Classic digital cameras with unique sensors.

[@donsoley746]

Martin is the only guy who seems to really talk knowledgeably about the qualitative aspects of cameras - rather than just specs…?

[@MartinCastein]

Thank you Don, trying to!

[@danielfeatherstone674]

Yes it’s so refreshing. Camera manufacturers and KZbin shills do a good job of selling tons of crap that are necessary for 99 percent of people.

[@dedskin1]

i agree with you , only thing i find desirable in modern cameras is IBIS , works with manual lenses , and better video . Doesnt have to be 4K , i am fine with 1440p , because to process 4K that i really dont need for im not a video maker , im a family shooter , 1440p is fine , even Full HD of my 6D is totally fine but it has no IBIS , if it had i would not look for a body at all , on the other hand i dont want to get rid of my 5D , don't want to get rid of my 6D , i want Nikon d700 or d500 , and even as it is now , i have a table full of lenses and bodies , 5D and 6D not being the only ones i have G1x , 550d , 600d and similar . Its literally hard and expensive to get lenses for all of them , but all of them have something to offer . G1x when im just around , and having something decent enough to take a picture , and so on . I am in need of a special cabinet where i can put my lenses and bodies , really no joke , because of dust , for now i have something like it where i use a towel on shelf and i put stuff there , but that is full , my living room table is so filled with cameras that my 15 month baby is taking pictures no joke , even knos how to use tilting screen , i have Canon Sx130IS for her for it is light , she struggles even with G1x , but knows how to turn it on aim it and shoot . Im really amazed by it , but it shows you my ordeal , i would like 1 camera and 1 lens to rule them all , but its just not going to happen . What is your daily driver , i didnt try Fuji or Nikon , i think i will go for D700 or D600 and just a nifty 50 i use that 50% of time and its cheap , so to get me started . maybe i like nikon more .

[@johnpeschke7723]

indeed

[@anthonyeldreth4434]

Amen to that mate

[@pvillez]

"Cameras have gone way way past what we need..." That sentence beautifully encapsulates how lucky and spoiled we are to have so many choices of tools to pursue this artform. Subscribed.

[@greggilmour9467]

Low lighting, jazz in the background and the from the heart delivery- definitely the Barry White of camera tutorials!

[@BelowZero]

I still have Canon 5D classic from 2006. From the business investment perspective, it paid itself off many, many times over. I had a client from 2009 who contacted me recently and asked for some additional photos. He said "I want the same look and feel we did originally 13 years ago". I showed up with 5D classic and 24-70L Mark I. The photoshoot went absolutely flawlessly.

[@MartinCastein]

excellent thats a great result

[@johnkulczycki3021]

One other thing to consider. When these classics came out, the manufacturers knew that to sell them to pro photographers, the output have to be familiar in quality to film in order to be accepted. Since then, we’ve become accustomed to the “digital look” rather than the “Silver/transparency look” and take that as the norm. But if you’ve shot film for 20 plus years in all sorts of formats, you still crave the film look.

[@szabocsaba3453]

I love the D700. And also the ones which had those primitive 6 mp Sony CCD sensors like the D100, D50 etc... They're very limited in their use but if you have enough light and colors, with good glass they make magic. I think those sensors are classic.

[@Steve-qi7hc]

Yes, I agree the D70 and D40 can perform magic under the right conditions.

[@utube321piotr]

In case of CCD sensor, Nikon did the D100, D70/s along with D200, which was the last CCD body for Nikon. D300 was a CMOS sensor. I bought the D70 when they came out in 2004. Shortly thereafter I made a business trip to Monterey on a twin prop plane. I had a seating by the window with an excellent view of the spinning propeller so I started taking pictures of it at different camera settings. At 1/8000s the propeller blades were tack sharp using 18-70DX lens. At slower speeds the prop blades were not disfigured curvature wise as would be the case w/ CMOS sensors. Color wise I love it to this day, however I wish I had invested in better single focal glass instead of a couple of low end zooms.

[@Steve-qi7hc]

@@utube321piotr I believe the D40 had the same CCD sensor as the D70. They both give incredible colors and can be had used very affordably.

[@RhettAnderson]

Pentax *ist D family have that same sensor. It's killer.

[@johnkulczycki3021]

I have a Canon 1D MkIII, I bought it for the 24-70 2.8 that came with it. When for the fun of it ,I took it out with the lens to check it out, I was astounded at how the files look ever so much like Fuji colour slide film files. A lot of people remark this and the 1DsMark II and III are “classic film look cameras”. I’ve yet to try the 5D but I have the 6D and it is a wonderful low light instrument.

[@roywales4444]

I wish I still had my iD3

[@superbug1977]

5d classic for sure. 6D mark 1 makes my list. Those two are winners. I also enjoy the Sigma SD Quattro (just don't set it above ISO 100). And then there is the Sony A7RII--it has odd but lovely colors and a very particular image quality which I find attractive but hard to describe. good video as usual.

[@HarveyWallbanger-ho2cq]

Been using my Nikon D200 professionally for 15 years

[@derrenleepoole]

The Fuji X-Pro1 punches way way above its weight and I adore it. That sensor is insanely good. I love my Leica M9 also, and that CCD sensor just delivers a quality a really really like. But more than that, it’s the feel and use of both cameras that make them enjoyable for me. No bells or whistles, just turn on and shoot.

[@jimmason8502]

100% correct on the XPro1 or even XE1 (both have xtrans1 sensor) or how about the Leica M8 with it's CCD sensor? Or any Fuji camera with an old adapted manual lens (Helios/Takumar)?

[@MrTkamine1]

Finally someone who appreciates photography for what it is and not so technically in to what camera has this or that at the end of the day is the final product that talks by itself

[@nukem9904]

I loved your video Martin, thanks for the time in putting this content together. I still have my old Canon 1D mkiii which I use side by side with a 5D classic and I still cannot get over how fast the 1D autofocus is with USM lenses with middle point, focus and recompose. The colours it renders have a slightly "cooler" look to what i get from the 5D but definately in the same style. The 1D is the only camera I've had experience with an apsh sensor, but in good light its output RAW files are unlike anything else I've used. Ive used it for countless corporate events, portraits and product shots and providing you use it knowing its limitations, it still delivers paid results even in 2022. I've had my 1D since 2011 as a secondhand purchase, it now has close to 400k clicks and is showing no signs of quitting (saying that there is always a back up body closeby). I'm ripping my hair out trying to get the same "look" from my recently purchased RP, there are so many improvements in technology, but there is just no soul in these new mirrorless bodies:)

[@weisserth]

The Sigma Foveon Merrill and Quattro cameras are absolute classics. The colors and details out of those cameras are just mind boggling, especially printed large. I also quite like the rendering of the Olympus 16MP sensors they started using in the E-M5 - my favorite camera in that range are the E-P5 and E-PM2. That sensor and processing engine is in so many Olympus Micro Four Thirds cameras. So underrated. The colors are very nice.

[@carpediem673]

Love my Sigma DP1 Merrill. The image quality is unmatched. Unfortunately I don't use it as much as I'd like because the Sigma processing software is such a headache to use.

[@marca9955]

This is so interesting. You consider things so many reviewers don't. Thank you.

[@raouldanmaar]

I own quite a lot soulful old camera's and my absolute top 3 is: 1. Fujifilm x-pro1, 2. Nikon D200, 3. Canon 5D Classic. Other cameras I own and really like are: - Canon 6D Mark I - Fujifilm S5 Pro - Olympus E-1 & E-300 - Fujifilm X-T1

[@RedBagMods]

I have the Canon 1ds mk2, released even before the 5d classic... wonderful colours.

[@KD-eh2pq]

5d mark ii is my favorite camera images. You're absolutely right about vintage cameras.

[@renees8262]

The whole video I was like “but what about the 6d!!!!!” So relieved at the end. You’re the one who introduced me to the 6d. I prefer it anyday over my R6MII. (Pure hobbiest here)

[@leojonkers3181]

The Sigma dp 1,2 and 3 Merrill's are my really camera;s with unique sensors. A lot of not nice things included. I surprice everey time I see the results, so much details. Better then the camera;s you buy today. I own the 6D mark as well, great camera.

[@kedb]

I bought a Canon 6D (Mk 1) about 10 years ago, and have loved it! I've looked and been tempted by Canon's newer, more modern offerings like the R6, with their amazing focusing systems and whatnot, but... I'm very used to using my puny, single central focusing point (usually with back button focus) on the 6D, and it generally works great, and I love the output from the camera for reasons that are hard to put my finger on exactly. Another "classic" camera I would nominate from an even more bygone era would be the camera I purchased back in 2007 that got me started and set me on the path to buying the 6D. This was the old Canon Rebel XTi. This camera is primitive as all hell by modern standards, but there's something about the picture quality it puts out that really works to my eye. Your video got me wondering whether it might just be the "big pixel" thing that I like. The XTi is only a ~10 megapixel camera on an APS-C sized sensor, so... yeah, maybe it's that coupled with Canon's vintage color science? Not sure, but you can buy Rebel XTi's on eBay for under $100 these days, and as long as you're prepared to put your back into working it, you can get terrific shots from these things.

[@noudsmeets]

switched fom Nikon to Fuji. (Xpro) a few yrs ago And besides that I just bought a Canon 1Ds MKII last week because it realy has a classic look

[@odysseusreturns9133]

Some of the best pictures I have are from an old Canon Powershot Pro 1 bridge camera. The combination of that CCD sensor and the L series lens produced some very good results. At only 8 megapixels.

[@colinbradbury2334]

Such a good insight. Specs & features vs. image quality/feel. My recent experience - I just traded in my Nikon D500 for a D4. I’m a sports photographer and the D500 had everything I needed…apart from image quality. The images were just soft and mushy and I just didn’t like them when it came to editing and sending to clients. So I found a low shutter count D4 and I’m very happy. I also have a D700 and the hype around the quality of files from that camera is real. So I agree - I can work around having fewer features and specs if I love the image quality. At the end of the day, that’s all that matters. But let’s keep it quiet - it means we can pick up the great cameras cheap on the used market while everyone else is chasing the bodies with the great new features 90% of which they will never actually use!

[@MartinCastein]

yeah i think the D4 is probably right up there too just havent had much experience with it but what ive seen looks excellent, im glad you found whats right for you!

[@marte1153]

@@MartinCastein have you have had a chance to do anymore shooting with a D4 ? Interested to hear your thoughts as I think it will be right down your alley

[@MartinCastein]

@@marte1153 no im afraid not, im looking into the z9 at the moment because of its video + photo features. The d4 i think is one of their best ever though.

[@John-p2o8g]

Ive owned d7000, d610, and presently, d4s. Hands down, the d610s image quality was always exquisite.

[@aleksis1808]

Same here. D850 D610 and D7100 are mine. The D610 is just beatyfull

[@jalakanen]

Olympus E-1, E-300, E-400 and E-500 have kodak sensor and produces very nice images.

[@petevonschondorf4609]

Just found this, after watch many of your videos, and especially like your classic cameras, me as a newbie D300, then D7000 - D300 started acting badly, now looking at the D750 simply for the flippy screen. Keep the videos going.

[@jeffreysmith8633]

In the right light at low ISO - I love the files from the Nikon D2X and D2Xs. And what a wonderful pro body to use. All the accessible buttons and controls at your fingertips.

[@someoneelse242]

Worked with them in studio setting for years!! Flagship DX camera. Almost wish the fuji S5 had that body. Viewfinder doesn't feel DX by any means.

[@danielfeatherstone674]

A very underrated and often overlooked camera is the Pentax 645z. Compared to the newer Fuji GFX series it’s a dream. I’ve always found those cameras to be slow to auto focus and the colors are cold. The Pentax and the lovely glass puts out a beautiful warm rendering especially for portraits. As it’s a DSLR body I find the focusing similar to my old Nikon DSLRs.

[@MartinCastein]

A few people really loving the pentax 645 on here. Maybe one day i will get to try one.

[@danielfeatherstone674]

@@MartinCastein Yes prices heavily dropped (ignorance) Great system, lovely japanese glass. 645 lens are cheap

[@markpimlott6056]

Hi, I have a phase one P45+ back with a hasselblad H4X and a love the colours and rendering especially from the CCD sensor

[@WimBals]

The rendering of my Nikon D200 beats the D800, D810, D7500 and D500. So for me the D200 is a unique classic camera.

[@MartinCastein]

it definitely is as everyone seems to rate it, ive never used it but i agree it must go in the list

[@hughtc1]

Totally agree, I love the images from the Canon 6d mk1, beautiful colour, and we have 4 other canon bodies including EOS R

[@GSi16vrs]

Fantastic video as always. Förresten, vilken fin keps!

[@TheYuhasz01]

Used Fuji XPro-1 for few years. Very fine files and renderings.

[@ethnicwire]

Love this channel.. I am still blown away by the first Gen Lumix gf1.. something about the color but also on black and white straight out of camera!

[@Anotheronefilms]

Canon 5d mark ii with canon 300mm f4 & 135mm f2 does amazing. The color and detail is just awesome! And the overall rendering or the photos are so good. Also the 6d is great as well.

[@MartinCastein]

Thanks Dakota, i love the 135 f2 not used the 300 f4 before, thanks for your comment!

[@alwynsmit3546]

Cameras I've shot with: Canon 5dc, 5d2, 6d, 7d, 60d, 50d, 550d Nikon D90, D300s, D700, D600, D7000, D7200 Fuji XT1 The ones I liked were 5dc, 6d, D90, D700, D300s D7000, XT1. Now, I wish I could have a 5dc with D700 build & AF system as a FF & a D300s with a D7000 sensor as an APS-C. There was something about the files of the D7000 as well, but that damn focus system was frustratingly inconsistent. The D90 also produced great files, I must say. I just always felt like it could do with just a little more. I got that in the D7000, but everything else I felt, was a step backwards.

[@JJ-zu8jm]

I shoot a Nikon D500 for wildlife but most of the time when I'm out I'm using a D750. Not so old/classic, but my favorite lens on their is the Voigtlander 40mm f2. Not only the results, but the feeling of taking shots with it is just ... I can't explain it. It's very compact too. The latest tech is not always the best experience.

[@TechnikMeister2]

I am on my 3rd D700. I made the transition to digital from the F4s. I bought my first D700 and used it for News. Then retired and had a break. I started again with another d700, and through lack of time, sold it. Now I am starting again with another D700. I have come home.

[@torb-no]

What's interesting with this (like with film stocks) is how subjective this is. I had a the Fuji X-M1 (with X-Pro1) sensor. I get why people like them (the color rendering is unique), but later I used the X-T20 and X-Pro2 and I absolutely love the output. In terms of noise it seems to maybe have some in common with the Nikons you mention, but also I found the tonal graduations, rendering to be gorgous. The colors too, though they are far more subtle than the X-Pro2 sensor. I've eventually upgraded to X-Pro3 and I do like it generally, but the X-Pro2 for simply had way better rendering ovreall. I've learned to treat the files in Capture One to get something close to what I want (only using noise reduction on color helps) but so far I haven't managed to get images that look as good as X-Pro2 did to me. I wish more photographers talked about this, because I feel like so many camera makers focus way too much on features and not enough on *rendering*. So thanks for bringing light to that!

[@raymeedc]

EyE’m on the same wavelength, which is why I shoot with Fujifilm (a pair of X-E2s, my favorite Fuji model & sensor) for APS-C , aSony A7II for my Full Frame Legacy Lens shooting (I have a fairly substantial collection of mostly m42 screw mount Takumar glsss, amongst others), and just now getting into micro 4/3 with an Olympus E-P3 (in the Mail as I speak). I do believe you missed a classic DSLR from the era of which you offered your picks, that being the one I recently picked up for the very reasons you’ve touted, that being the Pentax 200D, the last of the CCD Pentax’s, incorporating the 10 megapixel sensor the Canon 5D and others had at the time (from what I’ve heard). Same sensor as the 10D, but in a body I prefer.

[@webbkopse803]

You make a really valid point here. I have owned many cameras from various brands the last 10 years. Im currently stuck with Sony due to lens selection. If I were to point out a classic Sony camera it have to be the A7iii. I had two of theese and regret selling both of them. 80% of my favorite photograps are captured with these cameras. As Adobe camera raw has developed I must say that all of my previous Canon cameras now are my favorites despite the lack of dynamic range. Unfortunatly I only have the small GX7 left. That camera has produced many of the large prints that is hanging on my walls. Thanks to you I will probably buy at least three "new" Canon cameras.

[@MartinCastein]

Haha well 3 new cameras might well be fun at least!

[@thebookins]

I find myself going back to older equipment for that look. I just picked up a Aja Cion used for a steal and it baffles me how this camera didn’t last. Low dynamic range aside its skin tone rendition is rather unique

[@MartinCastein]

i wonder if some cameras just pick up a bad reputation or something for one feature that didnt turn out well and then that sticks, not sure but get that kind of a feeling. Thanks for the comment :)

[@jeffreywrightphotography]

I still love the look from my 10mp Pentax K10d with its ccd sensor. It doesn't have the greatest dynamic range but when the light is right for our there is a richness to it that cmos sensors can't quite capture.

[@MartinCastein]

I was wondering if anyone would mention any Pentax cameras, i have heard good things but never tried. thanks for you input Jeffrey.

[@matthewb21]

@@MartinCastein You absolutely should! K100D is rocking 6mpx and K10D 10mpx Kodak sensors with very nice color science. I love my photos from K10D, and it works with old PK lenses, especially well with the ones that have A setting and contacts :)

[@bcleste]

Canon xsi. It was my first real camera. The files had an amazing look to them.

[@rares9283]

Hello Martin, congrats on the channel and for the classic camera videos! They are great! In a world where everyone moves to the latest and greatest cameras and lenses I prefer classic cameras such as Canon 1DX and 6D Mark 1. I have bought Canon 5D Mark II in 2017 when I have started to work as a pro wedding photographer and used the camera for many years, then in 2019 I have bought the Canon 1DX (first version). But here I wanted to talk about the Canon 6D Mark I, this is a camera I own for several month only, I have found one with 12.000 shutter count with full box and it just works and focuses great with the central focusing point. There colors I find it very great and classic and being a camera from 2012 it doesn't matter for me it is basically brand new and I will use it side by side with my 1DX. If there was a day where I wouldn't want to bring the 1DX with me to a professional photo project I would definitely bring the 6D Mark 1 with me and I could guarantee that my clients would not see the difference with this camera from 2012. Of course you have to have experience with photography to obtain good images with any camera especially with an older one that has limitations. The camera that I have also owned first when starting professionally and starting with Canon was the 5D Mark II, I also loved the raw files and the color palette out of it, unfortunately it started to have severe back focus after 150.000 shutter counts and it wasn't ever truly repaired at Canon Professional Service,I don't know really why, I have bought another 5D Mark II last year but kept it for a few months and sold it this year because of the severe back focus and I didn't want to invest in repairing it anymore. If you are using good glass and your classic camera is working great such as Canon 6D mark I, Canon 5D Mark II, Canon 5D classic, Canon 1DX then you don't need to invest in a new body, but that is subjective, I am coming from film photography and in my honest opinion a good classic sensor and good lenses are a best option and investment, you can save allot of money and don't be tempted to get Gear Acquisition Syndrome. My current line-up of lenses are Canon 24mm 1.4L MkII, Canon 35mm 1.4L MKII, Canon 85mm 1.4L IS, Canon 100mm f/2.8L macro, Canon 135mm f/2L, Canon 70-200 f/L USM and Canon 400mm f/5.6L USM. It took allot of years and searching and finding the best price for these lenses second hand but they pragmatically help my business as a wedding photographer and as also for selling printed and stock art. Do my eyes shine when I see a new Canon R6 or R5 on our local photography shop? Yes it does, but for the foreseeable 5-7 years future I would not sell my 6D or my 1Dx and even after upgrading to mirrorless I would not change my EOS L lenses -> these lenses are just perfect. Cheers and Happy Christmas!

[@MartinCastein]

Thank you for this, its always interesting to read other peoples photography gear journeys like this and I agree with you. I think the latest cameras come into their own though as soon as you want to add some video into what you are doing but other than that im not seeing anyone do anything that hasnt been done before,. though they might be having an easier time doing it i suppose but they are really paying for that.

[@rares9283]

@@MartinCastein Hello Martin, you are right, good point on this, the newer Canon cameras have good video quality, so if you are thinking of doing good video work then you need a Canon 6D Mark II, 5D Mark IV or the EOS R cameras which are great for video work. Me personally I am a photographer and I doing short videos for personal use and I am happy with the video from my 6D and 1DX.

[@joeolsen7208]

Great video! I think the Fuji S3 and S5 pro are super underappreciated. Those and all of Sigma's Fovean sensored cameras are some of my favorites.

[@MartinCastein]

Ive heard a few people mention these before, never used them nor any of the fovean sensor cameras, id like to try.

[@NormSpupsEntertainment]

yeah they're real workhorses. one camera I never need to worry about over/under exposing. the range of control in post is crazy for the time it was made

[@aj_lfod]

I sold my 6D last year and have regretted it ever since. Love my Fujis, but boy do I miss those 6D files.

[@MartinCastein]

They are special aren’t they, very very nice files.

[@donJaneiro]

Love these videos. The original A7S is my favorite at the moment, with interesting results that appeal to me.

[@MartinCastein]

Glad you like them!

[@jayse1195]

Oooh the Fuji (Nikon) S5 Pro churned out gorgeous files, regret selling mine. Great video once again, cheers!

[@MartinCastein]

everyone keeps mentioning this, i feel like i missed out!

[@djmcwill1010]

Thanks!

[@MartinCastein]

Thank you!

[@woodedape]

Wow Martin! Those are awesome portraits. Very beautiful.

[@MartinCastein]

Thank you so much 😀

[@mart872uk]

Retired on to Olympus Em1 mk iii. Plus most of the lenses . Travel - non sus . Commercial quality- and published . I did Pentax MF plus others , L Lens Cannon , but feel comfortable with Olympus

[@shawnmiller4440]

Agreed on the D700, one of the few I wish I still had. Probably my favorite digital camera to use and my favorite output is my Fuji X100F; just gorgeous files and a joy to carry and shoot. The original and the S were a little wonky, but Fuji nailed the F. It's certainly not a pro workhorse, but for travel or family stuff or a fun backup on assignment work it's hard to beat.

[@MartinCastein]

Thanks Shawn!

[@jjadaddy]

I've owned both D600 as well the D4s; both provide outstanding images. The D4s is a different animal as far as capabilities, but the d600 images were stunning. Thanks for taking the time to do what you do.

[@imnguyen6658]

I have the 5d, and 5d2, and agree with your assessment on the classic and it is a superb camera. Out of all the modern cameras from Sony, Nikon, and even Fuji, I used, I think the Fuji S5pro produces the most pleasing portraits and skin tones aka film like.

[@legvalmont]

I love the look and feel of the D200. Like really. It's got a warm-ish CCD magic to it I never saw in any other camera. Being a sucker for the 50mm focal length, I still plan on getting a good 35mm for it. Also, maybe a bit silly but flicking up/down of its mirror doesn't feel heavy. And its sound, oh boy... On film cameras, I think it's a never ending quest for "the" film because that's ultimately the sensor, innit? So I like the Ilfords for B&W and am looking forward to shooting a 50 ASA CineStill. I've got a D700 but haven't used it in a while. I'm a hobbyist after all.

[@AnalogCabinRecording]

Great rundown… Thanks! I would also add the original Fuji X100. The Bayer sensor in that one was brilliant.

[@neild108]

I once used a Canon 6D to shoot an art show featuring 18 artists, each with an average of 2 paintings. It was a freebie shoot for a local non-profit. What colors! It was such a sumptuous experience going over and editing my files from that one. I still remember one painting I photographed (at an angle and with a little of the artist in front of it, so as to protect the artist from piracy) had a large swath of something like robin's egg blue. I had no idea that a camera could so nicely reproduce such vivid color.

[@PippetWhippet]

I think you helped me nail why I like film photography so much - I can choose the best handling body, and change the “sensor” after 36 shots to whichever one I like the best. Assuming it’s still in production. Fully agree with you about Fuji, I have an X-Pro 1 and love the images, I like the X-T1 with that second generation sensor but after that, nothing has ever really appealed to me. I’ve been binging your channel because I can’t decide between a 5d Mk 1, 2 or a 6d. I like the more earthy colours from a mk2, I like the price of the mk1 and I like the idea that a 6d will last me longer and is easier to use. Such a difficult choice!

[@MartinCastein]

you just need to collect all 3 over time, thats the real answer haha

[@PippetWhippet]

@@MartinCastein Yeah! That's very true. I finally went for the 5D as my first (and a return to Canon since my 40D back when that was new and still the camera that has contributed the most to my top 20 portfolio) and paired it with that lovely looking 40mm f2.8 - £300 for my first full frame camera and first prime lens is incredible value!

[@AmbleAbout]

I went from using canon 5Dmk2 and 7D for semi pro use for 5 years, both great. But then I jumped to Sony A7R. The live view, focus peaking and large MP files were a great addition especially with older eyes. But after moving onto the Sony A7Riii A7ii A7iii and the amazing A9, I never enjoyed using them even though they were very good working tools. And they never gave me the colours of canon. The Sony’s were a bit clinical and the menus are really heavy to negotiate in my opinion. So I recently bought a used 5Dmkii and love it. It’s my favourite digital camera of all time. And I have tried most other brands.

[@southernsoundpulse]

Excellent video Martin. Two Camera sensors that made me speechless are The Olympus E500 (Kodak CCD), And the Minolta Maxxum 7D .

[@BlueRidgeEd]

Thanks for this video, Martin. I have ongoing appreciation of your respect for & usage of the "older" DSLR cameras. I've acquired quite a collection of the Nikons now. I don't have the D600, but do have 7 others ranging from the D200 to the D500, including a couple FX models. The D90 was the first one I picked up back in 2015. I suspect that because of it being my initial experience with DSLRs there could be a measure of risk of this coloring my perspective/judgement. But when I look back at the images I have captured with it, I do try to be objective in comparison. The rendering from the D90 has been impressive for me. Don't know if you've used it much or not . . .

[@laurapeter3857]

The X-Trans 1 sensor for Fuji is definitely a classic. I’d like to put in an honorable mention for the Bayer EXR sensor of the original ASPC Fuji X100 and 2/3” Fuji X10 (same sensor). I have the X10 and it’s a wonderful pocket/travel camera. The images almost look as though they’ve been painted.

[@TheWingrider92]

just bought the canon 6D mk1 recently and absolutely love the images from it more even on really high iso compared to my sony A6400

[@johnstaples1606]

5D classic all day long.. feels good and sounds good when the shutter goes off.. proper camera.. love your stuff.. keep up the great content.. I’d be interested in what your thoughts are around editing.. cheers mate!

[@MartinCastein]

Definitely the 5d classic, what sort of thoughts around editing?

[@johnstaples1606]

I think Lightroom and all of that is so good that you can resurrect any image… those images you showed in the video seemed to me to be subtle and maybe not so much messed about with.. how do you approach it?

[@MartinCastein]

Hi John, it varies a lot, sometimes i edit a lot sometimes a little, it really just depends what look im going for but i think its important to be able to edit well. I think its very much for me that i have an image in mind of how i want the picture to look and then work towards that.

[@utube321piotr]

The sensor supplier for the Nikon D700 was at the time Toshiba or a company they acquired. Along with D700, same sensors were being installed in Nikons D3 and D3s and thats it.

[@MartinCastein]

Thats it, was trying to remember who made them, thanks!

[@robbiehenderson9582]

I agree with you on the Nikon side. I'd say that the d800 is very similar to the d600 but only when flash is applied indoors. But, the skin tones on the d600 and 800 are unmatched. I have heard the same thing for the Df but have not tried it.

[@MartinCastein]

same yes, everyone loves the df colours.

[@yamatokikuchi9811]

Really appreciate your insight on 'looks' over clinical/technical perfection. I'd love to hear your thoughts on 'classic' lenses and the looks they produce as well.

[@MartinCastein]

I’ve been thinking about doing this

[@josephpeppard561]

Hi Martin, great video on classic sensors and their unique rendering. I too love the rendering and color palette of the Canon 5D classic and Fujifilm X-Pro1 cameras. As a portrait and sometime wedding photographer I've been using the Nikon Z6 camera with the Nikon 24-70 f/4 Z lens and Nikon 58mm f/1.4 F lens. The color rendition and rendering of skin tones are simply beautiful. I love the vintage Canon file as well as the new Nikon Z6 files. Thanks so much for the stimulating content.

[@erikbirgerson9893]

Great video! I use D850 and Z6II for wedding and other paid photo sessions. Really like them but I never use them for my own work. I like cameras that has a more unique output. My absolute favorite is the Leica M8, the rendering and colours are stunning. Sigma Sd quattro h, foveon sensors always has that special look. Olympus E-1. And a few days ago I purchased a Pentax 645d. Is the handling better on the Fujifilm gfx 50s, witch I also have, compared the the 645? Absolutely but the feeling of the Kodak medium format ccd is way more special. As you see, my favourite cameras all has a Kodak ccd or a foveon. Nothing for high iso or sports...thats were my Nikons come in handy😊

[@carl-erikpaulin5264]

My old Eos 1D mark 3 from 2007 delivers fantastic images

[@kiwipics4003]

Thanks Martin for a significant insight into the heart of the matter! Whilst I mainlined my 7D MKII & 50D for just about everything, I thought I knew everything about my four goto lenses. The 24-105/F4, 70-200/f2.8, 85/f1.2 & Petzval 80.5/f1.9. Then I bought my first 5D Classic. I felt either like Alison going down the rabbit hole, or Rutherford when he split the atom! Somehow or other, the world moved under my feet, and like Neo, I knew there was no going back! It slowed me down, took me back to the basics and showed me the way forwards. Not many cameras do that. I'd like to suggest, that when a keen, attentive, passionate photographer picks up their first REAL classic camera, it's like love's first kiss, by which most others will be compared and found wanting. Big problem now is how to successfully convince my wife, that an X-Pro 1, 6D 1 and 5DSr are a good idea! :-D

[@MartinCastein]

haha excellent, well you know what the trick is, you need to test if she can tell the difference between a 6d and a 5d and if she cant then you can probably get as many as you like. :D

[@karlx19]

D3S for me - still use it alongside a D800 and D5 as well as an X-Pro 1 and X-E1 but there’s something magical (for me) about the D3S

[@billuzzell4725]

Great discussion! I think the Canon 5dsr falls into this category. I had a Canon 6d several years ago, and the 5dsr has the look of the 6d with more megapixels. I have a Sony a7riv, and it is an amazing technological achievement, with dynamic range that will knock your socks off, AF that is incredible, IBIS, etc, however, (to your point) I am never quite happy with how the files look. I bought a used 5dsr for a relatively small amount of money, and I absolutely love it. The dynamic range is crap next to the Sony, high iso can’t match the Sony, no eye AF on the Canon, ease of use goes to the Sony, and I could go on and on. On paper, the Sony is absolutely superior - until you look at the files. I love the files coming out of this Canon to the point that I am seriously considering selling the Sony and lenses. Crazy!

[@MartinCastein]

Hahah well don’t rush into anything too quickly you might well be right about the 5dsr thanks for your comments!

[@DavidFlowerOfficial]

What an awesome and refreshing view on cameras. I loved both my Nikon d600 and d800 but I totally agree about the files. I'd take the d600 any day. Have a great day mate 🖖

[@DPer4mance]

I don’t know about the Canon’s, but the Nikon D700 certainly belongs on this list. There’s a very good reason I still keep one besides my D850. The colors and contrast are just so good!

[@LeandroBighetti]

I’d put XT1 from Fuji too! The rendering and colours are quite magical, I like all the newer Fuji much less.

[@bobcunningham5288]

I haven't had a chance to use a lot of cameras, but I own a 5D3, whose files I like. What I particularly like though is using it with my older 70 - 200 f4 IS L lens. The combo of those two pieces of gear give me photos the look of which I love.

[@MartinCastein]

that 70-200 f4 IS L is superb and an absolute bargain at the price.

[@NormSpupsEntertainment]

I have a 5d 1 with the 80-200 f2 it's a beast, but I take out the fuji s5 at night

[@christopherward5065]

I have moved very slowly in the digital realm. I get what you’re saying. When shooting film stock was a thing, I would previsualise what I wanted to photograph and choose a film stock that would be sympathetic and was available. I settled on Pentax because I loved the rendering of the lenses. I didn’t love digital at first but I didn’t leave Pentax. My K10d was great to use and I could use all of my glass. However it took me a while to try a K-O1 with a Loupe on the back. This camera has a sensor and processing that changed the game just before Lockdown. I started making the images I wanted to make because the output was so good and so malleable in Lightroom. I then bought a K5IIS and that is what I am using they both give beautiful images breathing space. They are old but cool. Lightroom loves their output. Their limitations are not obvious and they are not daunted by difficult jobs in difficult situations. I like 3D plasticity and detail and they give me that. The things they don’t do I don’t need yet. I will upgrade and I know what I’m buying and I get what you’re saying completely.

[@tonybrown5221]

Hi Martin, love the channel and fast becoming addicted. I've got a 5D classic which, in the right circumstances (down to my technique, or lack of), does produce a certain 'something'. I had a D600 back in the day and have kicked myself ever since for getting rid of it. I liked the output, but not in a way that I can, specifically, quantify. I also had a Fuji S5 Pro, which had a, kind of, 'painterly' output that was pleasing (something in the way Fuji lays out the pixels, maybe). It was only good for specific uses such as landscapes or still life (never did portraits with it), not sports as the buffer was next to zero in RAW and it was slow in FPS. I feel like the 6D might be an interesting possibility.

[@WarrenRoddy]

I’ve got a D700 and a 5D. They both have their benefits but if I’m converting to black and white I’ll go with the D700 w/ Voigtlander 58mm f1.4. The microcontrast with that setup far exceeded the 5D with the same lens.

[@-grey]

Depending on purpose I agree. I still primarily shoot the X-70 from Fujifilm with their second generation technology. The reduced dynamic range adds a nice contrast that you can't get with later lineups. So long as I'm okay to zone focus on the street or travel, I'll shoot anything that spits out a nice file untouched. As soon as I need that 2% edge like eye auto focus or tracking for portraits and sport, or events, I'll side with the gear does matter crowd.

[@MartinCastein]

Yeah that’s it, depends on purpose for sure. I didn’t try the x70 before I will look that up!

[@-grey]

@@MartinCastein Like anything Fujifilm, it's an acquired taste. It's trying to emulate the feel of positive film. So it's not as situationally flexible as the 5D classic or the Nikons, but if you enjoyed Velvia 100 it gives a similar vibe. High contrast and rich colours, but never really great for portraits, unless you're really going for a "look". It's a great sophmoric camera for experimenting with composition, layering, and colour theory, but beginners and advanced photographers are generally turned off by fighting with the baked-in aesthetic.

[@happysunshinemedia7092]

been using the fuji xt2 and really loved it for a while, but as I've advanced and nearly perfected the use of that camera I feel it lacks a lot. I decided to buy a canon 6d. Im really happy with the results

[@bjoernphotography]

My favorite is my Z9 from Nikon - i really like the colors and details… i coma from D200 - D800 - D850 - Z7 - Z7 II - but the Z9 is really a lovely beast….

[@thomasphillips5850]

Super video Martin keep up the good work. I am looking at a 5dmk2 that is pristine. Thanks for the info.

[@MartinCastein]

Glad it was helpful!

[@2klember]

In terms of classic I’m a Nikon hard core user so I can only comment about Nikon cameras. So classic for me is Nikon D3, D3s(personal favourite) then D700, D4s. The D600 was my first full frame camera body and I did use it for the weddings and landscape only. But since I tried D3s, D4s and D700 I never pick up D600 again for my wedding work. I just love those 12mpx sensors in D3s and D700 and 16mpx from D4s. The output is amazing. Then I completed my collection with D850, D5. They are great but I wouldn’t call them classic. So I still shooting weddings with D3s, D700 and D4s.

[@MartinCastein]

Thanks Rob, that was interesting, ties in with a lot of experiences ive heard from others too.

[@tominmeling9791]

I shoot most analog Nikon F3, F4 and F5 for art work, when digital i use D700 and D3. Used to work as A professional photographer in Norway.

[@LyndonPatrickSmith]

I don’t have an X-Pro1 but do have an X-E1 which has the same sensor and processor combo. Love it. The second X-Trans sensor/processors are also cool: X-T1 and the like. Leica has some older cameras with fantastic rendering, check out some Digilux 2 files and other old Leicas with Kodak sensors. Also Olympus EM5 mark 1. Agreed: colour and tonality rule. Along with dynamic range. Generally older CCD sensors seem to be more “filmic” and pleasing than more modern CMOS sensors.

[@MartinCastein]

X-e1 is basically the same camera different body, I liked the xt1 but mine just fell to bits with rubber on the outside and the dials coming off and In The end smoke came out of it and it dried my 128gb sandisk memory card. 🤣 Fuji wearing interested unfortunately. £450 to repair. I know what you mean about the ccd sensors a few have mentioned them.

[@infinitesky-59]

Canon 40d. Its a kind of crop sensor version of the 5d and now benefits from cheaper, better EF-S lenses than were not available when I first bought one in 2008. I personally think it should make it into the 'classic crop sensor' category because the images definitely have the old Canon look and its not a bad camera to use either even today.

[@robertboyer5926]

Personally I think the Canon 5Ds and 5DsR have unique and beautiful output. It's sort of like the best of the older canon colors (1Ds series, 5D classic/5Dii) and the newer in terms of accuracy of the auto WB with plenty of dynamic range (actually better than the 5Diii and slightly less than the 5Div). I have two of these and use them more than any other camera I have including the new R series body I have. Maybe my favorite digital camera ever.

[@workdevice7808]

Great advice. Thanks Martin.

[@MartinCastein]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@danlee1811]

Nikon d70s, 6mp CCD Sensor, with 35mm f1.8 wonderful colours, weak AA filter, Very simple operation. Canon 30d 8mp also very nice , similar output to 5d mk1. Also older pro nikon body's d2x, d2hs. Dated but still capable of stunning photos. Sony A900 DSLR worthy of a mention too, shutter sounds like a Gatling gun though. Regards Dan.

[@MartinCastein]

Thanks thats a great list i actually have an older nikon body with ccd sensor i need to dig that out and try with it.

[@urbanimage]

@@MartinCastein It would be very interesting to hear what you think of the Nikon D70. So cheap to buy these days.

[@tgamron]

I picked up a used Xpro-1, which produces an excellent image. My GFX50R produces a nice picture. I should have kept my 5D.

[@mvonwalter6927]

Been shooting Fuji and Leica for a while now but when I go back through my prints and digital library the Nikon D600 photos really stick out. Tonality, skin color and a certain texture when the ISO is boosted. The Df has good color too, different than the D600. But the Df at high ISO in black and white looks more like analog film than anything I have seen, including the Leica M8.

[@MartinCastein]

which do you prefer between the d600 and df files?

[@mvonwalter6927]

​@@MartinCastein for most situations I would take the D600 files. Df has more color pop out of the gate but they also seemed a bit flat and I had to work harder to get inter-tonal seperation. The tonality and skin tone of the D600 are better to me. If I needed low light reportage I would take the Df. The real clincher is that the D600 can be had at 1/3rd or less the price of a Df. I do love the Df's handling and dials but , despite having the same focus array, it was harder to nail manual focus on the Df and I like using AIS lenses.

[@TheWizdry]

Excellent video and real world review of what I refer too as Legendary cameras. You helped me quantify why I liked these certain cameras output. Nikon D700, and Nikon D610. Color and image quality difficult to beat. Also the Nikon D300, 300s. Similar output to the D700’s. Have you seen anything on the Pentax K7. Pentax is doing great things with digital. Pentax K7 is maybe a midrange camera, but the color and tonal quality produced by this little gem is incredible. I sold mine for a Pentax upgrade to a Pentax K3. Excellent images from the k3, but not the same special legionary look produced of the K7. I have never found out if they changed the sensor, but definitely the processing after the k7? I wound up buying another Pentax k7.

[@MartinCastein]

Thanks for this Joe, i dont have any experience with Pentax but people keep bringing this up and asking me about it so there must be something to it!

[@jravell]

I’m wondering if it’s not the image processor more than the sensor. For instance, I love my 400D and my 5D Classic similarly because the images feel the same, they have the same image processor.

[@akaimagez]

Love your review. Having seen other video's of you, I agree it is all about the colour and rendering.

[@MartinCastein]

thank you!

[@yelonhesli]

I think you'll love the Fuji X-T1, give it a try. Great content!

[@Digital_Photog1995]

I would add this camera although it’s rather old. The Fujifilm FinePix S2 Pro was announced on January 30th 2002, it had . An almost-APS-size SuperCCD sensor of 6.2 million. Also vastly improved is the choice of Nikon body on which the camera is based. The S2 Pro is based on Nikon's much improved N80 (F80) body which uses Nikon AF-D, AF-S and VR lenses. Loved the color rendering of the Super CCD sensor. It still in use today as I gave this old timer to my daughter.

[@MartinCastein]

CCD sensors are always special, thanks for addition more to the list!

[@torb-no]

@@MartinCasteinFujis SuperCCD sensors was had a different color layout. If I recall correctly the green sensing parts of the CCD was bigger than the other colours, supposedly leading to better tone graduation (as green contains a lot of luminosity). In the late oughts I remember the confirmation photographer for my sister swore by the Fuji S series since they rendered faces and skin better than anything else. Interestingly the idea of using more of the sensor for green I think is something Fuji still do (but with more green points instead of bigger ones) in all their modern X-trans sensors.

[@bittertruth6175]

Very true. You nailed it. After an optimal point, technology brings features and convenience. In the process, sacrifice the core and beauty of true photography. Unfortunately, most of us are born a**holes, love new and latest. Companies know better than anybody else and go on minting profit.