1Dmkiii or 5Dmkii?

I have a dilemna. I will be getting ~1500 for my tax return this year. I was really hoping to get a FF camera, but the 1Dmkiii is looking better and better as of late. Which would you guys choose?

For some background, I do some paid events (on the cheap, still a student), but my real passion is documentary style work. I shoot mostly film but have a gripped T2i for a digital body. I know my way around this thing like the back of my hand, and let's just say it's all I really need. HOWEVER, I would like increased performance, and we all know that when you're being paid for a gig, appearances matter. Though I deliver the images with a consumer body, I don't want that marring my rep before I can get them to sign a contract. Before the flaming begins about using a t2i for paid work: I try to borrow a better body before a shoot, and always have a back-up, film being a tertiary back-up to a second digital body. As far as I'm concerned, I'm using the T2i to it's full potential and can handily work around its limiting factors.

So here is my break-down of pros/cons so far, cost not being one of them as they are very comparable in price in the used market:

5Dii pros:
FF - I really like having the 'real' 28mm FOV with my 28mm 1.8 on my EOS film camera. It's fantastic. I don't really need more detail or shallower DOF than a T2i delivers, however.
ISO performance - As far as I understand, the 5Dii has an edge here. Is this correct?
Megapixels - More usable pixels for larger prints

5Dii cons:
AF the same (or worse) than my T2i once you consider the spread


1Diii pros:
AF - I am really amped about having a pro autofocus system. With the T2i I just use center point.
Pro body - I like the feel of a nicely balanced camera. Weight is no issue for me.
Appearances - put clients at ease about the quality of my work

1Diii cons:
Lower res screen - Not a huge concern
Less usable MP - 10mp should be okay for me. It's acceptable, but on the low end
Older - More use, obviously
Crop factor - I wanted FF for my lens line-up.

My lenses: Sigma 10-20, Canon 28mm 1.8, Sigma 50mm 1.4 (coming very soon), Canon 70-200 f4 IS. Is this a good kit for APS-H/APS-C combo? I plan on keeping my T2i as a backup.

I would get the 1d, but them again I have a 1d so my opinion is skewed. And, what's wrong with using a T2i for paid work?

First off, it will be said many times so i will go ahead and say it. You won't get hired to do a job by the camera you are using, most client probably can't tell the difference between a Gripped t2i, gripped 5D MK II or a 1 series body.

Second, do you need the crazy fast AF on the 1 series?

Third, do your paid gigs have you printing a lot? If so than the 5D has twice as many mega pixels

Usually the wives choose me for my portfolio. The husbands always ask what I use. When I say 'T2i,' it's hard for them to hide the look of disapproval in their eyes

Brendo666 wrote in post #13781321
First off, it will be said many times so i will go ahead and say it. You won't get hired to do a job by the camera you are using, most client probably can't tell the difference between a Gripped t2i, gripped 5D MK II or a 1 series body.

Second, do you need the crazy fast AF on the 1 series?

Third, do your paid gigs have you printing a lot? If so than the 5D has twice as many mega pixels

Not a ton of printing, usually. Generally, my clients just want a digital package. I give them full res, and lower res versions for web use.

h4ppydaze wrote in post #13781322
Usually the wives choose me for my portfolio. The husbands always ask what I use. When I say 'T2i,' it's hard for them to hide the look of disapproval in their eyes

But then that is when you show them your portfolio and have them guess what you are using. I understand what you mean about using a rebel for paid gigs but i am proud to be pulling off what i do with my Rebel XS

Brendo666 wrote in post #13781321
Second, do you need the crazy fast AF on the 1 series?

To be clear... not really. But it would up my keeper rate and the idea is that it would open up a whole new world of photography for me - fast action. It's just nice to have the option. And the outer points on the T2i aren't that great. I don't mind center point though, as fiddling with the focus points depending on my compositional whims can be annoying.

...........going through the same dilemma as you right now, when you get it figured out let me know! )

work with what you have, build skill, make money, upgrade, repeat. Nothing wrong with getting a new toy for your hard work, makes the job easier too.

I've been mulling it over and 1Dmkiii seems to come out on top. I have the wide covered on T2i with Sigma 10-20... I suppose another crop camera couldn't hurt.

First, I too don't think that the gear should make the photographer.

But here is a crazy idea, why not get a 5D classic and a 1D MKII N? or a 5Dc and 7D if you want a high MP option? You could pick up both bodies used for less than a 5DII, sell your t2i and 10-20 to fund a 16-35 2.8 II, and I think that would be a pretty good kit.

Just another idea.

1D3 I never liked as a camera and I seldom use it - better for tracking for sports compared to 5D2 (not that that is hard to do), but that's about it

smorter wrote in post #13782939
1D3 I never liked as a camera and I seldom use it - better for tracking for sports compared to 5D2 (not that that is hard to do), but that's about it

Could you let me know what you didn't like about it?

Billginthekeys wrote in post #13782649
First, I too don't think that the gear should make the photographer.

But here is a crazy idea, why not get a 5D classic and a 1D MKII N? or a 5Dc and 7D if you want a high MP option? You could pick up both bodies used for less than a 5DII, sell your t2i and 10-20 to fund a 16-35 2.8 II, and I think that would be a pretty good kit.

Just another idea.

I love my t2i and I have a tough time upgrading to a camera that has the same technical image quality if I want to megapixels.

Though I agree that would be a pretty good kit.... more food for thought I suppose. The T2i is gripped with a Canon brand grip, but I don't know how much that will bring in for a return

I ultimately chose the 1D III over the 5D II and 7D. I like the way it handles, ISO 800 is pretty negligible difference between the 5D II and 1D III, though the 5D II IS cleaner...

ISO and MP aside, I feel the 1D III is the superior camera. After getting used to the speed, operation, all-button (none of that stupid mode dial BS) operation and everything, you won't want to use anything else. I'll probably never buy another camera that isn't a 1 series, or similar.

Also, it's true - most doofs won't know a gripped rebel from a 1D, nor will they care. They MIGHT notice a giant, white lens, but even then... people aren't that observant/smart.