Should I switch from a Canon 50D to a Canon 5D Mark I if the 5D has fewer megapixels?
Asked 10/11/2016
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I’m considering buying a used Canon 5D Mark I. I currently shoot with a Canon 50D, and I’m unsure whether moving to the 5D is really an upgrade because the 50D has more megapixels, even though it uses a crop sensor. How much do megapixels matter here, and what other differences should I consider before switching bodies?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
9y ago
2 Answers
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I wouldn't think too much about the pixel difference, you will probably not really notice it (if your not truly into testing of course). Here is a link that compare the two camera bodies: http://snapsort.com/compare/Canon_EOS_50D-vs-Canon_EOS_5D/detailed
However, the two bodies are getting old, the 5D mk1 is over 11 years old by now and they are getting outdated. The 5D mk2 is better than the two other bodies in every way and is now getting really cheap on the used market! Here is a link showing the differences between the MK1 and MK2: http://snapsort.com/compare/Canon_EOS_5D-vs-Canon_EOS_5D_Mark_II/detailed
I have had the 5D mk1 myself, and it's still good imo. But it's really up to what you are into photographing. If you like photographing portraits with a prime lens, it's still doing its work well. If your into sport photographing, or anything fast phased where you might need to handhold your camera a lot, maybe you should reconsider.
Originally by user56625. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user56625
9y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
Megapixels alone shouldn’t decide this. The difference between the 50D and 5D Mark I is unlikely to be dramatic in normal use unless you regularly need large crops or very large prints.
More important factors are sensor format, image quality at higher ISO, and lens compatibility. The 5D Mark I is full frame, which can give a different look and may help in some situations, but you may not be able to use EF-S lenses from your 50D on it. Check your current lens kit before switching.
A body upgrade is often more meaningful when it improves low-light performance and noise levels, not just pixel count. Also, both cameras are quite old, so overall age and feature set matter.
Best advice: compare real sample images or, ideally, test both cameras yourself. Don’t judge only by the megapixel number on the spec sheet—actual image quality, noise, and how the camera fits your lenses and shooting style matter more.
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