Looking at FF - used 5DII or used 1DsII and why?

It's still only hypothetical (for me) at the moment, but I'm looking at current full-frame options. Five of my six current lenses are good for FF, so that's not a worry. I notice, at least here in UK, a used 5D Mark II goes for only a tiny bit more than a good 1Ds MkII. Now, I'm familiar with the differences in age and technical spec, and the fact that they are/were made for different customers, but I'm interested to hear views from those who might have experience of both to help me build a picture of which differences are important. The 1DsII will have better AF plus weather sealing, but lower ISO sensitivity and more noise. Both give excellent image quality, but are there noticeable differences? Let's hear your experiences.

In my opinion it's 5D mark II no contest. Unless you really need the autofocus, weather sealing, or 'pro body' the 5D II has the 1Ds II beat in every way.

Video, same viewfinder size, video, live view, much nicer LCD, much lighter, better IQ by quite a bit, useful write speeds.

Sp1207 wrote in post #11612283
In my opinion it's 5D mark II no contest. Unless you really need the autofocus, weather sealing, or 'pro body' the 5D II has the 1Ds II beat in every way.

Video, same viewfinder size, video, live view, much nicer LCD, much lighter, better IQ by quite a bit, useful write speeds.

Really depends on what you mean by IQ. To me, for low ISO shots, the IQ from the 1DSII is better than the 5DII. At high ISO, yes the 5DII is better, but if you don't need the high ISO ( < 3200 ), then I would say the 1DSII has better image IQ.

I own a 1Ds so I'm partial to that. Had my share of using the non 1D bodies and much prefer the 1D more.

Half the size and weight in the 5DmkII. Better screen and live view. Depends what you shoot primarily. Live view has become invaluable for panoramic and architectural work I do. 5DmkII has a better menu system.

I'd pick the 5DII for the size, higher megapixel for more cropping coverage, and better performance in the high iso area.

It mostly depends on what kind of shoots you will be doing. If you are going to be outside all the time shooting fast paced wildlife and sports, the AF of the 1Ds2 might be for you, but if you're just traveling with your equipment and taking stills here and there, the 5d2 will be a much better option.

Hogloff wrote in post #11612316
Really depends on what you mean by IQ. To me, for low ISO shots, the IQ from the 1DSII is better than the 5DII. At high ISO, yes the 5DII is better, but if you don't need the high ISO ( < 3200 ), then I would say the 1DSII has better image IQ.

The 5D classic has slightly better noise than the 1Ds II at all ISOs. The 5DII has much better IQ at all ISOs.

http://snapsort.com …I-vs-Canon_EOS_5D_Mark_II

If you need the pro features you need them, and if you don't the 5DII is a better buy.

The files from the 1Ds Mk II has that magical look no other Canon cameras have...
IQ of Low ISO up to 800 is much better on 1Ds MkII ....IMHO....

Been there....

Here is thread that you might want to read....

http://www.fredmiranda​.com …opic/971497/1#l​astmessage

Thanks all for comments so far, especially Sp1207 for that interesting comparison, putting all the specs side by side. Please keep experiences coming, I'm finding them very interesting. It sounds like the balance so far is coming towards the newer technology of the 5DII.

To help discussion, answering the questions of what I shoot, it's very broad. Landscape, macro, sports, wildlife. There are occasions where the better weather resistance could be useful, but it's not a driver for me. I've used my 40D in fairly inhospitable conditions without problems. I guess that doesn't help too much, does it?

Sp1207 wrote in post #11612450
The 5D classic has slightly better noise than the 1Ds II at all ISOs. The 5DII has much better IQ at all ISOs.

http://snapsort.com …I-vs-Canon_EOS_5D_Mark_II

If you need the pro features you need them, and if you don't the 5DII is a better buy.

Like I said before...depends on how you measure image quality. If it is only noise at high ISO, then yes the 5DII is clearly your choice. But if you also include colour accuracy, dynamic range and ability to extract quality images from shadows, better handling of blown out areas etc..., then I must say the 1DSII would produce better quality images.

Seems like these days IQ == noise, but there is soooo much more that goes into the quality of an image.

The 5D2 doesn't require firewire

Another interesting thread, huhging, and thanks Hogloff for your insight. It sounds like the 1Ds is fighting back!

There are few things 5D II is better...

less weight...
Extreme High ISO ... this is debatable as shown on my previous link.
LCD... no doubt
Live View ... No doubt
Video.... no doutt

If those are not critical for your work, I'd take 1Ds Mk II any day....

Hogloff wrote in post #11612789
Like I said before...depends on how you measure image quality. If it is only noise at high ISO, then yes the 5DII is clearly your choice. But if you also include colour accuracy, dynamic range and ability to extract quality images from shadows, better handling of blown out areas etc..., then I must say the 1DSII would produce better quality images.

Seems like these days IQ == noise, but there is soooo much more that goes into the quality of an image.

If you read the link I provided the 5DII has about 30% more accurate in regards to color, has 14-bit AD, 30% higher resolution, and ~.7 stops more of dynamic range. I don't think I've ever seen a review of extracting quality from blown-out areas as that's primarily a post-processing thing, but I can't imagine a reason for why the Ds would be superior.

And do note I actually have a 1Ds Mark II. I've shot with the 5DII (played with a friends for 4 days) and IMO it was better in all aspects except for autofocus and the body.

It really depends on individual preference...
If you ask which IQ is better, you're going to get answers that will lead to split decision...

I, for one, have used both cameras, sold both, and came back to 1Ds Mk II, because it is dependable and consistent.
It feels so much better to be able to use peripheral focus points without any hesitance, whereas I almost always had to focus and recompose with 5D series camera.

Again, I much prefer the files from the 1Ds Mk II over 5D MkII.
In fact, I prefer 5D files over 5D MkII..... that's just me....

Good news is that you will definitely enjoy either camera, because they are really better than 40D...