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Canon EOS 5D
Canon EOS 5D
A-
HQ Grade: A-
A is outstanding and exceptional, rated in the top 10% of digital cameras.
B means they are good, with some standout features.
C means they are mediocre, and probably more trouble than they are worth.
D & F mean they are absolutely awful or old. Avoid at all costs.
  • 5 out of 5
"Sturdy and reliable"
  • 5 out of 5
"Fantastic DSLR camera!"
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Question Answered!
Howard 1 pts
October 20, 2006 7:48 PM
3 people rated this question helpful, 1 people rated this question not helpful Subscribe for Email Updates for this Question

What is the difference between the Canon Rebel XTI and the Canon EOS 5D that warrants the difference in price

I recognize that the Rebel is an amateur grade camera and the 5D is for more serious amateurs, but the base specifications are fairly similar. I have always used Canon cameras, but of the film variety and have been out of touch for a while. Buying the 5D is not out of the question, but I am not sure that it will be money well spent. Much of my photography will be Candid shots of my kids and architectural photography of homes; both interior and exterior. Any insight would be helpful.

Thanks
Howard
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This question is also associated with Canon XTi / 400D.

Answers This question has been answered!
Brenda P (BrendaP) 28729 pts
October 20, 2006 8:30 PM
2 people rated this answer helpful, 1 people rated this answer not helpful
 
One of the big price-drivers of the EOS 5D is the full-frame sensor, which gives you a field of view just like 35mm. If this isn't radically important to you, then my advice is to buy the Rebel XTI and invest some extra cash in a really good lens. In my opinion, a good lens on an XTI is cheaper and just as effective (at least for all but the most hardcore users) as the EOS 5D.
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Howard 1 pts
October 21, 2006 2:18 AM
1 people rated this answer helpful, 1 people rated this answer not helpful
 
Brenda, thanks for the quick response. Here is a follow-up. Since in architectural photography wide angle lenses rule, wouldn't the full frame sensor be a top priority? When I try to shoot interiors with my 35mm lens on a film body I often find it isn't wide angle enough. Sounds like the full-frame sensor should be a major priority for me. Thanks again for your thoughts.

Howard
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Brenda P (BrendaP) 28729 pts
October 21, 2006 11:20 AM
1 people rated this answer helpful, 1 people rated this answer not helpful
 
Good point.... honestly, if that is a major part of the purchase then the EOS 5D may be the way to go. Alternatively you could consider a wide angle lens for the Rebel XTI.
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Howard 1 pts
October 21, 2006 4:59 PM
1 people rated this answer helpful, 1 people rated this answer not helpful
 
Brenda, how much should I worry about megapixels. Whyb does the XTi have 10 and the 30D only 8. For large prints, is the XTi a better bet? What are you giving up when you buy down to get more megapixels. Thanks again for your thoughts
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Sandra 0 pts
October 21, 2006 8:32 PM
1 people rated this answer helpful, 1 people rated this answer not helpful
 
Howard if you are buying the Rebel XTi you will need to remember that a wide angle len will not be as wide angle as is stated on the lens because of the 1.6 sensor
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Howard 1 pts
October 21, 2006 10:36 PM
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Thank you Sandra! That is indeed one of my concerns however, a 10mm or 12mm wideangle will still be quite wide with the 1.6 multiplier. I am concerned that the sensor on the 5D, being as large and sensitive as it is, will require that I only purchase top of the line L-Series lenses.
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Brenda P (BrendaP) 28729 pts
October 22, 2006 3:42 PM
1 people rated this answer helpful, 1 people rated this answer not helpful
 
Hi Howard,
The difference between 8 and 10 megapixels is going to be very slight; chances are good you will not even notice it unless you are printing very large photos (larger than 11x14) or unless you are zooming a LOT and then blowing the resulting image up into a larger print.

There's a really interesting discussion of the whole thing here; while he's a little extreme, he makes some excellent points about the role of megapixels in a camera's value.

And finally in response to your answer to Sandra, here's an interesting discussion on the use of L-Series lenses with the 5D. Might help you!
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