I need some rational advice

So I just found out I will be reimbursed for my 1d mkiv and a lens by insurance and I need to pick up another body. I could easily just pick up a new or used mkiv, but it seems like it would be better to consider the 5d or 1dx since I want full frame again. I had the 5d mkii and loved it, the only reason I went to the mkiv was for af and I got a great deal on it. I am not a pro, but will soon start getting into probably more portraiture for sale type of work as a second income so it won't be full time. No weddings or sports type shooting. I do really enjoy wild life photography so I am thinking of longer lenses too.

So after that background, what would you do in my situation?

I could just buy the 1dx when it comes out which would take a big chunk of my allotted budget (roughly 10k).

Buy the 5d mkiii, get a grip if I really miss the 1d feel and pick up a used, but like new 400. 2.8 is. This will give me a hand hold able 100-400 and a longer 400 when I need to use exteEnders.

Or lastly re-buy the mkiv and get the 400.

I think I only use the 10 fps one time at an airshow so I think the 6 will be just fine. The only other big difference I can think of is the metering. The metering in the 1d allows spot af for each point instead of just center point. I guess the easy work around is just focus and recompose if needed. My mkiv only had 11k on the shutter so I am not worried about longevity and heck I could just buy a new shutter for a couple hundred if needed.

Sorry for the long winded post, but since it is a large purchase I want to make sure I am thinking it through.

I would wait for the 1Dx and maybe get a Canon 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II.

Take Care,
Cheers, Patrick

Saint728 wrote in post #14151886
I would wait for the 1Dx and maybe get a Canon 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II.

Take Care,
Cheers, Patrick

Interesting thought, but I don't really use my 100-400 in that range so I don't think I would use that lens too much. I appreciate the feedback.

For the price and what your doing, the 5d in any of it's forms seems like a fine choice if your mainly doing portraiture. It seems like the 1d was a bit overkill for what you do so I think the 1dx would be the same. JMO tho. Good luck.

I've never owned a 1D series and I don't like the bulk and weight, so I don't think I ever will, but I've heard many people who have them say there is still a huge difference in feel and quality.

So given that, while the 5DIII seems like a great option, you might really miss that 1D 'something'.

Maybe try to PM some people who have just got the 5DIII, but also have a 1D and see what their impression is?

I own the 1DM4 and did own the 400mm f/2.8L IS which I sold to upgrade to the new 400. I just got the new 5DM3 last week and have shot two lacrosse games and a concert last night. I would recommend getting the 5DM3 and the 400. In my opinion the 5dM3 has better auto focus and image quality in the lower light events I shot than the 1DM4. You can view photos I took at www.jprimages.com the 3 most current albums were taken with 5DM3. When viewing a photo click on info tab for camera settings. You will love the 400mm f/2.8 it is an awesome lens.

That is good to know. Sometimes I think I get a little crazy wanting things I probably don't need and while he 1dx would be awesome I think the 5d would be just as good for me.

get a mk 3 . and glass .

I can't tell you what is right for you but, I will say that after owning an xt, xti, 5D, 7D and now a 1DIV I just could not go with any body other than the 1 series. To many reasons to list.

Just curious, do you notice a big difference between full frame and crop?

You came here for rational advice? That's just crazy.

Well, maybe not.

First, I'm willing to be wrong, but I don't think the AF on any sub 1 series body is as good as the 1 series.

Second, if you want the 1DX, then you already know that it will give you both AF superiority and FF which, if you could get it, is perfect.

Finally, about the glass. It sounds like you lost a 400 2.8 and need a new one, so, you're almost stuck getting that irreplaceable lens first, then buying as much body as you can afford with what's left.

That may be why you're trying to talk yourself down from the 1DX?

Now for the irrational part. Kick in the extra money and get the 1DX and a very good used 400.

Or, grab the 400 then rent one of the 5D bodies and see how it really works for you. I'd check it in low light, and with rapidly moving subjects. Center point only. See how it really performs. Might be good enough.

^^^^^
Thanks for the advice. I pre ordered both the 5d and 1dx and let fate decide. Since my 5d didn't ship yet I cancelled the order. The more I thought about it the 400 didn't make sense since it is 11lbs. I regret selling the 300 so I found another one used. It was a little more but newer so I guess that is a trade off. With the money I have left over I think I will just pick up the 1dx. That is it, no more changing of the minds. I just wonder how the iq will differ from the mkiii to the 1dx? I doubt the 4 mp will make that much of a difference or at least I hope not.

S.Horton wrote in post #14165621
First, I'm willing to be wrong, but I don't think the AF on any sub 1 series body is as good as the 1 series.

Did you read post #6 of this thread?

^^ good catch and thank you for pointing this out.

JPR Images wrote in post #14154711
I own the 1DM4 and did own the 400mm f/2.8L IS which I sold to upgrade to the new 400. I just got the new 5DM3 last week and have shot two lacrosse games and a concert last night. I would recommend getting the 5DM3 and the 400. In my opinion the 5dM3 has better auto focus and image quality in the lower light events I shot than the 1DM4. You can view photos I took at www.jprimages.com the 3 most current albums were taken with 5DM3. When viewing a photo click on info tab for camera settings. You will love the 400mm f/2.8 it is an awesome lens.

Wow. No. I missed this. And this is very important to me as well. And, I have noticed JPRs work. So, i take this opinion seriously. I do have to decide later this year how to shuffle up off older bodies. I will be selling the 30D and MKIIN and adding one FF. I wonder how it stacks up vs 1DX. I wish I had so much money it didn't matter!

I think that Canon has finally woken up to what Nikon figured out years ago.

Making a Pro-Consumer grade camera with top end focus systems makes you more money than what you loose from selling it in a Pro only camera.

Yes the 1Dx will be a better camera than the 5d3. it has a higher frame rate, and much better 'environment weather sealing' that you will never see on the 5d3. But if that is not what you need then the savings can be put into a better collection of lenses.

I don't own a 1D model, but I have the 5D3, and it does meet and exceed my ability right now. I don't see myself going to the amazon jungle or any other extreme locations. If I do then I'd consider moving to the 1Dx. Otherwise I am paying for functionality that I will never realize.