40D or used 1D MK II?

Well I'm planning on upgrading my body (Xti) and was wondering how the IQ compares between these two bodies. I could upgrage pretty soon to a 40D or save up another month and pick up a used 1D Mk II.

Any thoughts/input on this? Shots taken with the Mk II really seem to stand out from everything else.

I dunno..looking for advice

You really need to look at this from your photography style perspective.

40D has the latest processor, with higher and better pixels, as well as integrated cleaning and half the price of 1D Mk II. So if you don't need the weather resistance and a slightly faster frames rates, use the extra $$$ on better glass.

I was pondering the same thing and ended up buying a MK2N. Pretty damn awesome camera. Don't think you can loose either way.

if you already have all the glass you need, go with the MK2. if not, put the extra money towards glass.

To be honest - *most* people will not need more than 8mp, so 10m/12mp cameras are really moot as far as I'm concerned. Squeezing these extra megapixels onto the same size sensor will result in more noise, despite innovations that Canon might make etc. The 1D Mark II/n sensor is a 1.3x crop, this will mean larger pixels, thus less noise, courtesy of science. Digic III might be better, it's hard to say how much of an influence this would have on things.

You haven't mentioned what type of shots you take, if you need large/fast buffer, solid build quality of a 1 series camera, the improved AF of a 1 series camera, weather sealing of a 1 series camera, etc. Also take into account that as a general rule, a 1 series shutter assembly will last a LOT longer than a 40D's, which probably means savings in repairs etc.

Live view is nifty I do admit, and by all accounts the IQ on the 40D seems quite good, including noise performances at higher ISO ratings. The AF is improved over earlier Canon prosumer models as well, which is a nice bonus. I never really honestly rated the AF systems on the 20D/30D.

It's your money, and your choice, you have a tough decision to make.

Dave

i got not much to contribute...
but all i can say is: the 1D bodies are a totally different league and it's a whole new different experience to the 300-400D's or 20-40D's

the focusing on the 1D will probably still be faster than the 40D and viewfinder will still be bigger and brighter (and cleaner if it's like the MKIII - you don't see the lines of the focusing squares until they're activated).

another thing, if you go with the 1D, you'll want to buy an SD card (putting raw on CF and jpg on SD is so cool), probably a heavier sturdier tripod, more L lens, bigger bag, etc...etc...it'll be all expensive!!!

trust me - i know

Well right now I'm kinda trying to be a jack of all trades. Trying to find a niche I like I guess. This last summer I was really focusing on sports, specifically windsurfing and surfing and loving it, but recently I've been taking portraits and playing with light and loving it. Last year I was a landscape shooter. I'm sure this is something everybody does.

I guess I just really would like a body that is the best investment at this time as I'll probably keep it for a while (2yrs or so) and gives me ample room to expand in whatever direction I choose to go with.

dpastern wrote in post #4023738
It's your money, and your choice, you have a tough decision to make.

Dave

Thanks alot!

If you're doing sports, the 1D is the best bet...period. As a bonus, it'll do landscapes and portraits just fine.

I've pondered this a bit, offloading my Mark II for a 40D but there's just no way. The 1 series 1.3 crop is perfect for me, the AF is amazingly accurate and fast. The build is superb, everything is just a lot better.
Depends on what your plans are and what you're going to shoot. Just hobby? Stick with a 40D and buy some glass.

Not to throw a wrench. I thought the same thing and bought a 5D. Same price as the used 1DMKIIn but it is a full frame and it simply knocks my socks off. The 5D has the least amount of noise and I think it has amazing IQ. From what I have read the 40D IQ isn't if any better then the 30D. The 5D hands down has less noise and better IQ. I personnel love the fact of having almost 13mp and almost no noise.

Just my 2cents

Scott

I love the 1DmkIIN, it's just fantastic. I've found that it's really stellar in most any situation, and the 1.3 crop is really nice. (though I've found for some situations the 20D with the 1.6 is a bit better (when I need the most megapixels on subject, from the furthest distance, like speaker shots)) but other than that, the 1D is better in every way.