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Upgrade to 5D3?
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Apr 30, 2015 12:48:21   #
Gretta
 
First post to UHH, but I've been reading and learning for a while.
So here's my question: I've been using a Canon T3i for a couple years, I've progressed a lot, but consider myself still learning. My most common use is landscape, I travel to some pretty cool places and enjoy the challenge of capturing them.
I'm not always thrilled with my image quality and, after a recommendation, I'm considering an upgrade, seriously considering a 5D3. I understand it will also require additional investment in lenses, etc. And I intend to keep my T3i for family gatherings, etc.
What do you think, will the 5D3 actually bring me to a new level of capability, or should I just maintain my progress with the T3i?

Reply
Apr 30, 2015 12:57:59   #
speters Loc: Grangeville/Idaho
 
Gretta wrote:
First post to UHH, but I've been reading and learning for a while.
So here's my question: I've been using a Canon T3i for a couple years, I've progressed a lot, but consider myself still learning. My most common use is landscape, I travel to some pretty cool places and enjoy the challenge of capturing them.
I'm not always thrilled with my image quality and, after a recommendation, I'm considering an upgrade, seriously considering a 5D3. I understand it will also require additional investment in lenses, etc. And I intend to keep my T3i for family gatherings, etc.
What do you think, will the 5D3 actually bring me to a new level of capability, or should I just maintain my progress with the T3i?
First post to UHH, but I've been reading and learn... (show quote)

It's not so much the camera that makes a difference, but how you use it and what lenses you have, The 5D3 of course will give you better resolution, a much improved low light capabilities and a lot of other improvements (most notable the AF system), but as far as image quality concerns, the glass will play a bigger role, as well as what you're doing - composition, exposure, etc. If all handled correctly, the T3i is more than to hold a candle against many other cameras.

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Apr 30, 2015 13:00:41   #
rthompson10
 
If you have the money sure, there are a lot of other options in between. Have you diagnosed the problems with image quality? Is it definitely the camera or are you having problems with the settings? Do you shoot in program most of the time?
In other words do you feel like you've used the camera to its fullest capabilities? If not maybe stick with what you have and "learn" to shoot better pictures. Otherwise getting a 5D3 is like buying a Ferrari and driving it in automatic

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Apr 30, 2015 13:06:03   #
jimvanells Loc: Augusta, GA
 
I upgraded for a 7D to a 5D3 about 18 months ago and I am still amazed at the quality and detail of the pictures. I would hesitate to go over ISO 400 with 7D and now I take pictures at ISO 3000 without batting any eye. I use the 24 to 105 kit lens for almost 70% of my shooting. Family, grandkids, landscapes etc. My suggestion is by the 5D3 get the kit lens which is an "L" lens and slowly add to the glass.

Jim

ISO 3200 shutter 1/500 100-400 @ 200 mm 100% crop
ISO 3200 shutter 1/500 100-400 @ 200 mm 100% crop...
(Download)

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Apr 30, 2015 13:06:56   #
jimvanells Loc: Augusta, GA
 
I upgraded for a 7D to a 5D3 about 18 months ago and I am still amazed at the quality and detail of the pictures. I would hesitate to go over ISO 400 with 7D and now I take pictures at ISO 3000 without batting any eye. I use the 24 to 105 kit lens for almost 70% of my shooting. Family, grandkids, landscapes etc. My suggestion is by the 5D3 get the kit lens which is an "L" lens and slowly add to the glass.

Jim

ISO 3200 shutter 1/500 100-400 @ 200 mm
ISO 3200 shutter 1/500 100-400 @ 200 mm...
(Download)

Reply
Apr 30, 2015 13:07:02   #
Haydon
 
speters wrote:
It's not so much the camera that makes a difference, but how you use it and what lenses you have, The 5D3 of course will give you better resolution, a much improved low light capabilities and a lot of other improvements (most notable the AF system), but as far as image quality concerns, the glass will play a bigger role, as well as what you're doing - composition, exposure, etc. If all handled correctly, the T3i is more than to hold a candle against many other cameras.


I agree, glass is important but the photographer makes the image bottom line. I own the 5D3 along with good glass. My images are getting better but my equipment hasn't changed. Concentrate on composition and your setting and even an entry level body can produce professional results.

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Apr 30, 2015 15:20:41   #
davidrb Loc: Half way there on the 45th Parallel
 
Gretta wrote:
First post to UHH, but I've been reading and learning for a while.
So here's my question: I've been using a Canon T3i for a couple years, I've progressed a lot, but consider myself still learning. My most common use is landscape, I travel to some pretty cool places and enjoy the challenge of capturing them.
I'm not always thrilled with my image quality and, after a recommendation, I'm considering an upgrade, seriously considering a 5D3. I understand it will also require additional investment in lenses, etc. And I intend to keep my T3i for family gatherings, etc.
What do you think, will the 5D3 actually bring me to a new level of capability, or should I just maintain my progress with the T3i?
First post to UHH, but I've been reading and learn... (show quote)


Greta, welcome to the Hog, nice to have you aboard. Your question is fairly common, and we hear it frequently. Some things to consider: You currently shoot with a Canon so you already have some gear that is going to carry over. I'm not talking the camera but supporting equipment. If you possess any non ""-s lenses you can use them on full frame bodies. Cable releases, flash units, and other non-essential gear will also carry over. The 5D3 is a great camera that will offer you many new features. Those features might give your photography an added boost. The AF system is very good, and is really more power than you might need in your stated objectives. The MkIII has a tremendous AF system that is designed more for action sports than still life, which is really what landscapes are. The 5DMkII is more suited to these needs, but the MkIII would allow you more room for development and growth. You have asked for opinions and mine is that either of the 5 series bodies will definitely bring you a new level of capability. The MkII is available used, and the MkIII can be obtained new, used, or refurbed. I also think either camera will bring with it the advanced use of your current T3i. That camera is possibly being underused because of your lack of knowing how to utilize it's features. Sometimes the use of a more advanced body results in the ability to understand a less advanced model. In either case, you will find new ways to use your old camera. You will receive all kinds of help here, and most of it is good, honest opinion. Some will be advertisement for whatever the poster uses, but you will easily know who is promoting a camera and who is promoting themselves. GL in your quest, you have sound basis for advancement, wish you much success.

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Apr 30, 2015 15:38:49   #
rpavich Loc: West Virginia
 
Gretta wrote:
First post to UHH, but I've been reading and learning for a while.
So here's my question: I've been using a Canon T3i for a couple years, I've progressed a lot, but consider myself still learning. My most common use is landscape, I travel to some pretty cool places and enjoy the challenge of capturing them.
I'm not always thrilled with my image quality and, after a recommendation, I'm considering an upgrade, seriously considering a 5D3. I understand it will also require additional investment in lenses, etc. And I intend to keep my T3i for family gatherings, etc.
What do you think, will the 5D3 actually bring me to a new level of capability, or should I just maintain my progress with the T3i?
First post to UHH, but I've been reading and learn... (show quote)


If it were me, and I could go back in time and save literally thousands upon thousands of dollars on gear by just using what I have...I'd do it....but that's hindsight.

My advice?

Take pictures...don't buy gear.

Reply
Apr 30, 2015 15:41:45   #
jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY
 
Gretta wrote:
First post to UHH, but I've been reading and learning for a while.
So here's my question: I've been using a Canon T3i for a couple years, I've progressed a lot, but consider myself still learning. My most common use is landscape, I travel to some pretty cool places and enjoy the challenge of capturing them.
I'm not always thrilled with my image quality and, after a recommendation, I'm considering an upgrade, seriously considering a 5D3. I understand it will also require additional investment in lenses, etc. And I intend to keep my T3i for family gatherings, etc.
What do you think, will the 5D3 actually bring me to a new level of capability, or should I just maintain my progress with the T3i?
First post to UHH, but I've been reading and learn... (show quote)

Welcome to our forum!

Get it. You'll love it. If you don't get the 5D3, it will continue to nag you until you do.

Reply
Apr 30, 2015 15:46:01   #
JPL
 
Gretta wrote:
First post to UHH, but I've been reading and learning for a while.
So here's my question: I've been using a Canon T3i for a couple years, I've progressed a lot, but consider myself still learning. My most common use is landscape, I travel to some pretty cool places and enjoy the challenge of capturing them.
I'm not always thrilled with my image quality and, after a recommendation, I'm considering an upgrade, seriously considering a 5D3. I understand it will also require additional investment in lenses, etc. And I intend to keep my T3i for family gatherings, etc.
What do you think, will the 5D3 actually bring me to a new level of capability, or should I just maintain my progress with the T3i?
First post to UHH, but I've been reading and learn... (show quote)


Well, the 5D3 will not change you much, but it will be more fun to have that kind of a serious camera to play with. My opinion, if you are thinking about a new 5Dm3 then you could as well look at the new 5D 50 mpx cameras. With one of them you will not think more about upgrades for about 5 years or so at least.

Reply
Apr 30, 2015 16:00:00   #
Gretta
 
Thanks for your replies. I am a B&W SLR refugee returning to the hobby after a 20+ year hiatus. I think I have at least basic competence in composition and exposure. I typically alternate between shutter and aperture priority based on the effect I am looking for. Most of my shooting is with an EF-S 18-200. And I am really enjoying the versatility of the T3i. Maybe I need better glass?

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Apr 30, 2015 16:04:37   #
jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY
 
rpavich wrote:
If it were me, and I could go back in time and save literally thousands upon thousands of dollars on gear by just using what I have...I'd do it....but that's hindsight.

My advice?

Take pictures...don't buy gear.

Same idea, but in reverse. I started out with less expensive gear and then realized that the better stuff was better. As By Thom says, it's cheaper to buy the good stuff first.

Reply
Apr 30, 2015 16:05:14   #
boberic Loc: Quiet Corner, Connecticut. Ex long Islander
 
Gretta wrote:
First post to UHH, but I've been reading and learning for a while.
So here's my question: I've been using a Canon T3i for a couple years, I've progressed a lot, but consider myself still learning. My most common use is landscape, I travel to some pretty cool places and enjoy the challenge of capturing them.
I'm not always thrilled with my image quality and, after a recommendation, I'm considering an upgrade, seriously considering a 5D3. I understand it will also require additional investment in lenses, etc. And I intend to keep my T3i for family gatherings, etc.
What do you think, will the 5D3 actually bring me to a new level of capability, or should I just maintain my progress with the T3i?
First post to UHH, but I've been reading and learn... (show quote)

You might want to take an intermediate step ans go with the 7dmk11. But before you get any new camera go to a store and handle them. The 5d111 or The 7d11 with a lens are both big heavy cameras

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Apr 30, 2015 16:11:49   #
Cdouthitt Loc: Traverse City, MI
 
What lenses do you have? Just the 18-200?

Reply
Apr 30, 2015 16:14:45   #
Gretta
 
EF-S 18-200 f/3.5-5.6 IS

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