5D
Reddit take
AI summary of the Reddit excerpts below — not a quote
The original Canon 5D is highly regarded as a durable, professional-grade full-frame DSLR that remains popular for its unique color science and 'workhorse' reliability. While it lacks modern mirrorless features and high-speed performance, it is frequently recommended for serious hobbyists and those who prioritize sensor output over technical specifications.
Pros
- Excellent color rendition and sensor quality often preferred over modern mirrorless models
- Extremely durable, 'hammer-like' build quality and professional ergonomics
- Dependable performance as a long-term workhorse
- Affordable entry point into full-frame photography
Cons
- Known hardware issues, specifically the mirror potentially detaching
- Lacks modern conveniences like an EVF with exposure preview
- Slower frame rates unsuitable for high-speed action like sports
Caveats
- As a 20-year-old camera, it may require manual maintenance like re-gluing the mirror
- Despite its 'analogue' feel, the image output is still distinctly digital
- Not recommended for casual beginners due to its professional orientation
Best for
- Serious hobbyists on a budget
- Photographers who value specific color science and sensor characteristics
- Users looking for a rugged, dependable secondary body
Avoid if
- You need high frame rates for action or sports photography
- You prefer the modern features and exposure feedback of mirrorless systems
- You want a camera that looks and shoots exactly like film
This summary uses balanced time weighting with about a 6-month half-life. The evidence is older, with a median source age of approximately 420 days, which is typical for discussions regarding legacy hardware.
Sentiment
12 positive (67%) · 5 mixed (28%) · 1 negative (6%)
Trust + time weighted score: +50% · raw score 61%
What redditors said (10 of 18)
I wouldn't recommend a 5D or 6D. Those are for beginner professionals or people who already committed to photography as a serious hobby.
As much as I like the 5D and the images it produces, I don't see the film like thingy. I have not had one DSLR Canon made that make me feel like I was shooting film looking at the images. The 5D feels quite analogue to use, but it also feels like a digital camera and the images look digital.
I was happy with my 5D, so I know not to chase numbers too much.
My 5D, I could have used as a hammer
I have a 5D, first generation. I love it. I have other modern DSLR but I can't stop using the 5D. I love the way the colors are captured, it has a wonderful sensor.
Go for it, I also had to glue the mirror back on my 5d. Changed the focusing screen to a split image screen and slap on some contax zeiss lens, lots of fun to use.
The 5D is lots of fun, especially with a matching era lens.
In all of my 16 year career I've never had a 5D body fail on me like these R6 units have...
It's truly a professional body although I miss the metal feel the 7D and 5D gave me.
I used the school's 5D for a few semesters
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