EOS 1Ds MKII

[ghocking]

The thread is to the Pro, serious amateur and the very rich. I would like to know what they think the benefits are of this camera are over the mid price digitals. I know you have build quality, weather proofing and full size chip, but for what reasons did you go this way. This is not a dig about mine is better than yours, but would really like to know.
At present I use 20D and 350D bodies, and building up my lenses to better quality, but with my company putting retirement age back, next year I might update a body, maybe there will be a new 20D, the ony other option is the 1Ds.
Thanks

[grego]

quick summary.

Do you mean 1Ds MKII or 1D MKII? Huge price difference between the two.

The 1DMII has a 1.3 conversion factor and is what all photo jounrnalists use if they are using Canon. All Sports Illustrated Photographers must use this camera for example.

The 1DsMII is for high resolution stuff like portraits(Greg Gorman) or if you are doing commercial work.

If you can afford it, you can't go wrong with the 1DmkII, but the 20D is like the lower end version. I think a lot depends upon what you are going to use the camera for.

[tim]

The things making me lean towards the 1D Mk 3 when it's out:
- More cross type focus detectors (9) - 20D has one in the centre.
- Larger sensor so less crop factor.
- Weatherproof.
- Better AF.

Things that are better that I don't need:
- Faster continuous shooting.

[ghocking]

As Tim said less crop factor is the only thing that I can see of benefit to me at present, thats why I asked the question of people using this camera what the benefits they found.

I tend to like wild life (including zoos and animal parks), bird photography and landscapes plus general like everyone else. I have the 10-22 EF S, 100-400 L and the 24-70 L lenses at present and thinking of getting the 70-200 2.8 L IS and a 50 1.4.

The 1Ds would probably require me to get another wide angle and tele converter. I don't want to hang a camera around my neck just to look flash, but would like to know what other users find benifical.

[Moses]

I had originally planned on buying a 20D but went with the 1D MK II instead for the following reasons:

Larger sensor - anticipated much of the photography I would do would be landscape scenery and 1.3 crop would allow wider capabilities.

Larger, brighter view finder - Not that I compared it with the 20D in this respect, but everything I read indicated the 1D MK II had a substantial difference in size and brightness.

Focus ability - 45 AF points as opposed to the 9 AF Points on the 20D, plus reviews seemed to indicate it was more precise than 20D.

Larger LCD Display - 1D MK II is 2 inches vs. 1.8 of 20D (every little bit helps with someone who has vision problems).

Audio Recording - This wasn't a big reason for me, but thought it might come in handy for attaching notes to the photo.

Built-in Vertical Grip - This was one thing I was going to add to the 20D but with all the problems I've read with the 20D add on grip, I didn't want the hassle.

Weather Sealed - Paired up with a weather sealed lens, I wouldn't have to be as concerned living in Seattle.

Resale Value - The 1D MK II may hold a higher percentage of its value for a longer period and would probably be considered as an upgrade to a higher number of serious-minded photographers.

2-memory card capacity - CF and SD, I thought it would be an advantage to have the option.

$500.00 Rebate - Made this a more affordable option for me.

Geek Factor - I have always appreciated finely made equipment in electronics and thought there would be a substantial difference in quality with the 1D MK II.

Better enjoy it now while I can factor - With all the vision problems I have, I may not even be able to use a camera in a few years, so I thought I'd start out high now.

After using the 1D MK II about the only downside I can find is the weight. This is one heavy camera to be lugging around for extended periods. I find also that I want to pair it up with the same caliber lenses and the cost of this addiction is horrendous.

[Longwatcher]

My reasons for buying a 1DsMkII to upgrade from 10D, D60
1. Full Frame - I can use my wide angle lenses (including Fisheye) correctly.
2. 16.6 mexapixels - and good ones at that, which allow me to crop as needed
3. Ability to change focus screen - thus I can manually focus with reliability
4. Sturdy tough professional body.

Those are the reasons I bought one,
After buying I would add faster write times (but you have that on 20D)
and the autofocus, tracking and image control features (ISO, Aperture, shutter) are far far better then on 10D, 20D.
Lastly I have two formats of flash cards to chose from.

Just my reasons. Was it worth $8k. For me it was, huge difference from 10D.

[cricket]

My reason for buying the 1Ds MK II was based purely on image quality, and the full frame sensor. Weather resistance was a bonus, as I live in Seattle.

The ability to shoot at ISO 400, 800 with very little noise is wonderful, too.

I am a portrait photographer (weddings too, but fewer each year!), and like to sell large wall portraits. Also, it is so nice to crop an image significantly and have it look great.

I used to use medium format, and I wanted to convert to digital only if I found the quality as good. I did. My images are very crisp when I want them to be, and when I use Softar filters and such, they are beautiful. Also, I can predict what will be in the print as it is full frame.

I never have used another Canon digital camera, so I have no comparison that way. I have an Olympus digital that was slow and full of noise, but that wasn't a "work" camera.

Financially, I am far from rich, but I had the money in savings, and went for it!

I'm happy with the battery life of the upgraded battery. I can shoot an entire wedding and have some life left in it. It has an AC adaptor, of course, but you can't run around with it!

The body is solid. It feels great in my hands, and with the larger "L" lenses, it is a little heavy. I don't mind as I'm used to the weight of a MF with flash bracket, and battery pack for flash hanging on my shoulder, etc. The weight actually reduces my camera shake. You do need a sturdy tri-pod though.

I hope I've answered some of your questions. :cool:

[ghocking]

Thanks for the info, will most likely be the end of the year, beginning of next year before I make a final decision. I am happy with the 20D, but the 350D does not seem as sharp.

[HKFEVER]

I have a 300D and 1D MKII previously. Due to the corp factor, and I found Full Frame is the must....for all my Ls. So I upgrade it to 1Ds MKII.

[I Simonius]

The thread is to the Pro, serious amateur and the very rich. I would like to know what they think the benefits are of this camera are over the mid price digitals. I know you have build quality, weather proofing and full size chip, but for what reasons did you go this way. This is not a dig about mine is better than yours, but would really like to know.
At present I use 20D and 350D bodies, and building up my lenses to better quality, but with my company putting retirement age back, next year I might update a body, maybe there will be a new 20D, the ony other option is the 1Ds.
Thanks

I'll tell you why (apart from price) I DIDN"T go for this and got the 20D instead:
I could afford a 1D but don't need one as I am not a pro (anymore) so firstly I didn't absolutely need the 16MP - But a HUGE factor for me, with my dodgy back, is carrying round something that size and wheight all day

Much of what is in the 1D I would have paid for had it been the same size and wheight as the 20D

[Moses]

I'm really hoping that the P.O.T.N. Op-Tech Strap is going to help out with the weight issue.