I think you hit the nail right on the head; for us amateurs, the gear won't be the limiting factor as much as our ability to find compositions and use the gear that we have to its full ability. When you start doing pro work, you need to start matching the gear to the intended use. If you're just showing stuff on social media, take the stuff that will allow you to complete the job in the easiest way possible, but if you're looking for portfolio grade shots, the gear can make a difference, especially in landscape/astro applications
I was looking to upgrade my equipment when I saw this video, it made me realise that as an inexperienced amateur at this stage I do not need an upgrade as there are more important things that I work on. Thanks you have saved me a fortune that I will better spend on tuition at a workshop.
Thomas, it was a fun surprise to see myself in your video and to hear your kind words (both in the video and at the conference)! It was such a pleasure to get to meet you and to hang out in Maine. I never got a chance to return that favor of the drink you bought, so I look forward to having a chance eventually! Cheers. :)
I've been using the M5 and the 5DSR with some of the best Sigma Art and Canon L lenses and I have to say I love them both. The image quality increases by a ton when you use better lenses but I do agree with you Tom. Better gear doesn't make you a better photographer. I love that panorama you took with the M5! Great work! Most people won't know and won't care what kind of gear we use to take the photos we take as long as the images are beautiful. Keep up the good work :D
One of your greatest videos, it was like having a genuine chat down the pub. I'm sticking with my 5 year old crop sensor, mostly because my outlet can't warrant the investment. Great vid 📷👍
Loved that it was a honest chat, no crazy pump up, no incredible drone clips or anything fancy. Thanks for doing that. It is also something I wanted to do (comparing pictures off different lens/cameras) just without the funds to experiment with, so thank u for releasing this video ☺️
Thomas, you half-way apologised for the video not meeting your expectations. I honestly really enjoyed it and found it very comforting. Don't need to spend much, it's all about the eye. I am still going analog as my preferred medium, and would like to know more about your experience with film in general. Cheers!
Great points, Thomas... I would agree for beginners mostly. And no everyone is obsessed with social media as the vehicle for photography. At some point, every serious photographer will start wanting more. More sharpness, more dynamic range, lower overall noise, more editing bandwidth. Access to high quality lenses can’t be downplayed if you care about sharpness and CA. And editing bandwidth is huge. I went from a 20D to a 40D to a 7D to a 5DMkIV and the editing latitude I have with the raw files in the 5DMkIV are truly spectacular. In fact I rented a 5DMkIV, Sony A7RII, and Fuji XT1 to decide what my next camera would be. They RAW files were all so similar enough in Lightroom, that at the end of my test, it was the Canon L series lenses that kept me in the Canon camp. Whiz bang, next-gen features don’t outweigh superior build quality, excellent battery life, long-term reliability and world class lenses.... which Canon is by far the leader.
Very thoughtful comments. Even if the quality does not show through on social media and small devices, I enjoy looking at the great quality I get from my fill frame DSLR. Sure, I take a small mirrorless when traveling but know I am sacrificing quality that matters only to me.
This video -in my opinion- is one of the best I have seen! not for camera comparisons but fur the valuable advises that really takes years and years to develop. Thanks Thomas!
You need to take a rest mate. I guess we all know that already that gear matters, but it´s always a joy to have your videos. Personally I went for the Canon 5ds, not as big as a medium though with a stunning resolution for its size, despite not having full use for media from those 50mp. Good night!
Canon does make an adapter for the m series camera's allowing you to use their regular EF and EFS lens. I just mention this as it would just be interesting to see taking shots on the Eos m5 with an L series lens. Would that in result in less post processing maybe?
Thomas, was an honour to meet you the other day and speak to you for a couple of minutes and also a pleasure to take in your two presentations in Liverpool. Had the opportunity to be out this morning and whilst the weather and images were not the best, certainly felt inspired following your talks and just enjoyed the learning experience.
Thanks (again!) Thomas - "horses for courses" and "you get what you pay for". Nothing really changes in life! I own the M5 and have been very pleased as my choice was more about being in the system. The previous M's left a hell of a lot to be desired but did a job for me as 2nd or back-up cameras. Your video fed my "confirmation bias" thankfully (esp. as a calendar hopeful was taken). Keep it up.
I got to your channel because I was wondering if people were using the GFX for landscapes and have been watching videos back and forth from that point. You make great content no matter the gear and I think you hit it right by it being about going to places and just taking in the scenes in person and then maybe capturing something.
I love my M5. I turn on the features for brighter corners and anti fringing and, low and behold, there is no purple fringing. This only works for the JPEG images but does a great job. Try it you might like the camera better. Sometimes JPEGs can turn out better than a RAW image. I do shoot Raw + JPEG so I can use either file. I set up my camera so that I have very little, or no, computer work to do. Love the EVF. I also love your videos. Best of TH-cam!
Good one. All true. And I've found the lenses matter more than the camera. Not just the outright image quality, but practical features. e.g. better lenses tend to have distance scales to support manual focus and sometimes that really matters, like, when it's too dark for the camera to focus.
That book of exposure was the first book I ever read on photography. Before videos and info was so robust as it is today. I still recommend that today to people who are new to photography.
Great, intelligent and rationale comments. I like the "good cameras don't make good photographers" and the fact that most photos are shown on Instagram and Facebook. Thanks keep up the good work, the great pics and the honest comments!
Purple fringing can arise from llight scattering on the beyer array over the sensor as well, it is a common problem with small sensor cameras that have high high density pixel arrays. So the CA you were talking about with the M5 may indeed be due to the camera, not the lens.
Yes, the image quality is often butchered through the social media pipe, but quality files do help when doing post-processing. I've started in the later years do differentiate between what's important for the job - do I need premium quality files and performance, or is the 'feeling' more important. So I often choose my old 5D Classic with a 50mm instead of my 5D Mk IV.
I swapped a 5diii with 3 L lenses for a Fuji t20 and a selection of primes earlier this summer. The severe reduction of weight has revitalized my photography as it’s so much easier to go hiking in the mountains with all the kit in a day rucksack. I haven’t seen any drop in image quality. My fujinon xf 16 is a match for any canon L lens. The only ‘adaption’ has been to go from zooms to primes.
I am still using a 7D MK1. I still love this camera but it has limitations. I have spent a ton of time improving the quality of my post processing and composition. One day I will need to aquire a new full frame body because the sensors are so much better. However having really quality gear will not give you really quality photographs if you don't know how to get them in the first place. Thank you for your thoughts I enjoy your channel.
Tom, Deffo worth trying a Fuji XT-2 (if only for fun) - it's a beast and delivers stunning IQ with the XF lenses and is weathersealed too!. That said I'll still be lugging my D850 and beefy Nikkors unless I really need to travel light....
Nice to see your insights. As I mentioned in one of your previous videos, I've made the exact same "image commitments" as you did by going to a mirrorless camera to save weight on a multi day bike trip. Overall I felt the exact same way you did. Disappointed at some points but conscious of the trade offs I've made. I've got a few keepers and that was well worth it. Glad to see that you also experienced the same thoughts. Cheers Tom
I appreciate your insight. I've upgraded from small P&S to M4/3 Olympus cameras. Big improvement for me and minor post processing leaves me with images I'm happy with...
Interesting video. I received my 2018 calendar yesterday and it is very inspirational. It will encourage me to improve my photography every month of 2018. After seeing the 2018 calendar I'm sorry that I didn't buy the 2017 calendar.
With gfx50s price you can buy 2x 5dmk4:s or with 5d:s price, 4x m5:s. So based on that, m5 does darn well job being aps-c ( with better lenses, kit ones are carbage ) Myself sold couple years ago my ff canon and bunch of lenses away, because of that huge weight they add when trekking, it just took away all the fun. While ago bought m6, canon 22/2 & samyang 12/2 lenses and im very happy with them, compact and light weight, easy to carry with rest of the trekking stuffs, tents and all. Allso canon m:s are nice for everyday cameras, compared carrying ~2kg set that cant be put in pocket. But yeah, it all comes in the end, for what purpose you want camera and what price. Myself i dont care about pixel peeking, so aps-c and small cam is fine for me :) You should do compare between m5 and 5d, same picture with same lense before and after editing, so there people can see is 4x price difference worth it to them.
Love your videos, Thomas. I really do. You're one of my favourite TH-camrs and photographers and I'm always so envious to see your adventures! Very inspiring. After seeing your valid criticisms of the M5 I'd love to see you take another punt at using a mirrorless camera, but with some better lenses and/or a better body. I shoot with an X-T1 with a heap of Fuji's best glass and it produces amazing images. Unsurprisingly the X-T2 is meant to be even better - certainly for landscape with its higher megapixel sensor it would be worth checking out. Sony also do amazing mirrorless cameras and lenses as well... but I can understand you're well invested in Canon's ecosystem now so hopefully they keep developing their mirrorless offerings going forward. I think the future of photography is surely in mirrorless cameras. Keep up the great work! :)
It may not be the most scientific review I've seen but it was definitely honest and I must admit I was wondering how happy you would be downgrading. You still managed to get some great images and, for many of us, the extra work in processing is a fair trade for the cost of the better gear. Another enjoyable video.
Hi Thomas, I recently also wanted a second, smaller camera besides my 5Dsr and first wanted to buy the M5. But after some research I then went with the Fuji XT20 Kit which was the same price and came with a much better kit lens. The images my girlfriend and I have taken with it so far don't dissapoint. And it's so much fun to shoot with. It doesn't have the same built quality as the XT2 I think, but it has the same sensor as far as I understood and it's very lightweight. Maybe you should check this one out for future hiking trips where you want to travel light.
Thomas, you have done a review of shooting with the camera on the field and a review of the kit lens results. I am getting amazing results with still compact and affordable gear with the M5 plus the Canon EF-M 22mm, the Samyang 8mm UMC for Canon EF-M, the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM pancake lens with the adapter, which makes it a very compact 80 mm and, when weight and cost is not an issue, the Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS with the adapter.
I think for the most part you're right although I did pick them correctly I had to have a good look. The Canon M5 even at this resolution on my 15" laptop doesn't show much resolution in the foliage. The 5D MK IV looks plenty sharp but the Fuji has a certain look to it that gives it away. The tones are better to my eye. For what 95% of people want to do with their photos I agree it doesn't matter. Better to spend your money on trips and tuition. I still want the Fuji though.
There is a heck of a lot of emphasis on gear. The other week I dug out my 12 year old Nikon D40, all 6MPX of it and its “crap” 18-55 kit lens. It was a hassle to use with no live-view, but I shot some decent enough landscapes with it even in very poor light. Unless you are pixel peeping, for landscape photography you don’t have to spend a massive amount on gear. Wildlife photography, however, is a different matter.
Thanks for posting this comparison. After watching your Alps video series, I had yet to catch this one. I am at that "stage that most people are" and find myself wanting to balance weight and reasonable performance. Being a novice amateur, I want to continue to work my technical capabilities on full frame / L lenses, but I also want to continue to have a "reasonably" comfortable experience when out on a multi-day trip. In the end, for me it is all about sharing the experience as beautifully as i can. The M5 is on my short list for a light-weight mirrorless option. Thanks again.
Hi Tom! Great points and love your videos! No, I couldn't tell the difference between the photos, you are correct sir! I may make a show entirely from that point of view one day. Hopefully. I'm curious though and I'm sure I missed it, but what kit lens did you use for the M5? For what you got out of that camera I am pretty impressed with the quality just from a size and weight perspective. You do beautiful work and are very entertaining to watch. Thank you for all that you do! It is all appreciated.
Thanks Thomas - very helpful video. I did get the M5 and Fuji the wrong way round, but we did not know about the cropping! I have the new EOS M100 on preorder, it weighs 300g and its the camera that I "intend" to have with me most of the time, so its good to see that the M5 images are not too hideous.
Yes I got all the photos correct with which camera. The M5 was the easiest to find out though. The Canon 5D Mk4 filming your video looks really really good. I like your videos even though you thought this was not your cup of tea.
Couldn't tell the difference and totally agree with your summing up of what to use. Had a pal at college who spent all of his grant (showing my age;-) ) on a 645 medium format camera with a standard lens (couldn't even afford the prism finder!) for 'the quality' - barely took a photo with it! I had a summer job and bought a 35mm outfit with four lenses (still cost less!) and used it for years... It's not what you've got, it's where you take it - and that applies to EVERYTHING, not just photography.
Having a smaller camera certainly helps when walking/hiking. I use a Panasonic Lumix GX8 and it is perfect for me. I can carry three lenses plus the body, tripod, and even a drone in my camera bag. As for photographic quality one of my most popular images on Flickr was taken with my iPhone so it goes to show that it's not that important what you shoot the subject with.
Thomas, why did you choose the 5DIV over the 5Dsr? I get the Mk IV has great features, but if image quality is king, the 5Dsr can't be beat for landscapes.
5d vi has better dynamic range and better high ISO capability. If you can have a camera for every scenario, I'd have 5Dsr for standard tripod work and a DX2 for high ISO. The 5D iv for me at least is a more than adequate compromise. The file size is more than adequate for me too!
I do agree with you. You can however use bracketing to get better dynamic range and blend exposures to get the best of the shadows. I would however only do this in landscape photography...the 5DSR is mainly supposed to be used in a studio with controlled lighting. Landscapes can look reaaaaaally nice on the 5DSR but the 5DM4 is definitely better as an all purpose camera.
Bracketing is a nice idea, but not for all use cases. I do mostly dynamic landscapes, and I find it difficult to solve the issue with moving objects (foliage, water, cloud) when I do bracketing. Even worse when it is a long exposure (I mean multiple minutes), so even the main light (Sun, Moon, whatever) moves that much that the shadows are slightly off.
One of my thrilling memories when I first got into photography 25 years ago was a professional slide show on medium format of Peter Dombrovskis originals (Thomas, look him up). I'd love to have a portfolio on 4x5 or 6x7 that I could project in the same way. There's nothing like looking at true detail, and for landscapes I much prefer the "look" of 120 & 4x5. I did get the test right, but struggled because I was looking for the "look" and you'd cropped, BUT I wouldn't have picked it unless you asked us to scrutinise.
While I realize I’m late to the party, there is of course more to a camera than just image quaility. You chose the M5 to take to the Alps for a reason so considering size and weight, which system would you take next time? Sports photographers will have different priorities as well, focus speed, tracking, FPS, low light capabilities, lens availability etc. No camera is perfect and choosing one is a matter of determining your priorities and selecting the best match. Great video, thanks.
What would you recommend in gear for someone who prints out their own landscape shots as posters for in their own house? Private art, as it were? I currently have the 550D + 15-85mm and am disappointed with the sharpness/detail, but not sure whether that's due to my gear, my skills, my post actions, or where I'm getting them printed.... Would love to hear your thoughts on getting the most out of what I have/getting the result I want for as cheaply as feasible.
A brilliant explanation Thomas and very relevant to a lot of people. Gear only matters if you want it too. If your happy with phone snaps for the rest of your life power to you. However if you want the best images that you personally can produce into the future then, get good gear. The only caveat I have is, sell an organ get get good gear because you might be lucky enough to get that once in a life time shot on a P.O.S. camera and not have the file you want in the future. Sometimes your in the right place at the right time and that file will be worth only having one lung :).
"Having a good camera doesn't make you a good photographer." Well said, Thomas! I think this fact is often neglected. I also liked that you pointed out that most people just look at a picture on their cell phone and couldn't tell the difference in image quality anyway. Thank you for a great video as always!
Hi Thomas. I am about to upgrade from a 6D to a 5D MK 3 or 4. I would be interested to know your thoughts on your 5D Mk4 after having used it for some time now and what the biggest benefit of the MK4 has been over the MK3. I have already invested in various lenses including three L series zooms varying from 16 - 300mm. I also own a 50, 85 & 105mm 1:1 Macro. Thanks in advance of your response :)
You have made some excellent points here, which are not contradictory waffle. Yes you will get the best images from the best camera in the ideal situation, but with compact cameras and phone cameras you can work on the fly and the decisive moment can, more often, be yours.
Gfx is 1 seems that gradation transition is smooth from shadow to whites i.e. zone3 to zone 7 can be pushed a little more in contrast. 2 M5? Seems that the haze is breaking up the I age a Lil faster and the greens will start to break up into color noise faster. 3 mk4? The oranges seem to be friendly to the Canon color palette of the newer sensors i.ie. 6D tonal range very close to first image i.e. zones. My two cents even if I got it wrong happy to participate and hopefully my reasons make sense to a point...cheers
Happy Wednesday to you too Tom. I don't know how you do it, so fit- I'd be knackered if I'd done all you have in the last 2 weeks ! ;) Zzzzz! Enjoy some rest! And thanks for this video, it's exactly what a beginner like me finds so informative & important. Don't know how many times this year I've mentioned that term, of treating myself to a 'proper' camera :) But , as you say gear only matters when you want to make large prints, present your images professionally & as you also said , not bankrupt yourself! A friend said to me recently, the best camera you'll ever have is the one you have in you in you when something amazing happens & if it's a phone- then capture it & enjoy it! I really loved the colours of the tree in that image with the mirrorless camera in the comparison you did :) Thanks
I was kinda surprised when you left to alps with only kit lenses. I have M5 and I don't expect to be using kit lenses ever, well maybe 22mm F2 from Canons own line up. I will mainly go for the Samyangs and Sigma 18-35mm, for which I hope to find smaller replacement. Maybe the fact that you were borrowed M5 by Canon limited your choices. Pity.
Absolutely agree with this. You can‘t expect the same image quality from the kit lenses compared to the L series lenses. I’m convinced you’d see the pretty much the same issues on your 5D4 if you used a kit lens with it. Thought it would be a much better comparison taking the same/similar shot with the sane lenses and different bodies.
If you watch his previous video, he shows why he took what he did. It was to reduce weight for his hike. In addition, he only had one battery with the M5.
@rndmthtz Whatever his reason is, he shouldnt have compared the images to 2 great expensive bodies the moment he decided use a kit lens on a non expensive mirrorless. If he used the same kitlens on the 50 megapixel sensor, i am very sure he will grt super high resolution of the same fringing and loss of contrast.
Well Done. You provided a thoughtful account of 3 cameras. A balanced perspective is appreciated. A welcome relief from the all too common slamming products for fun.
I'm looking for a camera that won't break the bank to replace my 50d (DIGIC 4, 15mp, yes 10 year old!!!) primarily for indoor headshots with lighting and secondarily (later) for home instructional cooking videos to be posted on TH-cam. The videos will be talking head type - no run and gun, walking or travel. I have several L series lenses, Speedlites 530 and continuous light s I use for stills. I'll also use it for occasional traveling. Is the M5 something I should consider? Wait for a later model?
hi thomas great job! i realy need your opinion for a camera, is going to be my first full frame i m still undecided canon 6d ii or 5d mark iii? i like this 2 cameras photo only dont do videos . thanks
I guessed : 1: M5 2: G2X50 3: 5DMkIV Well.. only the G2X50 was right. But I get your point and I agree with it! I really enjoyed to see a discussion about this topic that does not ignore the benefits of good equipment at all - but does also not overemphasize equipment! Love the balance! Thank you!
Tom, it's now been a month since this review. I wonder if you've had a chance to use the M5 with any other lenses. A current Canon user, I'm interested in upgrading my 70D and not sure whether to go Canon full frame or mirrorless. Hoping you share additional experiences on this popular debate soon.
Thanks for this video Tom. Really helpful. I have a humble Canon 500D and often wonder whether to upgrade but you've confirmed what I think I know already, which is that I have to be in the right place at the right time and work harder on my composition. I'll go for a 5D when I'm awesome, haha!
Lots of good points there. Camera isn't everything ( but do look into the Fuji XT2 - fuji glass is great, too). ( btw: just got your calendar through the post. Great! But now I have to wait till January...)
Hi Thomas, Thanks for the video. Hope to get your opinion on the M5 if you use other (better) lenses. I know you can edit the files in Lightroom, but am curious about the image qualtity straight out of camera with another lens. Thanks again for the video. I do like the series of the Alps very much. Nice going.
Thank you Thomas for being sincere and I've applauded when hearing you say what's the most important things for being a great photographer! No gear could make you a good one if you don't have it in yourself. That being said, I think I would upgrade my APSC soon (without breaking my bank) as I've been using it for 2 years now and am well aware of its limitation. Trying to get past being just a photography hobbyist, I really don't want spending too much time on Lightroom amending. But I also have in mind that a better photographer could probably take better photos on an APSC than me on a FF. Oh, the irony.
It is really refreshing to hear realistic opinion on "does the gear matter?" topic after all of that iPhone vs RED Epic nonsense.
I think you hit the nail right on the head; for us amateurs, the gear won't be the limiting factor as much as our ability to find compositions and use the gear that we have to its full ability. When you start doing pro work, you need to start matching the gear to the intended use. If you're just showing stuff on social media, take the stuff that will allow you to complete the job in the easiest way possible, but if you're looking for portfolio grade shots, the gear can make a difference, especially in landscape/astro applications
I was looking to upgrade my equipment when I saw this video, it made me realise that as an inexperienced amateur at this stage I do not need an upgrade as there are more important things that I work on. Thanks you have saved me a fortune that I will better spend on tuition at a workshop.
"I'm disappointed by this image"
*opens image*
*Image is better than anything I've ever taken before*
Thomas, it was a fun surprise to see myself in your video and to hear your kind words (both in the video and at the conference)! It was such a pleasure to get to meet you and to hang out in Maine. I never got a chance to return that favor of the drink you bought, so I look forward to having a chance eventually! Cheers. :)
I've been using the M5 and the 5DSR with some of the best Sigma Art and Canon L lenses and I have to say I love them both. The image quality increases by a ton when you use better lenses but I do agree with you Tom. Better gear doesn't make you a better photographer. I love that panorama you took with the M5! Great work! Most people won't know and won't care what kind of gear we use to take the photos we take as long as the images are beautiful. Keep up the good work :D
One of your greatest videos, it was like having a genuine chat down the pub. I'm sticking with my 5 year old crop sensor, mostly because my outlet can't warrant the investment. Great vid 📷👍
Loved that it was a honest chat, no crazy pump up, no incredible drone clips or anything fancy. Thanks for doing that. It is also something I wanted to do (comparing pictures off different lens/cameras) just without the funds to experiment with, so thank u for releasing this video ☺️
Thomas, you half-way apologised for the video not meeting your expectations. I honestly really enjoyed it and found it very comforting. Don't need to spend much, it's all about the eye. I am still going analog as my preferred medium, and would like to know more about your experience with film in general. Cheers!
Great points, Thomas... I would agree for beginners mostly. And no everyone is obsessed with social media as the vehicle for photography.
At some point, every serious photographer will start wanting more. More sharpness, more dynamic range, lower overall noise, more editing bandwidth. Access to high quality lenses can’t be downplayed if you care about sharpness and CA.
And editing bandwidth is huge. I went from a 20D to a 40D to a 7D to a 5DMkIV and the editing latitude I have with the raw files in the 5DMkIV are truly spectacular. In fact I rented a 5DMkIV, Sony A7RII, and Fuji XT1 to decide what my next camera would be. They RAW files were all so similar enough in Lightroom, that at the end of my test, it was the Canon L series lenses that kept me in the Canon camp. Whiz bang, next-gen features don’t outweigh superior build quality, excellent battery life, long-term reliability and world class lenses.... which Canon is by far the leader.
Wow! You are standing to shoulder with some great guys. Well done and glad to see you are getting recognition
I just recently switched from the Canon 5D MkIV to the Fuji XT 2 and I am loving it. Thank you so much for the great content and get some rest!
Does fuji best than 5d iv??
Very thoughtful comments. Even if the quality does not show through on social media and small devices, I enjoy looking at the great quality I get from my fill frame DSLR. Sure, I take a small mirrorless when traveling but know I am sacrificing quality that matters only to me.
This video -in my opinion- is one of the best I have seen! not for camera comparisons but fur the valuable advises that really takes years and years to develop. Thanks Thomas!
So true Thomas. So many people are hung up on equipment and camera settings,instead of getting out there in the great outdoors with any camera.
You need to take a rest mate. I guess we all know that already that gear matters, but it´s always a joy to have your videos.
Personally I went for the Canon 5ds, not as big as a medium though with a stunning resolution for its size, despite not having full use for media from those 50mp. Good night!
You hit the nail on the head Tom , you took the picture because you liked it! Nuf said!
Loved being at Acadia. Enjoyed the excursions with you as well as the others instructors. Thanks so much for your help at the beach the last day.
Thanks a lot for your suggestion!
Thanks, I like when the talk turns to the art, not just the equipment.
Canon does make an adapter for the m series camera's allowing you to use their regular EF and EFS lens. I just mention this as it would just be interesting to see taking shots on the Eos m5 with an L series lens. Would that in result in less post processing maybe?
Thomas, was an honour to meet you the other day and speak to you for a couple of minutes and also a pleasure to take in your two presentations in Liverpool. Had the opportunity to be out this morning and whilst the weather and images were not the best, certainly felt inspired following your talks and just enjoyed the learning experience.
Thanks (again!) Thomas - "horses for courses" and "you get what you pay for". Nothing really changes in life! I own the M5 and have been very pleased as my choice was more about being in the system. The previous M's left a hell of a lot to be desired but did a job for me as 2nd or back-up cameras. Your video fed my "confirmation bias" thankfully (esp. as a calendar hopeful was taken). Keep it up.
I got to your channel because I was wondering if people were using the GFX for landscapes and have been watching videos back and forth from that point. You make great content no matter the gear and I think you hit it right by it being about going to places and just taking in the scenes in person and then maybe capturing something.
I love my M5. I turn on the features for brighter corners and anti fringing and, low and behold, there is no purple fringing. This only works for the JPEG images but does a great job. Try it you might like the camera better. Sometimes JPEGs can turn out better than a RAW image. I do shoot Raw + JPEG so I can use either file. I set up my camera so that I have very little, or no, computer work to do. Love the EVF. I also love your videos. Best of TH-cam!
Beyond the average... learn from the passion not only from the gears of the academic approach. The best of the best- Honest teaching...
Good one. All true. And I've found the lenses matter more than the camera. Not just the outright image quality, but practical features. e.g. better lenses tend to have distance scales to support manual focus and sometimes that really matters, like, when it's too dark for the camera to focus.
Well-balanced wise words, as usual. Thank you for your presence in the camera world.
Heaton, it was awesome working with you at Acadia. I see myself in this video at 0:28 secs :-)
ha! I was at 0:26-0:28. I can believe he isn't still asleep after all that.
Understanding Exposure was my first photography book as well! So easy to follow and really got me into landscapes.
That book of exposure was the first book I ever read on photography. Before videos and info was so robust as it is today. I still recommend that today to people who are new to photography.
Great, intelligent and rationale comments. I like the "good cameras don't make good photographers" and the fact that most photos are shown on Instagram and Facebook. Thanks keep up the good work, the great pics and the honest comments!
Good on you for giving your workshop clients top priority, Tom. Time for Mr Heaton to look after Thomas Heaton now 😘 ❤️👏
Purple fringing can arise from llight scattering on the beyer array over the sensor as well, it is a common problem with small sensor cameras that have high high density pixel arrays. So the CA you were talking about with the M5 may indeed be due to the camera, not the lens.
Yes, the image quality is often butchered through the social media pipe, but quality files do help when doing post-processing. I've started in the later years do differentiate between what's important for the job - do I need premium quality files and performance, or is the 'feeling' more important. So I often choose my old 5D Classic with a 50mm instead of my 5D Mk IV.
I swapped a 5diii with 3 L lenses for a Fuji t20 and a selection of primes earlier this summer. The severe reduction of weight has revitalized my photography as it’s so much easier to go hiking in the mountains with all the kit in a day rucksack. I haven’t seen any drop in image quality. My fujinon xf 16 is a match for any canon L lens. The only ‘adaption’ has been to go from zooms to primes.
I am still using a 7D MK1. I still love this camera but it has limitations. I have spent a ton of time improving the quality of my post processing and composition. One day I will need to aquire a new full frame body because the sensors are so much better. However having really quality gear will not give you really quality photographs if you don't know how to get them in the first place. Thank you for your thoughts I enjoy your channel.
Glad to see I wasn't the only one with the Fuji and M5 flipped! IMO should have left each image flat with no post-processing,
Tom, Deffo worth trying a Fuji XT-2 (if only for fun) - it's a beast and delivers stunning IQ with the XF lenses and is weathersealed too!. That said I'll still be lugging my D850 and beefy Nikkors unless I really need to travel light....
Nice to see your insights. As I mentioned in one of your previous videos, I've made the exact same "image commitments" as you did by going to a mirrorless camera to save weight on a multi day bike trip. Overall I felt the exact same way you did. Disappointed at some points but conscious of the trade offs I've made. I've got a few keepers and that was well worth it.
Glad to see that you also experienced the same thoughts.
Cheers Tom
I appreciate your insight. I've upgraded from small P&S to M4/3 Olympus cameras. Big improvement for me and minor post processing leaves me with images I'm happy with...
Oh a fellow mft shooter in the wild
I shoot with a lumix gx80. I shoot landscapes and loads of street, so a smol camera os great.
Hmm, what about correcting the CA in the Raw Converter? Perhaps there's something wrong with settings or Lightroom not fully supporting the M5 lenses?
Interesting video. I received my 2018 calendar yesterday and it is very inspirational. It will encourage me to improve my photography every month of 2018. After seeing the 2018 calendar I'm sorry that I didn't buy the 2017 calendar.
so basically invest in better glass (lenses) because that is where the quality lies.
Even better, invest in more practice with the gear that you already own. 🙃
Before printing photos what needs to be done?
Should i brighten up my images?
With gfx50s price you can buy 2x 5dmk4:s or with 5d:s price, 4x m5:s. So based on that, m5 does darn well job being aps-c ( with better lenses, kit ones are carbage )
Myself sold couple years ago my ff canon and bunch of lenses away, because of that huge weight they add when trekking, it just took away all the fun. While ago bought m6, canon 22/2 & samyang 12/2 lenses and im very happy with them, compact and light weight, easy to carry with rest of the trekking stuffs, tents and all. Allso canon m:s are nice for everyday cameras, compared carrying ~2kg set that cant be put in pocket.
But yeah, it all comes in the end, for what purpose you want camera and what price. Myself i dont care about pixel peeking, so aps-c and small cam is fine for me :)
You should do compare between m5 and 5d, same picture with same lense before and after editing, so there people can see is 4x price difference worth it to them.
Love your videos, Thomas. I really do. You're one of my favourite TH-camrs and photographers and I'm always so envious to see your adventures! Very inspiring. After seeing your valid criticisms of the M5 I'd love to see you take another punt at using a mirrorless camera, but with some better lenses and/or a better body. I shoot with an X-T1 with a heap of Fuji's best glass and it produces amazing images. Unsurprisingly the X-T2 is meant to be even better - certainly for landscape with its higher megapixel sensor it would be worth checking out. Sony also do amazing mirrorless cameras and lenses as well... but I can understand you're well invested in Canon's ecosystem now so hopefully they keep developing their mirrorless offerings going forward. I think the future of photography is surely in mirrorless cameras. Keep up the great work! :)
It may not be the most scientific review I've seen but it was definitely honest and I must admit I was wondering how happy you would be downgrading. You still managed to get some great images and, for many of us, the extra work in processing is a fair trade for the cost of the better gear. Another enjoyable video.
Great video. It's true, who actually sees your work in full resolution how it's meant to be. I love Flickr for hi Res images
Hi Thomas, I recently also wanted a second, smaller camera besides my 5Dsr and first wanted to buy the M5. But after some research I then went with the Fuji XT20 Kit which was the same price and came with a much better kit lens. The images my girlfriend and I have taken with it so far don't dissapoint. And it's so much fun to shoot with. It doesn't have the same built quality as the XT2 I think, but it has the same sensor as far as I understood and it's very lightweight. Maybe you should check this one out for future hiking trips where you want to travel light.
Thomas, you have done a review of shooting with the camera on the field and a review of the kit lens results. I am getting amazing results with still compact and affordable gear with the M5 plus the Canon EF-M 22mm, the Samyang 8mm UMC for Canon EF-M, the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM pancake lens with the adapter, which makes it a very compact 80 mm and, when weight and cost is not an issue, the Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS with the adapter.
I think for the most part you're right although I did pick them correctly I had to have a good look. The Canon M5 even at this resolution on my 15" laptop doesn't show much resolution in the foliage. The 5D MK IV looks plenty sharp but the Fuji has a certain look to it that gives it away. The tones are better to my eye. For what 95% of people want to do with their photos I agree it doesn't matter. Better to spend your money on trips and tuition. I still want the Fuji though.
Very genuine and authentic - I like it! :)
There is a heck of a lot of emphasis on gear. The other week I dug out my 12 year old Nikon D40, all 6MPX of it and its “crap” 18-55 kit lens. It was a hassle to use with no live-view, but I shot some decent enough landscapes with it even in very poor light. Unless you are pixel peeping, for landscape photography you don’t have to spend a massive amount on gear. Wildlife photography, however, is a different matter.
Thanks for posting this comparison. After watching your Alps video series, I had yet to catch this one. I am at that "stage that most people are" and find myself wanting to balance weight and reasonable performance. Being a novice amateur, I want to continue to work my technical capabilities on full frame / L lenses, but I also want to continue to have a "reasonably" comfortable experience when out on a multi-day trip. In the end, for me it is all about sharing the experience as beautifully as i can. The M5 is on my short list for a light-weight mirrorless option. Thanks again.
These type of images are particularly hard to tell, having said that, I could not tell GFX from 5D, but spotted M5 right away.
Understanding Exposure was my first book as well. I recommend it to all new photogs who ask for direction.
Hi Tom! Great points and love your videos! No, I couldn't tell the difference between the photos, you are correct sir! I may make a show entirely from that point of view one day. Hopefully. I'm curious though and I'm sure I missed it, but what kit lens did you use for the M5? For what you got out of that camera I am pretty impressed with the quality just from a size and weight perspective. You do beautiful work and are very entertaining to watch. Thank you for all that you do! It is all appreciated.
I’d be interested in the M5 with the adapter and using a 70-200 or 24-105 which I have. Did you try the M5 with your lenses after the trip?
Thanks Thomas - very helpful video. I did get the M5 and Fuji the wrong way round, but we did not know about the cropping! I have the new EOS M100 on preorder, it weighs 300g and its the camera that I "intend" to have with me most of the time, so its good to see that the M5 images are not too hideous.
Yes I got all the photos correct with which camera. The M5 was the easiest to find out though. The Canon 5D Mk4 filming your video looks really really good. I like your videos even though you thought this was not your cup of tea.
Couldn't tell the difference and totally agree with your summing up of what to use. Had a pal at college who spent all of his grant (showing my age;-) ) on a 645 medium format camera with a standard lens (couldn't even afford the prism finder!) for 'the quality' - barely took a photo with it! I had a summer job and bought a 35mm outfit with four lenses (still cost less!) and used it for years... It's not what you've got, it's where you take it - and that applies to EVERYTHING, not just photography.
Having a smaller camera certainly helps when walking/hiking. I use a Panasonic Lumix GX8 and it is perfect for me. I can carry three lenses plus the body, tripod, and even a drone in my camera bag. As for photographic quality one of my most popular images on Flickr was taken with my iPhone so it goes to show that it's not that important what you shoot the subject with.
Thomas, why did you choose the 5DIV over the 5Dsr? I get the Mk IV has great features, but if image quality is king, the 5Dsr can't be beat for landscapes.
after shooting with an a7r, with 42mp.. I can say that file handling and editing with files that big can be laborious on a computer..
5d vi has better dynamic range and better high ISO capability. If you can have a camera for every scenario, I'd have 5Dsr for standard tripod work and a DX2 for high ISO. The 5D iv for me at least is a more than adequate compromise. The file size is more than adequate for me too!
Robert is correct. As soon as you need to get something out of the shadows, the 5dsr suffers. The IV is quite nice in that regards.
I do agree with you. You can however use bracketing to get better dynamic range and blend exposures to get the best of the shadows. I would however only do this in landscape photography...the 5DSR is mainly supposed to be used in a studio with controlled lighting. Landscapes can look reaaaaaally nice on the 5DSR but the 5DM4 is definitely better as an all purpose camera.
Bracketing is a nice idea, but not for all use cases. I do mostly dynamic landscapes, and I find it difficult to solve the issue with moving objects (foliage, water, cloud) when I do bracketing. Even worse when it is a long exposure (I mean multiple minutes), so even the main light (Sun, Moon, whatever) moves that much that the shadows are slightly off.
dear tom ,don't tell me how !!!
but i notice that image 2 is from the GFX50 from the first second :)
but i wasen't able to decide between 1 and 3 .
One of my thrilling memories when I first got into photography 25 years ago was a professional slide show on medium format of Peter Dombrovskis originals (Thomas, look him up). I'd love to have a portfolio on 4x5 or 6x7 that I could project in the same way. There's nothing like looking at true detail, and for landscapes I much prefer the "look" of 120 & 4x5. I did get the test right, but struggled because I was looking for the "look" and you'd cropped, BUT I wouldn't have picked it unless you asked us to scrutinise.
Another great vid! Keep ‘em coming!
Sonder Creative has a video about Capture one and Lens Cast Correction. I think it will fix most of your problems with the M5.
While I realize I’m late to the party, there is of course more to a camera than just image quaility. You chose the M5 to take to the Alps for a reason so considering size and weight, which system would you take next time? Sports photographers will have different priorities as well, focus speed, tracking, FPS, low light capabilities, lens availability etc. No camera is perfect and choosing one is a matter of determining your priorities and selecting the best match. Great video, thanks.
What would you recommend in gear for someone who prints out their own landscape shots as posters for in their own house?
Private art, as it were?
I currently have the 550D + 15-85mm and am disappointed with the sharpness/detail, but not sure whether that's due to my gear, my skills, my post actions, or where I'm getting them printed....
Would love to hear your thoughts on getting the most out of what I have/getting the result I want for as cheaply as feasible.
A happy Fuji XT-2 User here. Great features, decent price and no duff lenses in the line-up
Which lens was used? The 11 - 22mm, 18 - 55mm are very good. The 15 - 45mm and 55 - 200 are average
5 subscribers left and then... 200k subs! Awesome channel, keep on going!
Thomas, looking forward to your visit to Belfast, Northern Ireland next week.
A brilliant explanation Thomas and very relevant to a lot of people. Gear only matters if you want it too. If your happy with phone snaps for the rest of your life power to you. However if you want the best images that you personally can produce into the future then, get good gear.
The only caveat I have is, sell an organ get get good gear because you might be lucky enough to get that once in a life time shot on a P.O.S. camera and not have the file you want in the future. Sometimes your in the right place at the right time and that file will be worth only having one lung :).
"Having a good camera doesn't make you a good photographer."
Well said, Thomas!
I think this fact is often neglected. I also liked that you pointed out that most people just look at a picture on their cell phone and couldn't tell the difference in image quality anyway.
Thank you for a great video as always!
Hi Thomas. I am about to upgrade from a 6D to a 5D MK 3 or 4. I would be interested to know your thoughts on your 5D Mk4 after having used it for some time now and what the biggest benefit of the MK4 has been over the MK3. I have already invested in various lenses including three L series zooms varying from 16 - 300mm. I also own a 50, 85 & 105mm 1:1 Macro. Thanks in advance of your response :)
image 2 - GFX
the others.. I don't know
WJR Visuals Yup, the medium format Fuji was clear. The 2 canons? Not so much.
You have made some excellent points here, which are not contradictory waffle. Yes you will get the best images from the best camera in the ideal situation, but with compact cameras and phone cameras you can work on the fly and the decisive moment can, more often, be yours.
You were no less than 4hrs away. That's a short drive from Massachusetts. Omg. How did I miss that!?!
Gfx is 1 seems that gradation transition is smooth from shadow to whites i.e. zone3 to zone 7 can be pushed a little more in contrast. 2 M5? Seems that the haze is breaking up the I age a Lil faster and the greens will start to break up into color noise faster. 3 mk4? The oranges seem to be friendly to the Canon color palette of the newer sensors i.ie. 6D tonal range very close to first image i.e. zones. My two cents even if I got it wrong happy to participate and hopefully my reasons make sense to a point...cheers
Thomas have u thought about the Sony a7r II its 42.4mp full Fram in a small package I had the a7r I and the image quality is outstanding
Happy Wednesday to you too Tom. I don't know how you do it, so fit- I'd be knackered if I'd done all you have in the last 2 weeks ! ;) Zzzzz! Enjoy some rest! And thanks for this video, it's exactly what a beginner like me finds so informative & important. Don't know how many times this year I've mentioned that term, of treating myself to a 'proper' camera :) But , as you say gear only matters when you want to make large prints, present your images professionally & as you also said , not bankrupt yourself! A friend said to me recently, the best camera you'll ever have is the one you have in you in you when something amazing happens & if it's a phone- then capture it & enjoy it! I really loved the colours of the tree in that image with the mirrorless camera in the comparison you did :) Thanks
I definitely agree but I did place each nearly immediately just by the look of the larger sensor sizes. I love my 1Ds Mark II and 5Dc
I was kinda surprised when you left to alps with only kit lenses. I have M5 and I don't expect to be using kit lenses ever, well maybe 22mm F2 from Canons own line up. I will mainly go for the Samyangs and Sigma 18-35mm, for which I hope to find smaller replacement.
Maybe the fact that you were borrowed M5 by Canon limited your choices. Pity.
Absolutely agree with this. You can‘t expect the same image quality from the kit lenses compared to the L series lenses. I’m convinced you’d see the pretty much the same issues on your 5D4 if you used a kit lens with it. Thought it would be a much better comparison taking the same/similar shot with the sane lenses and different bodies.
If you watch his previous video, he shows why he took what he did. It was to reduce weight for his hike. In addition, he only had one battery with the M5.
@rndmthtz Whatever his reason is, he shouldnt have compared the images to 2 great expensive bodies the moment he decided use a kit lens on a non expensive mirrorless. If he used the same kitlens on the 50 megapixel sensor, i am very sure he will grt super high resolution of the same fringing and loss of contrast.
Happy Wednesday! =) is #HPOW making a comeback?
Well Done. You provided a thoughtful account of 3 cameras. A balanced perspective is appreciated. A welcome relief from the all too common slamming products for fun.
I'm looking for a camera that won't break the bank to replace my 50d (DIGIC 4, 15mp, yes 10 year old!!!) primarily for indoor headshots with lighting and secondarily (later) for home instructional cooking videos to be posted on TH-cam. The videos will be talking head type - no run and gun, walking or travel. I have several L series lenses, Speedlites 530 and continuous light s I use for stills. I'll also use it for occasional traveling. Is the M5 something I should consider? Wait for a later model?
hi thomas great job! i realy need your opinion for a camera, is going to be my first full frame i m still undecided canon 6d ii or 5d mark iii? i like this 2 cameras photo only dont do videos . thanks
I guessed :
1: M5
2: G2X50
3: 5DMkIV
Well.. only the G2X50 was right.
But I get your point and I agree with it! I really enjoyed to see a discussion about this topic that does not ignore the benefits of good equipment at all - but does also not overemphasize equipment! Love the balance! Thank you!
Tom, it's now been a month since this review. I wonder if you've had a chance to use the M5 with any other lenses. A current Canon user, I'm interested in upgrading my 70D and not sure whether to go Canon full frame or mirrorless. Hoping you share additional experiences on this popular debate soon.
Lenses, lenses, lenses! Couple your M5 with the Sigma 18-35mm f1.8 and you might be a lot more forgiving!😉
Thanks for this video Tom. Really helpful. I have a humble Canon 500D and often wonder whether to upgrade but you've confirmed what I think I know already, which is that I have to be in the right place at the right time and work harder on my composition. I'll go for a 5D when I'm awesome, haha!
Lots of good points there. Camera isn't everything ( but do look into the Fuji XT2 - fuji glass is great, too). ( btw: just got your calendar through the post. Great! But now I have to wait till January...)
Hi Thomas, Thanks for the video. Hope to get your opinion on the M5 if you use other (better) lenses. I know you can edit the files in Lightroom, but am curious about the image qualtity straight out of camera with another lens. Thanks again for the video. I do like the series of the Alps very much. Nice going.
Thank you Thomas for being sincere and I've applauded when hearing you say what's the most important things for being a great photographer! No gear could make you a good one if you don't have it in yourself.
That being said, I think I would upgrade my APSC soon (without breaking my bank) as I've been using it for 2 years now and am well aware of its limitation. Trying to get past being just a photography hobbyist, I really don't want spending too much time on Lightroom amending. But I also have in mind that a better photographer could probably take better photos on an APSC than me on a FF. Oh, the irony.
Just get better lenses
Good video about these cameras. But, what do you think Thomas, about Sony A7III Cameras? Do you try photo with Sony Cameras?
Fuji X-T2 honestly is amazing. The lenses are phenomenal and the body is so compact and good to use
Welcome back to the UK Mr Heaton!
so i had it in my head that i need to upgrade from my d3300 to a d750 ..maybe i don't now. how much are you losing from a crop sensor anyway?