Do I wait for the Mark IV?

dolina wrote in post #8591993
The IV will probably still sell for $3,999. III's $3,699

I think it was originally $4,500.

casey487 wrote in post #8590463
The thing is we are at a critical point in camera technology. The AF system on the MarkIII wasn't steller and I'm wary of buying once used in that regard. And I expect that the MarkIV will have video (go ahead and say it though that I already own a 5dmII with video). I mean the central question here is what will the MarkIV have that would make me wait. Obviously I know you can't answer that.

We are always at a critical point in camera technology, always have been, and always will be. It is called progress. Buy the mk iii now, and when the mk iv appears, upgrade if you can afford it. If you cant afford it you still have a brilliant camera in the mk iii. If you don't like what is new in the mk iv, you have saved yourself some money. If you keep waiting until camera technology is not at a critical point, I'm afraid you will have a very long wait on your hands. Just my 2 pence worth of course. Good luck whichever route you choose.

If you get a used Mk3 it will make you money NOW, fast moving technology makes waiting for the next thing somewhat pointless.

casey487 wrote in post #8589150
I'm really getting into my prime with photography, especially sports photography.

I've just graduated and had access to a Canon 1d Mark III throughout school. I know only have a Canon 5d Mark II, not a bad camera obviously, but not a fast sports camera.

I am kind of just looking to test the waters and see what people think about if I should wait till the Mark IV is released or buy a used Mark III. Money is some what a factor, but this is my life so it will be an investment either way. I'm just looking for your thoughts...

thanks

No I sure wouldn't...get 3 or whatever is your pleasure is.
And if money is a factor you know the answer.

FJ LOVE wrote in post #8589552
invest in glass bodies come and go, personally i like my mark 3 but can't see upgrading for a while

That camera is good for quite awhile yet.
No need to upgrade, unless you want to spend money.

Bobby Canon wrote in post #8592618
We are always at a critical point in camera technology, always have been, and always will be. It is called progress.

You said it best here. I think you make a very good point. $$ is a factor and that's why I asked. If the IV is something crazy brand new (doubt it) then everyone is going to scramble for it. Someone also made a good point about even after they release it, the wait is going to be forever. I think a MarkIII is a good idea now and upgrade when I have some $$ to burn (ie. Never)

casey487 wrote in post #8589150
I'm really getting into my prime with photography, especially sports photography.

I've just graduated and had access to a Canon 1d Mark III throughout school. I know only have a Canon 5d Mark II, not a bad camera obviously, but not a fast sports camera.

I am kind of just looking to test the waters and see what people think about if I should wait till the Mark IV is released or buy a used Mark III. Money is some what a factor, but this is my life so it will be an investment either way. I'm just looking for your thoughts...

thanks

I would only wait on a camera if I could pre order - if not get whats there to get the job done. The mk3 will keep you afloat for a long long time if this is what you wanna do. if you are unsure and wanna get something better up ahead - get the 1dmk2n now and wait for the IV. im sure there is going to be a bigger difference betwen the 4 and 3 than there was between the 2 and 3. however it took canon somtime to sort the focusing issues out on the 3 so you dont know what you are getting with the IV if Nikon releases a super body and canon has to rush a new model out. Im pretty sure the new 1 series will have video as it is a request from most agencies here in spain anyway. so if that is a deal breaker

nphsbuckeye wrote in post #8592034
I think it was originally $4,500.

With sales tax, probably but Canon's MSRP as published on Dpreview was $3,999.

I suspect the 1D4 will be with us in time for the World Cup for the sports photographers to play with.

*wonders when the World Cup is*

I was going to buy a 1D Mark III, but I think I'll wait to see what the 1D Mark IV will be like before I do anything. If your in need of a camera now, then I would go with the 1D Mark III. If you can hold off until next year sometime then I would wait and see what the 1D Mark IV has to offer.

Take Care,
Cheers, Patrick

Jahled wrote in post #8599513
I suspect the 1D4 will be with us in time for the World Cup for the sports photographers to play with.

*wonders when the World Cup is*

Feb 22 onwards

Totally OT, but I just wanna say, Adama, you did a great job; I never doubted your leadership. Not for a second.

Unless you have nigh-infinite funds, you should take your Canon 5d Mark II and shoot sprots with it. See how it performs, see how much you can get out of it.

Sure, it isn't quite up to the same specs as the 1 series for serious sports shooting, but it is far from useless in that area!!

Once you know for sure whether your current camera cuts it or not, or can at least tide you over while you wait, then you have your answer. I'd be moderately surprised if it wasn't up to the task though.

I'd get a 1DIIN right now
or wait for the next 1D because canon is clearly adjusting the AF thingy and the AF accuracy is no longer to be used (by Canon) to differentiate the offer (and the cost of the bodies)

up until the 7D if you wanted a good accurate and reliable AF camera you had to get an heavy body for at least 4K (1DsII or 1DIIN I mean)

now (thanks to Nikon giving to the D300 and D3 the same AF engine) canon is upgrading even the consumer offer with a (on paper) reliable AF engine.

1D Mark IIN now or wait a month or so

the III (1Ds and 1D) need to be re-designed.

casey487 wrote in post #8589150
I'm really getting into my prime with photography, especially sports photography.

I've just graduated and had access to a Canon 1d Mark III throughout school. I know only have a Canon 5d Mark II, not a bad camera obviously, but not a fast sports camera.

I am kind of just looking to test the waters and see what people think about if I should wait till the Mark IV is released or buy a used Mark III. Money is some what a factor, but this is my life so it will be an investment either way. I'm just looking for your thoughts...

thanks

Since your life evolves around photography, I would wait for a Mk IV. I don't think it's good time to buy a used Mk III. Even if you end up with a Mk III, you will save money by waiting until the Mk IV comes out, when Mk III's will be cheaper.