Can 11-14 years old Canon DSLR (1ds mark ii, 1d mark ii) still work well?

There're some 11-14 years old Canon DSLR (1ds, 1ds mark ii, 1d mark ii, 1d mark ii n, 20D) in used markets. Its price is very affordable, however; Can 11-14 years old Canon DSLR (1ds mark ii, 1d mark ii) still work well?

Not knowing what type of photography you do and what might be your expectations, if the camera/lens combination has not been damaged, then it should take decent images. In some respects the older cameras were simpler, a desirable trait for some people.

They key thing to remember is that these cameras and related equipment gave exemplary results when they were new. These results will still be the same. You simply need to ask yourself if the results will satisfy the mission. Sometimes that is simpler than one might think. Although you might be challenged to produce images that have the data to provide suitable prints at 300dpi (just as an example), this doesn't mean that they won't do brilliantly at lower requirements. (web media, for one). John from PA has it nailed. It all depends on your expectations.

I bought a 1D and 1DII from another member earlier this year. They were both in fine working order.

My 1DII is still able to focus really fast and accurately, and takes great images in good light.

Oh, and lest I forget, these older cameras can be an excellent introduction into the world of that level of gear, allowing you to understand how they work and how well you can work with them. Helps a lot in determining what you prefer once you do plunk down the hard-earned cash on more contemporary equipment.

I just bought a 1dii 5 days ago for $150. Absolutely worth it, in my mind, just for the focusing speed and accuracy. it's amazingly fast compared to my old 40D with the same lenses...

$150.00... pfff!

I paid $4.5K for mine! (back in 2004 )

Jake, just browsed your gallery and saw some wonderful shots you took with that 12 year old camera...and am convinced you could do magic with a $150 camera that I couldn't dream of doing with a $6000 camera + 20 more years of experience.

It is a joy to handle a truly professional camera. I'm not worthy of it, but am very happy to give it a good home where it will be used. I think it will be my "go-to" airshow camera. 11x17 are as big as I ever print, and this camera will be outstanding for that!

---rob

Thank you Rob, that 1DII was my #1 body back when I had a lot more time to shoot. When the price got down to $350.00 or so used, I realized I would never sell it. It is a shelf warmer for now and I hope to give it to one of my nephews soon.

I was using my 1DsMkII and my 1DMkII until earlier this year when I finally succumbed to the lure of a 1Dx. I got some great images with them and wouldn't hesitate to continue using them if I hadn't sold them. The 1Dx has significantly better high ISO performance but image quality is almost unnoticeable over the 1DsMkII. I love my new used 1Dx but the earlier 1D's are still very fine cameras.

They will be fine in great light. I would imagine battery life/replacement may be an issue along with limited iso though.

I still run my 20D as a second/backup to my 50D and it produces wonderful results. I still use it with my 28-300 Sigma zoom at airshows for large formations and wide shots while I have my 150-600mm on the 50D. For portrait work, which from your huge number of lens threads seems to be your aim it will produce excellent results, especially if you combine it with studio strobe lighting, which also doesn't need to cost lots. you can get some cheap Chinese made 150 WS strobes with stands and even modifiers for probably not much more than $100 each,. Add the 50mm STM and the 85mm f/1.8 lenses and you would be very well set, and because you can control the light you should have no issues with producing prints as big as you want! With portrait work it is important that you realise that the lighting is just as important as the camera and lens, and that you need to match all three components to produce the best results. I use three 150 WS strobes, with a small softbox and a couple of different brollies, in the studio for my product photography, which are actually quite large items, and so need to be lit more like a portrait than what you would do with small table top sized items.

Alan

There used to be a guy who would set up a booth at the Rolex 24 every year. He had video monitors displaying the photos. He printed photos as people ordered them.

As late as 2012 the guy was using a Digital Rebel and his images were fantastic...

Assuming you shoot portraits based on all your other threads, and looking at your flickr shows either a 5D, or 5dII...I'd say skip it...

Also, you post threads, but never interact with those that answer your questions...you could gain a lot more from interacting, and answering people's questions