I have a couple quick questions about the canon 5d. I'm getting closer to purchasing one.
1. regarding portable storage, can I download images directly from the cf card while installed in the camera directly to an external hd like a maxtor via the usb2.0 connnection? Or do I need a special portable hd that reads cf cards? I have a two week trip coming up(hawaii :)) and hope to acquire the 5d before hand. I'm thinking I'll need 2 or 3 2gb cf cards, extra battery and some kind of portable storage device. I plan on taking A LOT of images. I figure I'd shoot jpeg + raw files, jpg for viewing at end of day and raw for later coversion. Any recommendations on portable storage or comments on the above?
2. I came across this thread yesterday on Rob Galbraith's site about excessive dust in the viewfinder, even straight out-of-the box. Have any of you had a similar experience? Here is the thread dust
1) You will need a device with a card reader. You can connect the camera to a computer via USB and read files from it, then transfer them to an external hard drive but if you want to take the computer out of the loop you will need something that can read directly from the CF card.
2) Yes, there's a little bit of dust in mine. Doesn't bother me one bit.
Cory-
Re question 1, you cannot download directly from the camera to an external USB 2.0 hard drive; you would need to connect to a laptop with the external drive also connected to the computer. I assume you are not planning to take a laptop; hence your question on portable storage. I use an Epson P-2000 w/ 40GB HD for portable storage with viewing capability. This unit supports display of Canon RAW images so you could shoot RAW only to get smaller file sizes. If you go this route, you should also consider a second portable storage unit for back-up. A unit such as a CompactDrive PD70X would match the Epson in storage capacity (40GB), but without the display capability (therefore cheaper!). However, with the larger file sizes of the 5D, and a two week trip, you may want to consider the Epson P-4000 with 80GB storage, and a larger CompactDrive unit for backup. This will get pretty expensive, but not as expensive as 80GB worth of CF cards! Personally, I prefer the versatility and viewing/editing capability of a lightweight laptop with a back-up external HD, although this is certainly not as portable as the Epson and CompactDrive.
1. I shoot in Raw only and on trips download to a laptop and burn a disk for back up. This allolw me unlimited storge if needed as long as I have discs. I use internal/external HD's at home.
2. Not any dust in mine that I remember new but I did replace the the standard screen with a grid the same day I got the camera and I do have a spec but it might have been my fault.
Concerning dust: Let's just say that you will quickly be on intimate terms with the 5D's sensor and your cleaning tools of choice. The 5D is a DUST MAGNET, and if you shoot at small apertures, change lenses often, or go too long between cleanings you will notice lots of dust/hairs. Don't let that deter you from your purchase, though. The 5D is a fantastic camera and its image quality is suberb. I wouldn't shoot with anything else.
Discussion
5 repliesI have a couple quick questions about the canon 5d. I'm getting closer to purchasing one.
1. regarding portable storage, can I download images directly from the cf card while installed in the camera directly to an external hd like a maxtor via the usb2.0 connnection? Or do I need a special portable hd that reads cf cards? I have a two week trip coming up(hawaii :)) and hope to acquire the 5d before hand. I'm thinking I'll need 2 or 3 2gb cf cards, extra battery and some kind of portable storage device. I plan on taking A LOT of images. I figure I'd shoot jpeg + raw files, jpg for viewing at end of day and raw for later coversion. Any recommendations on portable storage or comments on the above?
2. I came across this thread yesterday on Rob Galbraith's site about excessive dust in the viewfinder, even straight out-of-the box. Have any of you had a similar experience? Here is the thread dust
Thanks for your help.
cory
2) Yes, there's a little bit of dust in mine. Doesn't bother me one bit.
Guy
Re question 1, you cannot download directly from the camera to an external USB 2.0 hard drive; you would need to connect to a laptop with the external drive also connected to the computer. I assume you are not planning to take a laptop; hence your question on portable storage. I use an Epson P-2000 w/ 40GB HD for portable storage with viewing capability. This unit supports display of Canon RAW images so you could shoot RAW only to get smaller file sizes. If you go this route, you should also consider a second portable storage unit for back-up. A unit such as a CompactDrive PD70X would match the Epson in storage capacity (40GB), but without the display capability (therefore cheaper!). However, with the larger file sizes of the 5D, and a two week trip, you may want to consider the Epson P-4000 with 80GB storage, and a larger CompactDrive unit for backup. This will get pretty expensive, but not as expensive as 80GB worth of CF cards! Personally, I prefer the versatility and viewing/editing capability of a lightweight laptop with a back-up external HD, although this is certainly not as portable as the Epson and CompactDrive.
Hope this helps! Enjoy your trip to Hawaii!
Charlie
2. Not any dust in mine that I remember new but I did replace the the standard screen with a grid the same day I got the camera and I do have a spec but it might have been my fault.