1D3, 7D or stay with 60D?

I am a center-point shooter who for the most part is happy with my 60D/6D setup. I am not totally thrilled with the 6D/60D center point and AI-Servo when it comes to action stuff. I am using decent glass: had Σ70-200 OS, now EF f/4 IS, and the 100 f2. I still get quite a few OOF shots. I've been using cameras for almost 50 years, so I am inclined to believe my technique is acceptable. But, I'll allow that it could be me. That said, I am considering a used 7D or a used 1D3. The prices are close enough so as not to be the deciding factor.

The way I see it the advantages of the 1D3 are 1.3x crop factor and 10 fps. The 7D wins on size and it uses batteries I already have, but also 1.6x and only 8fps. The 1.6 vs 1.3 is not huge, as I've got a 100-400 that will equalize the difference. I am not comparing low-light ISO 3200-6400. I have a 6D for that. Basically, I'm looking at getting useable 8x10 results from my grandkids' outdoor activities.

Should I consider a 1D3 or 7D, or just stay with what I've got, and practice my action shooting? Can I get more out of the 7D/1D3 AF systems? The $700 or so for the camera is not a big deal. Or perhaps I am overlooking something?

1D3, 7D or 60D?

1D3. No contest.

rdalrt wrote in post #17429379
1D3, 7D or 60D?

1D3. No contest.

Yeah, I get that. What I'm wondering is if the return on investment is there. Better enough for an amateur to spend $700 to play with? The money isn't the big thing. I just want some re-assurance that, if I do my part, I'll get significantly better action shots out of the 1D3. (Leaning 1D3, can you tell?)

I believe it would be. After all, action is what the camera was designed to do. The AF system is well ahead of any xxD camera for action.

And if you look around, you can find deals. I got an excellent condition 1D3 at xmas for under $500 shipped to my door.

Here is my take, I just made the jump from the 7d to the 1d3, only had the setup a few days. So still getting used to the little differences. But, I don't regret the move now, nor do I foresee regretting it later.

https://photography-on-the.net …/showthread.php​?t=1418570

I got this on the last day of deer season from my stand handheld with a 70-200 as the sun was setting. Very little post processing done.

HOSTED PHOTO
please log in to view hosted photos in full size.

1D3 by far I have a 1D3 and 1D4, i won't sell the qD3 for 500 or even 700 because you can't get a replacement camera for that. I'll warn you once you go 1D you won't go back.

I've owned the 1DMkIII, used the 7D extensively, and currently have the 70D. The 1D hands down for AF performance.

I went to the 70D for the bells and whistles but will one day have the 1D4.

https://photography-on-the.net …hp?t=1418387&go​to=newpost

Frodge wrote in post #17429589
https://photography-on-the.net …hp?t=1418387&go​to=newpost

Frodge,

Exactly. And that is part of my dilemma. I don't do very much action shooting. If I get a 7D/1D3, that type of shooting will amount to less than 5% of what I do, which is kind of why I am so on the fence. I get a few decent action photos with my 60D and 70-200. But, being the anal shooter I am, I know better can be had. I KNOW I could do better with 1Dx and 300 2.8 (400?), I just don't have that kind of money. Which gets at the real heart of my question:

Will the AF system of the 7D/1D3 get me 'better enough' photos to warrant spending $700? The money is not insignificant, but it isn't going to make me live in a box in the park, either. Lets put it this way: I have gotten NOTHING (action photos) with the 60D/70-200 that I thought was worth framing. Do I need a new camera, or better skills?

EDIT:
I am certainly keeping my 6D and 60D. I just thought that maybe I could get some better action shots with a camera designed for such things. I am also half tempted to break out my film camera and try that, just because it makes me think more about what I am doing than does digital. If, by being meticulous with a film body, I can get some nice shots, I'll know the problem is me, not the hardware I am deploying. I shot football (soccer) in the '70s with an all manual film camera, and seem to remember doing OK. But that was before pixel-peeping and senility.

I suggest you read this thread:
https://photography-on-the.net …hread.php?t=935​766&page=1

It's over 800 pages long. But pay attention to the photos, the action shots by the user Immaculens. I don't think you need any new camera. I actually just ran across this thread myself a couple days ago and have gone through about 100 pages already. I really think Immaculens debunks a lot of naysayers, and proves that the 60d can take some pretty awesome action shots. He has pictures there to prove it.

Frodge wrote in post #17429850
I suggest you read this thread:
https://photography-on-the.net …hread.php?t=935​766&page=1

It's over 800 pages long. But pay attention to the photos, the action shots by the user Immaculens. I don't think you need any new camera. I actually just ran across this thread myself a couple days ago and have gone through about 100 pages already. I really think Immaculens debunks a lot of naysayers, and proves that the 60d can take some pretty awesome action shots. He has pictures there to prove it.

I randomly went to about 30 posts by immaculens. All text, not a photo in any of them. I don't know exactly how to search for posts by a specific member with a photo.

I randomly looked through about 40 pages and saw two action shots, total. One hockey, and one baseball. Both were better than what I am getting. Maybe I need a longer lens? Would certainly like to see more, but again, I don't know how to search like that.

I had a 7D, and picked up a 1D3 (about two years back). Like you, I had a FF (5D3) to handle the uses either of the 7D and 1D3 didn't cover "as well".

I kept all three for three months. I then sold the 7D. In my hands, it was no contest between the 1D3 and 7D ...

I only recently sold the 1D3, and only because I was able to replace it with a 1D4.

The only weakness of the 1D3 in my opinion was the LCD screen ... other than that, it equaled or exceeded the 7D.

I would heed this quote from a responder above:

" ... once you go 1D you won't go back."

So true, so true ... a 1D X is calling me now ...

Maxdave

http://www.immaculens.​com/galleries.html

What kind of shutter speeds are you using?
I also suggest going to http://www.flickr.com and do a search for 60d action photos and even 60d photos in general. I'm not saying there aren't better sports cameras out there, but I've seen some excellent action photos taken with the 60d. I myself have taken nice action shots with the 60d/ tamron 70-300vc combo. When I get a chance, I can upload some photos. I'm away at the time being.