Upgrading from Canon 40D - Help please

[Diane B]

Currently I have a 40d and want to upgrade.

Always fancied the 1d – purely because it was a professional one, and, whilst I am in the fortunate position of being able to afford one (going to the States soon and $$ make them half price to AU$$ etc) I thought, why not. I can grow into it as I probably won’t have the opportunity again to be able to buy something like this. I know this is a big step up from my 40d

The point is, which one? I have read reports on Mk3 and Mk4 = they are this and that, heavy, big, noisy, fantastic, the best. Also looking at 5d and 7d. prices a lot cheaper, but like I said, don’t want that for just a few years and wish I had gone for the 1d.

In terms of what I am using it for? Well, I drift from wanting to do sports photography to travel, can’t make my mind up, and again want something that will adapt to anything really, - not just one particular subject. Also, want something compatible to my existing lenses.

Any experience with any of these cameras and what would you suggest? Any advise is greatly appreciated.

[OsmosisStudios]

What are your existing lenses? Neither of the 1D cameras will work with your EF-S lenses, should you have any. neither will the 5D series.

[inkista]

First question, do you want full frame or do you want 1.3x APS-H (kind of a slightly weird sensor size).

Are you willing to give up all your EF-S glass and go get some Ls?

And are you ok with the camera having a built-in vertical portrait grip? The 1-Series cameras are a lot bigger and heavier than the other models. And just because it costs more doesn't necessarily mean it's the right tool for you. A 1-Series is not a small light travel camera. For that, a 7D or 5DMkII is likely to be better for you.

The 1-series cameras also tend to share sensor/processor tech with the lower-end cameras. In this case, the 1DMkIV (the 1.3x camera) is sharing sensor tech with the 7D, and the 1DsMkIII (the full frame) is sharing sensor tech with the 5DMkI (the 5DMkII's tech hasn't yet reached the 1Ds. We're expecting announcements of a 1DsMkIV any day now...)

What the 1 Series cameras are supreme at isn't necessarily image quality so much as being hardy enough to take heavy, professional use. They're the only cameras that are weathersealed in the Canon lineup. They don't have sissy "mode" dials for newbies. And the 1DsMkIII doesn't do video. So, the question really comes down to: what features were you looking at in particular that only the 1 Series offers you that the other bodies don't?

Just because you pay more for a camera body doesn't necessarily mean you're going to keep it any longer than a cheaper camera. These things are digital electronics. Does paying more for a cellphone make you keep it longer? A computer? Or are you still swapping out every few years when fancy new features are introduced?

[Diane B]

Thanks to both of you, i have now discovered that just a couple of my lens are compatible, (L) the others not. I do want a full frame, don;t need/want video, just want a camera that can do all the tricks, and get good results. I am leaning either towards the 1ds MkIII or the 5dMkII. More research I think. Just wish there wasn't as many choices to make !!

[RichardTaylor]

It's easy.

You indicate you want full frame +you want to shoot sports as well as travel.

Either camera will be fine for travel especially if the weight is not a problem.
The 1ds MkIII will run rings around the 5DII for sports (which is basically a 40D with a better sensor)

However the 1ds MkIII has far better autofocus, marginally better FPS, Dual card slots, Rated for 300,000 shutter actuations (150,000 for the 5DII), and most importantly for sports, weather sealing for when you are shooting in the rain.

Keep in mind for critical shoots, especially when shooting for somebody else, you will need two bodies.

[gturner]

If money is not an issue the 1D IV is the answer. It does everything you could ever wish and more.
I have not gone to a 5D or 7Dfrom a 50D and am saving the pennies for a 1D series.
Do you self a favour and test them out or rent them for a weekend. I did and it was eye opening

[inkista]

Originally Posted by gturner

If money is not an issue the 1D IV is the answer. It does everything you could ever wish and more.

Except it's not full-frame. It's APS-H. The 1Ds Mk IV is probably what's really wanted here. If only Canon would announce it.

Originally Posted by Diane B

Thanks to both of you, i have now discovered that just a couple of my lens are compatible, (L) the others not.

Didn't mean to imply that only L lenses are compatible with the 1 Series. The only lenses that you can't use are the EF-S ones. However, if you wanted weather-sealing, to completely seal the system, the lens needs to be sealed, too. And only some (not all) of the L lenses are.

[GadgetRick]

Originally Posted by inkista

Except it's not full-frame. It's APS-H. The 1Ds Mk IV is probably what's really wanted here. If only Canon would announce it.

I wish Canon would come out with a full frame with the AF, etc of the 1d Mk IV but I just don't see it happening. I get the impression they aren't interested in doing this. I'd sell one of my kids to get one though...

[gturner]

The 1.3 sensor is an improvement on the 1.6 AND you get the benefits of a 1D at half the price of the S series.
1Ds is overkill... even if money is not object., but the 1DIV is attainably & versatile

[OsmosisStudios]

Originally Posted by gturner

The 1.3 sensor is an improvement on the 1.6 AND you get the benefits of a 1D at half the price of the S series.
1Ds is overkill... even if money is not object., but the 1DIV is attainably & versatile

How do you figure?

The 1D series is designed for sports: fast AF, faster continuous shooting than anything else around, 1.3x crop helps with the telephoto lenses usually needed.

The 1Ds series is designed for studio and fashion work. Slower FPS, higher resolution, slightly slower AF, full-frame for low-noise with low ISO in a studio environment.