I was headed for a 30D...but...1DMkII? Hmm..

So, I had my sights set on a 30D. In fact, the moment I got paid for my 20D, I was going for it.

however

I just saw a deal where I could get a 1DMkII with <1k actuations (yes, that's just 1k!) for about $2000. Well, needless to say, I'm interested. I'm curious, though....what might I not like about the 1DMkII? What might be better about the 30D? I like the idea of making my lenses a tad wider. I like the idea of super intelligent predictive AF. I like that my weather sealed lenses would actually be weather sealed now. I also like that the 1DMkII could potentially last twice as long as the 30D (shutter). What about IQ, though? How much better would the dynamic range and tones be? I guess I want someone to make me believe I need a 1DMkII.


Whaddaya say, guys?

Ronald, don't forget to factor in the cost of a battery grip for the 30D and the price gap narrows again. I think IQ is comparable between the two cameras but the 45 autofocus points and faster autofocus of the 1D MkII should up the keeper rate somewhat. I sure hope so anyway, I just traded my 30D and some cash to Phast1 for his 1D MkII-N.

Ronald - I came across this weblog by Photo journalist David Honl. Mr. Honl was attacked during a demonstration in Turkey recently and beaten with his 1D body. It's interesting to hear how it (and he) made it through - http://lexardigital.ty​pepad.com/davi...ng_pr​o_or.html. He also had his 30D backup body with him - which did not survive. The point of his entry is why a pro body matters.

I don't lead a life where I'm in the middle of an angry crowd (usually) trying to beat me with my 30D, so it suits me. Anyway - I found this really interesting and thought I'd pass it along. Also check out his site: http://www.davidhonlph​oto.com/ - some stunning images.

i'd be careful of it if the price is that low, but realistically, you couldn't afford not to. the noly small things are that its heavier and bigger, but all of those are easily outweighed by faster AF, longer bursts, faster FPS, better high iso, weather sealing, solid construction etc


the layout does take some gettng use to, again, totally minor

Someone had a new 5D on FM the other day for $2000 US _ although these Pro series cameras are extremely nice they are just too big for an all around type camera in my book. Don't get me wrong I'd love one too but not to carry around all the time. A 5D I would but thats pretty much the size limit for me.

I would opt for the 1DMKII also, simply because its a 1 series!!!! Remember, once you go 1D, you dont go back!! (unless its a 5D)

Go for it, Ronald! Then sell it to me when you decide to get the 1DsMkII.

I was going to get the 30D and actually opted for a 1D... could not be happier!!!!

So if you are to defend yourself which one would be more useful 30D or 1D. Probably whichever heavier.

That low of a price with that few actuations makes me think something's up. You'd need to ask the guy why it's going so cheap- I was watching them at $2600 to $2900 with tens of thousands of actuations just a few months ago.

But, if it turns out to be legit, and you can afford the extra over the cost of the 30D, I'd say go for it. I've noticed a clear difference between my XT and the 1D as far as sharpness and image quality.

Though as always, it depends on what you're doing with it. If you're just going to take snapshots to print at 4x5" and only bring out when grandma comes over, it might be a bit of overkill.

Doc.

Well, like I said, it's on FM. The guy says he's retired, and had a few surgeries, and just can't use it all anymore, as he can't "get around" as much. He just said "I'd like to get 60% of list". Seems fine to me.

Ron, i couldn't imagine the quality of that camera coupled with that new 400L you just got. I have also set my sights on some sort of 1d body eventually. I may just wait for now to see what comes out in the fall.

The 30d is a great camera. I've taken quite a few pics with it and it seems to be a perfect fit with the 70-200 IS lens and the 1.4 tc... even my 70-300 DO is tack sharp.

Well, now they say someone bought everything (like $20k worth of gear). S***. I guess I'll stick with a 30D, then.

yup, any steal on there goes quickly. I got a 16-35L for 800 in less than 2 minutes. someone else got a 1d2 and a 200 f/1.8 for 3k total from a SI shooter, and that went to the first poster

Ronald S. Jr. wrote:
Well, now they say someone bought everything (like $20k worth of gear). S***. I guess I'll stick with a 30D, then.

Sounds like you've lost your best friend and just settling for the 30d. You won't be dissapointed...