I Bought a Canon 5D Mark II in 2026

It's a shame. With time, cameras degrade and take crap photos. As the sensor creeps ever closer to its expiration date and the image quality takes a major dive. For example, in 2008 the Canon 5D Mark II shot glorious images, but today, complete trash. With each new Canon camera release, this poor old camera gets worse and worse. Eventually, the images out of this camera will be nothing but a smudge of unrecognizable pixels.

You would think the above statement had merit when you consider the way we treat technology. The truth is, older cameras don't get worse because better cameras come along. Sure, we get better features, but old cameras, especially from the era of the 5D Mark II (late 2000's/early 2010's), where and still are great cameras that produce amazing image quality. That's why I bought one, despite it being nearly 18 years old.

Since 2015, I have exclusively shot Fuji cameras and I still do. Prior to that (2011 or so), I shot Sony DSLR's, which was pretty rare as Sony was not popular at all back then. I had a friend who was a Canon fanatic and he let me borrow his gear from time to time. He lent me his Canon 5D Mark II and I fell in love with it. The images have something to them that can't be described, much like the early Fuji sensors produce.

There's an intangible. An X factor.

The build quality and handling was top notch. The only problem for me back then, I couldn't afford it. Fast forward about 15 years and I just bought a mint, and I mean mint condition example for $175.00 on Marketplace. No, for real. I'm not exaggerating and I still can't believe this camera that retailed for $2700 was that inexpensive. It has just over 6,000 shutter actuations so it was barely used.

Why did the seller let it go for so little cash? I think it's because he lived pretty far out of town and knew it would take a seriously competitive price to get anyone to drive out to him. I was willing and so glad I did.

My first impressions are very positive on this old camera. I love the size and the handling in contrast to using mirrorless for so long. It makes my Fuji X-T2 feel like a child's toy. The images I'm getting out of it are as good as I remember. I'll be doing more writing about this camera as I get deeper into using it.

After buying the camera, I picked up a Canon EF 85mm f1.8 lens on Marketplace that again, was barely used, for $150. We all need a 50mm lens so I went to Best Buy and picked up a Canon EF 50mm f1.8 STM as well for $185.00. Both lenses are great so far. I'm into this kit for $510 and all I feel I'm missing is a 35mm f2.0 IS.

Here's the crazy thing: I like this camera kit so much I'm considering selling my Fuji gear to finance more Canon EF lenses and using this camera exclusively for the next year. Not sure yet, but Fuji gear is hot right now and brings in a ridiculous amount of money for what it is. It's worth pondering.

Here's a small selection of photos I shot with this camera so far.

I will be writing a lot more about my experience using this old DSLR camera in a mirrorless age. These things are legendary and deserve to be talked about.

How about you? Would you consider buying a DSLR in 2026?