I'm still considering swapping my 1dsmk2 for a 5D. I really just don't need all the file size, durability and weight for weddings and events.
That said, I don't want to switch if the 5D would be worse at AF speed and accuracy in low light situations.
No I don't want to go to Idmk2N because I like the DOF of FF.
Does anyone have any real world experience with both of these bodies in low light, high ISO situations? If so, how do they compare to each other in AF accuracy and speed?
If there are any threads that exist on this subject please direct me to them.
sorry about the OT but don't you feel the need for a pro body for weddings? I'm a event photographer myself using 20d's and I'm seriously considering switching for 1d's because i often have problems with my bodies due high use.
I don't know how they can be compared. But IMHO 5D AF should be more than adequate for wedding. With every man and woman in Tux or Dress on high-heels, how fast the AF need to be ?
Pondria wrote:
I don't know how they can be compared. But IMHO 5D AF should be more than adequate for wedding. With every man and woman in Tux or Dress on high-heels, how fast the AF need to be ?
Right on Jeff... that's what I'm concerned about. I'm watching faces and often using them as focal points. That's much harder than B&W contrast to lock onto.
While I don't have the 1Ds, I have stayed away due to the 5D's ability to shoot at high ISO with less noise. I find I need 1600 and 3200 since I hate flash and the 1Ds, while it would be great, just does not compare. Should Canon release a 1Ds upgrade with the same high ISO capabilities as the 5D, I'll jump on it.
Sorry, have not had time to test. On my trip just completed at Yellowstone (where I took the 1DsII, 5D and 20D), I found the 20D to be far worse than 1DsII. I know the 5D is improved but not sure how much. It seemed to work well on the trip but I used different lenses on the 5D. Of course, I was shooting AF Servo for the wildlife. Which mode do you use for weddings?
Scott Campbell wrote:
Yeah, that's another reason to like the 5D it's ISO at 1250 and up is clearly better than the 1dsmk2.
No takers on actually comparing the 5D and the 1dsmk2 AF for accuracy and speed in low light? Are they really that much different?
I shoot events and portraits all the time, focusing on eyes & eyebrows at f/2 & faster often, and the 5D gets the job done. I like the AF point layout on the 5D a lot but this is a deal breaker for some people who prefer the 45-point AF layout. I always usef the 11-point AF on the 1-series because it's faster than flipping through 45 points, but the 5D's joystick for AF point selection is even faster. Anyway to answer your question directly I've found the AF speed and accuracy are comperable.
amirm wrote:
Sorry, have not had time to test. On my trip just completed at Yellowstone (where I took the 1DsII, 5D and 20D), I found the 20D to be far worse than 1DsII. I know the 5D is improved but not sure how much. It seemed to work well on the trip but I used different lenses on the 5D. Of course, I was shooting AF Servo for the wildlife. Which mode do you use for weddings?
Amir
The 20D is cleary inferior to the other cameras at servo tracking. The 5D is very good as long as the subject is at or near the center of the frame - near the visible and invisible focus points. The 1-series cameras are better at tracking off-center sunjects.
Well, I know the 20D does not hold a candle to 1 series for flight shots. But was hoping that it would do better with the rather static mamals in the park. Unfortunatley, snow and brushes would throw off the focus on the 20D. And the couple of times that a bald eagle showed up unexpected, tracking was hopeless as I remembered it previously.
Tony
Actually on the 1Dsmk2 I use centerpoint with AF lock rarely moving my AF point. I do use the custom fallback function which picks up the surrounding 3-5 points with a 70mm lens and low light. That's a nice AF function.
I've found that due to the smaller AF points, in low light the 5D isn't a great performer for AF speed with f4 lenses whereas with a f2.8 lens the speed is all I could want it to be for low light event/wedding work. With my 10D I didn't notice it as a problem with the AF sensor being so much bigger and therefore achieving lock more quickly albeit maybe not as accurately. With the 5D and 24-105L it's pretty noticeable in low light.
I wasn't using f4 lenses for wedding work while I shot with the 1Ds, I had a 24-70L and the AF was fast enough though I hated the fact that you couldn't see where the AF square was until you were focusing when it lit up. For me using any of the focus points other than the center was impossible as I couldn't see where I was aiming until I activated the AF!
For weddings and events I almost never shoot servo mode, which is why speed and accuracy are critical for my style in these scenarios - Center focus, one shot AF and AF lock for framing.
I'm really considering trying servo mode to see if I'm able to capture better candids. I had really poor results with it on my 10d and have stayed away from it since.
So it sounds like the 5D would work well with my current style of shooting and 2.8 or better lenses, which is all I shoot. Hmmm...
here is just a thought, while i have not progressed far enough to do wedding nd that sort bare with me. if the 5d is having trouble focusing in low light why not just slap a 580ex on it and set the flash to not fire? wouldnt the camera with the flash on still take advantage of the flashs um what are they called focus thingys ( lol kinda embarrased i cant think of what the hell those damn red lights are ).
misterjoechin wrote:
ok i just tested that idea of mine and it does work. 580ex on and custom function 7 set to 1 allows for focusing aid from 580 without flash firing.
Joe,
Wouldn't it be scary that RED patterns are projected on the bride's white dress or her face ?
