Neil's First Thoughts on his new Canon 5D

[Jason Dunn]

<i>Neil Enns, formerly of the Digital Media Thoughts review team, has just purchased a <a href="http://thoughtsmedia.pricegrabber.com/search_getprod.php/masterid=11259024/search=canon+5d">Canon 5D</a>, a deliciously expensive and high-resolution camera that most of us can only dream about. Neil has agreed to a series of short articles about his experience with this camera. Enjoy!</i><br /><br />After a day's delay due to a shipping mix-up, my 5D was ready and waiting when I got home today. I didn't even bother with the manual, I just ripped the box open, shoved my CF card in, slapped on my 17-40L, and pointed the sucker at my kitchen.<br /> <br /><img src="http://www.digitalmediathoughts.com/images/neil-enns-5d.jpg" /><br /> <br />Wow.<br /> <br />The first thing that went through my head was "ohmygodit'smy17mmback". The sheer expanse of my kitchen through the viewfinder made me giddy. It's a view that I only ever saw on my film cameras. Since I went digital, it's a view I only saw once a year when I'd haul my wife's Rebel G out for some Kodachrome shots on trips back home.<br /> <br />Now I have it in digital.<!><br /> <br />Yes, I know, I could go buy a 20D and put an EF-S lens on it, but I've already invested in a whack gear from my film days. Plus, getting the real range out of my wide end is just one of two things that struck me with the 5D.<br /> <br />The viewfinder was the other.<br /> <br />If you've never seen through the viewfinder of a film camera you don't know what you're missing. The sheer brightness and size and expanse of what you see on a full-frame camera, be it film or digital, is amazing. Even though I've read similar comments from photographers who purchased the 5D (for example, in a <a href="http://www.luminous-landscape.com/reviews/cameras/5d-field.shtml">field report</a> from Michael Reichmann) I'd been away from film bodies for so long I'd completely forgotten the impact it has on what you see.<br /> <br />I can't wait until the <a href="http://www.tulipfestival.org">Tulip Festival</a>. It's going to be so much fun this year.<br /><br />- Neil Enns

[marlof]

Congrats to Neil. The 5D is said to be a very nice camera, that is capable of stunning images.

[Neil Enns]

The 5D is said to be a very nice camera, that is capable of stunning images.

Well, we'll see :) Sadly, the 5D is simply a tool in my limited-capability hands. As I look back over my photos from the last 3-4 years, I find that my growth happens regardless of the camera technology I use. As I use the camera going forward it will be interested to see how it helps/hinders my ability to do that growth.

Neil

[jeffd]

mmm... no full resolution image links?

[marlof]

Sadly, the 5D is simply a tool in my limited-capability hands.

Dude, when I spoke about "stunning images" I spoke about the camera, not about you. ;)

Just kidding of course. I agree wholeheartedly. I'm using an Olympus E-1 that according to some was outdated when it was released, and I waited a whole two years before buying it. But I'm having tremendous fun, and it's me limiting the end results.

That said, it's still fun to get a new camera once in a while, and to see how that can help you create the images you'd like.