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From my understanding, it was the DSLR workhorse. There are a few other sites. You should check out to see if they have that same camera. The thing I do not like about KH is that they do not give you shutter count although the usable shutter acts on that camera is probably in the hundreds of thousands
allens camera in philly has a mark iv for $850 with 17k shutter actuations. Most of the mark iiis i can find have 150k-200k actuations. although MPB has a bunch with lower actuations, but i have yet to purchase anything from them.
Last edited by jerseydrew; Aug 7, 2025 at 02:42 PM.
I used the Canon 5D2, 5D3 and 5D4 (prior to moving to the full frame mirrorless cameras). This is a hard question to answer without 100% knowing what you are shooting and your current skill level...and what you might be shooting in the future. That said that camera body is IMO about more than enough for even most pro photogs. Please don't take this the wrong way....but if you cannot produce great images with that camera body it is a YOU problem not the camera. It is more than capable by all accounts and was a significant upgrade from the 5D2. Image sensor, focus speed, high ISO, shutter speed, customization etc...are likely going to be more than what you need. We are at a point now (I would say since bodies like the 5D3) that improvements have only been incrementally better from the newer bodies (again pending how you use it).
Below is just a random photo I found in from over 8 years ago using the 5D3.
Thanks Gents, yes Drew I noticed KEH does not give you a shutter count, I see MPB has one with only 17k count but $90 more.
I have been shooting Canon since the early seventies and have a decent count of EOS lenses. My desire is for a full frame body, mine are APS-C
that is a bridge we all cross at some point. I went to FF mirrorless in 19 when my nikon d90 was actually mechanically missing focus and i did not want to repair it. At that point i went sony a7iii cause it was truly ahead of its time with autofocus. Once in the sony ecosystem i stuck with sony on my last upgrade due to lenses. But if you have to get all new lenses anyway you have all the options! To be fair you will not have as many choices but the lenses available for DSLR will be much more friendly on your pocket/wallet
I suppose my other reason after all these years is 'Canon familiarity' , being old there's something to be said for that
I get it, no worries. I was just saying that if you’re going to be buying a body and lenses that you really can pick anything out. But this is not a bad choice again this was probably Canon‘s best workhorse.
I have owned a Canon5D MkIII for a little over 10 years. I recently pulled it back out of the bag after a couple of years "sabbatical". I am getting ready to retire, and thought getting back into photography would be a nice retirement hobby.
My photography skills are FAR from professional, but decent enough that I'm not too afraid to show some of it off! The 5D MkIII is much more capable than I am, so I can't justify upgrading at this time.
Based on what I hear you saying, you can't go wrong with purchasing a nice 5D MkIII.
Thanks for the reply MacA, well I fiddle farted long enough (had to replace lower rad hose on the '67) that the camera I was looking at KEH is now gone. I see a bigger selection on MPB. Outside of shutter count anyone have any comments on them, plus or minus ?
well , thanks to some inspirational help from Rick (Nitro) the 5D is up and running with the latest firmware update. It was a pleasure working with Canon support and an individual who spoke English and was patient with this old man.........
well , thanks to some inspirational help from Rick (Nitro) the 5D is up and running with the latest firmware update. It was a pleasure working with Canon support and an individual who spoke English and was patient with this old man.........
let us know how you like it!
