I had been a small-time semi-pro for a number of years back in the film era all the way up until 2009. I shot with an EOS Elan IIe and had a number of good lenses for my work (which has since grown to a number of great lenses). I bought an XTI sometime after they came out with it. I've been pleased with it and its performance especially since my work isn't currently for cash flow. As I have been obtaining a number of additional college degrees in the last six years, I have used my love of photography to inspire my grueling process. In my scientific deduction on which cameras I would choose to fill certain niches, I decided on the Sony TX5 first. This would be my companion on my mountain hikes that needed to be light and element resistant. My next prize would be my Canon G12 and all the equipment for a small camera bag that could be grabbed at a moment's notice for a weekend trip/vacation when photo work would not be the priority but having all the tools needed for almost any anticipated photo op. Those decisions have been made, the accompanying accomplishment have been completed, and those delightful cameras purchased and used to my pleasure. I purchased the Sony TX5 when the TX10 had come out for over a $100 less than it was selling months before. The G12 was just about to get phased out by the G15 when I purchased it (and I got it at a nicely discounted price).
As this next degree was coming up, I wanted to purchase a nice `serious' camera that would expand the limits of enlargement capabilities and image quality. With an already descent line-up of glass for the EOS system, I always look to Canon, but it didn't seem to attract me that much. Either their equipment is too expensive to justify the purchase or it seems to basically mimic the function of my still-loved XTI - I'm not someone that is constantly clawing and scratching for the latest tech gear - I just want nice compelling pictures that have good image quality (XTI fits that bill fine). I had mainly looked at the OM-D E-M5. The image quality was great and it was weather sealed - fitting a great niche in my line up. All bets were off when I saw what the 5D was selling for used. After mulling countless hours over three years trying to decide on my next camera line up (not even thinking of the 5D - ever), I had thrown out every candidate in one evening when I found my dream selling for $550 in `like new' condition (I do see that this is a very good deal as compared with other Amazon used offerings - maybe $100 cheaper than others may be able to get same camera/condition). This wonder of a camera had not even been on my radar due to the perceived cost - I had not even given it a glance. I even had convinced myself that it was too good to be true during the time that I waited for the shipping and delivery - I fully expected to find something drastically wrong with it hidden someway. After a week of putting it through every trial I could think of, I am convinced that I possess a camera that fits one of the greatest niches that I have had. It is truly in near mint condition and gives me the performance that I was lacking with my smaller sensors.
For a grand total of a $1000, I have purchased a used `very good' Tamron 28-75 2.8, a `like new' Sigma UV multicoated filter, used `like new' Canon brand vertical battery grip (which came with AA adapter and 1 factory Canon battery), two new batteries with AC/DC charger, sensor cleaning kit from Copper Hill, and a Giottos Rocket Blower (The camera purchase also included cables, 8GB CF card, manual, and strap). My portraits are wonderful - images that almost magnetize your eye to keep looking at them. The ability for this camera/lens to isolate the subject and blur the rest of the image is perfect. The lens and sensor are so impressive in terms of image quality. The color is a dream. The viewfinder gives a great wide view of the scene. At over $3000 I would have given this camera a reluctant nod. Since I don't get paid for my work, I would be hard pressed to get too excited over my treasure. But for the price I have paid? Heaven. Paradise. Perfection. Regretless. How can I not find this purchase perfection? The years that I have seen my pro-buddies knock out stellar images without the slightest notion that they desired more quality from any other camera or gear. That doesn't even count the years of images in magazines made by this gem - I don't recall any complaint of image quality.
Understand that I'm speaking of image quality. The 5D is made very well and I feel that this copy has every indication of being quite reliable. But this camera does not come with some of the latest features that newer camera have been equipped with in order to keep Canon camera sales up. I imagine its main work for me will be studio, portraits, and outdoor photography - perfect for the way it is equipped.
I have even heard of photographers having purchased the mark II/mark III as an upgrade for their mark I regretting it. Wow. If you are contemplating using this camera as I have, a used purchase is a no-brainer especially if you have a cool line up of 35mm film glass and this is your first step into full frame photography. Enjoy!
This product is available as Renewed.
Canon EOS 5D 12.8 MP Digital SLR Camera (Body Only) (Renewed) $599.00 & FREE Shipping
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This Item  Canon EOS 5D 12.8 MP Digital SLR Camera (Body Only) |  |  |  |  |  | |
| Price | $225.00 | $379.00 | $1,699.00 | $594.05 | -10% $179.99 List: $199.99 | -21% $379.00 List: $479.99 |
| Delivery | Get it as soon as Friday, May 10 | Get it as soon as Thursday, May 9 | — | — | Get it as soon as Friday, May 10 | Get it as soon as Friday, May 10 |
| Customer Ratings | ||||||
| Picture quality | ||||||
| Auto focus | ||||||
| Image stabilization | ||||||
| Sold By | Michigan Camera | Adorama | iPro Photo | BH 52 Innovations | Amazon.com | Amazon.com |
| display type | — | LCD | LED | LCD | LCD | LCD |
| display size | 2.5 inches | 2.7 inches | 3 inches | 3 inches | 3 inches | 3 inches |
| lens type | interchangeable | Telephoto | Macro | Telephoto | Telephoto | Telephoto |
| zoom type | — | Digital Zoom | Digital Zoom | — | Optical Zoom | Optical Zoom |
| shooting modes | Standard, Portrait, Landscape, Neutral, Faithful, Monochrome, User Defined (1, 2, 3) | Automatic | Scene Intelligent Auto, creative auto, landscape, close-up, sports, special scene modes (night portrait, HDR backlight control), and more | — | Panorama, Automatic, Easy | Automatic |
| connectivity tech | — | Wi-Fi | HDMI, USB | USB | wired, wireless | wired, wireless |
| video resolution | 4K UHD 2160p | 1080p | FHD 1080p | FHD 1080p | 1080p | 2160p |
| optical zoom | 3 multiplier x | 0 multiplier x | 4.3 multiplier x | 3 multiplier x | 40 multiplier x | 0 multiplier x |
In-depth review from dpreview.com:
Reviews with images
Calidad de producto
Llego antes de tiempo , en muy buenas condiciones le colque un 50mm y funciona todo perfecto vamos a probarla este fin de semana
Top reviews from the United States
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Reviewed in the United States on August 28, 2013
Style: Body OnlyProduct Packaging: Standard PackagingVerified Purchase
Reviewed in the United States on June 26, 2012
Style: Body OnlyProduct Packaging: Standard PackagingVerified Purchase
Top reviews from other countries
magdi
Amazing classic camera!
Reviewed in Canada on March 11, 2020Style: Body OnlyProduct Packaging: Standard PackagingVerified Purchase
