johnfromsouthwell Loc: Southwell, Notts. UK

I have a 5D Mk2 which I only have one problem with and that is the weight. I am 82 and my knees are painful so extra weight means more pain after long periods. Would I be making a mistake if I changed it for the 650D. My L lenses will fit using the adaptor so I would not expect much loss of quality or should I?

gwong1 Loc: Tampa, FL

John, I do not know how to answer the question, but there is only about 1/2 pound difference in the two cameras. Have you tried a tripod to support the camera/lens combination so you do not have to hold them continuously? Just a thought. I know this adds weight when carrying, but once set-up you are hands free. Gary

lighthouse Loc: No Fixed Abode

Your L lenses will fit with no loss of quality and in some cases will even perform better because they will be sharper to the corners.
Only problem is that your lenses will appear 1.6 times longer.
This is good at the long end but means you might need to buy another lens at the wide end to take you to the field of view that you are used to.
Have you thought about going down even further in size to the Four Thirds size? I was only talking to a bloke about how he had done this the other day and he was very happy with it.
He had bought a Four Thirds that had the same quality of image as the D600 apparently.

Photogdog Loc: New Kensington, PA

One other option is the Sony NEX-7. It's a mirrorless EVF design which cuts WAY down on size & weight. It uses the same 650D APS-C sized sensor. The body weighs a little over 10 ounces. My heaviest lens is ~1 lb. It's the 18-200mm zoom but they recently came out with a 55-200mm that's lighter. The other lenses in the line up are featherweights. Image quality is EXCELLENT (24 MP). Sony makes many of the sensors for Nikon.

I believe you can also obtain an adaptor that will take your existing Canon lenses but you'll probably lose AF, AE or both.

Rich Maher Loc: Sonoma County, CA

I'm sure you've also considered a monopod? Light weight and telescopes down to a very convenient size for carrying.

normsImages Loc: Alabama for now

What about a mono pod. I will take the weight off during shooting and can act as a walking stick.

mdorn Loc: Portland, OR

The 650D is lighter, but how does it feel in your hands? For me, the 650D is too small. You might be trading weight for awkwardness. Sorry about the pain in your knees. I don't know what kind of photography you do, but have you considered a bridge camera or even a point-and-shoot? Maybe save your 5D and buy a smaller lighter camera for those times you'll be out for long periods of time? Good luck.

johnfromsouthwell Loc: Southwell, Notts. UK

Thank you all for your replies. I have suddenly aquired a nasty chest infection and I can't think clearly. I will reply more fully in a few days time when I get my senses back.

John.

johnfromsouthwell Loc: Southwell, Notts. UK

Well I now have most of my faculties back. I paid a casual visit to Jessops where I briefly handled the 650D. I was very impressed with the light weight compared to my 5D2. I was surprised when Gwong1 wrote "there is only 1/2 lbf difference." I now believe that I failed to take account of my rather heavy L series lens. Now that I am in a better frame of mind I have abandoned the idea of changing cameras and I thank you all for your advice. I do have a carbon fiber mono pod as well as a CF tripod but both tax me these days. Yes I have a bridge camera with a swivelling LCD. This is a tremendous help when I am shooting from a low angle. I now use it 80% of the time. If ever Canon bring out a full frame with a swivelling back I will certainly consider replacing my present 5D2.

Thanks again everyone you stopped me making a mistake.

gwong1 Loc: Tampa, FL

Glad you are feeling better, Gary