Current firmware is 1.2.6.
I bought one of the first 1D MkII cameras to arrive in Nashville, TN back in May 2004 and still have it. I'm on my fourth battery for it (3 still in use) and all are Canon OEM. It fits tight enough that I decided not to try after market batteries, even though I've used them in other cameras.
In my opinion, the 5D MkII has the edge on the 1D MkII in lowlight. I am completely comfortable using the 5D MkII up to 3200 ISO and beyond but try to not go above 1600 ISO with the 1D MkII. But the 1D MkII has a definite edge in autofocus and speed.
For every advantage one has, another equal advantage can be found in the other. Same goes for weaknesses. They are an excellent complement to each other.
Enjoy!
Ralph -- I think you'll be much better off with the 1D2, compared to the 40D. The 60D would be far more advanced than the 1D2, and I'd choose that if you like crop. But for quality imaging, handling, and build, the 1D2 is pretty amazing.
I bought one for $600 with 110,000 clicks -- the shutter was going out and Canon installed a new one and mirror box work for free. Now the guts are like new.
I bought another for around $650 in mint condition with 7,000 clicks, and paid about $125 to have Canon fix a broken CF card slot -- they also worked over the AF and generally give it a good tune up -- now it is absolutely a gem.
Ralph Conway wrote:
Because I thought about a 40D backup body that is offered here around 450 (at 11.000 releases). That seems to be a nice price for a 1D II.
Personally , having a 5D II, I wouldn't go for a 40D body as 2nd body at all...not even the 50D.
For low cost, the only viable options for me is 1D II , 1D II N, 5Dc
For the price of 60D, I'd rather get an used 1D III...
This is just what I would do...it doesn't necessarily apply to everyone else
Gunzorro wrote:
Ralph -- I think you'll be much better off with the 1D2, compared to the 40D. The 60D would be far more advanced than the 1D2, and I'd choose that if you like crop. But for quality imaging, handling, and build, the 1D2 is pretty amazing.
I bought one for $600 with 110,000 clicks -- the shutter was going out and Canon installed a new one and mirror box work for free. Now the guts are like new.
I bought another for around $650 in mint condition with 7,000 clicks, and paid about $125 to have Canon fix a broken CF card slot -- they also worked over the AF and generally give it a good tune up -- now it is absolutely a gem.
Here in germany I actually saw non less than double expensive then D40. And at around 10 times more actuations. My girl should be able to use the camera, too and I am pretty sure 1D MK IIs weight would be to much for her. I shot the 30D for two years and was very happy.
My favourite backup would be a second 5D MK II (or my existing one with 5D III as main body. It would be nice for her, too (without grip).
Of course to a 1D II in mint condition with 7000 clicks at $ 650 I would say yes, too. ;-)
Ralph -- Ah, yes! Those are important considerations! In that case you might go the 40D route -- inexpensive and reliable.
Adrian -- That's quite a difference in price and features!! In the US, the 60D is around $900 new (cheaper if refurb) and the 1D3 is around $2,000 in good shape -- $1,500 is the lowest I've seen, and that was one time recently on ebay.
dhphoto wrote:
You mean not like the archaic two-handed interface, the unstable firewire connection and the overly soft, small 1DII files. Ra ra.
I sold mine for a 5D as soon as it was available
I'm sorry if that's rained on your parade but the 5-Series do a very good job.
Well I haven't had any clients complain about the soft images, and I'll take the archaic two handed interface of a 1Dii over the dial on the 5D that changes all the time if your using a camera strap.
gene A. wrote:
Well I haven't had any clients complain about the soft images, and I'll take the archaic two handed interface of a 1Dii over the dial on the 5D that changes all the time if your using a camera strap.
Ralph, for the love of God, is it that hard not to confuse models ? D40/40D (I don't mean to hassle you,but it's confusing to say D40 and actually mean 40D). Don't get this the wrong way...
I shot 2 years with 30D also,it was my first body. But let's face it. 30D is nowhere near 5Dc for example.
There's a difference between back up body, and second body.
For me,I'd take a 40D minimum as a back up body. The 1D II I bought as 2nd body (for events etc) and as main walk around body for my walks/free time.Surely, 5D II has the edge on IQ, but I'd rather have the speed/functionality of 1D II in my walks/trips/whatever.
I alsoo notice that you're still dreaming of 5D III .....and 5DII as 'back up' body
adrianb wrote:
Ralph, for the love of God, is it that hard not to confuse models ? D40/40D (I don't mean to hassle you,but it's confusing to say D40 and actually mean 40D). Don't get this the wrong way...
I shot 2 years with 30D also,it was my first body. But let's face it. 30D is nowhere near 5Dc for example.
There's a difference between back up body, and second body.
For me,I'd take a 40D minimum as a back up body. The 1D II I bought as 2nd body (for events etc) and as main walk around body for my walks/free time.Surely, 5D II has the edge on IQ, but I'd rather have the speed/functionality of 1D II in my walks/trips/whatever.
I alsoo notice that you're still dreaming of 5D III .....and 5DII as 'back up' body
I did it again, Adrianb! Sorry! I guess my problems with DXX/XXD are caused by Canon and Nikons stupid behavior in giving their bodys names. You might not remember, therefore here is my explanation:
The first DSLR I purchased was indeed the CANON "D60" in 2002.
Back in that time there existed no other Nikons then "professionals". After D60 Canon renamed their XX-Line and restarted it with "10D" in 2003. Nikon vice verca got the great idea to take back this free range of names and overtook back (in original it was taken away from them by Canon before) the prinziple in 2004 to started a consumer line with a "D70"
That is why I exchange the names frequently.
And Backup to me does just mean having a second body in back while doing a job and the camera may fail. For that I guess 40D (correct?) is a good choice.
