Canon 5d mark 2 or Nikon D700: I have a chance of buying either camera both with less than 50k shutter count. I am not looking to print large images so the 12mp vs the 20 on the Canon...

Stevegates

I have a chance of buying either camera both with less than 50k shutter count. I am not looking to print large images so the 12mp vs the 20 on the Canon isn't really a concern.

I have been told the Nikon is better in low light and focuses quicker. Has anyone owned both cameras and can give me any benefits between the two.

Any help would be much appreciated.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

Assuming everything else was equal, the 20MP camera will give much more pixels for cropping and retaining a good-sized image, for both digital sharing and printing. But, there are a lot more differences than the sensor size, including 5DII's video and the ability to use Class II CF cards to tick off just a few.

Stevegates

Thanks for your help.

Haydon

Stevegates wrote:

I have a chance of buying either camera both with less than 50k shutter count. I am not looking to print large images so the 12mp vs the 20 on the Canon isn't really a concern.

I have been told the Nikon is better in low light and focuses quicker. Has anyone owned both cameras and can give me any benefits between the two.

Any help would be much appreciated.

A pending question is, do you have lenses for either brand and if so are they EF or FX lenses?

Stevegates

I have no lenses for either, will probably start with a 50mm 1.4

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

Stevegates wrote:

I have a chance of buying either camera both with less than 50k shutter count. I am not looking to print large images so the 12mp vs the 20 on the Canon isn't really a concern.

I have been told the Nikon is better in low light and focuses quicker. Has anyone owned both cameras and can give me any benefits between the two.

Any help would be much appreciated.

The Canon has the higher base resolution, but the Nikon is definitely much better in low light, dynamic range, and does focus noticeably quicker. Both cameras use Type II CF cards and neither will use Type I cards.

ReFlections Loc: From LA to AL

MT Shooter wrote:

The Canon has the higher base resolution, but the Nikon is definitely much better in low light, dynamic range, and does focus noticeably quicker. Both cameras use Type II CF cards and neither will use Type I cards.

Very good summary of the difference between the two. Right on point.

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

CHG_CANON wrote:

Assuming everything else was equal, the 20MP camera will give much more pixels for cropping and retaining a good-sized image, for both digital sharing and printing. But, there are a lot more differences than the sensor size, including 5DII's video and the ability to use Class II CF cards to tick off just a few.

TriX Loc: Raleigh, NC

Photons to protons testing ( http://photonstophotos.net/Charts/PDR.htm) shows the DRs to be almost exactly equal (see the attached graph), but the Canon to be a bit better in low light/high ISO performance (go to the site and look at the low light tabulation below the graph for the two models). Combine that with the higher resolution of the Canon and you have to look at AF and other features before picking what’s best for you. Both are very respectable full frames.

Stevegates

Thank you.

Stevegates

Thank you

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

TriX wrote:

Photons to protons testing ( http://photonstophotos.net/Charts/PDR.htm) shows the DRs to be almost exactly equal (see the attached graph), but the Canon to be a bit better in low light/high ISO performance (go to the site and look at the low light tabulation below the graph for the two models). Combine that with the higher resolution of the Canon and you have to look at AF and other features before picking what’s best for you. Both are very respectable full frames.

This is generally true of all Canon products.
DR only at base ISO is Canon very slightly below others but as ISO goes up Canon is generally ALWAYS better tan all other makers.
So unless you only shoot in fair weather or similar conditions Canon will provide better DR etc. across the board

khorinek

I have owned the Canon 5D Mark II, I haven't used the Nikon. Knowing what I know now, with Canon's newer technology and better cameras, I would not recommend the Mark II. It doesn't handle low light very well.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

Both cameras date to 2008. I've seen the 5DII listed as low as $600. That's a lot of full-frame camera for a low price. But, at that age (and discounted price), one shouldn't be thinking they're going to get 2019-grade new camera performance ....

autofocus Loc: North Central Connecticut

all I remember about the Canon MKII was that it had some focus issues, but I don't remember the specifics