This $330 Legendary Camera is All You Need to Take Great Photos

[@tHaH4x0r]

These kinds of videos feel like a breath of fresh air compared to the hundreds of 'newest camera of brand x vs y'. Enjoyed the video very much.

[@tHaH4x0r]

@@sharpe_sam And why is that a bad thing? It means plentiful cheap second hand lenses all over the place. And Kai is right. Pretty much any hobbyist would take the exact same photographs of the exact same quality whether he has the latest and greatest mirrorless, or a second hand 2010 FF DSLR. And your enjoyment of photography wouldn't be any greater either with the former (nor latter).

[@tHaH4x0r]

@@sharpe_sam So you are not arguing against used DSLR, but rather that a user should pick Pentax/Nikon etc over Canon because of the lenses? Also, I am 100% sure EF lenses have a mechanical aperture, but I presume that you mean a manually adjustable one as opposed to electronically adjusted? Although that is true for some EF lenses, there are plenty of EF lenses out there with mechanical adjustment. There is also a metabones adapter. Speaking of which, why exactly would they not work well in the future? You mean in terms of reliability? If so, then who cares. If your second hand lens' aperture control breaks, you most likely have outlived the lens anyways.

[@tHaH4x0r]

@@sharpe_sam I suppose that is true, but I dont think most people expect their lenses (especially second hand) to last forever anyways. And just because they are electronic doesnt mean they are unfixable!

[@tHaH4x0r]

@@sharpe_sam Good thing about electronics though, is that they don't wear down over time. They dont require lubrication, and dont suffer from friction. Properly designed electronics likely outlive mechanical components that have to move. Key being 'properly designed'.

[@zilun]

@@tHaH4x0r Yeah. My girlfriend has a college friend who posts amazing photos on his social media almost daily. I finally invited him over for coffee recently. He whipped out this camera, and this was his camera.

[@ESKATEUK]

Just got bought one of these for my birthday with only 17000 shots on it. I honestly couldn’t be happier with it, the pictures it takes are just amazing. Was so glad I found your channel again, I used to love watching you and Lok when I was a kid, and seeing you both still doing what you love is just brilliant.

[@MannyOrtiz]

I purchased this camera a decade ago because of you 😏

[@KaiManWong]

You can purchase it again because of this video! 😝

[@ErikHawkinson]

I'd consider buying a 5DII, except I still have one. I don't shoot much anymore but it and my 7DII are what I reach for first.

[@XTJ7]

It has been nearly a decade since I bought the Mark III because of Kai. He should've gotten a commission from Canon :D

[@tlustejmicin]

@@XTJ7 Did u tweak it somehow? (Colours, sharpness and contrast sliders etc) I mean - MK I and MK II have slightly better and desaturated raw output. Unlike MK III - when I use it - it is always over saturated and over-contrasted raw file. Hate it totally :D It is a pain for me to rent an MK III and shoot with it as a second body. I love to use my MK I only :D

[@XTJ7]

@@tlustejmicin Any tweaks you make inside the camera will only affect JPEGs, not RAW. RAW is basically what the sensor gives you and that's it :D So you unfortunately have to compensate that in your workflow, for example by creating a Lightroom preset that desaturates and reduces the contrast, then use that as your starting point. For me it was fine, because I never mixed the MK1/2 with the 3 though.

[@Bryan-lu4du]

The first full frame digital camera I ever owned. Good memories. I remember Best Buy in my town only had 1 in stock that was being held for some other local photographer. They told me it was supposed to be picked up that day and if it was still unclaimed an hour before they close it would be mine. Well, I came back and it was mine.

[@kishascape]

Just imagine that jerk coming by the next day all like "REEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE where my 5D!" Snooze ya lose sucka

[@TheIshikawaRin]

Seeing this camera again after so long makes me feel like we've gone back to the old days of DRTV, it's nostalgic.

[@Pozi_Drive]

Only if he starts using these camera's as (wooden) shoes again.

[@MrCochise71]

Then his old stalker will show up again.. 😆😆

[@julienborghino4517]

Indeed! The video on the 7D is still the best video on the internet!

[@slr7075]

The D700 days.

[@LeadAntagonist]

It was him dropping the damn thing that did it for me

[@Mattshuckphoto]

I'm a professional photographer and whenever people ask me what camera to get to start out I always suggest the 5D MKII. I have found that rarely do people like the answer of an old used camera though. I think they often just want an excuse to buy something new and exciting.

[@judekudera1141]

I lead a photography club at my elementary school. You are correct, most people (including my students) are expecting to shoot on the latest and greatest gear. After a few sessions, the students are perfectly fine using my old gear such as the 5D MKII and even some of my older APS-C gear (T5i, T6s, and T7). They are realizing how much more they can do with the older gear compared to their latest iPhone 13 pros and Samsung S22 in terms of pure photography.

[@btnhstillfire]

I had a hand me down Rebel T6. Barely used. It worked great for awhile until I started having major issues w dust getting into the secondary mirror compartment and causing specs on my photos. Could never fully fix the issue. Tried for months. Then it just started to not work at all. I ended up going w a Lumix G85 mirrorless. Its a micro four thirds camera but Im getting much better photos out of this camera. Its faster and Im able to get more color into my shots w it compared to the mirrored Rebel.

[@chromaticvisuelle]

I recommend as well a Nikon D700/Sony a7 for low budget 😀

[@suryashishkundu]

@@judekudera1141 I would also like to buy the 5d mark2 for a second But except the nifty 50 All other full frame lens are pretty expensive for beginner standards

[@billybanter9573]

I have a 550D which I love. I bought an 850D last week but that was only for the movable screen for video.

[@PBALLERAZ]

5D MKII was my first full frame camera, I made a ton of money with that camera, it traveled across countries with me, and this video reminds me how much I wish I never sold it.

[@locophoto6881]

Ok...if you truly "made a ton of money" from that camera...how can you not afford to buy it now for a few hundred bucks since you still "wish I never sold it". Translation....you never made a ton of money with the camera.

[@jd5787]

@@locophoto6881 he may be referring to HIS 5Dii that he sold not just "any" 5Dii. Some people are sentimental.

[@PBALLERAZ]

@Loco Photo I don't need it and it wouldn't serve a purpose now that I almost exclusively work in 4k raw. It would be a nostalgic shelf piece.

[@PBALLERAZ]

@@jd5787 bingo

[@locophoto6881]

@@PBALLERAZ "and this video reminds me how much I wish I never sold it." Nice try to cover for the dramatization of how much money you made with a 5D MkII....but no I'm not believing you my man....people don't say how much they miss a camera and how they wish they had never sold it if they can still afford to buy another one just like it. Not attacking you...but no...if you make a comment about how much money you made and then say you wish you'd never sold it and still miss it...then there's an obvious contradiction that seems very adolescent to make public posts about how much money you made when you can't afford to replace something you miss so much...that costs about $300 nowadays...

[@ibnugani8781]

Just bought it 3 days ago, it is such an incredible weapon of production, mostly for stills, not recommended for sports, but for studio, it is absolutely great. Thanks Kai, you made me happy with my decision

[@kishascape]

Easily usable for sports. The focus is still better than entry levels like 600D and you don't really need burst. People got by easily for decades prior with full manual film SLRs and electronic film SLR like the Film Rebels perfectly fine. People tend to needlessly motordrive way too much instead of anticipating properly. Jared Polin does an actually decent tutorial video on this. I've borrowed one of these before in 2012 and used it for bird photography a lot, I would like to by my own now since it's more than good enough for me and I don't like the new models.

[@KNURKonesur]

I always remember Zack Arias repeating for years that a Canon 5D with a 35/2.0 and 85/1.8 is everything you need to get you started as a pro photographer and cover about 90% of situations :)

[@Tzadeck]

That's funny because I still have my old 5DII, and the only two lenses I've kept are my 35 2.0 and 85 1.8, haha. Actually thinking about selling off the lenses though.

[@sulev111]

+ good people skills, making connections, being good at marketing, being good at offering different products, actually making good images. I think a lot of people have cameras today. Doesn't make them pros even if they want to be.

[@KNURKonesur]

​@@sulev111100% agree! Also I think it's a showcase of the times changing and technology being so readily available, just look at how many youtube channels about photography only ever talk about the latest and greatest gear, but they never talk about photography, about history, about developing your style, about putting meaning into your work, about networking, cost and effort of being a photographer on a day to day basis, it's all very focused on the surface.

[@sulev111]

@@KNURKonesur Exactly! Just like mr W here ;) Taking photos is arguably the easiest part about pro photography.

[@iunderstanphotography2780]

I remember that too; when he would say "If he went broke today, what would he buy?" sadly I never bought it; i kept hearing about teh poor focus

[@obscurazone]

Coming from a fashion background, I'd say this was the first digital camera to ever truly break the mould in my industry over traditional medium format. It really changed things in terms of ease of use and portability, plus cost! Ultimately, the images could really stand up. Stick a quality prime on the 5D2, at incredibly low cost compared to medium format, and it blew the market wide open. All of a sudden high end commercial photography became truly accessible to a lot of folk. That camera created stunning images. All you needed was the talent to make them. I sat back a few years and ended up with a Nikon D800, and it's still (by far!) my favourite camera, and what I still rely on for my professional work. Build quality on both these cameras is superb. Output - with the right lenses, absolutely breathtaking!

[@ark_ryl9384]

So happy you made this video! I went from a 650D (bought in 2012) to a used 5D Mark II a few years ago and I do not regret it at all! An amazing camera after all these years and with my 24-105mm f4/L and 70-200mm f4/L it takes amazing pictures of anything I’d ever need it for. And it has great low light performance compared to my 650D. Sure, it has the most basic video features by todays standards, no video autofocus, no 4k etc etc, but as an added bonus on top of a solid stills camera, what more to ask for? Also, in the age of mirrorless cameras, you can’t beat a big ol’ chunky loud camera like the 5D Mk II

[@DSP16569]

I still have and sometimes use my 5D (without Mark) - bought 2006 for 2999€

[@s1dew1nd3r4]

how do you find the 5dmk2 for shooting action photography? i fancy getting one along with my fz1000 bridge camera for shooting motorbikes, the fz1000 is decent enough but limited by the fixed lens.

[@Ichijoe2112]

​@@s1dew1nd3r4 One the one hand this shoots down to 1/8000ths of a second. On the other it can ony take 3.9 shoots a second. Burst mode is a crap shot, shoot low res jpegs, and take more Pics. Shoot RAW, and take maybe 12 or so before you clear the buffer. Uderstanding this, is the key to why the 7D (APS-C Body), was a thing, until the 90D came along, your essentially traiding FF for a faster more 1DX like Burst mode.

[@izzyr__]

What's crazy is watching you review this camera like a decade ago only for it to be found so cheap now. Thanks for the years of content Kai!

[@chandrajatip.3509]

same for me, time flies so fast

[@larryng]

Me too

[@pilsberry]

love this idea for a video! Please keep revisiting old cameras. What a blast.

[@LiaoK]

I just wanted to say that my early interest in photography as a hobby was largely fueled by your content at DRTV. It took a year's worth of savings over a decade ago as a starving student for me finally get a second-hand 5DII. Worth every penny.

[@GTMQ8]

I sold my Mark II in 2014. I’ve had it for almost four years at that point and really put it to good use. I absolutely loved it and what it could do. I currently own a Mark IV and the 5D series truly is one of the best full frame DSLR cameras ever made.

[@japandrej]

Bought this one in 2011, it changed my life, my first full-frame camera. It was absolutely phenomenal. Sitting in the drawer for years now, I'm too sentimental to sell.

[@NOTGNIRRAH]

Recently bought a 5D III and have been using it for car and motorsport photography. 10 years old and still an absolute beast!

[@GabrielRodrigues-fg6ex]

It has been my camera for the last 8 years. Probably it will continue to be for years to come.

[@keithwiebe1787]

I bought a used 5d mark 3 to replace the used 5d mark 2 that was giving problems. The video is much better on the 3 along with a lot of upgrades. Of course it was 1000 bucks vs 500 for the mark 2. (from KEH camera).

[@serge933]

I have been saying the same thing for a while. I personally have stuck with a Nikon D700 as my main street photography camera, the color science in that body is phenomenal, weather sealed and just rugged as hell. Even with its lower MP count it still turns out amazing photos today. I have more modern cameras but this is the one I keep going back to. It just works.

[@andythealien1]

I'm starting to find reviews of old gear much more interesting than the new stuff. It's great to know that you can now get such a capable digital camera for such little money. I'm getting tired of hearing about how the latest overpriced cameras are the best thing ever to happen to photography, only for it to be replaced a year later, and the previous model magically becomes a piece of turd.

[@carrottoponcrak]

Fr, if you get a nice lens on this camera you can produce sharp posters or larger no issues. I hate when everyone acts like last years model is caveman obsolete

[@jabezhane]

I always say "The Pro's at the time that camera was new were not complaining, so are we now saying the pics they took with it are crap now too?"

[@iunderstanphotography2780]

Zac Arias said about new bodies and complaining "The camera you're complaining about now, took all your favorite photos a couple years ago.."

[@freeman10000]

So is my Konica III and Pentax S1A obsolete 🤔?

[@GabeSanchez]

I bought one of these well used in 2013 for around $1600 and it was my fave camera. I just bought one again friday for $219. Still love how this camera shoots and feels even better than some of the newer mirrorless cameras that I've owned from Canon. Maybe its the nostalgia, but I still love it!

[@UFOJeroen]

This gave me some real DigitalRev vibes 👌 Can't believe how unobtainable this camera looked to me when I saw you review it over a decade ago.

[@KarrasBastomi]

add Lok and Alamby......

[@SDK2006b]

Loved Digital Rev I bought my first DSLR lenses from them in May 2004 : A Canon 100-400L IS and 24-70L F2.8 😊

[@Ritalie]

They are right around $400 to $750 used, depending on the condition, for just the body and no lens. That still feels like a steep investment. Camera lenses really are the most expensive part in professional photography.

[@fish8cat]

loved my 5dm2 and you make me want to get another. That said, there was a magical later model full frame called the 6D which is a sleeper. People thought it was cheaper and it was, but it had a I phenomenal picture quality.

[@flochfitness]

My first camera I learned to shoot photos on was the Canon T6i. What an awesome camera. I remember the smell of it and it took beautiful photographs. There wasn’t too much fanciness which let me learn how to shoot correctly. Fast forward 3 years and I am using a $2,500 mirrorless camera and still learning those basic lessons today. What a fanstic thing photography is ☺️

[@cirrus1964]

Funny, I was a pro over 50 years, I made beautiful, shot's not the camera, whatever brand it was. Amateurs........!!!!

[@BarkandJack]

I become inappropriately excited by the comparison of an Omega bezel sound and the sound of a Canon thumb wheel.

[@johnsmith-gs4qf]

WTF?

[@srlkngl]

"inappropriately excited " about anything in life is fabulous...and to those devoid of sense of humor, too bad so sad...

[@johnsmith-gs4qf]

@@srlkngl perv...

[@unbroken1010]

Weirdo.

[@watchandjewelryloft4713]

Watchmaker here. And I've owned a 5DII before. I'd rather be clicking the Canon wheel than a watch bezel honestly. 👍

[@vincentlevinger]

A few years I decided I wanted to try out photography and this is what I went with as well, never regretted the decision once. It has every feature I could hope for, and with everyone going to mirrorless you can pick up some nice EF mount L glass at great prices.

[@RudyAyoub]

ive been almost only using the mkii with magic lantern for random travel vids

[@classic1625]

Boi I love you

[@andormadaras]

only 11 likes, what the fck?

[@willimitus]

Hey rumdy aydubi. Love your channel.

[@luisespina1249]

fancy seeing you here

[@richeeg3271]

Ohh, so arab dad approved :O

[@joeymacme]

I still use my 5D II. I've tried out many new & fancy models from Canon, Sony and Fuji in recent years, but as I'm taking less photos these days I just haven't felt it worthwhile to upgrade. Yes the new tech is amazing, especially for sports & video, but for high quality everyday slow paced shooting the 5D II still does the job extremely well.

[@srlkngl]

Canon all the way for me ....🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣!

[@07wrxtr1]

Wise thinking; I’ve owned all of the 5 series including the R5, and looking at the absolute bottom of the barrel ethical standards now happily accepted by genzers = no thanks. Will be selling all my r5 gear and keep the 90d for occasional work, and that says a lot as I’m in landscape heaven of moab utah, but, it’s just not enjoyable anymore. 90d works fine for birds n wildlife and is like driving an older manual vehicle that’s just fun!

[@andrefelixstudio2833]

This is one of your better informational videos it’s about time somebody told the truth about cameras you don’t have to have the latest and greatest you just have to have reliability and proven technology in the UK the camera you bought we call brand old! Nicely done!

[@ogonzilla]

Picked a used one up as well for the collection...what a special sensor.

[@venom2k2]

Omar!

[@photo1416]

I consider it more of an interesting sensor the first 5d

[@aniketbhagat2425]

Ayyyyyy Omar.

[@rascalszx2]

I just upgraded from a Canon 20D (8MP) to a 5D MKII. Just taking some quick shots with it in the house I am already impressed. When paired up with my 17-40 f/4 Canon L lens, it is amazing. I can't wait to do more photography with it.

[@porina_pew]

I feel old now. I still have and occasionally use a 5D2 bought new, didn't think it is 13 years old! Original batteries certainly not as good as they were but it still works fine.

[@duskfall_777]

cute tater

[@deletedwaffles]

I don't know about anyone else but the 5D Mk II was THE camera that everyone wanted or aimed to get back years ago. As a 7D user I was envious of everyone using the 5D Mk II.

[@my_negative_world]

Had one of these about 2 years ago. It was amazing but I honestly believe that Canon 6D is also super underrated, it basically retains all the benefits of 5DMII(maybe except for build quality, but that's still great) while feeling significantly "fresher". It was designed as less of a pro body and because of that you can find them all day with very low shutter counts unlike the 5DMII, which when you see cheap with less than 100000 shots has usually had it's shutter replaced. Nowadays you can often find 6D's for 5DMII prices, I got mine quite beaten up but with 25000 shots on the first shutter for about 300usd and it serves me very well.

[@-_--le3zk]

Bro seriously? 6d being underrated? Its like saying nifty fifty is an unknown lens

[@p382742937423y4]

Mark i or ii? I hear the mark ii was a big improvement over the i

[@my_negative_world]

Imo not really. As for the ergo side of things yeah. Flippy screen is a game changer. But for example the light performance stayed the same if not degraded.

[@Zarphag]

6D is the all round better camera, lacks a few physical things the 5d2 had but better sensor

[@jabezhane]

@@Zarphag The 6D was a great low light monster in it's day (still works ok now). I have a mint 7D which is awesome but its not so good for indoor work. The 6D is pulled out for that.

[@mackyhowy8581]

Dude, you have seriously echoed my thoughts! The marketing hype is real! My 5D-III and 1D-MKIV are both OG Cams and are really all I need to take amazing stills even by today's standards! Thanks for the post man.

[@mattthelombax]

I mean I still shoot on my 60D all the time. I also adapt a few m42 lenses for cheap and effective birdwatching. Gets the job done if you're willing to go all manual.

[@justineraelaude]

I agree with this video, you don't need a fancy camera to take great photos. All that matters is your skill you've got to take great photos. I recently bought a second hand Canon 60D (2010) and I have never regret that decision.

[@ArthurD]

With Magic Lantern installed this camera goes even further, allowing recording -3K- *5.2K* RAW videos, enabling tons of options.

[@IliaSibiryakov]

No, only 3K. And only for 12 seconds. Unless you want to stitch clips together from different parts of the sensor, which only works from a tripod and with certain scenes.

[@orion2250]

And maybe brick the thing?

[@NomenDaemonis]

If you want 3.5k 12bits lossless raw video, take the 5DIII only.

[@NomenDaemonis]

@@orion2250 in 10 years of using ML I never managed to brick a single camera 550D/5DII/5DIII.

[@SmallSpoonBrigade]

@@orion2250 Unlikely, ML is loaded from one of the cards and so the likelihood of bricking the camera is rather unlikely. It may be a theoretical possibility, but, doubtful, bricing only happens when something goes wrong with the firmware and ML isn't installed to the firmware.

[@adrianssolutionsgwm]

OH KAI.... how fabulous to find a vid with non intrusive background music, tidy cleanshaven presenter, enthusiastic no shouting,, factual clear..Its fun to watch your presentation even if not buying a camera..thankyou... Oh long hair on a male is nice by the way, keep it it look good on you. Adrian london I'm interested your opinion of a small camera useable collectable and worth owning.

[@PaulKretz]

Own it. Pretty advanced for it's time, especially with Magic Lantern installed. Wonderful comfort in hands and fantastic ergonomics. Plus acceptable screen with LiveView and 21 full frame megapixels for quite cheap. Although, I like images from 5D Classic more. Gotta keep both.

[@Ichijoe2112]

I am aware that Canon was busy at that time constantly dicking 'round with the 'Colour Science' on thier generatiobs of Canmers. But, when they say (as much like yourself), that the 5D classic had renound colours. Would that strictly speaking be Jpegs out of the Camera, or in RAW?

[@ihcrenrut]

Thank you Kai! Love it man.

[@thehealthpotions]

Photography has come a long way :')

[@beansface1643]

Yea no doubt

[@PiLipOppa]

@4:26 "Don't keep whipping stuff in and out. Either have it in or out." LOL

[@madmechanic7641]

Thankyou Kai.. I feel justified now being on my 3rd 5D2 and this ones only done 11,000. Brilliant point about vintage lenses.. I have approx 40+ from Yashica to Zenitar to Carl zeiss and I didn't have to spend £5000 on a body.. : )

[@cjsvinyl]

It's SOOOOO refreshing to hear *real* photographers like Kai discuss focusing on cheaper bodies and more expensive glass. Nearly everywhere you look you see those annoying videos entitled, _"Is it still worth it in 2023?"_ 🤮 🤮🤮from people who are clearly not real photographers because they have to rely on the absolute newest technology to get anything decent. Whereas if you know how to use a DSLR camera, you don't have to invest in a camera that's only been out for two weeks.

[@doyoudevelop]

Reminds me of you running around the Hong Kong marina comparing the 5D MKii to the then new 7D .. man, I remember watching all those videos like it was yesterday. And then came along the 5D Mkiii and everyone went berserk .. good times. Top tip for the 5D Mkii is that you could use it quite well for scanning negatives with a camera scanning set up. I just did a video about that actually, and the Mkii would be an ideal camera for it because it's super cheap but still delivers!

[@miller_de]

This! Those HK vids were always fun to watch and refired my passion back then!

[@raixbox360]

I am watching this guy after so many years, didn't know he left HK studio and moved back to the UK

[@paulyiustravelogue]

Indeed, the 5D series offers some of the best all rounds full frame DSLRs. I started off with the Mk II, and I was very happy with what it could do back in the day. I then traded it in for the Mk III, and later for the Mk IV. I KNOW there are newer and “better” options out there, but the 5D series suites what I need, and I am happy enough with all of them for various reasons. Great video.

[@IncognitoSprax]

My 5K MKIV is my baby and I'm never giving it up

[@owainshaw]

I've owned and used this camera for so long the world has come full circle and it's getting reviewed again. Still my primary digital camera.

[@sunnysunshine9016]

Well, second-hand canon 6D mark 1 body is $377 pound in Australia. I think it is much more updated and easier to use with low counts. Canon 5D mark 2 was very good at the time, 5D mark 3 was the sweet spot with even better good improvements over mark 2.

[@jabezhane]

Yeah I have a 6D too, I think the 6D/5DMK3 were really a nice tidying up of the new tech that went into the MK2.

[@AJFortuna11-11]

Dig your style Mate! You seem like an interesting dude too!

[@Aturixios]

I've used the 5DII and a 50mm 1.8 for years now, it's such an amazingly simple combo

[@Ramiroocampo]

I remember a guy coming to a concert of my old band and filming some clips with his brand new 5dii and we were in such awe how great it looked.. Changed things forever, later I got my own camera and started filming

[@mishkamcivor409]

I bought a 5D mkI back when you first made a video about it and I have just upgraded this year to a 6D (mkI) and I cannot recommend these old canon Full Frame DSLRs enough, the value for money for these old cameras is insane. Even the Mk I 5D handily beats any smartphone camera today in terms of overall quality (I have just upgraded to a Pixel 6 and its good but its not *that* good). I honestly feel bad for anyone that buys a new camera these days but then if nobody bought new and everyone bought used there'd be no cheap used cameras :D Also, as far as I can tell you cannot get a split prism focusing screen for the 5D (mk1 & mk2) and 6D (mk1 only), only super precision matte, only the 1D series has a split prism screen and afaik its not compatible >:c

[@shugazi1]

Got the 6d when it came out in 2012 and I still use it! Great purchase!

[@francoisparen]

Bought mine new when Canon 5D3 was just released and still using it as my main digital camera. I love it with the new 24-70mm 2,8 L, to me the auto-focus is fast ! The pros : amazing battery life in photo mode even after more than 10 years of use, great photo quality, simple menu and ergonomics. Cons : weight and big size with the 24-70mm, the screen that do not reflect the quality of picture (hard to judge on the field).

[@OttoVonRaz]

Absolutely brilliant video. Thank you for the honest review and for helping out so many photographers just starting out. Mirror less cameras are amazing and I use them. The DSLR camera is still able to produce high quality files but we forget about them because they aren't in style anymore. Hey, maybe I'll get an old Nikon D750 or D4?

[@jimmackayvlog]

I was shooting my 5d mkii just this week. Still love it and glad I held on to it. It's got a special place for me. It was my go to camera on travel adventures to China.

[@JWysocki]

I remember the moment when I was choosing my first full frame body and watching your tests of this Canon and Nikon D700. I choose D700. No regrets as well.

[@welmoepics]

I still use my D700 today. It’s still a great camera for stills!

[@KNURKonesur]

Beautiful sensor in that Nikon! And built like an absolute tank!

[@JWysocki]

@@KNURKonesur Mine is already on 260k + frames and still working good.

[@SmallSpoonBrigade]

It's unfortunate, that Nikon may be a dead end at this point, that is if they don't do something to change course. It's a shame because Nikon stuff used to be great, but they opted to double down on stills and not do much to expand into any of the new markets that have been opening up.

[@KNURKonesur]

@@SmallSpoonBrigade nothing wrong with that if you want to keep making stills. Not everyone has to incorporate all of the newest trends into their work.

[@christophlumpi]

Your channel here is the reason after a long time for me to get up again in photography. And I bought a used 5d mkii because of you! Its the greatest camera for taking pictures and you‘re videos about it and the 24-105 L IS USM is one of the best on the whole internet!! Thank you so much

[@tomscameras]

The 5D Mk 2 was one of the very few cameras I bought brand-new. It was totally awesome nonetheless. I remember my first thought when holding it in my hand was: When can we finally get rid of that mirror box altogether! I anticipated I'd dive deeply into video with this camera but it never happend. So it did teach me one big lesson: I was a photographer and not a videographer.

[@richardt1792]

About a year ago, I found a like new Canon 5D Mark III with dual battery grip for $350. I drove 50 miles across Los Angeles to pick it up. With technology, I have always seen the value in being a late adopter. I have no need to be at the front of the pack. I couldn't care less to own a mirrorless. I grew up in the film era so the Mark III is light years ahead.

[@MihaRekar]

I was the first one to get it in Slovenia, and I still use it. It’s *very* used, but it still works perfectly. And mine is one of the first one produced 😅

[@SamHurly]

My first full frame, scared myself buying it and a few lenses for $2k in 2013, and today I still talk about how great a camera it is. Such good color, almost nostalgic rendering, and enough resolution for large printing. Kicked off and held my working career for many years even while the mk4 was out.

[@braien334]

I am still extremely happy with my second-hand Canon 6D, which is roughly similiar to the 5dm2, solid cameras, which produce good images.

[@ChrisLeiter]

I’m a big fan of my 6D - but the 5D just produces such amazing results

[@pdlagasse]

I’m also the happy owner of a second-hand 6D. Very versatile with or without a battery grip.

[@AndrewColletti]

Great video, I love your meditations at the end!! Love this content

[@lorddryp]

I was an amazing camera. I've been using it for 10 years. Love the image quality, colors, skin tones etc. But... the AF was horrible. I have missed so many shots becouse of it. Constant problems with accuarcy, Front or Back focus. The truth is that mirrorless cameras are much better with it's AF systems that I would never go back to dslr as a main body.

[@cappin6937]

Are you judging that just off the fact the 5D MK II had bad autofocus? because I've been using an 80D past 2 years and for me it's never missed a beat, whether it's skate photos or video - and this makes sense because DSLRs have the advantage that they have a separate sensor dedicated for autofocus, whereas mirrorless just have to go by the sensor that takes the photos hence needing more software etc.. I'm sure the latest mirrorless are faster than my 80D but in terms of price.. my brand new 80D was $700 USD.

[@07wrxtr1]

I do birds and landscapes; I have both an R5 and 90d; Honestly- wish I never spent what I did on the R5… unless you sell your work frequently, the cost difference isn’t worth it. Photography nowadays is 99% marketing n schmoozing ability and 1% technical and ethics based. Just look at the absolute shit show world that is instagram. I will likely sell all my r5 gear and use the money for more important life priorities because I hate to say it: nobody cares about doing things honestly or ethically anymore. Like everything that’s been destroyed by our current socially dysfunctional society, add the visual arts to the list.

[@lorddryp]

@@07wrxtr1 So why did you buy R5 in the first place? It is the second most expensive mirrorless body from Canon. It is obvious that companies create artificial needs just to sell ther stuff. You got the bait now you complain. I agree that modern cameras are great tools for creativity, even the cheapest ones (mirrorless). However i would not go back do dslr's becous of unrealiable AF system.

[@dennismanning6684]

Front or back focus is often the lens. This was the first DLSR to have a correction function for that and remembers specific lens corrections. That said zooms can have multiple error focal lengths...pick one.

[@GeorgeFlippin]

@@lorddryp Good photographers don't necessarily need AF systems.

[@RustyWalker]

It might've been only 250 quid but I bet your heart still flew up to your mouth by instinct when you dropped it.

[@beholder2012]

You can take great photos even with $30 Canon 300D (considering its limits). The gear doesn't that matter, provided it has been made around 2010 (or later). The lens is of bigger importance.

[@mike969696]

There were no 300D cameras made in or after 2010. And anyway, why not a D60 or a 2009 camera? Your basic message is sound, but there is no need to attempt to randomly limit it.

[@beholder2012]

@@mike969696 that's why I wrote "around" - not "in" neither "after". So let's not be overly specific.

[@mike969696]

@@beholder2012 You are absolutely right: there was definitely no need to specify either a 2003 camera or the date of "around 2010 or later". Let's not be overly specific here.

[@ThePurpleHarpoon]

That's like saying 'All you need to paint a masterpiece is a great paintbrush'. You can take a great photo with any camera, if you know how.

[@GiulianBeltran]

Kai, you didn't blur your plates the second time you showed the car.

[@MerchantsOfMisery]

You were the first photography KZbinr I watched like 15 years ago when I bought a $90 Fuji point and shoot on eBay. Glad to see you're still making great videos.

[@p1.vision]

"Your camera takes great photos!"

[@bestoca]

Plan: make an absolute classic banger of a Digital Rev throwback video.. 1) Venerated classic god mode camera- check. 2) Kai’s legendary teflon hands- check. 3) Uh, where’s Lok??

[@rcjp]

Love your work Kai, but really think you are missing something by dismissing the 5D Mark I. I've had the Mark II and wasn't inspired (not that it is in any way a bad camera) but the even more basic Mark I produces files with such character, not to mention the best shutter sound of any 5D in my humble opinion. Cheers.

[@Phuzz828]

1000% agree. For daytime shooting, the 5dc is better than 5dii

[@arturgajewskiphotog]

It's funny how people say "this and that is not adequate today" as we used to have 6,3 megapixel DSRL by Canon in 2003 and people managed to get great shots with it and autofocus was crap compared to today's standard. :D

[@johnchedsey1306]

I think for anyone who thinks they might be interested in photography, a good used body like this or the 6D is perfect for starting out. Both are such workhorses and result in good quality images.

[@paulkalliokoski1467]

Thankyou Kai for saying it out straight and clear! This new age of videocameras called cameras… Photography looking through a real mirror, lenses that are not huge, bulky mounted with powerzooms for filming and what not can be a pleasure. One single autofocus point, backfocus button and a spot metering goes so far… a pleasure without flickering screen full of data. Harmony of photography and ”old school” knowledge takes you far Best regards from Sweden

[@smarthousetech8593]

Yeah I appreciate some of the simple features of older cameras. At the end of the day we photographers just need a solid and reliable piece of equipment to capture beautiful moments.

[@balthazarriviere6036]

This is my only camera I ever needed. I shoot professional with this camera from 2009. Thank you Kai for this tribute

[@JodyBruchon]

If someone is on an major budget and wants a large sensor DSLR, I'd suggest looking for a Canon EOS Digital Rebel. Not a something-D, but the original one. It works with all the EOS lenses from old to brand new and you can find them used dirt cheap because they're APS-C instead of full-frame, so they don't have market value like the 5D but they take great pictures anyway. Of course, I strongly recommend the Panasonic LX7 too. Best premium point-and-shoot from the past, hands down. You'd be shocked how good it is, especially for a CMOS 1/1.7" compact. The f/1.4 aperture really helps out!

[@followtheboat]

This was the last camera I owned before going mirrorless. It was exceptional.

[@dylannolan7454]

You introduced me to digital photography. My first camera was the T3i, I learned how to shoot watching you and lok, all these years later and I make my living shooting video and photos. Thanks Kai, you’re the man.

[@dylannolan7454]

And I’ve dropped a lot of cameras along the way.

[@dylannolan7454]

Your conclusion is correct, for me to be personally satisfied all I need is a camera like this. I do enjoy having access to current gen cameras and glass at work though since it’s a more demanding environment and they help you get otherwise unobtainable shots.

[@Sutterjack]

This camera was the start of the big-sensor video revolution. And a very formable still photography camera. Still holds a place in my heart

[@joekent6576]

A couple of years ago I picked up the original 5d with a couple lenses from Goodwill for $50. It works perfectly and I love that thing.

[@ActualCounterfactual]

I have been shooting stills since the days of TriX + Multigrade and I love the feel & results of the 5Dii. If I have to be complicated then the ISO is obviously not comparable to today's cameras, and the focus is not "the latest and the greatest" either. BUT, if you know what you are doing this body + good glass can produce miracles. Just look at the photos professionals snapped when this was the go-to workhorse for most... they were fabulous shots back then, and equally fabulous images today. I love my 5Dii and will never sell it...

[@parttime9070]

I picked up a 5D I, with a 1.8 50mm, for a whopping 125 bucks this past year. It has rekindled my interest in photography I also like the clunk of the mirror, reminds me of the old Leica R-3 sound..Thanks for making this channel..

[@0tispunkm3y3r]

These are beasts. A friend who was a wildlife photographer had one and it was the most beat up thing I'd ever seen. Absolutely battered on the outside. Still took amazing photos!

[@jyw003]

I got my canon 5d mk ii back in 2011 and it was such a glorious moment. I didnt get another canon until last week in which I finally picked the eos r6 mk ii. I had heard so many bad things about canon mirrorless for years that I kept away. But canon has done great with the r6 mk ii and it really reminds me of my old 5d mk ii days. Thanks Kai and DRTV for the decade plus inspiration. That closing remark is absolutely spot on…spend it on your life!

[@dandare301]

Best advice of the day "....don't keep whipping something in and out..."

[@nnjjee1]

Original 5D is also incredible. Really pleasing photos and a manageable 12MP is an advantage. Great first FF for people learning. Same with the Nikon D700 which takes even better photos in low light and near-perfect colors

[@Rawwr1ful]

recently picked up a 5d mkii as a cheap full frame option. Still an absolute beast, I love it to bits!

[@SantinoMontereal]

Your voice is perfect for narration or trailers. God bless!

[@Ins0mnia365]

I own a very cheap Mark 1 and Mark 2, REALLY happy with it. The quality is more then enough!

[@ashc151]

"Spend more on having an interesting life, because that is ultimately how you take interesting photos" - great advice!

[@Nattefugl]

I bought the 5d mark II camera when the mark III just came out because of your videos on it from digital rev! It has served me well and i still love it for portraits and nature shots. I will probably keep it forever, it's just that good.

[@thattassiewargamer]

I bought my secondhand 5Dmkii around the time the mkiv came out and love it. I still find I use my 60D more because of the articulating screen is better for my outdoor macro work and an aging body. I think the original 5D had slightly better image quality but I had to stop using it when the sensor got scratched from dirt (no auto sensor clean).

[@ejbytn]

I can still remember the first time I held this camera. Instantly fell in love. This video is a sign that I'm going to look for this beast again.

[@tomasrandom6430]

more videos with old cameras, please. I love them.

[@andypccwliu8105]

DigitalRev days!! thanks for the great memory Kai! Cheers

[@bayyobdalvor1044]

Oh my God! You still alive! Such a good thing to know ❤ I knew something went wrong when Digital Rev stopped

[@allanyeates]

Nice. Especially the refreshing message at the end.