Canon EOS 1 or EOS 5 ?

greenspun.com : LUSENET : Canon EOS FAQ forum : One Thread

Hello.

I'm currently in the process of buying a new camera. Previously I've been using an Pentax-P30 (you probably don't know it -- old).

I somehow came to read about all EOS's out there and are now down to two options. EOS 1 or EOS 5 (with vg-10 grip).

Both are used bodies and around 400 Euros each.

I prefer taking pictures out in the nature.

any recommendations?

thanks

-Mattias , Finland.

-- Mattias N (mnordlin@hotmail.com), May 14, 2002

Answers

Do you think 5-point eye control auto focus is important for you?

If yes, take 5, if no then take 1. EOS-1 has much better focusing screen and weatherproof body, which I think important for nature photography. Many accessories are compatible with the latest EOS-1V thus you can enjoy EOS-1 as if itfs the latest gear.

Ken

-- Ken Itoh (KEN@clara.oc-to.net), May 14, 2002.


I own Canon EOS A2 for 3 years. It's like EOS 5 without eye control. One month ago I decided to buy second body and was considering EOS 630/600 for about $200, but immideatly bought EOS 1 for $400, when one seller suggested it to me. It was used as a demo and stayed many years forgotten at shelf.

Now I use EOS 1 as a main body and A2 as a second. Comparing with EOS 1, A2 looks and feels like a plastic toy with ugly huge cap of internal flash :)

Using both of them showed me the real difference between 'pro' and 'semi-pro'.

-- Alec (ratinoff@pirit.com), May 15, 2002.


The ECF on the EOS 5 is not worth using anyway, because it is very slow. If you're going to be using fast lenses (F2.8 or faster), the EOS 1 will AF very well, with cross-type, high precision focus. If you use a slower lens (and an F2.8-4 lens counts as F4, for example), then you're limited to single-axis, normal precision. The EOS 5's central sensor is Cross-type, normal precision with any lens of F5.6 or faster, so if you're not going to be using fast glass, it will offer greater AF performance. The EOS 5's metering is also a step ahead of the EOS 1, with the same 16 zone meter found in the EOS 1N, and I can certainly say from my experience with the EOS 5 that it is a very capable metering system.

-- Isaac Sibson (isibson@hotmail.com), May 16, 2002.

I own an Eos5 w/ VG10 as you are looking for. Great camera, not a pro but after 7 years it is still working perfectly. I may suggest that if you like to take picture out in the nature you may not need a fast AF or many features of this kind of camera but you'll need a sturdy one. Therefore I feel to suggest you a manual camera as a Nikon FM2 or a Canon A1 program where you can attach a fast motor that eventually will help a lot. PS. I just got a Toyo Field 4"x5". It may take 5 min. to shoot one photo but the difference in sharpness it's just stunning especially if you take nature photos. Raphael, Los Angeles

-- Raphael C. Lombardo (raphaelchlo@adelphia.net), May 18, 2002.

Either camera would be a good choice. The EOS 1 is a little more rugged and, therefore, likely to withstand abuse to a greater degree. It lacks a few features found in the EOS 5 but both cameras have more capability than you will ever need for nature photos.

-- Lee (Leemarthakiri@sport.rr.com), May 19, 2002.


Is the 7E out of the question ? It is about the same price and for the amateur photographer, I think it will be a better buy. 7 points ECF for both horizontal and vertical camera position (A2E has 5 and only in horizontal form), E-TTL for better off-center flash photography and much more.

-- Yakim Peled (yakim.peled@orange.co.il), May 20, 2002.

Moderation questions? read the FAQ