Canon 1D Mark II

Hi All
I am new to this forum and was looking for some advice. I am entering into the exciting world of digital SLR photography.
I am currently looking to buy the Canon 30D but also have the opportunity to buy a second hand Canon 1D Mark II
The 1D is 18 month old with 9856 activations and the condition is like new. The types of images I want to shoot for starters are landscapes, portraits and the likes. I know the 1D is for pros but was wondering what you guys think of the 30D v 1D for a beginner like me.
Also wondering if the 30D being new on the market has better updated technology than the 1D. I want to buy a camera which wont will be obsolete soon.
I intend to start lessons in photography soon.

Many regards,
PC

Sounds like the 30D would be more suitable, since you're just starting out. It's better to spend money on lenses than bodies so take the savings and put it towards glass.

Double Negative wrote in post #2261171
Sounds like the 30D would be more suitable, since you're just starting out. It's better to spend money on lenses than bodies so take the savings and put it towards glass.

For what you are looking to do, I would agree. I assume you mean the 1DMkII (not the "N") model. In which case, certainly, the features of the 30D are more up-to-date.

Thanks guys
Yep. The camera is the 1DMk II
Price for the 1D is $2500 AUS = $1912 US (3 month warranty)
Price for the 30D is $1900 AUS = $1454 US (12month warranty)

That's a great price for the 1DMK2 with only 9000 shots. Tough choice.

If I'm facing with this, I'd take the 1D since I do more sports but as a start out camera, like other mentioned, the 30D is better.

You can put that extra $500 toward a nice 70-200/f4.

angiep wrote in post #2261248
Thanks guys
Yep. The camera is the 1DMk II
Price for the 1D is $2500 AUS = $1912 US (3 month warranty)
Price for the 30D is $1900 AUS = $1454 US (12month warranty)

For that small a difference in price, I'd go for the 1DmkII any day over the 30D. I have both and the 1D wins hands down in just about everything (unless size and weight is going to be an issue). I think this is a no-brainer (assuming there's really nothing wrong with the 1D).

youll regret it later on if you get the 30D over the 1D

I know. That’s the problem I am facing. The price for the 1D is the cheapest I have seen anywhere on the web. It is in perfect condition and the past owner is a professional photographer who upgraded to the new 1ds.
The camera shop has checked it out and is given me a 3 month warranty even though the camera is 18 month old.

PacAce wrote in post #2261505
For that small a difference in price, I'd go for the 1DmkII any day over the 30D. I have both and the 1D wins hands down in just about everything (unless size and weight is going to be an issue). I think this is a no-brainer (assuming there's really nothing wrong with the 1D).

Size and weight is no problem as I am a bit over 6” and of big build. It actually fits perfectly in my hands although it might be a problem for my other half to handle as she is of small build.

Tough choice - I agree with the previous posters. On one hand the 30D is probably more suitable straight away, on the other the MK2 has better features for not too much more cash. I think it depends on you. If you are technically capable and learn quickly, especially as you are planning lessons, then you can probably overcome the MK2s much steeper learning curve and in the long run you will grow into the 'pro' spec machine. If you want simplicity, learner features and beginner friendliness, go for the 30D because the MK2 has no such features at all. It is designed for people who already know what the knobs and dials do. Also if you are sure that you won't ever want to do sports shots or put the camera through rugged use, again go for the 30D because those are the MK2s main strengths. If you are on a limited budget, then a 30D and some good lenses is probably the better choice. If you can afford good glass anyway, or will be able to purchase new kit pretty regulalry, then the MK2 is the foundation of a superb photography outfit, but then you can probably buy a 30D as well!
So decide if you are techno savvy or not? How do you feel about sports action photography and whats your budget like? Answer these and you can probably sort out which to go for.

honestly, i would go for the 30D any day of the week for what you want to shoot. the only reason i have a 1D instead of a 30D is because i mostly shoot birds and the 45 point AF system is a great help.

now here is another question for you, how much are you getting the 1DmkII for? they normally go for around $2500 on FM which means that a second hand one is still double the price of a 30D. if you can afford the $2300, why not go for the 5D which IMHO is the current king of landscape and portraits.

Thanks guys’ I’m getting some excellent advice here.

Budget is no problem. If buying the1D I was going to start my glass collection with the 17-40 lens and built it up over time. Haven’t thought about any sports actions as yet but I’m sure as I learn the process I will venture into more exciding challenges.
We are going on a 3 week holiday soon so I will properly focus on landscape and basic shots first. I believe the 17-40 lens would be well suited for this.

blonde wrote in post #2261662
honestly, i would go for the 30D any day of the week for what you want to shoot. the only reason i have a 1D instead of a 30D is because i mostly shoot birds and the 45 point AF system is a great help.

now here is another question for you, how much are you getting the 1DmkII for? they normally go for around $2500 on FM which means that a second hand one is still double the price of a 30D. if you can afford the $2300, why not go for the 5D which IMHO is the current king of landscape and portraits.

Price for the 1D is $2500 AUS = $1912 US (3 month warranty)
Price for the 30D is $1900 AUS = $1454 US (12month warranty)

A new 5D retails for around $4000 here in Australia which is about $3060 US dollars

wow, that is the cheapest 1D price i have ever seen... and it is also the most expensive 5D price i have seen to date..

Run, don't walk, buy the 1DmkII

Even if you end up not liking it, learn from it, wait for the 40D this spring or summer, sell this 1DmkII , buy the 40D and pocket the cash for a new lens. Zero depreciation is always a good thing!