1D Mark 3, 1D Mark 4, or 7D Mark2

I've enjoyed the thread comparing the 7D vs 1D Mark 3.

I've been anxiously awaiting the 7d Mark 2 to come out and I was ready to buy. Now I'm rethinking everything after reading that thread.

I'm wondering if anyone can help compare the 1D Mark3 and 1d Mark 4 for bird photography. If the7D Mark2 has 21MP as rumored, what would you do?

If I were asked to choose between all 4 options I'd take the 1D4 without hesitation. And would rate them:

1D4
1D3
7D

Can't rate the 7D2 yet, but the thing I love about the 1D bodies is the better IQ due to the larger sensor and the f8 autofocusing compatibility for use with extenders. Saw my keeper rate go up noticeably when I switched to using a 1D4 over a 7D. Less noise, more detail, better depth of field, helps with cropping if you need it.

dfbovey wrote in post #15471166
If I were asked to choose between all 4 options I'd take the 1D4 without hesitation. And would rate them:

1D4
1D3
7D

Can't rate the 7D2 yet, but the thing I love about the 1D bodies is the better IQ due to the larger sensor and the f8 autofocusing compatibility for use with extenders. Saw my keeper rate go up noticeably when I switched to using a 1D4 over a 7D. Less noise, more detail, better depth of field, helps with cropping if you need it.

Exactly what I would have said.

I've just bought a used mkiv, and all I can say don't bother with anything else. I've been using a 60d for the past 18 months, great little camera, but wanted a better af, frame rate, and better weather sealing. I tried a 7d for a weekend and just didn't like it.
But I am keen to see what canon do with the 7d mkii

dfbovey wrote in post #15471166
If I were asked to choose between all 4 options I'd take the 1D4 without hesitation. And would rate them:

1D4
1D3
7D

Can't rate the 7D2 yet, but the thing I love about the 1D bodies is the better IQ due to the larger sensor and the f8 autofocusing compatibility for use with extenders. Saw my keeper rate go up noticeably when I switched to using a 1D4 over a 7D. Less noise, more detail, better depth of field, helps with cropping if you need it.

Thanks Dfbovery, I had not thought about the extender. I'll get more use out of my 1.4Xii now.

(First time trying a multiple quote reply. Thanks for your patience)

Duane N - Thanks.

Cheffiers - Thanks. Thinking about trying for a weekend. Maybe I should wait and rent a 7D Mark ii when they come out.

The problem with the 7d2 is that it could be out in a month or not for 6 months or more.

I have found the 7d to be pretty good.
I never got to test a 1d3. I would love a 1d4 as I know its the
best available right now.

I wish you the best on your quest. That 7d vs 1d3 thread was mine.
Its a tough decision to make if you have a lower budget like me.

Hi Jeremy. Thanks for the reply. You refer to the 7d as "pretty good". I infer you have some reservations. Did you find your keeper rate improved over your 60D?

I think that the AF on the 7d is definitely better. no doubt about it. My keeper rate is up. But I havent gotten to shoot alot yet as Ive been busy but happy with the shots I have gotten.

I also think the 8fps is priceless to get the proper wing placement on takeoff or flight pics.

However, the 7d is an 18mp 1.6x crop sensor. It falls under all the same limitations of a super high pixel density sensor from Canon. Noise.

So, I need to run noise reduction on it (like with the 60d) and that cuts detail but not alot.
I do like the 7d and for the money I think its my best option.
I still wonder about the 1d3 as the price difference is small. I would have loved to have
gotten to try one out but couldnt.

the 1d4 is hands down the body I want, but I cant spend that kind of money right now.

For awhile I was in the market for the 1D markIV. Now I think I will wait and see if the 7D markII actually becomes available. If the reviews say it is much improved over the original then I will go that route. The extra .3 crop will be handy.

I heard rumors of a new body releasing today.
But it seems it was just a rumor.

Im going to use my 7d for a year or so and then reassess my "needs".

I had a 1D3 and a 7D to use with my 500/4 for wildlife. Despite wanting more reach nearly all the time, I ended up selling the 7D. Sure, I liked the high-res LCD, video capabilities, and the extra "reach" but I was always disappointed with the files from that camera. I ended up keeping my 1D3 and traded the 7D for some lenses. If I was willing to shell out another 1.5K I'd get the 1D4...but I am not!

Right now with prices around $3k for the 1D4 it really is the way to go. I plan to sell my 1d3 and 7D and make the switch at some point.

Thanks Larry, Jeremy, Birder_herper, and The Kid.

I've been dragging my feet to see what specs the 7D Mark ii will have. I thought it would have been announced by now and latest rumors do not give a date yet either.

Spring migration is still a ways away. Gives me time and hopefully the 7d Mark ii will come out in the interim.

Last news I saw was summer to fall for 7d2 which makes sense because they usually talk the new model up for a few months before it comes out.