1DMk11 vs. 20D, is there a difference?

Dear Board,

I have the opportunity to buy a 1DMk11 for what I consider to be a fair price. It has seen relatively low use given the fact that it has a shutter rated at 150,000 actuations. It has been well cared for and maintained by a professional photographer.

My concerns are whether it really offers an upgrade from my existing 20D? I know it shoots more FPS and I know it offers a better AF system. Since it is a pro-model I know the build quality is there, but I consider the 20D to be more than adequately built for my use.

I wouldn't be spending a pile of money by any stretch but I wonder if I'll be gaining anything? I'm an avid fisherman and I have many thousands of dollars tied up in rods that I can only use one at a time.

I'm not sure I need to spend money on another camera yet? If it matters I use my camera almost entirely outside taking wildlife and landscape pictures, often in conjunction with my fishing travels.

I'd appreciate any advice or comments from people who have experience with BOTH cameras before I make my decision.

Thank you in advance,

Tim Murphy

jtmiv wrote in post #15750099
My concerns are whether it really offers an upgrade from my existing 20D? I know it shoots more FPS and I know it offers a better AF system. Since it is a pro-model I know the build quality is there, but I consider the 20D to be more than adequately built for my use.

I'm not sure I need to spend money on another camera yet? If it matters I use my camera almost entirely outside taking wildlife and landscape pictures, often in conjunction with my fishing travels.

I'd appreciate any advice or comments from people who have experience with BOTH cameras before I make my decision.

Thank you in advance,

Tim Murphy

Absolutely it is an upgrade.

Lets not forget, both cameras came out at about the same time. I bought my 20D new for about $1,200 new in 2005, and the 1D II was over $4,000 at the time. Heck, the second camera I bought was a used 1D classic at the time and in every way besides file size felt it was an upgrade. I have since owned the mkII N, and MK III, versions, and have a IV on the way.

It will be a huge update in focus accuracy and ability to track a target in AI servo, 8 FPS is great the build quality is just an immense difference. If you are using it outside, especially fishing, I think that matters. Especially since it is weather sealed with an appropriate lens.

Keep in mind it is a professional camera, so "green box" shooters will definitely need some learning to use the camera to its abilities. The control scheme is unintuitive and takes a bit of getting used to, but works well once you get the hang of it. Hopefully it comes with a few good batteries and hold a charge, and make sure you get the original charger. I hope you are paying $500 or less though, otherwise I would save up more and get the N version with the larger LCD.

If I remember right, camera maintenance/repair is not supported by Canon (they will not touch it, period). Why would you bet money in this lottery?

Dear Makis,

Honestly, because I sincerely believe that everything is not meant to be thrown away when a new and improved model is introduced. And I trust the seller.

When you consider that I am already using a camera that is no longer supported that still works perfectly, I don't see where am I trusting my choices to the lottery?

I'm not afraid of "obsolete" gear, and frankly I have no need or desire to update at every turn, especially when those updates provide features that offer no advantage to my uses, ie. video capability.

That's how I work. I trust established well built products though they are used, and I'll never be afraid of them.

Regards,

Tim Murphy

Just remember it is 1.3 crop not 1.6 and so EF lens only. EF-s lenses will not fit at all. I belive some non Canon 1.6 crop lenses which follow the EF standard except for image circle will work with minimal vignetting. As they are IIRC both 8Mpix cameras you loose a little resolution over the 20D so if you already find you need to crop images shot at your maximum focal length you may need to invest in longer glass. I like my 20D but have only had it a year, so I too like older cameras.

Alan

jtmiv wrote in post #15750099
Dear Board,

I have the opportunity to buy a 1DMk11 for what I consider to be a fair price. It has seen relatively low use given the fact that it has a shutter rated at 150,000 actuations. It has been well cared for and maintained by a professional photographer.

My concerns are whether it really offers an upgrade from my existing 20D? I know it shoots more FPS and I know it offers a better AF system. Since it is a pro-model I know the build quality is there, but I consider the 20D to be more than adequately built for my use.

I wouldn't be spending a pile of money by any stretch but I wonder if I'll be gaining anything? I'm an avid fisherman and I have many thousands of dollars tied up in rods that I can only use one at a time.

I'm not sure I need to spend money on another camera yet? If it matters I use my camera almost entirely outside taking wildlife and landscape pictures, often in conjunction with my fishing travels.

I'd appreciate any advice or comments from people who have experience with BOTH cameras before I make my decision.

Thank you in advance,

Tim Murphy

I went from a 30D to a 1D II but it wasn't for image quality. There was little difference, if any.

larger sensor, 10fps, pro AF, built in grip are the main differences

8 and a bit fps. The mark 3 and 4 had 10.

I owned both mentioned bodies, and I personally preferred the files from the 1DMKII than those from the 20D. However, both produce excellent files.

As mentioned, the 1DMKII requires a steep learning curve, but well worth it, and the amount of user customizations is fantastic.

And as you are aware, the 1DMKII is a formidable mass of camera to lug around; big, bulky and heavy. This fact alone may be a hindrance in your outdoor activities.

The 1DMKII is a great body, and I miss mine, but it may be more than you really need.

On these notes; what lenses do you currently have for your 20D? Maybe a lens addition for your 20D may be in order...


Jason

Dear Board,

I made a deal on the 1Dmk11. I'll be keeping the 20D too. I use the 20D gripped all the time so I'm not too concerned with the mass of the 1DMk11.

I own an 15-85 IS USM that I won't be able to use on the 1DMk11 but my other lenses, 28-80, 70-210, 70-300 IS USM and Sigma 150-500 OS HSM will work properly with the "new" used camera so I'm pretty psyched.

This also means that with the exception of the Nikon FTN that I inherited from my Grandfather that all my film cameras will now be leaving my possession so keep an eye out for an EOS Elan and Elan 7NE if you have an interest.

Regards,

Tim Murphy

jtmiv wrote in post #15750365
Dear Makis,

Honestly, because I sincerely believe that everything is not meant to be thrown away when a new and improved model is introduced. And I trust the seller.

When you consider that I am already using a camera that is no longer supported that still works perfectly, I don't see where am I trusting my choices to the lottery?

I'm not afraid of "obsolete" gear, and frankly I have no need or desire to update at every turn, especially when those updates provide features that offer no advantage to my uses, ie. video capability.

That's how I work. I trust established well built products though they are used, and I'll never be afraid of them.

Regards,

Tim Murphy

Dear Tim,

Enjoy you new camera in good health (both for you and the camera ...).

I am a 60 year old engineer... I know that even the most well built products can fail. I have no problem with this. In my closet, I have a Canon FTb, a Canon 630 and a Canon Ixus 960i, all in perfect working order.

Nevertheless, I'd prefer when I buy something new or used to know that if something goes wrong, I can pay the manufacturer to fix it. I am not talking warranty here... Canon will not touch it or stock parts for it.

Obviously, you have different philosophy.

Enjoy your new camera! I hope it gives you many years of problem-free service.

Gerry

Dear Gerry and others who responded,

I received the camera yesterday and I have to say that based on the seller's original description I am more than pleased with what I received. It was described as having been lightly used as a back-up with under 60,000 actuations. If the camera had shipped in it's original box you'd be hard pressed to see any signs of use, it is that clean and it has been that well maintained. I received everything that would have come with the camera new plus 4 additional batteries and with the exception of a nick or two on some of the batteries the camera is virtually unmarked.

I'm a $ 400.00 camera buyer and while this package was slightly more than that delivered to my door I figure if I can get 4 or 5 years out of it I'll be ready to upgrade again. That's what I did with my 20D and I like to stick to a plan.

As an added bonus my fiancee' is also impressed with the camera since she now has unfettered access to the 20D and whatever lens is not mounted to 1DMk11.

Now all I need to do is find a nice Canon 20-35 f3.5-4.5 or a 3rd party equivalent to make up for the loss of the 15-85 USM IS. I'm open to suggestions if anyone has anything to offer.

Regards,

Tim Murphy

You will love it. It has awesome AF...I'd say better than the 7D.

Even though it only has 8.2MP that's more than enough for most needs.

Color rendition is awesome right out of the camera.

Welcome to the club

jtmiv wrote in post #15772115
Dear Gerry and others who responded,

I received the camera yesterday and I have to say that based on the seller's original description I am more than pleased with what I received. It was described as having been lightly used as a back-up with under 60,000 actuations. If the camera had shipped in it's original box you'd be hard pressed to see any signs of use, it is that clean and it has been that well maintained. I received everything that would have come with the camera new plus 4 additional batteries and with the exception of a nick or two on some of the batteries the camera is virtually unmarked.

I'm a $ 400.00 camera buyer and while this package was slightly more than that delivered to my door I figure if I can get 4 or 5 years out of it I'll be ready to upgrade again. That's what I did with my 20D and I like to stick to a plan.

As an added bonus my fiancee' is also impressed with the camera since she now has unfettered access to the 20D and whatever lens is not mounted to 1DMk11.

Now all I need to do is find a nice Canon 20-35 f3.5-4.5 or a 3rd party equivalent to make up for the loss of the 15-85 USM IS. I'm open to suggestions if anyone has anything to offer.

Regards,

Tim Murphy

Enjoy it in good health!