1D vs. 10D

[minatophase3]

I figure that when the 1D Mark II finally is released some people will be selling their 1D cameras and some websites that still have the 1D will possibly have them at reduced rates (my assumption only).

Here is my question, if it is possible to get the 1D for around $2,500 is it worth the extra $1,000 over the 10D? I know that is a loaded question so let me explain my background a little.

I am an amatuer photographer looking to get a first time digital SLR. I have taken pictures for about 5 years with a Canon EOS IX lits APS SLR and a Fuji Finepix S602 digital camera. I take a lot of pictures of my girls and some landscape and scenery pictures.

I want to start taking pictures of wildlife too.

I have somewhat fallen into the marketing megapixel trap and am concerned that the 1D is only 4.x MP while the 10D is 6.x MP. Does that really make a difference when printing, if so what size of print will the difference become noticable?

I have several months (2-4) before I am going to make my decision so time is on my side. I will be buying the highest quality lenses (L) regardless of which camera body I get.

Thanks for you help. Before I found this board I though $2,500 would buy me the top of the line body and lenses, boy was I in for a reality check. :D .

Tim

[KennyG]

Reality check time.

I have both a 1D and a 10D. You have to realise where the 1D fits in the scheme of things, it is a sports photographer/photojournalist camera. Built like an absolute tank (a Sherman does not have a look in), weatherproof, very fast action, in-your-face images and dead accurate autofocus. Is it worth $1,000 over a 10D, you bet your bottom dollar it is - if you have a need for these features.

Forget about the difference between 4mp and 6mp. I print at A3 from my 1D without any problems. Magazines print my 1D photographs without asking how many megapixels my camera has, they just look at the photographs. The biggest print I have seen from my 1D is 6ft by 4ft which is in the reception of a car manufacturer. At that size I have to admit it isn't like a 4x6 glossy.

Back to your needs. In my opinion the 10D (or whatever replaces it in the fall) is probably better for you. Nothing to do with how many megapixels, but it fits closer to what you intend to use a camera for, weight alone being one factor as well as it being easier to 'drive' (the 1D requires a lot of dexterity to do even the simple tasks).

I think most people who have a 1D that are buying the MK-II version will hang onto them as backup cameras. They share the same batteries etc. so it is a logical thing to do as most of these people are pros or very active amateurs in sports photography. The most likely people to sell when upgrading are the 10D users. Used 1D's are going for more than the last new price.

[minatophase3]

Thanks Kenny, you have answered my question beautifully :D .

[Phil Hall]

I have a 1D and a 1Ds, I started out with a D30. A close friend has a D10, which falls between the 1D and 1Ds in resolution. KennyG gave a good summary and I think in most cases the D10 would be more appropriate.

[DAMphyne]

Does the 1D have a full frame sensor, and is it a CMOS or CCD?
I just read an article about pixel size on the sensor, which kind of explained why I seem to like the pictures from my D30 better than from my 10D.
I guess I just wondered if the 1D has larger pixels.

[kb244]

If the clarity, sharpness, etc is great, 4Megapixels will easilly print onto 8x10 to 16x24 I'd imagine. So like kennyG said, if those features fit the bill, the megapixels differences would most likely be irrelavent. Also yes the 1D has a full frame sensor, Basically the main benefit is, that if you put a 15mm fisheye lens on it, it is still a 15mm lens, not a 24mm on the 10D ( due to the smaller sensor size ), also the larger sensor size are less prone to noise and less prone to creating chromatic abberations.

[nosquare2003]

No, 1D is not full frame camera. It is 1.3x crop.

[CyberDyneSystems]

No, 1D is not full frame camera. It is 1.3x crop.

Exactly..

Damphyne,..
The 1D has a larger sensor than 10D.. it has fewer larger pixels.

The 1D is CCD not CMOS..

The 1D images need less sahrpemning out of the camera.

The 10D handels ISO noise better.