Going from a 5D2 to a 1D3...

So today I went out to shoot some football games with my 5D2, and was really disappointed with the 5D2's ability to track subjects. A lot of my images would be really OOF. I know the 5D2's AF is nothing amazing, but I did walk away with some great keepers when I wasn't relying on the AI Servo and measly 4 FPS burst. I missed some great opportunities because the action would happen in between each frame. I guess naturally at this point I would be a bit annoyed with the speed aspect of the 5D2.

Anyway thats a bit of a back story. I basically shoot automotive subjects, 99% of the time, usually stationary for a shoot, however I am looking to branch out into other areas. I have been contemplating doing a direct swap with a 1D3 for my 5D2. I wrote down a list of Pros/Cons for each, and the Pros of the 1D3 severely out number the 5D2 and the 5D2's Cons out number the 1D3.

Yes I would be losing 11MP of resolution, however, I rarely print images, only when clients want them. I have enjoyed having the ability to use 21MP for both IQ and cropping and printing large

I just wanted to see what everyone else would do in my situation. My idea is to swap out now, before 5D2 prices go even lower, and go for a 1D3 now, then buy back a FF body in the near future. I have used the 1D3 in my local camera shop and it's a beast of a camera. Just feel so proper to use, that maybe just maybe, I can let go of the FF for a while

...5D3 ?

Christina.DazzleByDesi​gn wrote in post #15059433
...5D3 ?

No budget for that at the moment.

Oh ok You didn't mention a budget

work overtime or something, but get a 5DIII, amazing device it is.

Looking at your car photos it seems you like hitting the files with custom presets or actions. You can massage the 1dmk3 files to replicate your current work (cool by the way...)

Your better off buying a 5dmk3 when the price drops. Going with a 1dmk3 will give you totally different raw files (5dmk2 more flexible than 1d3).

I warn you I'm a total hater of the 1dmk3. the 10mp crippled my work aswell as I would have to work much harder to keep up with the better foundation of 5dmk2 Raw files. The Iso performance was pathetic as I am able to get ridiculously clean files at ISO 1250 with my 5dmk2 while the 1dmk3 your file would fall apart and even worst past 1600.

I gladly dumped my 1dmk3 to get another 5dmk2 years back. 5dmk3 is my logical choice now.

Your going to take a dramatic hit on IQ if you drop your 5dmk2 and go 1dmk3. On the internet websize photos you can get away with 1dmk3 no problem.

For automotive application the clean sharp lines of the vehicles you'd be able to get away with a 7D. Both cameras are noisy compared to a 5dmk2 and the 5dmk3 spanks its older brother in high ISO.

I would look into technique before blaming the equipment, imo. I don't mean to question your skills as a photographer but try getting some advice from guys who are having success with the 5D in action shooting.

I wouldn't sell off your 5D2 for the 1D3. If anything I would save to add the 1D3 to your kit. You'd regret being stuck with just the 1D3 if you don't end up getting another FF.

Or, sell your 5D2 and get a 1Ds3. Best of both worlds.

Hmm. Definitely have made me reconsider the immediate swap. And no, my images are not run through presets or actions

BlankThis wrote in post #15059471
I would look into technique before blaming the equipment, imo. I don't mean to question your skills as a photographer but try getting some advice from guys who are having success with the 5D in action shooting.

I wouldn't sell off your 5D2 for the 1D3. If anything I would save to add the 1D3 to your kit. You'd regret being stuck with just the 1D3 if you don't end up getting another FF.

Or, sell your 5D2 and get a 1Ds3. Best of both worlds.

You are certainly right, but is the AF systems tracking ability the fault of the photographer? I dont claim to be the best sports photographer, but I do have keepers. I do have a lot of shots that are clearly OOF because the camera cannot keep up with the subject. Doing single shot the focus is much better as I can control when the camera updates focus on the subject, but even then the camera feels very slow compared to how I want to shoot.

A lot of focus issues can come done to the lens. My 70-300L focus tracks perfectly where the 70-200L would not lock sometimes.

Granted different cameras work better than others, but a new camera may not be the magic bullet you are looking for.

AlanU wrote in post #15059462
Looking at your car photos it seems you like hitting the files with custom presets or actions. You can massage the 1dmk3 files to replicate your current work (cool by the way...)

Your better off buying a 5dmk3 when the price drops. Going with a 1dmk3 will give you totally different raw files (5dmk2 more flexible than 1d3).

I warn you I'm a total hater of the 1dmk3. the 10mp crippled my work aswell as I would have to work much harder to keep up with the better foundation of 5dmk2 Raw files. The Iso performance was pathetic as I am able to get ridiculously clean files at ISO 1250 with my 5dmk2 while the 1dmk3 your file would fall apart and even worst past 1600.

I gladly dumped my 1dmk3 to get another 5dmk2 years back. 5dmk3 is my logical choice now.

Your going to take a dramatic hit on IQ if you drop your 5dmk2 and go 1dmk3. On the internet websize photos you can get away with 1dmk3 no problem.

For automotive application the clean sharp lines of the vehicles you'd be able to get away with a 7D. Both cameras are noisy compared to a 5dmk2 and the 5dmk3 spanks its older brother in high ISO.

Really? Seriously?

Gee, I wonder why so many sports shooters are carrying 1D3 or 1D4 bodies as well as 7D's? I don't see too many of them using the 5D2.

Horses for courses. I don't care how good the IQ or ISO performance is, if the camera can't track the subject and hold focus all you get is an OOF image with great IQ. Sorta pointless, no?

Yes, your hatred, illogical as it may be, of the 1D3 is pretty obvious, and rather unfounded. In its right it's an incredible camera, espcially for sports/action photography. If the OP has an opportunity to pick one up for a good price I would heartily recommend it for what he's trying to do.

And yes, I'm a 1D series owner. My bodies are a 1D4, 1D3, and a 7D. I shoot mainly motorsports and some portraiture, and any of the three bodies I own are great performers for whatever I choose to do.

Typically for sports long tele lenses are used with centerpoint focus. The 5d2 is not the body of choice. The 1d3 will work fine for motorsports but if you dont have the right lens 10mp not a great tool. At least the 1d4 has more mp to play with.

I used the 1d3 for the quarter mile drags and it worked. Xrite passport and tweaking helped to improve the raw files. I didnt get wowed by the files but it was ok for a 10 mp camera. I didnt regret selling that body. I didnt use my 1d for portrait work anyways. Human skin texture is alot harder to fix compared to clean lines in motorsports vehicles.

I was just thinking of picking up a 1D3 just for my kids sporting events.. I figured it would compliment my 5D2 just perfect..

ItsMike wrote in post #15064267
I was just thinking of picking up a 1D3 just for my kids sporting events.. I figured it would compliment my 5D2 just perfect..

For the inexpensive price for a secondary body its a good deal. Sporting events typically you'll see center focus being used. Later cropping can enhance the composition. This is where lens selection is crucial. If the lens is too short and you want to crop you may find 10mp lack the capabilities of getting files that you can blow up in large print.

If your kids sporting event is in the evening or in dim gymnasiums you may find you'll struggle with getting fast shutter speeds while you ramp up the Iso. The files are nothing to brag about at high iso's. Do not base your decision based on websized photos. Reduction in resolution helps cleanup the noise from a high ISO file from a 1dmk3. Even if this body is used for the documentation of your kids sporting event IMO its just as crucial in getting the killer IQ as if its a paid gig. For casual usage I've had no problem even documenting niece's soccer games with a 70-200 or 100-400 with even my 5dc in center point. I loose some fps but the dof at that distance is large so decent keepers for a sluggish AF from a 5dc/5dmk2.

If good light is available even a 7D will be "as good" as a 1dmk3 but at least you have a tad more leeway in cropping capabilities. Also you can share you LP-E6 battery. Even though I'm not a fan of a 7d or 1dmk3 I would gladly grab a 7d simply due to cropping capabilities. Both cameras are noisy at high ISO.

As far as IQ is concerned in slower moving subjects my Micro 4/3 Olympus OM-D is cleaner than my 5d classic. At high ISO without a doubt the little camera has incredible IQ and far superior to a 7D or 1dmk3 for slow static shots. My point is technology is getting scary amazing in the digital world.
Cant emphasize enough that the IQ wise is good on the 1dmk3 but I was disappointed but if I had to do portrait work I'd use my Olympus m43.

Taking photos of architecture and automobiles is not exactly identical in taking photos of skin texture and hair texture. For cars my 1dmk3 did a decent job.

I got my 1D3 in July, and love it to death. I was concerned about the MP too, but it has been great with 8x10 paper and 24" canvas prints.

The RAW files are easier to work with than those from my 550D, and the IQ is just always better on the 1D3. High ISO noise is MUCH easier to work with than my 550D.

I can't compare to a 5DII for IQ or use, but on paper, every single other thing about the 1D3 is going to be better for sports. Battery life (3000 shots for me in 5 hours of shooting, came back at 50% charge). FPS is like a machine gun. AF is amazing (maybe 200 OOF shots in that 3000 above, shooting swimming and soccer). More durable body. Better weatherproofing. Built in "grip" (field sports in portrait mode). More C.Fn settings. Save C.Fn to card. Even great documentation for sports settings. There are probably a bunch of points I'm missing.

Here's the thread that helped me choose between the 1D3 and the 7D: https://photography-on-the.net …/showthread.php​?t=1200639