newbie wants to buy a canon 5D, is this a starter camera?

You might also want to consider a Canon 30D, they're a steal now at $800 new (B&H). I've been shooting with one for a little over two years and am very happy with it. You could learn to shoot with it, then if you decide to upgrade you could sell it with less depreciation than a newer body or you could keep it around for a backup. This would free you up with more money for lenses.

Good luck with whatever you choose.
 
The paramount difference between the Canon 40D "crop body" and 5D "full frame" is the size of their respective sensors, which Beerguy already touched on. This is a very importiant and confusing subject, so I'll revisit.
The 5D's digital sensor captures the same area of light as a 35mm film would. The 40D's sensor is just over half of comparable size. This is a chief explanation of the price difference, as sensors are very difficult and expensive to produce. Light which would be captured by a "full frame" sensor falls on the outside of the "crop" sensor and is never captured. The smaller sample of light is given all of the megapixles and high quality treatment. Effectively everything captured by the smaller sensor will appear 1.6 times larger than would be seen in a "full frame" sensor camera. The full frame camera would have captured a wider image all other things being equal. Wide angle photography is amazing as long as you can approach your subject. The larger sensor will also give several benefits including tolerance of high ISO noise. The 40D has the upper hand in telephoto applications. Another big ticket item I use on a very regular basis with my 40D is the 6.5 pictures per second "frame rate". I find this especially useful documenting wildlife...where telephoto is king.
In summary to go on a hunch,
If you see yourself shooting more high action sports or wildlife, the 40D has the upper hand.
If you see yourself shooting in an environment where you can take your time to make the shot exactly how you want it to look, I would think a 5D to be a superior tool.

Full frame sensors are much pickier about the glass in front of them. If you buy a 5D you will need to buy high-class lenses to go with it. You are recording 1.6 times more light coming through that lens than a "crop body" would. While quality lenses will outperform the "others" by a considerable margin on the 40D and you should buy them anyway IMO, the 5D is that much more needy in this area.
 
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I do a lot of Landscape work and went from a 10D with the 1.6 crop to a 5D without. Aside from the huge resolution jump (not quite as big as with the cameras you've mentioned) I loved being able to use wide lenses. I am not sure if the 5D and the others have different layouts for the cotrols but I really like the 5D. If you haven't you can get a lot of info from the reviews on www.dpreview.com. It's a good resource.
 
What is a good or a very good macro lens for canon. Is the Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 macro lens the one I want or is there a better one?

Bart
 
Yes. For tank shots, the 100 is really a good fit. It's razor sharp. internal focusing and it has a good working distance.
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12768261#post12768261 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by huge1day
What is a good or a very good macro lens for canon. Is the Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 macro lens the one I want or is there a better one?

Bart
Click to expand...

There *is* a better one, the Canon 180 Macro. The Canon 100 Macro will do a fabulous job though.
 
The 17-85 doesn't have great reviews but I don't have any direct experience with it.

I love my 24-70 but it's a big heavy lens. The 24-105 might be a nice option. It's pretty reasonable and it's got IS to boot.
 
I love my 24-70 f/2.8 and my 70-200 f/2.8 IS. Practically all of my photography is from the view of one or the other. Once you get a lens like that, you'll never want to use a 18-55, 28-135, or 17-85 again.
Being a crop sensor camera, many are very happy with the 17-55 f/2.8 IS. I would recommend it or the 24-70 f/2,8. Whilf/2.8 beats f/4 with IS in my book.
 
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geeze.. a 5D. remember: you would rather spend money on lenses than the camera itself (but don't go too cheap) look at a 20d or 40d and you will have more for your lenses.
 
Review the thread before a response, hes already bought a 40D mentioned just one OP post up. Although, you did give good advice. The 40D is a heck of a camera by the way. I own one personally. B&H is a pleasure to work with as well, I give them about half of my business. The rest goes to a mom and pop joint in town.
 
I love my 24-105. very sharp and love the IS. If you want wide (but $$) I think the 16-35 got good reviews (the f2.8 version). Don't forget the 24mm becomes a 38mm with the 1.6 crop factor
 
Ok more newbie questions: Memory sticks. Do I go with the biggest or do I go with a couple smaller? Flash: I have not even began to research flashes? Not sure, is there ONE that is the best?

And when the camera comes in, where is the best place to find instructions on how to use it? Dvds? websites? workshops?

I know that it will take time to learn to shoot good pictures, but for what ever reason, I have gotten the bug and really want to learn. I realize that the person behind the camera is more important than the equipment, so I want good equipment but need to learn too.

Thanks for all the help so far and I am sure I will have bunches of questions in the future.

Bart
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12805793#post12805793 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by huge1day
Ok more newbie questions: Memory sticks. Do I go with the biggest or do I go with a couple smaller?
Click to expand...
I tend to use a 4 gig. If your not shooting for money, I would recommend a bigger card for convenience. If you are shooting for money, I would recommend a smaller card for security (in the rare case one breaks).
SanDisk Extreme IV is nice.
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12805793#post12805793 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by huge1day
Flash: I have not even began to research flashes? Not sure, is there ONE that is the best?
Click to expand...
You will want a flash eventually, but give it time. Use your camera with available light (the in camera flash does suck bad). With experience you will learn the when, where, and whys of flash. With this first hand information you will be able to make a proper decision. That said The 580EXII is IMO the best flash for a 40D and would be my recommendation.
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12805793#post12805793 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by huge1day
And when the camera comes in, where is the best place to find instructions on how to use it? Dvds? websites? workshops?
Click to expand...
The simple users manual that comes in the box is all you need. READ IT cover to cover. Then read it again skimming over points of interest. Then come here with specific questions that your still just not sure about.

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12805793#post12805793 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by huge1day

I know that it will take time to learn to shoot good pictures, but for what ever reason, I have gotten the bug and really want to learn. I realize that the person behind the camera is more important than the equipment, so I want good equipment but need to learn too.

Thanks for all the help so far and I am sure I will have bunches of questions in the future.

Bart
Click to expand...
Just get out there and have fun with it. Shoot, shoot shoot. The more you use the equipment, the more you will learn about it. Don't just take random pictures though. Think about the shot for a moment and anticipate the results. I would stick with Av or Tv mode at first. Shoot RAW for white balance and minor exposure compensations. The "picture modes" are dead to you. Come back with any questions and enjoy a heck of a camera!
 
I'm in Kentucky for the July 4th holiday. Hopefully the camera will be waiting for me next week. I will let you know as soon as I get home.

Bart
 
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