Canon EOS-1Ds

[AGeoJO]

Based on the specifications only (1X focal length multiplier, autofocus speed, excellent details, etc. ), the Canon EOS-1Ds seems to be the perfect camera for me. Since I am not using it professionally, I am debatting the merit of spending the money (around $7.5k) at this point. Has anybody hear, facts and "legitimate" rumors, of Canon's intention of lowering the MSRP? I would like to buy one by this summer. What is my chance of being able to buy one at somewhere around $5k in June/July of this year? Any feedback, please?

[Cal Maier]

Hate to burst your bubble, but I wouldn't hold my breath, waiting for the 1DS to come down in price anytime soon. Canon appears to be in a backorder situation with that camera as it is(although it is not as hard to get as the D60's were).

The only way you will see a substantial price reduction is, if or when , Nikon releases anything new(not likely for at least a year, I have this on very reliable sources), or if Kodak actually gets the 14n off the ground(it doesn't look too exciting yet).

If you really think about it, the price Canon is asking for the 1DS is not really that far out of line, given the fact that the camera is a true PRO body with resolution that is so good that it surpasses 35mm and is comparable to medium format 6X4.5 anyway. If you price out a complete 645 AF system including the lenses that you would need to match the 1DS with the 3 L series zooms(16mm thru to 200mm) that Canon has, just as an example, I am sure that you will be able to spend the $12,000 or so that the Canon would be with this glass. Even with all this you still would have to scan your MF film, so add in the price of a good MF scanner(Nikon Coolscan 8000) plus film and processing costs.

You may want to wait for the EOS 3D(or whatever) that is rumoured to be released later this year. It'll probably be in the 3 to 4 thousand range.

Anyway, don't be discouraged it looks as if you've got a nice selection of glass to go along with your D60 so happy shooting!

Cal
CPS432

[AGeoJO]

Hi Cal,
Thanks for your feedback. Somehow I have a tough time coming up with that much money to buy something that will be "obsolete" in approximately a year (and the clock started ticking in Dec. 2002 for the 1Ds). Keeping up with the swift development of digital camera technologies can easily break your bank. I still have a D30 and come to think of it, I could have skipped the D60 and gone straight to a 1Ds.

I have spent a fair amount of money in glasses that I could justify for the reason that several years down the road, I am still using a good lens lineup. The price of a single 1Ds is approx. the same as the price of 4 to 5 L lenses. May be this is not quite the right analogy but I sure hate the feeling of still using a Pentium I while Pentium IV is around and can be had for a fraction of the price I paid for the Pentium I in 3 or 4 years. Again, if I were a pro and I had to make a living using my camera equipment, of course, without any hesitation, I would buy a 1Ds, or maybe two, to make sure that my livelihood is not jeopardized.

I know that Kodak started shipping DCS 14n about 10 days ago. I don't know what kind of impact this will have on the price of the 1Ds. I am crossing my fingers.....

Joshua

[gixerman]

I was extremly lucky. I purchased a 1DS from a friend going through divorce for $4500.00. I probably wouldn't have upgraded my D60 to a 1DS if I had to pay full price for the 1DS.