I’m cameraless for the first time. All my Canon crop bodies (40D / 50D) and EF-S lenses have been shipped back to Adorama’s used department for trade-in on a new EOS 5D Mark II. It feels kind of strange not to be carrying around a DSLR everyday and not having ANY camera to call my own right now. I suspect it will take a few days before the withdrawal symptoms subside and I begin to feel normal again. I knew going “cold-turkey” was going to be tough!
Several folks have asked why I decided to go “full-frame” and the answer may surprise you a bit. As I’ve gotten older, my eyesight has become an issue and the incredibly clear and bright viewfinder on Canon’s full frame cameras really makes a difference in my ability to focus the camera during landscape and nature photography. Looking through my 50D’s viewfinder with my glasses on was a real pain at times.
Of, course the resolution (21 MP) and image quality are said to be quite incredible according to folks like Matt Brandon and David duChemin, and that’s a big draw for most photographers, myself included. But this was a big decision for me. I had to trade-in my Canon 40D and 50D bodies as well as two EF-S series lenses before I could afford to look at the 5D Mark II. This will be my only body for quite some time and the thought of having no back-up body does make me a little nervous. But if the results are half as good as I’ve seen, this will be a camera I keep for many years to come.
Texas Landscape Photography 
Worth the wait, Jeff. I know we go on and on about the “it’s not the camera” stuff, and on a basic level it isn’t, but there’s no denying that the technology affects everything from our flow to the aesthetics of our images. I know you’re going to love it!
David,
You’ll laugh but my main reason for upgrading (besides the image quality) is the large & bright viewfinder. I rented a 5D last month and was amazed at the difference in viewfinders. Much easier on my tired old eyes.
Have a great trip!
Jeff
I’ve been reading here for some time and really enjoying your posts and photography. I have a 50D and Rebel XTi with an assortment of lenses. Even though I have had my 50D for 7 months, I really rather have the Canon EOS 5D Mark II. Since my husband is my partner photographer, I’d like to give him the 50D and get the Mark. I have my old 35mm film camera and lens also. I wonder if I could trade with Adorama. If I did, I wouldn’t have a back-up body… then again, it would be worth it for the quality… and for my eyesight too. Looking forward to your sharing of your new Mark.
Anna,
Thanks for reading and for your kind words. As soon as I have my 5DII I’ll post my initial impressions.
Jeff
Good luck to you, I can’t wait to hear what you think, ’cause it’s the camera of my dreams.
Thanks Chris. I won’t be able to put my hands on the 5DII for a couple of weeks depending upon availability at Adorama and how fast they process my used gear. Luckily I have plenty of landscape and nature shots to share from my last few outings.
Jeff