Maxxum 5D Questions...

[photoguy0430]

I'm in the process of looking for a dSLR and I have a few questions regarding the Maxxum 5D. I'm currently debating between the Nikon D50 and the Maxxum 5d but slightly leaning towards the 5D. I plan on shooting landscapes, car shows, people, sporting events, yada yada yada. Now for my questions:

1) I read that the 5D is "slower" than the D50. One review said the guy actually missed the shot because it was that slow. How slow is slow? My current camera is a Fuji Finepix S3100 and I've never "missed the shot" because it was slow.

2) The Nikon software lets you control the camera through your PC and also lets you store pictures directly to your computer. Does the KM software let you do this or is there something similar?

3) While I've not seen either in person (yet) the one thing I noticed is that on the kit lense of the 5D, there doesn't seem to be as many "gizmos" on it as the D50. Is this because some of the settings are controlled through the camera instead or am I just not seeing them?

I hope these make sense as I'm not too "hip" on the dSLR lingo. ;)

Thanks in advance,
Matt

[coldrain]

Manual focus is set on the body, with a KM. On the lens with a Canon, and on both with a Nikon.

[George Riehm]

I'm in the process of looking for a dSLR and I have a few questions regarding the Maxxum 5D. I'm currently debating between the Nikon D50 and the Maxxum 5d but slightly leaning towards the 5D. I plan on shooting landscapes, car shows, people, sporting events, yada yada yada. Now for my questions:

1) I read that the 5D is "slower" than the D50. One review said the guy actually missed the shot because it was that slow. How slow is slow? My current camera is a Fuji Finepix S3100 and I've never "missed the shot" because it was slow.

If you have never missed a shot with the Fuji S3100 then this is a non-issue.


2) The Nikon software lets you control the camera through your PC and also lets you store pictures directly to your computer. Does the KM software let you do this or is there something similar?

How about it there KM guys? Yes on the Nikon. Don't know on the KM 5D. I hope this isn't the primary use for your camera.


3) While I've not seen either in person (yet) the one thing I noticed is that on the kit lense of the 5D, there doesn't seem to be as many "gizmos" on it as the D50. Is this because some of the settings are controlled through the camera instead or am I just not seeing them?

What coldrain said.


I hope these make sense as I'm not too "hip" on the dSLR lingo. ;)

Thanks in advance,
Matt

Your dSLR lingo works for me...

[coldrain]

As far as I know only Nikon and Canon offer that remote software. With Canon it is standard.

[Saliv8]

I have just changed cameras, went from Fuji S7000 to the KM 5D. I can tell you i have missed plenty with the S7000. I have not missed any with this little baby (5D) I am so pleased with it. I got the 2 lens kit and thats all i need for a while.(18-70 & 75-300) Check out some of the shots i have taken with it in this forum. I still have lots to learn, and now have a great platform to start with. Do yourself a favor and take the plunge...get the 5D.

[Balrog]

Hmm .. considering Konica Minolta just closed its doors, now might not be the best time ...

[beachluvr]

Hmm .. considering Konica Minolta just closed its doors, now might not be the best time ...

Balrog - you may want to read some of the other posts carefully before deciding not to buy a KM product. KM did not "close its doors", they are still a huge company and they will be making photo products to be sold under the Sony name as well as many other non-photo products. My own decision was quite the opposite, it is the perfect time to buy the best DSLR in its price range before they are gone forever under the non-Sony name. KM lenses will be supported, probably even more than ever, because Sony's goal is world domination of the digital camera market. Read the reviews on the 5D and 7D and, despite some weak areas ... and all cameras have weak areas ... they both are top-quality precision cameras that embarass their competition in their price range.

[coldrain]

Hmm .. considering Konica Minolta just closed its doors, now might not be the best time ...

Balrog - you may want to read some of the other posts carefully before deciding not to buy a KM product. KM did not "close its doors", they are still a huge company and they will be making photo products to be sold under the Sony name as well as many other non-photo products. My own decision was quite the opposite, it is the perfect time to buy the best DSLR in its price range before they are gone forever under the non-Sony name. KM lenses will be supported, probably even more than ever, because Sony's goal is world domination of the digital camera market. Read the reviews on the 5D and 7D and, despite some weak areas ... and all cameras have weak areas ... they both are top-quality precision cameras that embarass their competition in their price range.
The 7D has a nice user interface concept, and sets itself apart in that, yes. The 5D does not, and it does not embarass any entry level camera in any area, besides that it has IS in the body. For the rest it is just like any entry level DSLR, with its own plusses and minusses. In image quality it is nothing special either, the D50 and 350D being the highest scoring in the sub 1000$ class.

Are the 5D and 7D nice cameras? Yes. Are they "better" than the competition? No.

[beachluvr]

Coldrain - I really didn't say the KM SLRs are "better" than their competition. I couldn't say that because "better" is so subjective for the individual photographer. My quote is "despite some weak areas ... and all cameras have weak areas ... they both are top-quality precision cameras that embarass their competition in their price range." and I definitely stand by that. Both the 7D and 5D offer more "features" for the price, and they are good worthwhile features, like AS, more easily accessible major controls, and I don't recall seeing a review disagree that they are physically built better than cameras like the D50 and 350D. Does that equate to making a better picture? No, as you point out Nikon and Canon also score high in that area (and of course a cardboard box with a pin hole in it can take a better picture than a $10,000 camera ... in the right hands). I pointed out in another forum that my #1 choice would have been the D200 but for my purpose as an all-around-go-where-I-go DSLR I didn't want to shell out $2400 for the Nikon with VR lens. My second choice would have been a D70 which several friends own, but it too was over $1500 with VR lens. But for sheer value, the 7D and 5D should not be ignored simply because KM is altering their go-to-market plans.

[Jclokie]

Hi, just sold my Canon 300D + Canon 75-300 & Tamron 18-200 for the 5D. 2 main reasons were camera shake & reading many buyer reviews that were very positive together with the standard reviews. I'm really pleased I changed - it just takes great looking pictures - plain & simple. I've waiting for my 18-200 KM lens to arrive. Decided to buy it now maybe before it's unavailable!

[capedeci]

am I the only one who liked EOS XT's build quality over KM 5D's?

I just felt the KM is all plastic, while the canon is plastic, it feels like fitness equipment, you know.. material in dumbells coating.

PRobably its just the texturing though.

And the KM operation n features like focusing choice, 2 sec timer, multi delete, folder creation, are all welcome.