1 series

[Koontsa]

I would like to pose a question to those of you that have purchased a 1 series digital SLR.

Currently I have a 300D and feel that I take some good pictures. Recently I thought about upgrading to the 1 series becuase of the AF ability. I used to shoot sports but gave up because of the intolerable tracking on the 300D, and not being able to use servo in ISO >400 conditions. The major thing that appeals to me with the 1 series is the weather resistance and the AF/Viewfinder size. When did you all know/think you were ready for the 1 series?

[roanjohn]

I personally don't have a 1 series camera............but the fact that you realized the shortcomings of your Rebel............I think you are READY!!! If not a 1 series, maybe a 20D.

Ro1

[scottbergerphoto]

If AI Servo and tracking action is very important to you, then you can't beat a 1DM2. It really comes down to how much are you wiling to spend for it.

[Koontsa]

I've got no problem spending the money as long as I know I am ready. Problem with upgrading to the 20D is that I have a feeling that viewfinder will also kill me as I have used one and did not like it that much. I am hoping that I will be able to use a 1dmk2 at Penn camera. I have a pretty good feeling that for me it would be a tossup between the higher resolution 1ds and the 1dmk2. I'm leaning toward the mk2 becuase of the sports/pj work that I want to do.

[Jon, The Elder]

Scotts right. I upgraded from the 300D to a 20D for just that reason. It provides all of the elements that were hampering my business. Canons done their job by providing the equipment - the next step is up to me.

[GyRob]

I had a 300d then a 20d now a 1dmk2 its not that i was ready for it i just wanted it.
now i have it i know the 20d was good enough for my photography, i would say go with that unless what you said means a lot to you, the 1dmk2 is a great camera make no mistake but so is the 20d and for a lot less ,just my thoughts on it.
Rob.

[Koontsa]

thanks guys. I see a lot of technical threads abou t 1dmk2 vs 20D, but I wanted this to be more "Artistic" if you will. How do the photographers abilities match up with their cameras in relation to the tech stuff.

[ssim]

While not trying to infuriatet the owners of the 1DsMKII, do you really need the extra MP that it offers. I spoke to a few that bought this camera simply to have one of the top of the line cameras without regard for what they were shooting.

If you are shooting motorsports or wildlife then the 1DMKII is the choice. It has more FPS than the 1Ds series and it's operation in AI Servo is astounding providing that you are using decent glass. I have enlarged some of my 1DMKII images to 20X30 and they could quite easily go much larger without loss of quality.

If you feel you have outgrown the 300 then you are ready to move up.

[schmoelzel]

I started with the DRebel one year ago and this past winter moved up to a 1 series (Canon 1D). I had read a lot about the excellent AF and the very fast servo-mode, not to mention the better build and the bigger view-finder. I am not disappointed for losing the 2 megapixels because I have a professional piece of equipment which inspires me to go and take pictures. Any problems I have had so far are strictly operator error not the machine. I would highly recommend the 1D if you cannot afford the Mk11..........be aware though that once you start using a pro body, the others feel like toys!! :)

[Mohawk]

I bought the 20D back in feb of this year. Now, I used to shoot a Nikon SLR, and found the 20D with the dim view finder and the 1.6x crop to be really annoying. By April, missing the rebate by 3 days, I bought my 1DMKII. It was worth every penny, very fast on the AF while tracking moving objects/sports. The view finder is much better then that of the 20D, much closer to a full frame view at 1.3x crop.

I must say, I really really like the 1DMKII, and keep the 20D around for the longer glass. Both are good cameras, but if you are used to a full frame SLR, need speed and a larger view finder, etc., the 1DMKII is hard to beat. And it is just a fun camera to use that can produce some awesome images.

As far as the answer to "are you ready"? That's between you and your wallet. I would not hesitate doing it all over again. I say get it!:D

Mike

[digitaltourist]

I would like to pose a question to those of you that have purchased a 1 series digital SLR.

Currently I have a 300D and feel that I take some good pictures. Recently I thought about upgrading to the 1 series becuase of the AF ability. I used to shoot sports but gave up because of the intolerable tracking on the 300D, and not being able to use servo in ISO >400 conditions. The major thing that appeals to me with the 1 series is the weather resistance and the AF/Viewfinder size. When did you all know/think you were ready for the 1 series?

I knew I was ready for a 1D series camera the first time I looked through that bright enormous viewfinder. ;-) The feel and operation of the camera is remarkable. I still have my 10D and use it on occasion but I have to admit that it really feels like a toy now.

Love my 1D. :-)

[Tapeman]

I have used a 1 series camera for years (35mm 1vHS). I did not buy my first dslr untill I could afford a 1 series dslr. I'm glad I waited. I only had a point & shoot digicam so I still shot more film than digital. Those days are over!

[KennyG]

If you can get a good one, then a used 1D MK-I will put the Rebel to shame, despite having 2mp less. It does not blow highlights, has bullet-proof AF, images as sharp as razors and a build like a Sherman tank. You could use it for a year and probably get back what you paid for it, at which point we are likely to be in the next generation of 1 series cameras anyway. Despite having a MK-II, I get as many pictures published with my MK-I as the results are that good.

[Vita Rara]

I made the jump from a 300D to a 1DMkII this last March. The difference is amazing, fast focus, lots of control, bright view finder, and just an overall solid feel. It's an amazing piece of equipment. I shoot a lot of dancing and the 300D just could not keep up with the pace. I shot a weekend dance festival in February with the 300D and that was the straw that broke the camel's back. Two weeks later I had a 1D and I'd do it again.

Mark

[perfectpixel]

If you can get a good one, then a used 1D MK-I will put the Rebel to shame, despite having 2mp less. It does not blow highlights, has bullet-proof AF, images as sharp as razors and a build like a Sherman tank. You could use it for a year and probably get back what you paid for it, at which point we are likely to be in the next generation of 1 series cameras anyway. Despite having a MK-II, I get as many pictures published with my MK-I as the results are that good.

that's IT!
that's what I did. 1DI is an incredible camera. I'll keep it even after I upgrade to a MkII or Mk XXV....
IMHO something about that CCD sensor gives the pictures a different feel than the CMOS chips.
Just be careful. My 1D came from that other site's buy/trade forum and after 2 weeks it had to go to canon for repair...

[Koontsa]

I honestly would consider the 20D if it had a good viewfinder, but my eyes just won't cut it. My rebel 2000 on the other hand is very easy to focus for me with the much larger viewfinder.

[Longwatcher]

Here is the reason I upgraded from 10D to 1D series.
I shoot mainly studio shots so the larger resolution of the 1DsMkIIappealed to me, but the main reason for getting a 1D series camera was the few frustrations I was having with the 10D. namely, I couldn't change out the focus screen (which has through third party become available) and the more rugged build and features. The fact the 1DsMkII had faster write times, better AF, FPS and low light capabilties were added bonuses.

So far there is only been one time I sort of regretted getting the 1DsMkII and that was a situation where I wished I had the FPS of the 1DM2 (and everytime I see my credit card statement ). But those regrets only last mere moments and then I think of the great pictures I am getting and I don't care to have anything else, but what I have (although a spare would be nice).

If you shoot sports or photojournalism then the 1DM2 is the choice to go for, if studio or general purpose then the 1DsMkII is the one to go for. As to wether or not to go for them at all; you need to ask yourself if they will mitigate enough of the problems/issues you are having with your 300D. If yes, then get; if not then what you have is perfect for now.

And I would recommend holding off for about 30-45 days at this point (if you can) just in case Canon announces something by end of August. If not then they are not very likely to announce anything until Feb 2006 at earliest so get whatever you have decided to get at the very beginning of September.

Just my opinion,