BigD Loc: The LEFT Coast

Correct, in the Canon world all lenses focal lengths are stated on a full frame camera EXCEPT the EF-S lenses, which have been designed to provide a specific focal length on an APS-C crop sensor body. The APS-H bodies are the odd balls.

bmarkin13C Loc: SoCal

Hello, I'm new here, but I maybe able to answer your questions. I have been shooting a 7D. About three months ago, I added a 5D mkIII to my kit. It is an amazing camera and has definitely given me much more flexibility in my photography.

I like to shoot action, specifically fire and emergency scenes. I am now using a two camera rig. I keep a 70-200 2.8L on the 7D and a 24-70 2.8L on the 5DMkIII. Both are on a two camera sling system. It helps that I don't usually have to change lenses on the fireground. Emergency scenes are often wet and dirty - crap that I dont need in my cameras or lenses. I keep the 70-200 on the 7D because it works out to 320mm when the crop sensor is factored in. I also have a 1.4 extender if 320mm is not enough.

As I have good access, I usually only use the long set=up on brush fires, almost always during the day. Noise is not an issue as ISO and light typically not a problem.

The 5D MkIII is what I use 85% of the time. I can shoot high ISO (up to 12500) and still have a usable image. The added ISO has allowed greater flexibility in aperture and shutter speed, making low light images less of a problem.

I have found that the difference between the sensor of the two cameras is like night and day. Not only is there less noise at a given exposure with the 5D, but it is easier to control in post. (I shoot in RAW, process 95% in Light Room) The noise appears to be of a finer texture and is controlled with less negative impact on the image.

The focusing system has far more features, though I usually just use single shot focus as my scenes are very dynamic - I have to move fast.

As much as I love the 5D, I won't part with the 7D - I use it all of the time and love it even though it is almost 4 yr old technology.

In short - save your shekels, get the 5D MkII you won't be disappointed. Keep the 7D too!

Hope this helps.

houdel Loc: Chase, Michigan USA

Good point, I think you have it right.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

I see. So EF refers to full frame, and EF-S is crop. Got it.

Larrie Loc: NE Ohio

I always felt the 7D was a prototype for the MKIII. Why not the 6D?

bmarkin13C Loc: SoCal

For me, it's a matter of durability. When I bought the 7D, I also looked at the 60D. When I bought the 5DMkIII I also looked at the 6D.

As I often shoot in a tough environment, durability is an issue. The 5DMkIII is a more robust camera and better sealed. I have already been indirectly sprayed, had stuff (not big killer stuff) fall on me/it and it has performed very well. Worth it to me. My camera does me no good sitting at the canon doctor down in Irvine.

If your shooting environment is not as severe, the 6D may be the one. I hear nothing but good things as bout it and it is a lot less money.

Either one is likely going to be a great purchase, depending on your needs.

SharpShooter Loc: NorCal

There is a little confusion going on here. ALL canon lenses use the same focul length designations. The EFs just don't fit on the FF bodies. They are NOT designated in crop view perspective.

The 100-400 is EF, and NOT APSc. its a 100-400 on a FF.

I would get rid of ANY crop lens you own. Replace it with EF if need be, or not.

Goofy, thinking of the 100-400 as a shoter lens is completely backwards. It will revert back to what it's designated as, a 100 400 and not a 160-640 as he has become accustomed to it being on his 7d. But he still has the 7d to use it on when he needs the reach. But he will probably get better IQ with the mklll and crop to the same, it's so much better a camera.
I think he will find he doesn't need the 7d anymore, except as a back-up camera. And that's only is he's doing paid gigs. SS

raymondh Loc: Walker, MI

I can't add much more to this other than the 5D's low light capabilities are marvelous. You'll be surprised at how remarkably noise free it is a high ISO's.

GoofyNewfie Loc: Kansas City

The effective focal length of the 100-400 is shorter when used on the 5D (100-400) vs the 7D (160-640). The angle of view will be wider with the 5D. As you know, the actual focal length does not change, just the angle of view due to the differing sensor sizes.

CA_CanonUser Loc: Friendswood, TX

Also be aware that even though your flashes will work on the 5D mkiii, the 5D has the capability to shoot using radio control also -- you do either have to buy an extra 600EX-RT flash or the ST-E3-RT which you insert in the hot shoe of the camera to activate the radio control signal. Only the 600EX-RT flashes have the radio control (in addition to optical) capability, but they are really great flash units.

CA_CanonUser Loc: Friendswood, TX

When you speak of EF-S, EF, and L lenses, be aware that all L lenses are EF lenses. EF refers to the mount (attach interface to the camera). All EF-S and EF lenses will work on your 7D because it is a crop sensor camera. BUT only EF lenses will work on the 5D body (also 6D and 1D bodies). These are the 3 full frame cameras in the Canon line; all their other DSLR cameras are crop sensor cameras.

The L designation on an EF lens just means it is a better made lens (better glass, more solid build, more rugged); professional photographers will use mostly L glass. A side advantage is that L glass usually holds it value very well over several years if the lens is well maintained. I know people who have sold L glass for more than they paid for it after several years of use -- helped by the fact that Canon periodically raised their price for that lens.

jdubu Loc: San Jose, CA

You are right about the radio frequency control and older infrared (line of sight) communication.

But the entire line of canon bodies are able to use the radio control of the 600EX-RT and/or ST-E3-RT, since the communication is between flashes or transmitter and not dependent on the 5D.

The 5D mark III has the advanced menu system to control and utilize all the features of the 600EX-RT (where other older bodies do not). It doesn't have radio communication ability on it's own.

Other Canon bodies (i.e. the 7D), are infrared control capable in camera to Canon flashes.

Pockets Loc: Dallas Metro

:thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup: I have both. This is correct. Don't put that EF-S lens on your 5D. It will hurt!