Enthusiasts with a 1D MkIII?

Just wondering - how popular is the 1D Mark III among enthusiasts? Not pros, just enthusiasts.

Do any of you think it's overkill for an enthusiast who shoots a wide variety of subjects (landscapes, kids, family, portraits, etc)?

IMHO, yes.
For that kind of photography, your 40D is just about perfect.

If your children play sports and are nearing highschool age and the purchase price is affordable it is the best you can buy.

My photography has improved with every new purchase.

Enjoy :<)

i know a few guys with 1D Mark III's that don't know how to use them properly =D i also know a guy with a 180mmL macro and doesn't know what macro means =D and i know MANY guys that have 40D's and don't know what manual mode does.

Well, the 1DM3 will give great images for all of those uses! In fact, it has an IQ on a par with the 5D Classic...

But, you didn't mention a couple of key words. If you are not planning on serious wildlife or sports photography, or heavy-duty photojournalism, and you aren't planning on subjecting your camera to serious outdoor rigors, then, sadly, it's probably overkill.

If you really want to spend money to broaden your adventures in photography, well, the new 5D Mk II is coming out soon!

Bad overkill if you ask me but too it depends on how involved you want to get with your hobby.

LOL _ check the time on the above posts

Not if you want the 19 AF points, the f/8 AF, the fps, the faster AF, the higher ISO . . . A camera's only overkill if you don't use any of the features which distinguish it from the next model down. If you use even one of them, you need that camera. I don't have a 1D3 for the 10 fps. I've never used it beyond about the 5 fps my 20D does. I have taken advantage of the higher ISO, the 19 AF points and the f/8 AF regularly.

Well for me, in the rain alot, and shooting sports mostly with some events the mark III was a big upgrade over the 40d... But that's just me...
(and I use the fast AF, ALL 19 points (occasionally wish there were more), stealing, ISO 3200 and 6400, and even the 10fps quite regularly)

Its not over kill. I know amateur fisherman that spend a whole heck of a lot more then that on a bass boat and the "required" truck to pull it around. It is what ever makes you smile, is legal, and doesn't put you in the poor house. Need has nothing to do with it.

There are hobbyists of all kinds of income and money. Just like in any other industry.

If I had the money, and I'm just a hobbyist, I would buy the 1Dmk3 in a heartbeat! But the 5D mk2 is looking sweet too

if i had the money i'd go medium with a phaseone back why? because i could...

alexg wrote in post #6426421
if i had the money i'd go medium with a phaseone back why? because i could...

Yea that would be cool to try

I am just a hobbyist and love my MKIII... I like having a toy that I haven't yet mastered, as opposed to a toy that is sadly figured out within a month or so (like my first Canon DSLR, a Rebel XT). Basically I don't like to be limited by tech, and the MKIII is not limiting me, I am limiting me.

If I had the money I would get one. I was actually thinking of getting a used one when I go to upgrade from my 40D. I was all set on getting a 5D but thought for a few bucks more I could get a used MKIII so why not and be done for a long time. It is also a great reason to go out and shoot, as you will have to learn all of the new features !