Making the switch from Film to Digital

[gparvan]

Howdy,
My EOS-1 N has served me well and I really like the way it handles i.e., battery grip, weight. However, film costs are expensive and I'm thinking digital will pay for itself in a reasonable amount of time.
I've been eye-balling the EOS-1D Mark II N for some time but now I see the 5D, 30D etc. on the market. These newer machines seem to have better specs at a better price point.
Sooooo, the question are:
1. do the newer machines have a bottom battery pack/grip?
2. Is the EOS-1D Mark II N still perform better than the newer machines?
3. Addtional thoughts?

g

[Mark_Cohran]

The 1DMKIIN far exceeds the capabilities of the 30D and, in my opinion, the 5D. I bought the 5D for studio work, but the 1DMKIIN is my workhorse camera. The 30D and the 5D both have options for an add on grip - it is not integral with the camera as with the 1D series.

Mark

[JulianL]

I have no experience with the EOS-1D Mark II N (or any of the higher end Canon DSLRs for that matter) but I do know that they are still very highy regarded even when compared to the new 5D. Personally, I don't think it compares at all to the 30D. The 1DMKIIN is a far superior camera to the 30D.

That said, you can get battery grips for both the 30D and the 5D to give it longer battery life and that pro body feel. Don't get me wrong, I think the 30D is an excellent DSLR camera but I would prefer a full frame body (or a 1.3x crop body). Can't quite afford one though so I'll keep the 30D until FF becomes more affordable or I have more money.

[Jon, The Elder]

Not sure what you mean by 'pay-for-itself' are you a shoot-for-money person?

The 30D will give you just about everything a DSLR needs. Many of us are extremely happy with our 20D's. The 30D gives you spot metering and ISO in the VF if you consider that worth more.

If you have a few minutes here is a reference of photos the 20/30D can give you. The 1 series cameras do not use battery grips.

www.pbase.com/jpferguson

[Tyreman]

And keep in mind some are full frame like the EOS 5D and 1DmkII.

[Daruosha]

Equivalent of EOS 1V and 1N in digital world are 1D series. If you can get EOS 1Ds MK II, kill your doubt. otherwise think in EOS 5D (cause its FF sensor).

[gparvan]

Excellent info. Thank you.

As for the question:
Not sure what you mean by 'pay-for-itself' are you a shoot-for-money person?

I am not a pro, but do shoot for $$ from time to time. My "pay-for-itself" comes from the point of view that it costs me approx. $15/roll of Velvia (with processing). The camera runs about $3k+ which equals about 200+ rolls. Sooo, my feeble thinking is about 2 or 3 years to pay for the camera and memory.

[Rokkorfan]

If you need the weather sealing and higher frame rate of 8.5 fps then get the 1D Mark II N. However you say you are using Velvia, which indicates to me you do mainly art photography or nature. For these purposes I would get the 5D. The 5D is a better sensor, and in my mind is the equivalent of a 1N in terms of functionality. If you are familiar with the 1V, the difference between the 5D and 1D Mark II is like the difference between the 1N and 1V - better AF, better build quality , weather sealing etc.

[DocFrankenstein]

I'd say 5D is like an elan7 and no more.

It's clearly below eos3

[grego]

EOS 3 is sort of an odd camera. It's like they put too much in it. But then its the consummer's gain.

[DocFrankenstein]

EOS 3 is sort of an odd camera. It's like they put too much in it. But then its the consummer's gain.
You like giving canon your money, dontcha?

[peatoire]

And keep in mind some are full frame like the EOS 5D and 1DmkII.
For gparvan's ref:
The 1DmkII has a x1.3 crop, it' the 1Ds that has FF

[dpastern]

To be honest, I'd go a 1D series camera body. Without knowing what you shoot, it's a bit hard though. If IQ and noise is of the utmost importance, then the 5D is a slightly better choice. And I mean slightly. You won't really notice the IQ improvements and noise improvements unless you pixel peep at large print sizes. The 1D Mark IIn is probably a better all round camera, with superior handling, weathersealing, superior AF, super ability to put the metal to the floor with it's outstanding 8.5 fps if you need it.

The choice is yours!

Dave

PS I went from my eos1n to a D60 (used for a month or so) to a original 1D (mark I) and love it! I will eventually upgrade to a 1D Mark IIn when funds allow, mainly for the better noise performance and increase in megapixels. Oh, and a damn LCD magnifier!!!

[grego]

You like giving canon your money, dontcha?

No, I don't, but they equiped that camera like a 1D, but it was much more affordable, relatively speaking.