The Perfect Camera

[ThomGascoigne]

The 1D and 1D's are professional cameras made for professional use.

The built in battery grip is required for pro shooting IMHO.

I would hate to buy a top end camera such as 1D's MK IV (can't wait!) only to find it doesn't have a grip built in.

The other issue is the "weather proofing" it would be rather more difficult to have a "weather proof" camera with a detachable grip would it not?

If the battery grip wasn't attached would you buy one of the 1D cameras?

As soon as you put some L glass on it the weight problem would come back. Especially if using something like 70-200 f/2.8L

On the other hand why not get some 3-5 kilo dumbbells and do a small amount of weight lifting in your arms to get them accustomed to holding the weight. It will help in your photography as well in the sense you will be able to hold camera up for longer and be more stable and steady with it.

[Titus213]

Originally Posted by amfoto1

Or because a gripped camera handles vertical shots much more nicely... and has battery power to shoot all day without a change.

Yeah, I'm old school for sure. Vertical shots with my bracket are not a big deal for me.

And have you checked the battery life you get with a 40D? Even my old 20D? You can throw two extra batteries in you pocket and have enough for more than a full day of shooting without the extra weight of the grip.

To each his own. I'm at the stage in life where extra weight hanging on me all day is noticeable. My wife has mentioned the grips I've developed on each side.

[JAcosta]

1D3 Body + AF
5DII Sensor

Thats it.

[alt4852]

Originally Posted by ThomGascoigne

The 1D and 1D's are professional cameras made for professional use.

The built in battery grip is required for pro shooting IMHO.

I would hate to buy a top end camera such as 1D's MK IV (can't wait!) only to find it doesn't have a grip built in.

The other issue is the "weather proofing" it would be rather more difficult to have a "weather proof" camera with a detachable grip would it not?

no.

http://www.usa.canon.com/consumer/co...8&modelid=7244

detachable grip, full weathersealing. a battery grip is not a requirement for pro shooting.

[ThomGascoigne]

I guess it depends what time of shooting the pro is doing. If out in the field and doing massive amounts of shooting I think a grip is %100 needed but in studio or small shoots where spare batteries are near by you could go with BG.

[NaKiD EyE]

personally... I have always been more concerned on what a camera can do vs. how much it weighs. But that's just me. If I run across the "perfect camera" and I feel it weighs too much, then I will buy it and start doing arms twice a week.

[ThomGascoigne]

Art & Exercise the perfect combination

[alt4852]

Originally Posted by ThomGascoigne

I guess it depends what time of shooting the pro is doing. If out in the field and doing massive amounts of shooting I think a grip is %100 needed but in studio or small shoots where spare batteries are near by you could go with BG.

i'm going to say again that i really don't think battery grips have anything to do with how professional-capable a camera is. i shoot with two 5D's and they serve me quite well for shooting venues and events professional. it's more or less a personal preference kinda thing in my opinion.

[Titus213]

Originally Posted by NaKiD EyE

personally... I have always been more concerned on what a camera can do vs. how much it weighs. But that's just me. If I run across the "perfect camera" and I feel it weighs too much, then I will buy it and start doing arms twice a week.

Hmmm, perfect cameras will NOT weigh too much. They will be, how do you say it....perfect.

[ThomGascoigne]

Originally Posted by alt4852

i'm going to say again that i really don't think battery grips have anything to do with how professional-capable a camera is. i shoot with two 5D's and they serve me quite well for shooting venues and events professional. it's more or less a personal preference kinda thing in my opinion.

Of-course it's a personal preference kind of thing, I would have thought most pro would prefer not having to change batteries too often just as a matter of keeping up the pace and speed.

It's funny after I got a BG for current 20D I never used it without it from that day on not just the battery issue but I love the extra shutter button and handle / steadiness from having the BG on.

[alt4852]

Originally Posted by ThomGascoigne

Of-course it's a personal preference kind of thing, I would have thought most pro would prefer not having to change batteries too often just as a matter of keeping up the pace and speed.

It's funny after I got a BG for current 20D I never used it without it from that day on not just the battery issue but I love the extra shutter button and handle / steadiness from having the BG on.

yea, i can see the merits of having one. i had a battery grip for a few months on one of my 5D's, but ended up selling it. it was very useful for portrait orientation shots, but the added bulk was annoying, and since i keep a camera on each shoulder, the way battery grips changed the weight distribution meant that lenses would stick out of my body rather than downwards off of me.

between my two cameras, i don't think i've ever drained a full battery before on an assignment, although i think that may have to do with the fact that i don't use image-stabilized lenses that often (i have noticed that my 70-200 seems to drain my camera's charge faster than the 24-70, 50, or 35.

[ThomGascoigne]

Oh thats interesting. I wouldn't have thought of the IS draining the battery quicker.

Have you ever used something like this:

http://www.procameragear.com/catalog...roducts_id/796

Sorry for getting off topic!