Canon 1Ds MKII or Hasselblad 503c/w filmback?

[Alejandro]

Hello there everyone! I need some help. My first real camera and still the one that I use is a canon 50D. I love the camera but I've been wanting to get my hands on a full frame as well. I want my super wide angle lens to look like a wide angle lens. Also, I hear that the full frame is just better over all. I will be starting school at the Academy Of Art University in January and I'm serious about my gear. I'm sure the 50D is enough for the job but not for me. However, I recently learned about medium format and it all sounds good as well. I've read allot about the Hasselblad 501 and 503 cameras and they certainly look like they would be allot of fun to use. I've never used film and that interest me as well. I'm sure I will probably never be able to afford a digital back for it but it seems like it takes some good pics. How do you think that would stand up to the 1Ds MKII? Like I said, I already have a 50D and it works great. Should I just stick to the digital 1Ds or try something different? I'm torn.

[OsmosisStudios]

THe MkII? No. The MkIII? Maybe.

Honestly, I'd wait to see what happens in your classes. You may find that you need one over another.

That being said, I shoot a fair bit of film. I use a D300s as a digital SLR, and quite like it, but I also shoot 35mm and 120 film.

[Alejandro]

So are you saying that you would choose the Hasselblad over the Canon? If so could you tell me why?Thanks.

[OsmosisStudios]

Originally Posted by Alejandro

So are you saying that you would choose the Hasselblad over the Canon? If so could you tell me why?Thanks.

Basically, but I'd still wait to see. There may be better options than a 1dsMKii

The MkII is an older model. A much older model. And your 40D likely outdoes it in terms of image quality.

The Hasselblad opens up the world of medium format, which is, in and of itself, an entirely different animal. It also means using film and scanning it, which is another hurdle/benefit. It really depends on how much work you want to do.

[BCampbell]

You probably won't find too many people with much experience with either of those here, much less with enough experience with both to compare them. This site has a lot of advanced amateurs and those are relaly the tools of serious professionals.

A medium-format digital back is going to be much, much different than a DSLR. If you anticipate doing a lot of studio work or work with still objects, like landscapes, it could be the right fit. You might find it a bit limiting, though. The ability to use both film and digital backs could be a nice bonus -- but if you just want to work with film it will be a lot cheaper to grab a k1000 or AE-1 and use 35mm. There are digital backs available under $10,000; I know quite a few people who inexpensively (under $500) picked up medium format bodies and experiment with film.

The 1Ds series is great, any of the models are excellent, they are designed as hardcore pro cameras. But if you're mainly looking to get a "normal" (equivalent to 35mm film) field of view from lenses, it may be overkill, epsecially since the MkII in good condition seems to still be going for around $2000 and the MkIII for over $3000. If you're looking for a full frame body and don't need the advanced features of the 1D series, the original 5D is around $1000. You'll probably want the extra grand or two for lighting, lenses, and other equipment.

But, since you're enrolled in classes, I think the best thing to do would be to ask your professors for their input. There must be some kind of guidelines regarding what equipment you need, no? Outside of shcool you can use whatever you want, but for classes you might want to go with what the people teaching you recommend.

[Alejandro]

Thank you guys for your opinions. I guess what I wanted was just to experience both worlds. I was looking at the Canon AE-1. I will check into it some more. The Canon 50D I have is good for the school but still looking into getting a full frame as well. I was even thinking about the 5D MKII as well but hadn't mentioned it. Money for the camera is not a problem just choosing one. Right now I'm not even sure which direction I'm going to go to be honest. What I can say is that I have always wanted to work for a magazine. Right now I just shoot people and things but I like the idea of shooting in a studio.

[jdepould]

Wait until you actually get there.