1D4 or 5D2?

I am going to buy a new DSLR and am considering three bodies. 1D4, most likely, 5D2, maybe, and less likely a used 1DS3.

If I had the money I would get the 1D4 and the 1DS3.

I shoot everything and have some nice glass.

Full frame appeals to me and so does a 1.3 crop for different reasons.

I want one of my DSLRs to be able to shoot video. (Young grand children)

If money is not an issue I would get the 1DIV and the 1DsIII.

If only one, the 1DsIII. If that is still a stretch, then the 5DII.

I would pick the 5DII over the 1DIV only because there is nothing that can replace a FF and I like FF.

If you want vidio, that automatically eliminates the 1Ds.
If you need 10 fps, that eliminates the 1ds and the 5d2.
If you want ff and 69 af points that eliminates the 1d4 and the 5d II.
The answer is in what you need or want the most.

You grasshopper must make the decision. make it wisely

I think the 1D4 is the right choice.

Wanting video eliminates the 1Ds3.

Between the 1D4 and the 5D2, the 5D has only one advantage. Because the 5D is FF, I feel it is a better camera to link up with the available choices in wide angle zoom lenses.

Lenses like the 24-70 and 24-105 feel like a natural fit on a FF camera. They both are a little lacking in wide angle on 1.3X. And the 16-35 and 17-40 lack reach for 1.3X.

Other than this lens choice issue (which may or may not affect you depending on your style) the 1D4 is the best all around camera offering from Canon at this time.

If I were you 1D4 no doubt. You want to get your shots in focus.

Tapeman wrote in post #11060811
I shoot everything and have some nice glass.

Get the 1DMK4 then.

5D's are nothing short of amazing cameras but throw some tricky focusing situations or fast moving action into the mix and your going to struggle. The 1D is a far more versatile camera and gives up little to nothing to the 5D in image quality on almost all accounts.

maverick678 wrote in post #11061261
If I were you 1D4 no doubt. You want to get your shots in focus.

Ridiculous response.

1D4

It's a tough choice. The 5D2 has the advantage for wide angle and DOF, the 1D4 speed and AF. I shoot so many different things that I found both necessary as well as the 7D for reach.

1D4

I like the 1DIV for many things except the AF in low light where IR AF assist is needed. Also, the 1.3x crop bothered me, it may not be a problem for you.

You'll be very happy with either the 1DIV or the 5D2. If you had money, I'd say the 1DIV would work best for you.

Check out my review in my signature.

-David

maverick678 wrote in post #11061261
If I were you 1D4 no doubt. You want to get your shots in focus.

lol what??

my 5d and 1d are both capable of focusing.

1D4 if you still want the bigger body. 5D2's difference for me is the smaller size. They both do what they do very well and that's take great shots and video. 1D4 may be faster but it is a bit cumbersome especially when chasing grandkids around.

Right now I am leaning toward getting the 1D4 and immediatly start saving for a full frame to go with it. Then I'll have to decide on the model. After the Holidays I hope.

I just shot a charity event in a dark wine bar with the 5D2 the other day. Over 300 shots. I missed the focus on 4 pics. The camera didn't miss any.

I use my 1D3 for sports. The 5D2 is used for everything else. It's an incredible camera.