I have a choice of: 1dclassic or 20d

[mrerico]

The 1d classic costs $600 and the 20d cost $470...if you guys were me what camera would you get to have as backup to my 30d?



Im thinking 20d...but always craved having a 1d series. What are your guys thoughts?




-Eric

[Nightstalker]

Good question.

I have a 30D but have been using a 1D for a few weeks because mine went back to Canon for repairs so I'm happy to give you my thoughts.

As a backup to a 30D I think I'd go with the 1D as it offers a number of uniques:

- 1.3x Vs 1.6x crop sensor makes wide angle lenses a bit wider so opens up alternate framing options
- 8 FPS shooting is addictive
- build quality is awesome

Now the negatives :

- It is a heavy beast and is without built in flash - your neck will ache for a while till you get used to it.
- Spares (batteries etc.) are more expensive
- 4Mp is small compared to the 8.3Mp of the 30D

All things considered though the 1D offers some advantages over the 30D whilst the 20D is just not as good as a 30D in all areas.

[mrerico]

Nightstalker- Would you agree that the 1dclassic might be better for my backup? Why did you think the 20d isnt as good as the 30d in all areas?


How did your 1dclassic handle low-light situations?

[Nightstalker]

Haven't played with a 20D but the 30D was the upgrade so I assumed that they "updated" stuff otherwise what's the point of the 30D?

If you want a like for like backup that will give you the same results (framing etc.) then the 20D would be the one to go for.

Regarding low light - TBH I haven't done any so it would be wrong to comment.

Other issues with the 1D - the battery packs are different and have different chargers - I often recharge from a power inverter in the car and carrying 2 different charging setups would likely be a pain. Also remember if you have any EF-S lenses they won't work with the 1D - I had to borrow a 28-70 L and a 19-35 Cosina to do what my EF-S 17-85 IS does on the 30D so swapping lenses regularly was also a pain. I guess this will depend on what type of Photography you do.

At the end of the day which do you think would be better for the type of photography that you do?

[cdifoto]

A 1Dino for $600? Jump on that biatch!


Seriously, what's the catch? Was it run over by a UPS truck? Is it missing a shutter assembly?

[mrerico]

Well its $670 but its on

www.keh.com

[cdifoto]

OK cheapest one I saw was a Bargain condition for $695. That's not the same as $600. And Bargain on KEH is "former dog chew toy" as far as I'm concerned and experienced.

[mrerico]

Haven't played with a 20D but the 30D was the upgrade so I assumed that they "updated" stuff otherwise what's the point of the 30D?

If you want a like for like backup that will give you the same results (framing etc.) then the 20D would be the one to go for.

Regarding low light - TBH I haven't done any so it would be wrong to comment.

Other issues with the 1D - the battery packs are different and have different chargers - I often recharge from a power inverter in the car and carrying 2 different charging setups would likely be a pain. Also remember if you have any EF-S lenses they won't work with the 1D - I had to borrow a 28-70 L and a 19-35 Cosina to do what my EF-S 17-85 IS does on the 30D so swapping lenses regularly was also a pain. I guess this will depend on what type of Photography you do.

At the end of the day which do you think would be better for the type of photography that you do?


I take pictures of people, buildings, sports, and some paintball.

My lense setup is-
1) 50mm f/1.8
2) 70-200 f/2.8L
3) 24-70mm f/2.8L

[mrerico]

OK cheapest one I saw was a Bargain condition for $695. That's not the same as $600. And Bargain on KEH is "former dog chew toy" as far as I'm concerned and experienced.


oh...so it probably is a good idea not to buy the BG 1dclassic from them huh? I dont care about outer damage to the camera as long as it works good thats all I care about

[cdifoto]

oh...so it probably is a good idea not to buy the BG 1dclassic from them huh? I dont care about outer damage to the camera as long as it works good thats all I care about

Well, the only body I ever purchased from KEH was a Bargain 10D. I figured they offer a warranty so that's cool and I'd be good to go. Wasn't long after the warranty expired that the shutter went to ****. Didn't help that the body looked pretty rough. Sent to Canon for a possible shutter repair and they deemed it beyond economic repair with over 250K clicks.

I think you're better off watching the forums if you really want a 1 series.

[mrerico]

cdifoto- I honestly will have the money after xmas and do plan on getting a backup body since I just sold my old 350d.

Which would you recommend? 1d or 20d for backup?

And whats a good price range for both?

[cdifoto]

I wouldn't recommend either from KEH due to my soured experience, but I did also take a calculated (albeit with poor math) risk.

I gave around $750 for my good physical condition 1D with around 69K clicks. I added some batteries and about 6K clicks later sold it for a wee bit more. I wish I had kept it.

Never bought a 20D. I'd probably give $550 tops if it was minty and one-owner (who could give me a good guesstimate on a low number of exposures).

I gave $350 for my ~7000 click 10D, for what that's worth. Another $75 later and I had an OEM grip for it.

[mrerico]

alright so if I can i think I am going to try and get a 1d

What are some good batteries for it? I have used generic brand ones for my 350d and regretted it.

I heard black diamonds are good is that true? Or should I try and stick with brand names?

[cdifoto]

The 1D sucks batteries like mad so it doesn't matter much what kind you get. Just have a bunch on hand.

[DarrenL]

My 1D is superb, battery life is great (unlike alot of others). I easily achive 600-700 per battery. One Canon made and one 3rd party.

The biggest flaws I have found with the 1D are it's noise in images at 1600/3200 and also the inability to zoom into previews. Very anoying as an image can look blury on the screen and in fact it's tack sharp.

Darren

[Nightstalker]

For sports the 1D is the one to go for IMHO.

[pakololo]

1D Hands down for me... I own both...

[mrerico]

1D Hands down for me... I own both...


Noise doesnt bug you?

In low light areas if I use my 580exII flash would that help eliminate noise?

[pakololo]

Noise doesnt bug you?

In low light areas if I use my 580exII flash would that help eliminate noise?


It does but it doesnt...(confusing aint it?)

I stopped pixel peeping a long time ago...

Be careful around here...There's alot of pixel peeping and measurebating going on in these forums and i think it's contagious ;)

At first i was scared of the noise because of what i read...after doing tons of research, i found one for 600 with a brand new shutter... had 180 clicks on it..went for it and haven't looked back!

Took this image to test out my EL-Skyports...

1D at 400 ISO...not much noise especially with flash... I say find one you can use for a few days...shoot with it and judge for yourself...that will be the best way. People tend to talk down equipment when it's simple user error...

http://www.1984interactive.com/photography/9BEA9631.jpg

If you have any Q's on it ask!

[JAcosta]

Get the 1D. The colors and contrast are completely different than your 30D and you'll love it. I bet you anything you'll make your 30D your backup.

[mrerico]

Get the 1D. The colors and contrast are completely different than your 30D and you'll love it. I bet you anything you'll make your 30D your backup.

How are the colors on it different?

[JAcosta]

DIfferent sensor was used in the 1Dinosaur than in today's modern Canon DLSR. Richer, more vibrant colors, contrast was better, even in RAW. Dont get me started on how perfect the jpegs can be. Its a 4 pound hunk of magic :)

[LotsToLearn]

I've got a 1D and a 20D that are both 'backups'. I use the 1D more unless I need the extra FOVCF of the 20D for a specific reason.

[mrerico]

DIfferent sensor was used in the 1Dinosaur than in today's modern Canon DLSR. Richer, more vibrant colors, contrast was better, even in RAW. Dont get me started on how perfect the jpegs can be. Its a 4 pound hunk of magic :)


Good to know! :)