1d MkII on the way

[Groundworxs]

I just sold off a 10D and a boat load of extras. I have one week until my MK II gets here. One long week as I am without a camera. Any advice tips or tricks on the use of this gem would be appreciated. I will read the manual when I get it, until then I need a distraction to help me through this period.

Cheers :D

[PacAce]

Why wait. Just download a copy and start reading now.

http://consumer.usa.canon.com/ir/controller?act=DownloadDetailAct&fcategoryid=325&m odelid=9808#New%20Window

[dpanicc1]

Congratulations! You'll love it. I sold my 2 10D cameras and bought the 1DMKII and the 20D. It's fast..., very fast. The focus tracking works much nicer. Personally, I see a "richness" in the prints that was not in the 10Ds. It's a lot heavier!

There's a pdf manual on Canon's website you can download.

Good luck!
Dan

[Groundworxs]

Thanks for the download idea I will be up late tonight. As for being heavier I am not too concerned I am a photojournalist and I just tend to ignore the weight. i would usually have the 10D grip 70-200 2.8 and the 550EX loaded up all day long an extra couple of pounds won't matter besides now I will be able to rest a bit more due to the increase in usable shots.
Cheers

[Mike H]

My advice is to take more time than you normally would in learning a new camera before going on an important assignment. I used the D30, D60, 10D, then 1DM2, and I found the 1DM2 transition to be surprisingly challenging. The menu and button setups are quite different from the other cameras, and to me, they seem less intuitive.

You shouldn't be intimidated by the camera, just realize that the learning curve is steep. The nice thing is that when you do learn it, the 1DM2 is capable of doing more than any camera you've owned. The limitation will no longer be the camera; it will be your skill and imagination. I like it that way. :D

Since you mentioned the weight issue, I'll offer this: the weight of the camera is a surprising nuisance, but only when you're playing with it. Once you get engrossed in a photo session you forget about how much it weighs.

Good luck and congrats on the new machine.

Mike H

[Pekka]

1D Mark II custom functions explained in detail:
http://www.naturescapes.net/072004/ej0704.htm

1D Mark II personal functions explained in detail:
http://www.naturescapes.net/082004/ej0804.htm

[wtlloyd]

Can't recomend this highly enough: http://www.photoworkshop.com/canon/EOS_Digital.pdf

If nothing else, it will save you a ton of time in forum discussions debating over camera settings!

[Groundworxs]

Thanks for all the advice. This helps to keep my mind active during the long wait 5 days and counting.
Cheers