5D2 or 5D3 or 1Ds3

I've been saving here and there and finally have enough for a second body. I wanted FF so I figured on a nice 5D2 but came across a great deal on a 1Ds3. Only problem is the 1D is has a low ISO compared to the 5D2.

And now I read about the 5D3 *might* be announced Feb 7th. It probably blows the other two out of the water IQ, AF, ISO wise.

All the talk about what the new 5D3 might have is leaving me undecided on what to get. I could pick up a 5d2 up now, or the 1Ds3 for a song and deal with the ISO. Or wait and see if the newer version comes out.

ARRGGHHH

Thoughts?

I'd wait unless I needed it now, just to make a more informed decision.

Bear in mind the 5D3, if released soon, will cost a lot more than current 5D2's are, and the demand will be pretty high...

If you can afford the 5D3, I'd wait - if it's way beyond your budget, then get one of the others...

First off welcome to POTN!

i don't own either the 5D ii or 1Ds3 but both camera's are very capable. Now depending on what you shoot or what conditions you'll be placing your camera in, the 5D ii would be the better choice. The 1Ds3 beats the 5D ii when it comes to its body build, more AF points and slightly better iso performance. Asides that, the 5D ii is fantastic, does HD recording and is lighter if weight matters.

If you don't mind waiting for the 5Diii and saving more for it then go for it. If you don't mind the bells and whistles that will come with the 5Diii then the 5Dii will be a great choice. Just get feedback from those who own one and they can tell you how great of a camera it is!

IF the 5d3 is even announced in Feb, it still could take months before it ever hits shelves (look at the 1dx), and when it does it will have a nice premium $ added to it for a few months after that. Assume its announced Feb, releases in June, supply is low so price is upped even more, and then in the fall supplies start to stabilize. You could be looking at October before you get one (and will still pay a premium).
I would get what you want and is available NOW and set my realistic sights on a 5d3 (if it even turns out to be what you want when it is real) for when the dust settles.
Like people say, shoot now, worry about future cameras later

I would bet anything you won't hear an announcement on Feb 7. If you pay attention and follow rumors, you'll never buy anything. I waited and waited to buy the 24-70 because of all the rumors. I finally said forget it and bought one. That was almost a year ago and the rumors keep pouring in on a replacement lens.

Do keep in mind a new 5Dx/III (whatever they call it) will probably be at least 1000+ more than the 5D II .

Btw, I forgot to mention I keep holding off buying the 5D II because I want the new one. Go figure Lol

Buylongterm wrote in post #13770106
I would bet anything you won't hear an announcement on Feb 7. If you pay attention and follow rumors, you'll never buy anything. I waited and waited to buy the 24-70 because of all the rumors. I finally said forget it and bought one. That was almost a year ago and the rumors keep pouring in on a replacement lens.

Do keep in mind a new 5Dx/III (whatever they call it) will probably be at least 1000+ more than the 5D II .

Btw, I forgot to mention I keep holding off buying the 5D II because I want the new one. Go figure Lol

Hehe! I sold my 24-70 bcoz' I wasn't using it.

^To the OP, just buy what will work for your photography. I personally love the 1Ds III but, to each their own on the 5D MK II.

1Ds3... much better AF system, pro build quality, much more durable, better sealed, but as you noted, limited ISO (3200) and no video.

5DII... simple AF system is okay, just not the greatest for moving subjects. ISO up to 25600 (quite usable up to 6400 and beyond that up to the user if it's acceptible or they have a work flow to tone down the noise). Usually a lot better price than 1Ds3.

5DIII... might be announced Feb. 7. If it is and sees extensive upgrades to focus system, for example, it will cost considerably more. Probably over $3000 again... but that's just a guess. Rumors are that resolution won't increase much, but high ISO capabilities might. Leaked photo of suspected 5DIII here. Or that might be a 3D or even a 7D Mark II, too (it's more likely a full frame camera, though... no pop-up flash).

Even if 5DIII is announced, 5DII will probably continue to work and take great photos. AFAIK, Canon hasn't built self-destruct feature into their camera models yet. The new model... if it comes, probably won't be available for some months and will sell for close to full list price, maybe more, for at least 6 months... there's a lot of pent up demand and anticipation. And, if 5DIII happens, there will be some great deals on lightly used 5DIIs.... I might get a second one!

There will always be features that you would like to have in a camera which are not in any of current models & holding off until a new model is released will probably be, just a long wait, only to be disappointed by the features offered on the new model. Personally, I would compare the 5D2 & the 1Ds3 & see which camera/features suited me better. The 5D3/7D2 most likely won't live up to expectations anyway.

Well, you're talking about two camera you can buy - and one that is a rumor. Last time I looked, those fancy rumor camera just don't take good photos. If you can get the 1DS3 for a song, start singing.

If you can wait I'd wait. with a new 1D camera coming out soon and the long rumor of the 5d3 most likely happening {spec} wise this year. I'd bet that there will be some pretty good deals on used 5d2's or even some 1ds3's as people upgrade.

I talked to the wife about it and it surprised me to hear her say, "just get the camera already and stop reading about it!".

So now to decide on the 5D or the 1Ds. Im going to check out the 1Ds end of this week. Going to press all the buttons and kick the tires. Then a quick trip to BH to fondle the 5d on display. Then I'll have to make make a decision.

Thanks for everyones input. I'll repost an update once I figure it out!

-C

So what is a good deal on 1dsmk3. I mean how much. It can't be like 5dmk2 prices IMHO.

As a couple other responders have said, I would go for the pro build, environmental sealing and focus of the 1DsIII if you truly get it for a good price. It will probably out last your interest in it and you can still sell it to another person tired of waiting for a rumor.

Dave

bobbyz wrote in post #13773445
So what is a good deal on 1dsmk3. I mean how much. It can't be like 5dmk2 prices IMHO.

It certainly isn't price wise. Used 1Ds 3 bodies range from $4k and up. I personally don't care for video. AF is on top of the list for me.

If AF is top of the list, particularly for fast moving subjects, the 5DII is not going to be the best choice for you. The 5DIII doesn't exist yet, so neither is that.

The main reason I won't get a 1 series body is, quite simply, bulk. Too big. Too heavy. I'd rather carry 2 ungripped bodies than a single 1 series, as most of my exciting photography is done while traveling.