'd appreciate if you could recommend some links or reliable retailers to buy from. Thanks mate.
If you are in the U.K. buy from mpb they have a good returns policy and 6 month warranty
I am waiting for a 5d to arrive and wanted to get a lens ready for when it's here, but your saying to get the 50mm II instead of the STM version surprised me. Everywhere else I see people advicing the opposite.
Would you share why you think it's better? Anything specific besides the motor?
Thank you.
The disadvantages are actually one of the draws of this camera. If you've ever made a living with something like a Nikon FM SLR and a couple of basic lenses there is something about using these early Canons. You remember what it is to make images without all the bells and whistles. You look through the viewfinder, you pick your ISO and other settings, and you are processing the variables in you. I picked up a a 20D for $50 recently to get back to that shooting experience. I have newer DSLR and mirrorless cameras. The newer ones have their advantages and for specific uses I would use them. As you said, using the older body has a purer feel to it. I shot my 6D and Tamron 24-70 f2.8 on a portrait shoot this weekend. Alongside I tossed the 20D in with the 40mm f2.8 STM pancake to take a few shots. The 20D amazed me with the SOOC shots. The smaller files load and process faster in post. If I need to go really big for an enlargement I can use Gigapixel AI or Photoshop Super Resolution to resize. I'm thinking I want a 5D Classic. 12 MP full frame should do just fine. If I really, really need to shoot higher resolution then my other cameras have it covered from 18 to 24 MP. I do find that I enjoy shooting a purer camera and feeling at home.
Absolutely and really what more do you need. I think the 5d classic can do most things well with a few exceptions such as sports but it wasn’t made for that anyway. I think you should try a 5d it’s the best of that era in my opinion. 🙂
Where can we see the photos to compare them. Would love to check them out
In its day, it was groundbreaking camera and it took Nikon some time to surpass it with the D700, which is still capable of competing with the state of the art cameras of today. I sold mine three years ago but I still have my MKii.
Nice video, I take photos nearly everyday, with a different camera, from a 1937 6x9 Voigtlander Bessa to a 2020 Olympus OMD1mkIII, vintage 135, 120mm, large format, "vintage" digital (My oldest is a 1Mp Sony Maciva still using floppy disks) and I enjoy all of them, I am not a professional but an enthusiast, I studied photography in the late 90s when digital cameras were just stammering.
And I think old cameras are still great and give sometimes more pleasure than new ones, as I must deal with their technical limits and constraints, with an old camera, I must use my brain as the camera has no intelligence to help me. Older Cameras also have a personnality, the images are less "artificial" even with old DSLR such as the 5D, close to film images.
excellent, and yes dealing with constraints and limits makes it more enjoyable, i definitely enjoy the less digital look as well for sure.
Can someone share some vintage lens combination with 5dc? Or maybe the canon 35f1.4 lens how will that be ?
I’ve been shooting more and more with my 5D classic lately and I’m constantly amazed by the colors and tonality. Often I do NOTHING to my raw files, not even a picture profile. Tip: I use my old Sigma 50mm 1.4 EX DG HSM and it works great with this camera (!). Focus is spot on and colors are amazing.
I had the 85mm hsm mine was spot on too really liked that lens, another thing I shouldn’t have sold
@@MartinCastein Lovely. I used the 50 also on my mkii (which I regret selling) and it performed great also on that 21 mp.
Just bought 5d 1 looking forward to using it .getting away from my 90d .try the basics .seems more enjoyable than 👍
Stick with it for a bit, it might take a while to get to see it’s benefits and it suits slight over exposure and brining down after in editing
I know how you feel about the dslr being more exciting than the mirrorless.
I have like 5 mirrorless and eveytime i take up my 1d4 (first dslr) i always get excited.
Yep that’s exactly it!
Nikon D3 & D3X shooter here: I've just ordered a nice 5D Classic from MPB. Any other recommended cheap lenses (apart for the 50mm alread mentioned)?
40mm 2.8 pancake is excellent much better optically than the 50mm
I was shocked the first time I shot an outdoor night scene at ISO 3200 with the 5D because the noise looked pleasing like film grain!
The 5D MK1 is my main camera and has been for 4 years and I love it and I wont change it although I want a 5DSR
Unless there is something you need from the 5dsr then stick with the 5d dont get sucked into the megapixel stuff that’s only really relevant for some commercial work.
@@MartinCastein okay cool thank you for taking the time to reply I really appreciate it have a nice day.
Hello, what camera do you suggest for someone looking to upgrade from a T3i, especially where they feel like they want to take it to the next level? Thanks
Depends on budget, what lenses and what you photograph
I got my 5D as a christmas present from my parents 4 years ago; previous camera was an olympus EM1 mk1, and an old fuji S200exr previous to that. Upon receiving the 5D (which only had 9k clicks), I got a 50 1.8 straight away, but barely used the camera afterwards. Recently got back in after finding your videos and basically falling in love with the camera, I found this older lens, a 20mm f2.8, which I really like. The main issue I have with the camera (most likely user problem) is getting sharp images. Before finding your videos, I was using mostly off-center focus points, with slight focus and recompose. Now I'm going to use more of the center point, though I'm still not pleased with my keeper rate, I'd say at least half aren't in focus. I used to do a lot of backbutton focusing but seems useless here? I use AI focus instead of servo because it feels the tracking isn't too great. Maybe I'm not getting this right. Any tips? I'd step the 50 down to 2.2 or 2.8 to get more depth of field, but because I'm trying to keep ISO as low as possible given the camera's age, it seems every 1/3 step counts. Thanks!
ill do a video on getting sharp photos with these cameras soon, its on my list anyway.
@@MartinCastein Great! Looking forward to that :)
I had a mark 1 but I was not big on it, I bought a mark II and loved it...;)
Thats all good, i really like the mark ii as well its excellent.
I have a 5d, 6d and 550d. I took about 800 photos between each and when reviewing them in lightroom I realised the 5d photos looked best. The other cameras looked more digital and plastic somehow
Exactly my findings JB!
The ccd chip magic, unedited pleasure
Hi Martin, As it doesn’t have auto ISO, does setting it to Av help the camera automatically expose brightness if ISO is roughly in the right place, or is it still very much a case of shoot and review like it would be in manual? Thanks!
Yeah if you get iso in the right range then aperture priority will adjust shutter speed for you, you need to make sure you pick an iso high enough so you have some range so your shutter speed won’t drop too low
@@MartinCastein thanks mate! I used to have one but idk why, felt I had to shoot in manual 😂, I don’t shoot sports or anything, so Av sounds like the way! Been waiting to see if any 6Ds come up cheap, but with the 5D classic at a quarter of the price, I may end up going back to it! Cheers.
Would you elaborate just a bit on why you choose the 50mm 1.8 MkII over the STM, please?
Just cos it’s cheaper and not
much difference get either, if you do any video work get the stm if not get whatever it doesn’t matter much
How well does it fare with vintage M42 lenses? I already got the 550D and had some marvellous years out of it. Still, FF would be very nice and I really like the "film look" that's possible with the 5D Classic.
Resolution is much less, than 550D's, though. Does that show up on the images when compared?
ive only used it with a helios lens which worked well on it, i cant say more than that with m42 lenses though. the resolution is fine though, its not going to be higher but if you dont zoom in will look sharper due to lack of aa filter. the 5d is OLD, it takes more work, its harder to use and youll make more mistakes with it but when you get it right its unique imo at least as unique as a digital camera can be. i guess if you dont like it you could always sell it anyway, its certainly not for everyone.
ive only used it with a helios lens which worked well on it, i cant say more than that with m42 lenses though. the resolution is fine though, its not going to be higher but if you dont zoom in will look sharper due to lack of aa filter. the 5d is OLD, it takes more work, its harder to use and youll make more mistakes with it but when you get it right its unique imo at least as unique as a digital camera can be. i guess if you dont like it you could always sell it anyway, its certainly not for everyone.
@@MartinCastein Thank you very much for this!
also best facial skin tones …makes people look great
100%
Thanks!
very kind thank you!
I have that exact combo - 5D Classic and 50 1.8 Mk II - and was about to sell it for almost nothing - I'll keep it and go shoot instead - thx!
Ahhhh my work here is done 😎
Hello Martin,hope you are doing well.I have just bought a canon 5d classic as my first full frame camera along with 50mm lens.I like doing street photography,portraits,events sometimes.What couple of lens would you suggest me buying for canon 5d?
Thank you
I’d actually get the old 24-70 2.8 if you can. Especially if you want to do any events. It depends on you budget though. You could get the 85mm 1.8 for portraits and a 35mm for street but you could do all that on the 50mm which why I think a zoom could be good
Ask more questions if you want more specific answers my 5d setup is a 50 and a zoom
@@MartinCastein Thank you very much,sorry i couldn't reply you earlier as i was in my village where there is no internet connection.
I am a student and i am in a very tight budget right now.Thank you for your lens recommendations,i highly appreciate it.
I am looking to buy a 50mm 1.8 stm lens and one zoom lens to go with it.
What would you recommend between 24-85mm 3.5-4.5 or 28-135 mm 3.5-5.6 Is lens?
Do you think if any of these lenses will work well in canon 5d classic?Have you tried it before?
I will highly consider your recommendation,thank you
Totally get where you're coming from. This canon is very much like the Nikon D700. A well built, but pretty simple camera by today's standards. Low MP, which is better in some ways. Big eyeballs to capture the light. The D700 produces a very film like image compared to all the other Nikon's I've used, and with good glass is capable of producing amazing images in any kind of photography. As amazing as mirrorless cameras are, I love using DSLRs. I stupidy sold all my pro Nikon gear and lenses and moved to Fuji XT system last year. After 6 months I sold the lot and rebought all my Nikon kit again. The images from Fuji were great, but the cameras are like toys to use and very uninspiring to use. The actual enjoyment in the act of taking the photo is just as important as the finished result. Hence I'll stick with my d700 and 2 Nikon D4!
I had the d700 too I regret selling that camera so much. I used it for many weddings and some portrait shoots. It was fantastic never let me down and had good skin tones too. I really should not have sold it and I might buy one again some time.
great video
does a MKII share the same image quality or it is only the MKI?
thank you
It’s different the mk ii is very good too but I’d say no it doesn’t but the Mark ii is what most people should but as it’s much easier to live with and has better iso.
@@MartinCastein thank you it is the answer i needed to ear, it is quite like the original BMPCC
and the Leica x8 i love these camera
Thank you
I've just bought one of these. Superb condition, for £160. I'm now looking at a couple of lens. I've been shooting with a Sony A7.
excellent hope you enjoy it, they are old but can produce excellent unique results, what lenses you looking at?
@@MartinCastein I've taken your recommendation and just bought a nifty-fifty (the original, not the STM), and I've also got my eye on a 12-24 wide-angle. I have a lot of old Legacy glass, which is why I bought the A7, so I will most certainly be buying a couple of adaptors to try out those. Mind you, getting focus at wide apertures, without focus-peaking, is going to be a challenge, I reckon.
@@leslawrenson see if you can get any adapters with focus confirmation chips although i expect you are aware of them already
The fun thing is that the 5D was the first full frame I ever owned. I'm just a hobbyist and take photos of my surroundings, my kids, friends, my everyday life. Bought it very cheap some 5 years ago. The moment I got the first pics into lightroom I was like "wow" so this is what full frame is all about. Thinking that things would be even better in the newer bodies I actually after that bought, tried out the 5D ii, 6D and Nikon D610. Resold them expect the 5D ii which I use for really low light shooting if I need to use ISO 6400. I then came to realise that the "wow" factor was not in full frame but in that particular camera model itself.
The 5D really sings and there are some lenses that goes extremely well with it. Canons old EF 35mm F2 (not the new version with IS) and the 50mm STM produces absolutely stunning results with people, landscape and cityscapes. It's that 3D look that is so well described in your videos. The effect is not as pronounced in my opinion with teles as the 135L and the 70-200 F4 give more similar results on other cameras, maybe because the the flattening effects of teles in themselves. The very strange thing is that the 35mm looks like meh on the 6D and 5D ii but absolutely breath taking on the 5D. I can't explain it but if annyone has a theory I'd be interested to hear. Nowadays I just leave the 135L on the 5d ii for low light high ISO tele and switch between the 35 and 50 on the 5D depending on mood. The 17-40L also produces noticeably finer pics on the 5D compared to the other cameras.
Another interesting thing is that it seems like the the 5D gets more light. If I compare images taken with the 5Dii/6D with the 5D the histogram is shifted somewhat to the right and the images are somewhat brighter in the 5D if shot on same ISO/Aperture/Shutter. So in reality it seems to have about 0.3 to 0.5 more stops than the specs would say, could shoot the 5D on for example iso 100 F2.8 at 125th and the picture would be identical to 100 f2 at 125th on the 5Dii. If someone could explain this to I would like to hear. Shoot only in RAW.
have you got the same picture styles set on both camera?
asking because the histogram is based on the jpeg settings regardless of if you are recording raw to the card or not. the histogram is from the jpeg preview.
@@MartinCastein Actually I was refering to the histogram in Lightroom, and when imported into lightroom my experience is you need to increase the exposure by .3 to .5 stops to get aprox same output with same settings and same lens.
@@xamreb interesting!!
I have two 5d classic cameras. Love the output. On one of them the mirror fell of a few years ago. How do you fix that?
You can glue it back apparently but I’ve never done it but many do it.
@@MartinCastein I will look into that.
Old is better (ok I'm 66 😂) ... I've tried to buy an used 5D mark III but, where I live, the prices in the second-hand market are crazy high, so I've buy a 6d mark II. I believe is the photographer not the camera the most important thing. Have a nice year !
Definitely the photographer not the gear although sometimes certain gear helps. Happy new year!
I use 2400 outdoors with 400 iso constant and play with the aperture
One camera I actually regret selling, because it was such a nice example and yes only the Leica M240 has better colours than this (in good outdoor light, indoors this Canon is the best). I had the 50/1.8 II with it but I preferred it with manual glass like Olympus OM Zuiko, 50/1.4 135/2.8 and so on. Even though I wasn't very confident about nailing the exact focus in the viewfinder, when I reviewed the images I found it to be quite reliable, better in fact than most electronic viewfinders with peaking where it was the opposite, I felt I got it but without magnifying I often missed slightly.
I’m glad I didn’t sell it, it was my first full frame, good old camera!
Is there too much difference in the color rendition between 5D and 5D MkII ?
There is the classic is more creamy and more yellow the 5d ii is more brown and rustic toned. Both are good. The 5d ii is easier to live with by a fair bit. The classic has my favourite output.
Simplicity of use - Canon ergonomics (fits well to the hand and built like a tank) - compatible with a wide selection of good glass and accessories - a distinctive full-frame sensor returning superb image quality - great colours. and an easy workflow experience...
Shooting my 5D Mk1 with the double battery grip gives no worries about power issues. With the simplicity of operation and no video functions; means no chance of overheating.
I can't think of anything more a 'good stills photographer' needs...well, maybe a pretty girl to shoot. ;o)
With the price to performance capability as it is today - on balance. I'd have to say that; in the right hands this little gem of a dslr is a world-beater; for portraiture. street. and everyday general use.
The praise from it's many users speaks volumes. I love shooting mine - colour and b+w.
I have been considering the Mk3 for quite some time - if only for better auto-focus potential, and a few more pixels. Hopefully someday the price will match the value/performance ratio of the Mk1.
Thanks for the upload Martin.
Read everything you wrote there and totally agree. I had the mkiii it is a better camera and the focus is better too but I prefer the mk1 but if you need the focus I’d get the mkiii