Canon 5D Changed Everything

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My name is Matti Sulanto, I'm a photographer based in Helsinki Finland.
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[@stephenrichie4646]

Bought my 5D in ‘06. Still have it. Still love it. At 85, I no longer make a living with it, but am not motivated to buy something newer, however attractive.

[@lauritzpetemolderup3556]

God bless you richie

[@MarttiSuomivuori]

The jump from 20D was remarkable.

[@michaelbell75]

5D Classic is well, classic. First affordable FF camera for the masses. The 5D Mark II was a real game changer too. a FF camera that shot video! That is the camera that started the hybrid camera craze that still exists to this day. Love both cameras but the Classic has a special sensor.

[@comfortablynumber]

A tip for those who want to buy a used 5D Classic: the first ones they produced used to have a weak pentaprism mirror mount, and after a few thousand shots, one of the mirrors would come off (the one you see when you remove the lens). Canon then started a recall campaign to reinforce the mirror. Just make sure the mirror is reinforced when you search for a second hand 5D; you can do it by removing the lens and checking if the mirror you see has two thin metal strips on the shorter sides (and btw if it might be helpful to anybody living in Europe: I'm currently selling on eBay my perfectly working 5D classic - one of the last few which were made with a reinforced mirror straight from the factory - because I need to reduce my belongings before moving to a new apartment and just keep my minimalist m43 setup. I know that it can still make somebody else really happy for the years to come. They're so simple, absolutely built like tanks, and trust me: the analog look this camera has is a real thing, it's just magic)

[@stephenrichie4646]

Yup. My mirror fell off. Canon fixed it. All is well.

[@hywel3143]

The images from the 5D Mk1 and the 6D Mk1 (which I use) are really special - smooth, natural with an almost film-like in rendition. I think it was the excellent sensors in both these cameras that turned them into "classics".

[@PixlPath]

I had the same experience with the 5D II. I'll never forget the first test video footage by Vincent Laforet and thinking, this is going to revolutionize filmmaking.

[@williamhindle4366]

The 5D was my first full frame camera as well. I got it used in 2015 for around $450 and it was a total game changer and elevated my photography. Now, I’m shooting Sony and Leica, but that camera has a special place in my heart.

[@lvca.avellino]

Wonderful photos

[@mattisulanto]

Thank you!😀

[@crsantin]

Still have and still use my 5d and 5d II. Image quality is still terrific in 2023. I also have a m43 kit that I enjoy using. Nothing wrong with using multiple systems. I buy everything used

[@mattisulanto]

Thanks so much for sharing.

[@davey3765]

The 5D for me felt like shooting film. It was simple straight forward. I paired mine with Pentax Super Takumar 50mm fast lens and everything was dreamy. The ISO was noisy but in a good way like film. I almost exclusivly shot black and white. I have an R6 mkii now and these cameras are almost overly complicated when you want to run and gun doing street photography. I miss that about my 5D. I sold it to my best friend so it got a good home. The Fullframe sensor was night and day over the APS-C of the time (like from the XTi that I previously had). Love love love the 5D.

[@kaminobatto]

Excellent shots, Matti. I own one of these and I love the color rendition, it has a unique charm that differentiates it from all my other Canons.

[@ruuddirks5565]

It is funny that 20 years of camera development resulted mostly in a bunch of (hardly used) features and not in a giant leap in image quality. Your 29 yo car images are just as useful today as they were back then.

[@mattisulanto]

Thanks. That is very true😀

[@brugj03]

There is a giant leap in image quality if you look at it differently and learn to know what to look for. ISO, dynamic range and color science are very much improved and it shows, i`ve had the 5d and still look at the fotos. Today fotos made with my latest and greatest Sony with GM lenses are insanely much better. Like looking through a window.

[@brugj03]

@@mattisulanto No it`isn`t. It`s conventionality and nostalgia that holds you back. Today fotos are so much better then 20 years ago. I know because i`ve had it all.

[@MichaelRusso]

I bought one recently and yes,it's very nice camera. Just adjust for those highlights and you are good to go!

[@danncorbit3623]

The Canon 5D and the Nikon D700 were two cameras that could create wonderful images for the time. Great colors, great light gathering for the day, and the resolution is fine for up to 8x10 without compromise. It would be hard to put up with today (no video, none of the fun bells and whistles that we are used to). Even at that, I don't think you need anything better if the images are just for vlogging.

[@mattisulanto]

Thanks. I had the D700 after the 5D and was very happy with that as well.

[@jay-by1se]

I have stacked censored, modern, digital cameras, mostly Nikon, Olympus, Cannon r6ii, my favorite camera to shoot bar nothing is the Nikon D 700.

[@jerzyjablonski1432]

After watching this I looked at my old photos, made with beginner level cameras from 10 years ago or so and I think that those "low" resolution photos actually look better on screen then ones from high-end top of the line DSLR I am using currently. They are somehow smoother, more subtle, while photos from modern high resolution sensors are more sharp, punch you in the face kind of photos. Print evens this out, of course, but old cameras give really great quality for on-screen viewing.

[@mattisulanto]

Thanks for your insights.

[@gohumberto]

It's much cheaper to buy a CF adapter and use SD cards than try and find CF cards

[@PaulPosch]

I own a 5D Clasic and i use it sometimes for Trainspotting with a Canon EF 28-135mm lens!

[@lanelee6805]

It was my first camera. I've tried several other cameras, but I still love this one.

[@mattisulanto]

Thanks for sharing.

[@andreazevedo8325]

Hi Matti!! Hope all is well!! Now this was a walk on memory lane to you, for sure. I really enjoyed seeing photos of your pro work, those auto photos were stunning!! About the video itself, I think the Canon 5D's (I to IV) and Nikon's Dx00 (the several iterations) were game changers for pro photographers and particularly for digital photography. I think I speak for all your viewers, we want more trips down the memory lane. All the best my friend!!

[@mattisulanto]

Thanks my friend.

[@trevorbrooks813]

Hi Matti, yes it's a real nostalgia trip isn't it. I think the secret to happiness with any camera old and new, but especially an older one, is not to compare but simply to enjoy what it does. Thanks for the blast from the past.

[@mattisulanto]

Thanks for watching.

[@David_Quinn_Photography]

13mp is also still very good, if you use a 4k display you effectively have an 8.3mp display and if you are posting to social media you have to figure your image is being compressed to all hell anyways.

[@thegroove2000]

The 5D has that film like magic as does the Nikon D700. Anyone can take a photo but not everyone can create art.

[@thegroove2000]

Slow down, take time with framing compostition exposure etc. Everything is rushed these days hence why there so many medicore photos on the internet. Photograhy is a skill and an art form.

[@thegroove2000]

I am a novice and always learning.

[@quazisanjeed6395]

Thank you for the video. I am a hobbyist photographer shooting landscape, street life and wildlife. Canon 5D Classic is my darling camera. I wish I could agree with the shortcomings mentioned about this camera! When someone rides a 1965 model Volkswagen; it should be evaluated in that context accordingly. It should Not be compared with a 2023 model Toyota Corona. To me such comparisons hardly make sense. Again all the options and facilities of modern cameras are great and nice to learn. However, those are physics - not photography. Photography is about composition, framing, understanding light, timing, being present at the right spot at the right time and aesthetic values. Any photographer can paint his imaginations in frames with any camera. For that purpose; Canon 5D Classic is a wonderful imaging equipment. In case, anyone is unable to create great images with this camera; he’s a tool-based engineer; not an artist. Thanks again.

[@pisiprkl7913]

Mulla on ollu pääkamerana 5D II ollut n. 4 v. Olen tyytyväinen sen suorituskykyyn, riittää mulle aivan mainiosti. Eka kamera hajos eikä varaosia ollut enää saatavana joten ostin toisen käytetyn tilalle. Sillä mennään niin kauan kuin se kestää. Sitten ostan ehkä III tai IV joita on vielä saatavana. Mulla on kax L-sarjan linssiä ja yx karvalakki 40mm f2.8. Koko kaluston päivittäminen on mun budjetin ulkopuolella, vastaavat maksaisivat useita tuhansia. Korttiongelmaan on ratkaisu; adapterilla saa sd-kortin käymään näihin dinosauruksiin. Olen harrastaja ja kuvaan lähinnä katuvalokuvaa. Siihen suosikkini on tuo karvalakki koska pannari on pieni ja kevyt. Ihan kelpo linssi nettikäyttöön.

[@christianbailleul7049]

De tous les appareils photos que je possède le 5D classic ,et le seul que je ne vendrai jamais 👍

[@mattisulanto]

Thanks for sharing.

[@nickk1683]

Thanks for this video! Please tell me which is the best: Canon 5d classic or Canon 5d mk II, overall, general speaking!

[@og_sane]

Glad I found this video sattumalta. Another Finn here. I'm using 250D which is a crop sensor camera and still easily enough for me. Probably I will switch to full frame later in future. Kiitos videosta, Matti.

[@mattisulanto]

Thanks for watching.

[@Whywas6scared]

I've just "won" one of these on ebay. I hope it works 😬. I had a 30D back in the day, which has an almost identical control layout, same processor (I think), same menu system etc. It will be nostalgic, in a weird not quite the same kind of way.

[@benobaars]

Have same combo with EF35 f/2 like it is sharp and nice color. Only the lens makes a bit noise when focusing buts that is normal

[@philmtx3fr]

The 5d and the Nikon d700 were 2 game changers. Nice cameras still able to deliver smart images with good colors.

[@mattisulanto]

Thanks. The D700 was my camera after the 5D. Loved both, but the D700 was much more advanced, because it was newer.

[@philmtx3fr]

@@mattisulanto yes the davantage of being born 3 years after :) but I do love the colors of both !!!

[@wickie4801]

Welcome back Matti to the one and only company named Canon - 😊🔙

[@bngr_bngr]

Some new pictures with the 5D would have been nice.

[@mattisulanto]

It's always worth browsing the channel a bit. A week after this video I published another 5D video with some new pictures: kzbin.info/www/bejne/r2rLh6Frfcp3r9U

[@michaeltuffin8147]

Like you, I purchased the 5D as my first FF camera back when it hit the market. Mine still works, with a feq quirks. I use the Sigma 35mm art and 5d pics still look great with that combo.

[@mattisulanto]

Thanks for sharing.

[@MaciejRW]

I've just bought 5d (in mint condition for peanuts) - as cheap B-camera for travels. There is no words how beautifully pictures makes this classic camera. I'ts very hard to describe, but photos (RAWs) are looking really "artistic" - with great micro contrast and subtle colors. Something like great analog photos on high quality photopaper

[@mattisulanto]

Thanks for sharing. Enjoy your new 5D😀

[@ShutterKnack]

Great colours for sure but it's just so damn bulky one looks like a psycho stallker carrying that thing around.. :D

[@williamcurwen7428]

I have two 5D cameras, one converted for infrared, the other I use for colour. I shoot with both in RAW using the monochrome setting with everything dialled right down, and continually chimp the histogram to make sure I don’t blow out the highlights. It is quite incredible how much detail can be lifted from the shadows. Such a lovely simple camera giving beautiful B&W and colour imagery.

[@mattisulanto]

Thanks for sharing, very interesting. How was the conversion done?

[@williamcurwen7428]

@@mattisulanto This particular 5D was given to me by a foto-pal of mine. He had it converted by MaxMax of New York, the very best. The UV/IR mirror cut filter was removed and replaced by a 720nm IR cut filter over the sensor. The autofocus was then recalibrated to work in infrared using Canon EF lenses. It was a given a custom white balance that really does get the best monochrome rendition out of the colour filter array. I am very lucky to have this camera, as it enables me to record scenes of exceptionally wide tonality with a single handheld exposure. All the best to you, Matti.

[@mattisulanto]

@@williamcurwen7428 Thanks!

[@chacmool2581]

Wouldn't buy a 5D, 5D II or 5D III today. A 6D would be the pick today over those three.

[@mattisulanto]

Thanks for sharing.

[@chacmool2581]

@@mattisulanto No, thank >you

[@MichaelRusso]

You made some nice photos with that camera too!

[@mattisulanto]

Many thanks!

[@GeorgeStar]

The 5D II is a big step up - 21 MP, Live View, lighter, bigger LCD, tracking, face detect, video and still only around $250 .

[@mattisulanto]

Thanks for the tip.

[@thegroove2000]

Lacks the magic of the 5D to my eyes.

[@kemerthomson]

The last quarter century in digital photography has been amazing, hasn’t it? I never aspired to be a “professional,” but I wanted to be able to process my own photos, and therein was the great motivation. My first digital camera was a Sony with a resolution of 640x480 and a serial connection to download the pictures to the computer. It was slow, awkward, and the picture quality was very limited. But cameras and software steadily progressed. The most amazing thing (for me, at least) is that with today’s software, I can revive some of my early digital images that were “lucky shots” look good enough so that it takes a serious pixel peeper today to tell that they were taken with a “Stone Age” camera. My big regret? That channels like yours (and, of course, KZbin, which makes them possible) weren’t around “back in the day.” I would have progressed so much faster.

[@mattisulanto]

Thanks. It has been an amazing journey indeed and you are right the latest apps are fantastic.

[@tomislavmiletic_]

Before the 5D classic, FF cameras (and APS-h in the 90's) had cost as much as a new car. So naturally, 5D was also my first FF camera. In fact I had it for so long that it started having some autofocussing issues. Namely, when the sensor under the mirror drops even for a 1/10th of a millimetre (too many drops, I'm an reporter, f*** it) that can trow off focus quite a bit, and that's quite hard to fix unless you buy a whole new mirror box (expensive), so I had to get rid of it. You can say whatever you want about the 5DmkII, but at least that camera had live view so you had a way to focus accurately...

[@mattisulanto]

Thanks for sharing your 5D experience.

[@kevinl1492]

I still have the 5D I bought in 2016 or 2017. I still enjoy using it but it can lead to a bad habit - buying more full frame cameras! I use Canon full frame for events (but not the 5D anymore), an old Canon 7D for occasional wildlife (and some outside events) and Lumix m4/3 for macro and flower photography and travel. Nice to have choices.

[@mattisulanto]

Thanks for sharing. Nice to have affordable choices😀

[@bamsemh1]

5dmk4 was my first ff 😊 rp was my first mirrorless 😊

[@mattisulanto]

You've been to Canon land too😀

[@fellowcitizen]

I payblittle attention to Canon and Nikon, but have stumbled across so many astonishing bargains for old cameras or brand new SLR lenses that I think I'll be picking up some sooner or later. I'd appreciate a video about compatiibility between film cameras and modern slr lenses (like ART etc) since I'd be aiming to get combinations of film and vintage digital gear. Thanks!

[@mattisulanto]

Thanks. That kind of video would be a lot of work and would require many cameras and lenses.

[@fellowcitizen]

@@mattisulanto No sweat

[@andreiput9492]

Matti, a simple tip, I use a generic SD card adaptor in my 5D. The 5D cannot format cards more than about 8G from memory, so I format a 32G card on my computer and install in the 5D. I have all that 32G available for shooting.

[@mattisulanto]

Thanks for the tip. However, the camera is not mine, like I mention in the video, and therefore I'm not going to buy any accessories for it.

[@andreiput9492]

hello matti. yes undestood. assuming you still have any 5D gathering dust on your shelves, the adapter is really cheap and the SD card option makes using a 5D in todays world even more viable. no need for expensive CC cards anymore. i am sure Robin is already aware, but if not, might be useful for him to know.

[@JetCityHooligan]

If you have the latest 5d mk1 firmware 1.1.1 from 2008, you can use/format cf cards of any size. I am using a 64gb in mine.

[@leighann5308]

@@JetCityHooligando you have the steps to update? I found the firmware I just don’t know how to get it in my camera.

[@d30gaijin]

Something we agree on. The Canon 5D is still an excellent camera that will produce stunning images if we do our part. I bought mine about 5 years ago and it is in mint condition.

[@mattisulanto]

Thanks for sharing and agreeing😀

[@Cotictimmy]

Great Video. However, my sentiments run in the opposite direction. I love to use a nice big OVF and I hate EVFs. I'm also very keen on CF cards and have several cameras that use them. My 6D has an SD card, but I would had been much happier if it took CF cards. Horses for course, I guess.

[@mattisulanto]

Thanks for sharing. Nothing wrong to like an OVF or CF cards. Too bad they are a disappearing recourse.

[@camlong89]

Can anyone tell me what's wrong with my 5D? It worked fine the other day, but now, when I take a picture, the screen only shows vertical, colored lines. I tried different lenses, batteries, etc... But same results. Everything else is working like normal, but every picture just shows the same screen of vertical lines. You can't see the image I took at all.

[@mattisulanto]

My guess is the screen has some fault, if the photos still look good on a computer screen.

[@camlong89]

The screen still shows old pictures actually. Only when I take a photo now does it show the vertical lines. Maybe the sensor is bad?

[@marcp.1752]

I can't imagine you like EVFs that way...for instance, i do have very *sensitive* eyes, i get constantly eyestrain, swindel, headaches, when using EVFs. Also, EVFs never show the true to life image, like a OVF does (and without consuming battery - since with DSLRs, the LEDs inside the OVF are very low, subtle energy consuming, unlike all kind of EVFs, the more resolution, the more battery eaters....usually. Especially Night Photography via Tripod - i see all perfectly with an 100%, bright all glas pentaprism, Matti. With an EVF, i do have usually (well my gear here) edge distortions, flickering, grain, CAs, distortions...all kind of optical flaws, and it sucks... (i look at you A7/II, NEX-6 EVF, doh!) Since i do love 35mm Film SLRs since my childhood, i naturally prefer any good all glas pentaprism OVF, over any EVF. I could use these only a short time...and than having eye issues, which sucks. Serveral years ago, i made jokes into the DPR forum, about animals, birds, plane & cars, literally squirrel AF...and guess what? 2023 we do all have these...crazy!

[@mattisulanto]

Thanks for sharing. Fortunately for you we still have OVF cameras😀

[@marcp.1752]

@@mattisulanto Yes we do, Matti. And there are tons of 35mm SLRs being avialable... 🙂 Have a great weekend !

[@ashikraju6440]

Sir..5d how much price old camera. I am sent my 5dcamera give me money.please help me. From india

[@photo1416]

I would not be in a hurry to write off such systems as rudimentary

[@mattisulanto]

Who said the system was rudimentary? I hope it was not me😀

[@marcp.1752]

I have 2 bodies, 1st one bought into early 2006, for a lot of money...second into 2009. Both of them have the Mirror Fix, it was being done for free, after Canon issued the Service Advisory, into 2009. Please don't call it silly "Fullframe", every Sensor is being "fullframe", if the output is not being cropped, Matti. No offense. It's simply a 35mm Sensor, Kleinbildformat, hence Small Picture Format, or being said 36x24mm. Greetings.

[@robstammers7149]

Have to disagree a little, I kike CF cards, they are tough, just right size, SD cards are small and fiddly, though I do use SD cards in my Canon T5i, because it doesn't take CF cards! By the way I love, I love the Canon T5i. CF, to me are more robust, nearly indestructible, and so reliable. As a vintage digital camera shooter, like the Sony DSC R1, I don't have much choice but to use CF cards, I have a multi format card reader installed on my PC. I've never had a CF card fail on me yet Regards Rob in the

[@mattisulanto]

Thanks for your opinion on cards.

[@janmaaso]

I do not live in Finland but want to buy you a chicken burrito. Not a coffee. Burrito. Now what?

[@mattisulanto]

Thanks for your offer, but I don't eat burritos. So, all good😀

[@oliverweber6842]

There are TWO downsides on that Camera you DON'T speak about or even told them for good. . 1) AF is not always working fine ... sometimes it happens that focusing on center AF-point its NOT in focus which is a well known "bug" on that camera. . 2) Battery life is - against your meaning - BAD compared to other EOS DSLR that time ... EOS 10D for example. You will only be happy by using perfect performing BP-511. Batteries that are just a little "bad" performing due to age will be quit by EOS 5D very fast ... but working fine for hundred of pictures in EOS 10D for example. . Having an Eye on that TWO downsides and therefore using that camera only for private use, that output of Canon-CCD sensor will produce unique fantastic colours that make fun. But I will NEVER use that camera for important pictures i have to trust my camera because i can't trust that EOS 5D Classic that point !!

[@mattisulanto]

Thanks for sharing. 1. At that time, around 2005, every AF system was less reliable compared to what we have today. I used two 5Ds for commercial work (editorial, advertising, fashion etc.) for many years and never had major AF issues. 2. My experience regarding the battery life is what I said in the video but yours may be different. I you are a working commercial photographer today you'd be better off with a contemporary mirrorless camera. However, back in around 2005 the 5D was one of the best options.