Should I get a 1Ds or a 1D Mark II

[byblood]

I can afford to get one or the other, but not both. I will be using it for Portraits mostly but I would like the option of making large prints because I will also be purchasing an epson 9600 printer which can print 40" wide.
I've been trying to stay away from weddings but I have a few brides lined up that want me to do theirs, so I will.
I occasionally do product shots, but I have been using my Canon 30D and clients keep coming back.

I would like the megapixels but I need a versatile camera.

Does the 1Ds focus faster than the D30?
What about Low light situations is the 1Ds better than the D30?

:?

[SnJPhoto]

The 1Ds is a great camera. I can't comment on the comparison to the D30, but can compare the 1Ds and 1DMkII. Between the 2, I tend to use the 1DMkII more, largely due to the fact I shoot alot of outdoor sports type events. I tend to limit my 1Ds use to portrait and such work. I like the menu setup better on the 1DMKII. Others have done more scientific conparisons between the 2, but my eyeball comparison keeps the 2 of them almost indistinguishable on prints under 20X30 or so. I haven't had a need to go larger, so i can't atest to the jumbo size print quality from each.

I like working with the MkII raw files better (.CR2) than the 1Ds' (TIF). There is a noticeable difference in the processing times, so you may want to make sure you have the horsepower in your computer to deal with this size file if you routinely shoot in RAW. I do like getting the extra few mm of wide angle that come with the full frame sensor on the 1Ds, but that is somewhat of a niche item.

You may find some great deals on 1Ds' with the release of the MkII and the rumor of a upcoming new 1Ds model. My everyday use comparison would put them about even money.

I posted some side by side pics a while back, I believe someone was going to rehost them, since I didn't have enough space to hold them for long.

Scott

[RichardtheSane]

I don's have any of the camera mentioned, but I have used them all.

I couldn't compare the MKII Af to the 1Ds af because I used them in different environments, but both are very quick and [b]much] quicker than the D30 (how much is dependand on the lens you have)

The 1Ds would be the camera that is aimed for the type of shooting that you do, as the FPS and buffer are not such a concern.

I would very seriously recommend you find a way of trying both out... side by side if possible. Only after doing that will you know you made a good choice

[KennyG]

For portrait and wedding work, the 1Ds is the camera to go for. You don't need the high frame rate of the MK-II, you are looking for the best resolution you can get and the 1Ds beats everything in this respect.

[evilenglishman]

you should also wait a month - just in case canon decides to bring out a replacement to the 1ds

[Panza]

I don't think the waiting-game is such a good idea. If we all did that we'd all be waiting for something newer and better for all eternity.

Which one you should buy is not such an easy question to answer. The main thing the 1DS has going for it is the full frame sensor.
It has better resolution too, BUT : "... the EOS-1D Mark II the best compromise between resolution and performance ..." quote from www.dpreview.com.
Here is the comparison:
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/canoneos1dmkii/page20.asp

[Murph7355]

I don't think the waiting-game is such a good idea. If we all did that we'd all be waiting for something newer and better for all eternity...

I agree to an extent, BUT...

If you can wait a month for something that costs as much as these do, then the sensible money says to wait.

It may not happen, but Canon look set to replace the 1Ds. At which point, your 4wk old camera suddenly drops like a stone in value.

So wait a month and you can either get a used "old" 1Ds for much less, or a new upgraded version for the same wedge as you're about to pay now (or less).

If you were in the mkt in October, then the don't wait advice would be sound.

[CyberDyneSystems]

The 1Ds will focus MUCH faster and more accurately than the D30... and it will perform better in low light.

The 1Ds has the same focus system as the 1D and 1V bodies.. truly the fastest most accurate available from Canon with the exception of the MkII.

However the MkII's AF enhancements are "tiny" compared to the massive leap in performance that you will expeirience when comparing the 1Ds to a D30.

From what you describe.. the 1Ds definately sounds like the Camera for your needs.

[redbutt]

The 1Ds has the same focus system as the 1D and 1V bodies.. truly the fastest most accurate available from Canon with the exception of the MkII..

Someone earlier mentioned a valid point though...the lens you stick on the thing will matter. If you wimp out the lenses (because you just shelled out $7-8k for the camera) and get a Tamron or something like that, the autofocus will not be as stellar as you would like it to be. On the otherhand, if you get Canon lenses, the system will work as advertised.

My advice, is go with the 1Ds if you can afford it...it's a great camera.

[Phil Hall]

I had a D30 sometime ago and then moved to a 1D,. I love this camera but wanted more than 4 megapixels rather than waiting for a MkII I bought a 1Ds. Very fast focus, GREAT resolution but you will need to upgrade your computer. I went from 1 1.4MHz P4 to a 3.2 Mhz with 1 gig RAM and 2 x 250 gig harddrives. My laptop is pretty slow with these files. For indoor use I would go for the 1Ds. I think the MkII might be better for outdoor action shots.

Phil Hall

[CyberDyneSystems]

True enough...

I would hope that anyoine that had the cake to get themselves a 1Ds would not be likely to mount a $175.00 Tamron zoom on it... :lol: :lol:

[redbutt]

I run into plenty of people who say (while staring at my 70-200 f/2.8 IS), "Does that thing really make a difference?" I usually say something like, "if you wanted to see better, would you upgrade your brain, or your eyes".

[J. Cobble]

I have a 1ds. I wouldnt trade it for anytihing including a mark II. I am sure that it is a great camera, but for my use....major enlargements, the 1ds is the only choice. I promise you will love it. It works for everything, including fast motorsports.