DigiKid

I have made a decision that I need to move up to a Full Frame format. I have read and researched the specs but I would like to get opinions/experience of the folks on this site.

I am a Canon guy and I already have Canon Glass but if you have a compelling reason I will consider one of the other brands (Nikon, Sony, Pentax, Olympus etc).

Wendy2 Loc: California

Depends on how many bells and whistles you want.

I have the 5D Mark II and the 6D. The 6D is newer, more advanced than my Mark II and I prefer it over the Mark II.

The Mark III is more advanced than the Mark II but if you don't need everything that it has to offer, the 6D is a great camera at half the price. It is lighter and a bit smaller than the Mark II and III.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

I moved from the original 7D to the 5DIII. This is the largest step forward (excluding the 5Ds at twice the price). The prices on new models have been coming down, but refurb or lightly used models are even cheaper.

australis Loc: Patagonia, South America

If you can pay it there is no doubt, the 5Ds .-
The evolution of the technology is constant, Therefore the new always is better .-
Which are his your needs? This one is the question

dugole Loc: Matawan, New Jersey

I pretty much agree with Wendy2, although I use the 5D MK III. I absolutely love all of the photo control options of the MK III- exposure, focal point selection and so on. My only real concern would be that the MK III is 4 years old but, also, pricing has come down appreciably from the original $3400.

Hope that helps a bit.

rayford2 Loc: New Bethlehem, PA

Some different brand cameras may have features not present on your camera. BUT are these features useful enough to you that you would want to switch brands? Canon may have useful features in their cameras that aren't present in the others.
You will probably be able to use your older Canon lenses on a full frame Canon camera (I think) but you'll probably opt for full frame lenses when you decide to purchase a new or used one for your full framer. There are disadvantages in using APS-C lenses on full frame cameras.
If I owned an APS-C Canon with a set of the better Canon lenses I would probably stay with a Canon....just sayin'.

DigiKid

I have found numerous 5D Mk III's for ~ $1700 - $2000 (used) with certified actuation counts of < 30000, some even as low as 8700 ! I expected the prices would come down when they announced the 5Ds but wonder if it is worth it to tighten my belt and make the jump to the 5Ds. I am building my business as a Professional Photographer in Architectural/Real Estate and Sports. I love my 7D but I am desiring the ISO expandability of most of the Full frame options.

Thank you to all who haveresponded so far.

Gobuster Loc: South Florida

Since you are willing to consider switching brands, I suggest you test drive the Nikon D750, which together with a very good 24-120mm lens is going for $2,400. It has several good features like a flip & tilt screen, 51 point auto focus, 2 SD card slots, pop up flash (can control off camera flashes too) and fast processing. It's 24 megapixel sensor bests the Canons for dynamic range, and, unless you will be making huge prints, strikes a nice compromise between resolution and file size. Another possible candidate is the Sony A7 II, also at 24 mp and full of features. Suggest you check them out to see if you like how they handle. No doubt the 5D III is a fine camera and would also serve you well. Personally, I'd pass on the 6D, it's old and lacks the IQ and features of the others. The 5DS has outstanding resolution but at the expense of reduced low light performance, dynamic range, high cost and huge files that do slow down your workflow, eat up storage and unless you are making those huge prints, the additional resolution is unlikely to be of advantage.

Just some food for thought, other opinions will vary. Ultimately the choice is yours and you should buy what feels good in your hands, suits your budget, and fits the shooting conditions you prefer.

Cdouthitt Loc: Traverse City, MI

Just curious, what made you decide that you need FF?

What types of things do you shoot? Landscapes or people?

haroldross Loc: Walthill, Nebraska

I simply hate mis-information. The 6D is actually newer than the 5D MK III. You you be hard pressed to tell the difference in the image quality between the 6D and 5D MK III. The 5Ds has its strengths in higher megapixels allowing you to crop more and still have a good print.

Your choice will depend on what you want to spend and your style of photography. The 5D MK III is a great all around camera that will serve you well for years to come.

Bull-Dozer Loc: Vermont

The new 5Ds has the best auto-focus I have yet seen. It beats hands down the 5DII hands down on production work I do.

SharpShooter Loc: NorCal

Kid, I'm gonna give you my 3 cents(depreciation!).
I consider myself a pretty knowledgeable Canon guy.
If you are going Pro and looks like you're shooting a variety of genres, I'll tell you what I would get. I have not used it yet, but have done a lot of research including talking to Canon on several occasions about the 5s.
I own a 5ll and a 7ll and have used the 1Dx and 5lll pretty extensively.
My conclusion is that the best camera for me is the 5Ds and I haven't even used it yet! And yes, I shoot a lot of sports.
There is a lot of talk about the 5s being a niche camera? Don't forget that the focus system in the 5s is exactly the same as the 1Dx but at less fps. According to Bryan at The Digital Picture it's focus is better than the other three Canons including the 1Dx. The 1Dx has dual 5 processors, the 5s has two 6's. That's twice the firepower!!!!
Personally I don't worry about paper limitations like ISO, DR and fps etc. if you can't focus dead sharp, it's all useless anyway.
Just my opinion, but the 5s is a superior machine and niche is just a label!!
The 6 is a stripped down version of the 5ll and has virtually the same focus system as the 5ll. Buy it if you're on a budged. Its not for a do it all Pro though.
Also, the more pro you go, the more you need a Canon. Don't hamstring yourself with a Nikon or a little orphan brand.
Nikon has old heavy and slow lenses. Their lens tech is a generation behind.
And the little orphan brands don't even have lenses unless you adopt Canon glass or old tech lenses!!!
Again, just my personal opinion.
Getting the shot is what counts, not what you might have gotten!!! ;-)
SS

Cdouthitt Loc: Traverse City, MI

Sharpie...what are the essential Canon lenses you'd suggest to go with the 5Ds?

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

The reviews and even Canon's formal recommendation is the v II of any L lens where a v II has been released. (Sorry sharps ... I thought I'd take this one for you ...)

anotherview Loc: California

Short and sweet advice.

I can second the comment about the Canon 6D, which I own and use.

Ken Rockwell has a write-up for the 5D Mark III versus the 6D. It may help you decide:

http://www.kenrockwell.com/canon/6d/vs-5d-mark-iii.htm