Dilemma with advent of 1DMarkI - go for the 10D or 1DMark1?

Hi,

with the 1DMarkII hitting the shelves, some of the predecessor models should become available used at attractive prices ... leading to the following question:

What would be the better idea as a general camera, the 10D (new) or the 1DMarkI (used at reasonable price)

I know, it all depends on what kind of pictures to shoot, which equipment etc. So this would be the requirements

- 1/2 landscape/architecture work (here the 1.3 crop factor could be a great help with the 17-40)
- sports (definitely the realm of the 1D)
- portrait work (maybe the 1D's weakest spot as compared to the 10D)
- indoors/low light photos (also not the 1D's prime domain)

The reason for me to covet the 1D, of course, are its other advantages like large buffer, fast write speed, great autofocus performance and solid build. These hold true for the old version, as they do for the great MarkII.

For me, a reasonable price would be somewhere around US$ 2000 in good condition - does this sound 'reasonable' to you as well?

Lenses in both cases would (most likely) be the 17-40L, the 50 1.8 and the 70-200 f/4L.

So - what's your take on this?

Andy, curious

Given the age of the 1D I'd have a hard time. It's electronics - life expectancy of 3 years. Then again, I wouldn't buy any electronics used - just a thing I have due to the aging thing.

But the 1.3 vs 1.6 crop is certainly a benefit for your architecture, as is the fast AF, framerate, and large buffer for sports.

The portrait and low-light downsides you mention are not as weak as the above are strong.

I wouldn't get the 1D, but it seems right for you if you don't mind buying used electronics.

Hmmm.

You're right, that's certainly something to consider. My idea was that the 1D should be built to handle some abuse ... but then, on the other hand, it might also be put to abuse more than the average 10D just for that reason

Here's a review comparing it to the D60 (the 10D's closest kin) http://www.fredmiranda​.com/1D_review/

Another camera I keep looking for on eBay is the Kodak DCS 560 .... but these are pretty scarce and repairs might be an issue.

Regards,
Andy

I guess we're going to find out what the used 10D market will be like pretty soon now. I'm making room for the Mark II (both in my backpack and in my wallet). I'll be selling one of my 10Ds with a BG-ED3 battery grip, extra battery, and maybe a f/1.8 lens.

The camera probably only has a couple thousand shots on it. Any opinions on what I should asK? (assuming this happens within the next month, or thereabouts)

Thanks,

Tom

I'd certainly go for a 1D.

As a 10D owner I was about to go for a used 1D .. but then the rumors started for the Mkii,. and I waited,. hoping it would be more reasonably priced.

Well it isn't but I'm going for the MKII anyways...

The bottom line though is that if I put together a list of reasons I'd rather have a MkII than a 10D,.. 90% of those reasons would be covered by ANY of Canon's "1" family, including the 1D.

It is a strurdier camera.. so If you find one in good condition.. personally I would not be too worried. Many people are selling them now at between $2800.00 - $3000.00 which is currently an inflated price. In december the going rate was $2500.00... but at the time New ones were still available and the price was down to $2900.00 NEW!

If you go used,. you almost have to wait.. the prices will go back down.. BUT you may find a new one for abour $3,000.00 or less if you dig and can find one on a shelf somewhere.

Lastly,. I would not be too concerned about 4.5 Vs. 6 MP... 1D owners have been getting fantastic images with 4.5MP.. ther is no question about it.

Tom,. I bet if you post it here,.. and or on FM forums,. if you sold the package,. (w/battery grip, extra battery and maybe a few other doo dads) you'd get close to a full return on the investment of the camera alone. I'd start by asking $1400.00 shipped for the package ??

CDS:
That statement goes under the "If I'd known then what I know now....." heading. 6MP is great, and I've always been very happy with the results I get from the 10D, but I'd much rather have a 1D as a backup for the MK II. I occasionally look back on some of my old 4MP photos that I took with my G2, and marvel at the quality. I cannot imagine I'd be any less satisfied with 4.5MP photos taken through L glass. The sturdiness and capabilities of a 1D are factors that keep it relevant. It will be a very good camera for many years to come.

... so how much for the TWO 10D package

Regards,
Andy

Got it!!! - that's how we can finally carve up this site - eliminate all those about to buy a Mk II and anyone with more than one 10D!