Can 11-14 years old Canon DSLR (1ds mark ii, 1d mark ii) still work well?

I think the biggest difference that time makes (comparing old camera in good condition to new camera) is the sensor.

Yes, AF systems get (lots) better over time, and that may or may not be a factor depending on the type of images you're trying to capture. But sensors from >10 years ago had a lot more noise than today's sensors. If you're shooting in good light (and can therefore use lower ISO speeds), then you'll probably be happy. Going over 400 back then was questionable. Using 1600 in today's cameras is really no big deal. Even with higher ISO speeds where noise starts to creep in, the noise is "less obnoxious" than in older systems. In many of today's cameras you can shoot with higher ISO speeds.

Good light? Good pictures.

bildeb0rg wrote in post #18222292
They will be fine in great light. I would imagine battery life/replacement may be an issue along with limited iso though.

The key to batteries with the old NiMH beasts is to KEEP the end cap from your old dead Canon batteries.

When you buy a replacement, get a reputable off brand like Lenmar etc,. replace the end cap with the OEM Canon for best fit and weather sealing. This trick kept my 1D2 going for all these years.

I'm saving for a 5DIV presently but the one camera over the years that I don't think I'll ever get rid of is the 1Ds2. Something about the quality of the images that came out of that sensor, amazing.

Treat it just the same as if you were comparison shopping for any other camera.

Do they offer the features you need and perform well under the conditions you require, at a price that justifies the tradeoffs?

Until a couple years ago my main camera was a 1Ds Mark II, and I absolutely loved it. But as dasmith232 suggests, the most important limitation of an older camera usually relates to the sensor itself…

I favor shooting with natural light, and sometimes that means cranking up the ISO. So that was the motivation I needed to move to a 6D. If you're mostly an outdoors photographer, or have a lot of fast glass, or are skilled with flash photography, that may not even matter to you. Had I not wanted higher ISO, I would likely still be using that 1Ds2 today.

Can an old DSLR body work well? Absolutely. Is it the right choice? Totally variable depending on your individual needs and budget.

My 1Ds Mark II still works well, and it's 10 years old. So does my 1D Mark III -- these things are built to last. Of course the feature set is less modern, but still excellent cameras. Ditto what others said about batteries.

CyberDyneSystems wrote in post #18222190
$150.00... pfff!

I paid $4.5K for mine! (back in 2004 )

Just think if you would of invested 4,500 what it would be worth today

Talley wrote in post #18224850
Just think if you would of invested 4,500 what it would be worth today

I just found that if you invested $4475 in May 2004, it would be worth $131,392 today -- if you bought Netflix stock.
But if you simply invested $4500 in NASDAQ stocks, it would be worth $38958 in 2016.

Yeah, camera equipment is never an 'investment', it is a capital expense.

Still using an old time 300D

filmuser wrote in post #18224876
Still using an old time 300D

And in the right hands can still take some very impressive pictures. I still have mine after all these years as well. Don't use it at the moment though, as I lost my battery! I mean, how do you lose a battery!?!

I currently use a 1ds3 and 1d4, previously owned a 1ds2 and 1d3. I have also owned in the pass a 1d2n.

I have not had any desire to go to a 1dx or any of the brilliant later 5d bodies. I have never purchased new but have purchased nearly new (used) so my depreciation has been kept low. Over the years I have put more emphasis on quality glass where the depreciation is not as much.

I do not feel limited with the 6-7 year old camera bodies I have, I get great results, they work perfectly and I understand them and know what I can do with them. They more than suit my needs. That goes also for the the previous bodies I had.

I have tried the 7d2 and have borrowed my friends 1dx. There are just so many menu's and settings to be totally honest I do not understand and cannot see the need for the majority of the functions. Most of which I would never use.

I suppose I've not moved with the times and kept up with the Latest camera technology, but I like straight forwardness and simplicity. Both my camera bodies are set on the same settings which I very rarely change.

SO the answer is yes....a 1dsii, 1dii will still work well and in my opinion is excellent value for money.

PCousins wrote in post #18238381
I currently use a 1ds3 and 1d4, previously owned a 1ds2 and 1d3. I have also owned in the pass a 1d2n.

I have not had any desire to go to a 1dx or any of the brilliant later 5d bodies. I have never purchased new but have purchased nearly new (used) so my depreciation has been kept low. Over the years I have put more emphasis on quality glass where the depreciation is not as much.

I do not feel limited with the 6-7 year old camera bodies I have, I get great results, they work perfectly and I understand them and know what I can do with them. They more than suit my needs. That goes also for the the previous bodies I had.

I have tried the 7d2 and have borrowed my friends 1dx. There are just so many menu's and settings to be totally honest I do not understand and cannot see the need for the majority of the functions. Most of which I would never use.

I suppose I've not moved with the times and kept up with the Latest camera technology, but I like straight forwardness and simplicity. Both my camera bodies are set on the same settings which I very rarely change.

SO the answer is yes....a 1dsii, 1dii will still work well and in my opinion is excellent value for money.

Very well put.

I would love to get my hands on a 5D classic if its had he mirror fix done. 5D classic files are magic files. Great for studio use but really dont want to go over 16x20 images with one. Magic camera sensor in my opinion

umphotography wrote in post #18239817
I would love to get my hands on a 5D classic if its had he mirror fix done. 5D classic files are magic files. Great for studio use but really dont want to go over 16x20 images with one. Magic camera sensor in my opinion

Very interesting. I have never had the privilege of shooting with a 5D. Since you have experience with the 1Ds MkII, how do you think they compare?

umphotography wrote in post #18239817
I would love to get my hands on a 5D classic if its had he mirror fix done. 5D classic files are magic files. Great for studio use but really dont want to go over 16x20 images with one. Magic camera sensor in my opinion

All it takes is like $350, and an eBay account

They certainly show up on this forum often enough as well.