1D MK III or 5D MK II - help me decide

If you had a choice to only choose one, don't use cost as a factor, and trying to weigh in on APS-H (1.3x) vs. FF and overall camera performance, which would you choose.

I can't seem to decide.

- One is more expensive than the other, but it's a non issue for me since < $4k is my limit.
- I plan on keeping my 40D body for the 1.6x crop factor for long focal lengths.
- Weight / Size is a non-issue.
- I don't need video. I think it's wasted functionality and cost on the 5D mk II when they could have used it on better FPS or higher end SLR features. If I wanted to record video, I would have gotten a vid camera. They should have made it more like the D700.
- I shoot mostly landscape and architecture, but do a fair amount of portraits. No sports photography, but happy with the 40D's FPS for action shots when needed.
- I need low light performance and high ISO capabilities. On my recent vacation to Prague, I was very disappointed with the noise on my 40D at 800+. Lost many keepers because of it.
- I crop a lot for composition and higher resolution would help a little, but I haven't been disappointed with my current 10.1 megapixel 40D. I don't produce large prints or prints at all, and mostly just online.
- I would like to use my lenses at its intended focal length. FF is ideal, but 1.3x is like the best of both worlds.

I've been into photography for 2 years now and loving it. It's becoming an obsession and I've never worked so hard at any hobby in my life since I picked up an SLR. I want something that is versatile and can adapt to different styles of photography (sports, portraits, landscapes, etc). I don't ever want to have to say that I can't effectively take these shots because my camera is not capable of it. Sounds like the 1d mk3 is an all-around performer, but then again I have a 40D to take fast action shots. But will I sling 2 cameras on vacation? Probably not.

Some questions:

Digic IV vs 2x Digic III processor. One is newer technology and the other is designed for fast processing and performance in tandem. Which combo is better at IQ processing.

FF CMOS on the 5D mk II sensor vs. APS-H on the 1D MK III, which is better for IQ.

If Canon didn't include video in the 5D and had specs similar to that of the Nikon D700, this would have been a no-brainer. I've invested a lot into my lenses and have a 70-200 f/2.8L IS on order that switching is not an option. I've already gone through the Nikon Canon debate when I first picked up this hobby and the lens selection and cost helped me decide to go with Canon. What was Canon thinking when they decided to put video into a pro level camera?

Since you will have a crop body, I would go with the FF. The FF will really make your wide-angles shine. I have a similar kit with a 40d and 1Ds2 and I am very happy with the versatility and quality of the photos.

1DM3 + 5D Classic (Sell the 40D). Shop around - I got a 1DM3 for $2400 NEW and I've seen 5D Classics under $1200.

Sounds like the 5DMKII would be a good fit.

sf_loft wrote in post #7756675
- I shoot mostly landscape and architecture, but do a fair amount of portraits. No sports photography, but happy with the 40D's FPS for action shots when needed.
- I need low light performance and high ISO capabilities. On my recent vacation to Prague, I was very disappointed with the noise on my 40D at 800+. Lost many keepers because of it.

I think on balance that if you're not doing any fast moving stuff then the 5D mark II would have it.

I've got the 1D III and it suits what I need it for perfectly, but if you really prefer landscape and architecture then it's the 5D for you I think.

cheers

Based on your criteria, 5D2. IMHO, If you crop a lot (and you say you do), and you were disappointed with the noise performance of the 40D at 800+ ISO, you'll benefit greatly from the noise performance of a FF 22MP sensor.

Basically if most shoots are rather static, the 5Dm2 would be the better choice. Otherwise for active shoots (ie, sports) the 1Dm3 would be the better choice.

Jesse Webb wrote in post #7756848
1DM3 + 5D Classic (Sell the 40D). Shop around - I got a 1DM3 for $2400 NEW and I've seen 5D Classics under $1200.

+1 to that. also, don't be led on by people telling you that the 1dmkIII is only good for sports...it's a quirk that the 1dmkIII happens to kick ass at sports as it does with portraits,weddings,lan​dscaping,low light work and pj stuff. thats without even mentioning you can shoot with 2 memory cards, body made out of the stuff flight recorders on airplanes are ( ok, but you know what i mean),weather proofing and a battery that just never ever dies.

that said, the 5dmkII will also serve you very effectivley indeed.

it might be a pain in the butt to sell and buy a new body, but I can vouch for how amazing a combo like the old 5d and 1dmkIII really is.

if you are ever going to be in a situation where you are making money shooting, such as weddings, i highly suggest you go for the 1d III so you can run dual cards.

1DMKIII, nicest camera I've ever worked with, it's also the most addictive camera and confidence building camera I've ever worked with.

Thanks for the feedback guys. For some reason I just have a feeling that a new 1D MK III will be coming out later this year with an upgraded LCD and digic IV processor. Seems like it's due for a small update. Probably a 1D MK IIIn?

for some reason, i just have a feeling that we will not see a new 1D in 09'.

bigcountry wrote in post #7760966
for some reason, i just have a feeling that we will not see a new 1D in 09'.

I was talking to a Canon rep at a photo expo in Vancouver yesterday, and asked him when we're going to see a new 1D series camera, and he told me that nothing was in the works at the moment, but possibly early in the new year.

I asked him if it would be released for the 2010 Winter Olympics here in Vancouver, and he just smiled and said, "you never know."

Take that for what it's worth.

From your description, it sounds like the 5D Mark II is the right camera for you. I think the 1D Mark III is the superior camera overall, but for your needs, I think you would absolutely love the 5D2.

no sport no 1D