Upgrading to DSLR...Which D5 or 7????

[Rick Murry]

Looking for some wisdom.... I am considering a major upgrade from canon point and shoot to DSLR outfit....Is there preference for a D5 or D7 and what housings seem to be the best choices. I like the video options.....any thoughts...Thanks in advance.
Rick Murry

 

[bvanant]

A lot depends on what you like to shoot. If you are really into the video side, the 7D is very very nice. If you mostly shoot macro then the advantages of the cropped sensor make the 7D more interesting. Also, the tokina 10-17 is very nice on the cropped sensor housings. On the other hand, the IQ of the 5D mark II is a bit nicer to my eyes than the 7D but that is personal. Housings for the 5D mark II are a bit more $ than the equivalent housings for the 7D but you can probably get one easier for the 5D MII since the 7D is quite new. I am not sure how available the 7D is right now but that is the way that I would go, since I am mostly shooting macro and close focus wide angle. If I were shooting lots of reef scenes or over/unders I might make the 5DMII my choice.
Bill

 

[Rick Murry]

Thanks Bill, that is great advice. I like to shoot close up wide angle and macro....Not a lot of big reef scenes. I would image though that even the 7D would be more than adequate with the right lense...Yes??..I have to confess I am not a pro but a fair amatuer. I used to shoot with a NikonosV as late as 15years ago then took a break from diving for several years. Most recently 3 years or so I have been back to it. I have the resources to upgrade so your advice is great...What about housings...any preference?? Right now I am shooting with 2 Sea and Sea YS27 strobes. I suspect I will have to upgrade with those as well
Rick Murry

 

[NTSilver]

Rick
I recently upgraded from the Canon G9 to the 5D MKII. I love the camera. Very easy for an amatuer like me to figure out. I got the Sea & Sea housing and absolutely love it. I previously had the ikelite housing for the G9. Even though the 5D is a much larger camera than the G9, the Sea&Sea housing for the 5D is smaller than my G9 housing. I have a DS125 and DS160 but am thinking of upgrading to the Sea&Sea strobes.

 

[Rick Murry]

Thanks NTSilver....I will be checking out a number of housings......Does that camera do video as well?? I guess I should know this but as I am sitting here posting I am drawing a blank.

 

[xmesox]

I have heard really good things about the 7D, both are really good cameras and you aren't going to go wrong with either, but I'd opt slightly towards to the 7D

 

[bvanant]

The main advantage (IMNSHO) of the 7D is that you can use the Tokina 10-17 without resorting to a tele-extender. The 5DMII is a wonderful camera and both do impressive video but the 7D is a bit newer and with some significant enhancements. You can't go wrong with either. As for housings, I am a confirmed Subal fan but would take a strong look at the new Nauticam housings since they appear quite nice and a lot less expensive than the Subals due mostly to the weakness of the dollar vs. the Euro.
Bill

 

[M_Bipartitus]

I personally prefer WA to fisheye and use the Canon 17-40 F4L underwater and topside with a 5D.

Since you are upgrading from P&S I would guess you don't have any lenses right now. With that in mind, I would save the $1000 on the camera body and get the 7D. Then invest that $1000 in getting a top quality lens (or lenses.) Neither camera will show it's full capability without a top lens. Not to mention, the lens is a better investment as it will still work in a few years when the next new dSLR comes along and the L-series lenses hold their value better than the cameras.

A 7D review that came out today:
Canon EOS 7D review: Bridging a gap

 

[bvanant]

I personally prefer WA to fisheye and use the Canon 17-40 F4L underwater and topside with a 5D.

Since you are upgrading from P&S I would guess you don't have any lenses right now. With that in mind, I would save the $1000 on the camera body and get the 7D. Then invest that $1000 in getting a top quality lens (or lenses.) Neither camera will show it's full capability without a top lens. Not to mention, the lens is a better investment as it will still work in a few years when the next new dSLR comes along and the L-series lenses hold their value better than the cameras.

A 7D review that came out today:
Canon EOS 7D review: Bridging a gap

For many types of scenes, the 17-40 is a wonderful lens, but the close focus capabilities of the Tokina behind a very small dome make for some really interesting possibilities. I have shot the Tokina with a 1.4 tele on my 5D and I like that as well and to my eye the IQ is just fine. Topside, I use both the 17-40 and 16-35 quite a bit but UW it is almost always the Tokina.

I agree with the advice of buying the less expensive body (cheaper isn't quite the right word here) and spending the money on good glass.

Bill

 

[Rick Murry]

I do have some lenses as I do have a older Canon Rebel but they are more suitable for above water. The original 18 -55 and a 75 - 300.....I agree with the advise on the 7d and I thank everyone for there great input. Any thoughts on the Sea and Sea housings verses say ikelite or aquatica.