Dumping my 1D mk IIn for a 5D mk II (and 50D)

I was going through my library of shots today cleaning up my systems, and as I cruised through my images, something hit me. When I made the change to digital about 4 years ago, I first bought a 10D and then a 20D - for shooting sports. While neither camera had lighting fast focus nor fps, I actually had better and more stand out shots from these old slow cameras then my 1D cameras. I hit me. I had become lazy because of the 1D, actually a worse photographer. I relied on the cameras capabilities too much, and not my 20+ years of shooting experience enough. Since moving over to D3s I have been wondering what to do with my investment in Canon gear. But with today's revelation, the 5D/50D combo makes perfect sense to me... in my warped little mind. I get real improved high iso performance, compatibility with my cadre of Canon equipment, and I slow back down again and refocus on shooting good shots rather then lots of ok shots. I use the 50D for long field shots to avoid using TC's like I do with my 1D and 400 2.8, and the 5D becomes my general purpose close in camera.

What do you think, I am crazy?

You are the one who has 20+ experience!!!! Is 4fps fast enough on the 5d markII?? Is the AF fast and sensitive enough??? I am keeping my 1dmarkII. If I need to upgrade, I would go for a markIII.

I've actually been thinking the same thing. I've never felt that my 1D's focus was that much better than my 20D's. I actually find that shooting them both in low light I get more keepers with the 20D. Go figure? The high ISO performance from both new cameras is something I'm looking forward to. I do think I'll keep the 1DMKIIN for when I need a quick camera though.

TooManyShots wrote in post #6349094
You are the one who has 20+ experience!!!! Is 4fps fast enough on the 5d markII?? Is the AF fast and sensitive enough??? I am keeping my 1dmarkII. If I need to upgrade, I would go for a markIII.

For me, the frame per second rate has almost nothing to do with if I get the right shot. What makes a huge difference is shutter lag and focus speed. From what I have read is the AF is faster than the current line of xxD series, and I am able to get shots with the much older cameras.

I realized this 18 months ago and sold my 1DII for a 5D. I now own a 5D and 40D and it's a perfect combo for me. I've gotten better shots and I haven't missed anything in my "downgrade". Even though everyone here but a select few told me I was crazy to switch "down" from a 1 series.

Croasdail wrote in post #6346990
What do you think, I am crazy?

I don't think so... I've enjoyed having a 5D and 40D.

I got a really good deal on a 5D and for the 3 months that I had it I did not use my 1D MkII N at all.

I have my 1D bodies because they are tough and impressive (sorry about this second item but it is true!) I have a 5D (and will likely get a 5DMII in the Spring when the hoopla has mellowed) and pass my 5D along to my son. I will take my 1D bodies out in the field without a care, in rain or snow and expect them to perform perfectly. When I drop them I never consider that they may stop working ... they just keep on chugging! I take my 5D on vacation or when I want something light. I have sold my 1DMII and 1DMIIN in preference for my 1DMIII's and 1DsMIII. They are for different purposes. I think your choices reflect your needs, Mark, and are good ones.

Croasdail wrote in post #6346990
I was going through my library of shots today cleaning up my systems, and as I cruised through my images, something hit me. When I made the change to digital about 4 years ago, I first bought a 10D and then a 20D - for shooting sports. While neither camera had lighting fast focus nor fps, I actually had better and more stand out shots from these old slow cameras then my 1D cameras. I hit me. I had become lazy because of the 1D, actually a worse photographer. I relied on the cameras capabilities too much, and not my 20+ years of shooting experience enough. Since moving over to D3s I have been wondering what to do with my investment in Canon gear. But with today's revelation, the 5D/50D combo makes perfect sense to me... in my warped little mind. I get real improved high iso performance, compatibility with my cadre of Canon equipment, and I slow back down again and refocus on shooting good shots rather then lots of ok shots. I use the 50D for long field shots to avoid using TC's like I do with my 1D and 400 2.8, and the 5D becomes my general purpose close in camera.

What do you think, I am crazy?

i don't think that you are crazy at all (unless i am crazy as well) because i have been thinking of doing the same thing

however, this brings me up to another important point which really pisses me off (i know that some will say that i am being over critical again). well, for a while now i have been bagging Canon to make the equivalent of the D700/D300 because i LOVE the idea of 2 bodies, one FF and one crop with in the same exact body. well, i didn't quite get it from Canon but the 5DmkII and 50D are close enough. then i notice that Canon decided to change the button layout AND THE BATTERY for the 5DmkII which means that again, the 2 bodies are not identical like the 30D and 5D were. so now i am back to using 2 different batteries and chargers and having to deal with 2 different layouts. this really doesn't make since to me since the 2 bodies are released at almost the same time. why not change the 50D buttons and battery as well?

The only option for that from Canon is the one I (and Dwight) went for.

neil_r wrote in post #6359025
The only option for that from Canon is the one I (and Dwight) went for.

that's the one i have now i was just making an observation that it seemed weird to me that they did that...

the batteries are a legitimate gripe Snir, but the layouts? Please...

I have a 5D and 40D (so not only are the buttons different, but so are the menus) and it's no big deal. Honestly the only gripe I have with the differences is the fact the ISO button isn't in the same place on the 5D and 40D, but the 40D, 50D and 5Dii all have the new ISO location. But for some reason they did sneak the backlight button in there. That could be an issue for working with it while looking through the viewfinder, but when looking at the buttons it won't matter I'd bet.

jacobsen1 wrote in post #6359138
the batteries are a legitimate gripe Snir, but the layouts? Please...

I have a 5D and 40D (so not only are the buttons different, but so are the menus) and it's no big deal. Honestly the only gripe I have with the differences is the fact the ISO button isn't in the same place on the 5D and 40D, but the 40D, 50D and 5Dii all have the new ISO location. But for some reason they did sneak the backlight button in there. That could be an issue for working with it while looking through the viewfinder, but when looking at the buttons it won't matter I'd bet.

like i said Ben, it is not a big deal but it is just a weird decision. if the 50D came out like 3 months ago then fine but both cameras are released almost at the same time so why not give them both the same physical changes?

I love my 1Dmklln. It's much better at capturing quick shots than my 5D. I use both cameras equally for wedding shoots.

in my little experience. from a rebel series Xti, to 1D MKII which i gave quick for 40D i have lots of keepers in term of own style. you will find out what your looking when you made the switch.