i want a 7D instead of the 1D3

or do i?

i'm thinking of swapping my 1D3 for a 7D(plus some cash) and since this is my birding camera, what do you guys think about it? i'm thinking the smaller sensor and extra pixels would be a benefit, however would there be an increase in image IQ? my main lens for bird shooting is a 400mm f/5.6 ,and a 70-200 f/2.8, both Canon.

No increase in IQ. You will gain the ability to crop more and a little more detail. However, the IQ on the 1D3 is a little better overall. Also remember the 7D will punish you more if you miss exposure. There isn't as much room to tweak the photo compared to the 1D3.

You aren't crazy. It's all about your specific needs. 7D is awesome but as jase1125 said, there is less margin for error on exposure.

I've also heard the 1D3 is more forgiving and allows you to "push" more in post processing.

You crazy. 1D series FOR LYFE.

I swopped my 7D for a friend's 1D, he does airshows and I do BIF, he's happier than ever and so am I, so unfortunately it seems there is no clear cut answer to your question.
It might seem like a contradiction but the 7D really shone when I could fill the frame but for more distant subjects (i.e. more cropping the 1D is the winner).

One would think a 10mp 1d3 would seem to have better IQ (although how does one quantify that?). But bad technique is bad technique. The 7D just exposes that more evidently.
It's what many Nikon D800 users are experiencing when the upgraded from their 12mp D700.

However in exchange you will get higher level of detail. The 1d3 was a great camera. But the advances in the 7D does a lot of things as good and more. I used to have a 1d2n and have since upgraded to the 7d. Don't miss the 1d2n at all.

I think Fee (cfcrebel?) went from a 7d to a 1d3 and is much happier.
perhaps talk to him.

I use the 400L 5.6 with the 1.4xII regulary with great success on the 1DIII, and you will lose that ability.

1DIII - 560 x 1.3 = 728

7D - 400 x 1.6 = 640

I had 1D MK3 for 2 years, thought it was great, thought id try a 7d last week, the files that come out of the mk3 are so much better than a 7d, the 7d does show a lot of noise.

Think i will be going to another mk3 or maybe a mk4 next.

Cant see me sticking with the 7d.

I would gladly swap out my 7D for a Mk3. Feel free to drop a PM if you decide to make the jump.

seems like i should keep the 1D3? lol. thanks for all the responses. it would be nice to try out a 7D for a couple weeks, but that won't happen. good thing you guys are here though, next best thing.

jase1125 wrote in post #14565826
No increase in IQ. You will gain the ability to crop more and a little more detail. However, the IQ on the 1D3 is a little better overall. Also remember the 7D will punish you more if you miss exposure. There isn't as much room to tweak the photo compared to the 1D3.

any proof that 7d is not good if u dont expose properly?

seriously all u need to do is shoot raw and fix exposure on PP

jonneymendoza wrote in post #14567481
any proof that 7d is not good if u dont expose properly?

seriously all u need to do is shoot raw and fix exposure on PP

Owning three bodies and using them extensively since the 7D was released is all the proof I need.

Also I never said that when exposure is missed then it isn't good. Go back and read the comment again. I said compared to the 1D3 the files can't be processed as much and missing the correct exposure is more problematic compared to the 1d3.

its all in what you want..i did this swap 3 times before I made up my mind and finally just kept the 7D..i really wanted the video ability and i just dont use my camera enough to keep the 1D. i was also trying to slim things down a bit. Even though i think the 1D is much more comfortable of a camera to use then the 7D. I really wish I could afford a 1DIV can get everything I want.