I’m a recovering GAS (Gear Acquisition Syndrome) survivor. My photographic journey began with a Canon 550D, quickly spiraling into a whirlwind of Fujifilm cameras and a brief, passionate affair with film photography. Back then, I could justify it. I was shooting the occasional wedding, toying with the idea of turning my passion into a career. The constant upgrade cycle seemed necessary, even logical.
Fast forward to today. I’m a software developer, a dad of two (with a third on the way), and my compulsion to constantly switch cameras has mercifully subsided. The realization hit me: for too long, I’ve been chasing the dragon of the ‘perfect’ camera. You know the one - it shoots great photos, takes 4K video, doubles as a webcam, and probably makes a mean cup of coffee too.
But here’s the kicker: all of this was just a distraction from what I truly love - taking photos.
The Answer: Canon 5D Classic (Mark I)
Enter the Canon 5D Classic, a camera that’s now two decades old. It’s developed a cult following over the years, a secret society of photographers who know just how good this camera is and, I suspect, want to keep it to themselves.
If you’re reading this, you probably already know the specs and the history. You’re likely trying to convince yourself that buying a 20-year-old digital camera in 2024 is a logical decision.
Let me save you some time: it absolutely is.
The Joy of Simplicity
Find a well-maintained 5D Classic, and you’ll quickly fall in love. The chunky feel in your hand, the satisfying clunk of the shutter - it’s a tactile experience that modern, more delicate cameras often lack. Despite its age, the full-frame sensor still produces images that can go toe-to-toe with many modern cameras. The digital files, especially the JPEGs, have a certain magic to them. Get your settings right in-camera, and you’ll find yourself doing minimal post-processing.
Sure, the resolution is low by today’s standards. 12.8 megapixels might seem quaint in a world of 40+ megapixel monsters. But let’s be real - unless you’re regularly printing billboards, 12.8MP is more than enough for printing beautiful photos and sharing online. In fact, the lower resolution can be a blessing, forcing you to focus on composition and moment rather than relying on aggressive cropping in post.
The Price is Right
Here’s where the 5D Classic really shines: the price. This has to be the cheapest entry point into full-frame photography. With a wealth of older Canon EF glass available (often at bargain prices), there’s little chance you’ll be tempted to switch systems anytime soon.
I picked up my 5D Classic for less than £100. Think about that for a second. For the price of a decent dinner out, I got a camera that was once the go-to for professional photographers worldwide. Pair it with a nifty fifty (the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8), and you’ve got a setup that can produce stunning images for less than the cost of many point-and-shoots.
Why It Works for Me
I wanted a camera to photograph my growing family, to document our trips, and for the occasional foray into street photography. I didn’t need - and frankly, couldn’t justify - dropping £600-£1000 on a camera for these purposes.
There’s a unique joy in using a camera that cost less than a new smartphone case and getting results that would make any crop-sensor enthusiast jealous. (I know because I was one of them)
Moreover, I don’t live in fear of this camera breaking or getting lost. Firstly, it’s built like a tank - these things were designed to withstand the rigors of professional use. Secondly, even if something does go wrong, parts are easy to find and replace. It’s a liberating feeling, using a tool without babying it.
Embracing Limitations
The 5D Classic isn’t perfect, and that’s precisely why I love it. The autofocus system is basic by modern standards. The LCD screen is tiny and not particularly high-resolution. There’s no live view, no video capabilities, and high ISO performance is, shall we say, characterful.
But these limitations are features, not bugs. They force you to slow down, to think about your shots. You can’t spray and pray, hoping to fix it in post. You need to nail your focus, your exposure, your composition in-camera. It’s a tool that demands engagement, that pushes you to improve your craft rather than relying on technological crutches.
A Return to Basics
In a world of ever-advancing technology, there’s something refreshing about using a tool that does one thing, and does it well. The Canon 5D Classic takes photos. That’s it. But the photos it takes, when you put in the effort, can be truly spectacular.
If you’re tired of the upgrade treadmill, if you’re looking to reconnect with the fundamentals of photography, if you want to challenge yourself while also freeing yourself from gear anxiety - give the 5D Classic a try. You might just find, as I did, that this 20-year-old camera is exactly what you need to fall in love with photography all over again.
Remember, the best camera is the one you have with you. And when that camera is as capable and enjoyable to use as the 5D Classic, you’ll find yourself reaching for it more often than not. Happy shooting!