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John Morlidge
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p.1 #1 · 1D or 1DmkII?

I currently use a 5d and 40d, but also use a sigma camera for IR work. I'm currently thinking of selling the sigma and 40d to fund a 10/20d and lifepixel conversion, and to also get another body.

I had been looking at the 1DmkII - basically for it's better body, weather sealing, fantastic AF and rapid fire shutter. However I started reading reviews of the 1D and was surprised how many people thought it is a fantastic camera.

Obviously it shares most of the 'advantages' that I'm looking for in a new body, but I can't help but think I'll find the 4 megapixels a limiting factor. Have I been suckered by marketing hype?

Basically I was interested in feedback from people who use either 1D or 1DmkII who may be able to offer advise?

Thanks.

Oct 11, 2008 at 10:15 PM

Zander Alberts
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p.1 #2 · 1D or 1DmkII?

If you have no need for high ISO capabilites, then get a 1D. It indeed lives up to all of it's hype. And it's 4 MP are not just 4 MP - easily upresed with little loss of quality. I find everything up to ISO 1250 to be fine, if properly exposed. It is truly a bargain now, I saw one for $325 the other day.

Oct 11, 2008 at 10:57 PM

twistedlim
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p.1 #3 · 1D or 1DmkII?

Depends on how big you print and how much you crop. I have 24x30 posters taken with the 1d that look great but you can hardly crop at that size. ISO wise figure about a stop difference between the 1d and the mk2. You will find you do not have to sharpen much with the 1d compare to the mk2 and sharpening will add noise. Battery wise the 1d will get you 500 shots if you dont chimp much. Figure on 2 to 3 times that with the mk2. The 1d has a flash sync of 1/500 which is really nice. AI servo tracking is second to none with the 1d. The 1d raw files are small and easy to work with which is very nice when processing.

Oct 12, 2008 at 02:20 AM

DonM2
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p.1 #4 · 1D or 1DmkII?

John Morlidge ---

Ditto the above posters in this thread.

The Canon 1D came out in early 2002 at $5-thousand. At today's prices for a nice used copy, you could own one and only use it for backup and/or special action duty. The original 1D is what turned the world (and me) on its head for speedy response and great AF, whether film or digital. In fact it is a benchmark to this day for quick, accurate AF.

If you find a Canon 1D in decent shape and can try it hands-on before buying and at today's 'gimme' prices, give serious thought to taking it home. Even if it does not fill your every current shooting needs! I expect mine to be part of my estate.

--- Don M

Oct 12, 2008 at 03:58 AM

John Morlidge
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p.1 #5 · 1D or 1DmkII?

Thanks guys, sounds like you are all very happy with the Mk1. But if I'm selling a 40d to fund the mk1 purchase is this going to be a backwards step? I am less concerned about dropping to 8MP, but going all the way down to 4?

I'm planning to use this for 'split second' stuff - like breaking glasses etc - as well as a bit of sports and general walk around. Realistically the 40d could cope with most of this, but I'm not convinced about build quality / weather sealing, and I would also love to have the better AF of the 1 series. My primary camera will still be the 5d which I'll mostly use for lower light and landscape work (so not fussed about ISO on 1d).

Oct 12, 2008 at 12:06 PM

John Morlidge
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p.1 #6 · 1D or 1DmkII?

Oct 12, 2008 at 12:06 PM

OwlsEyes
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p.1 #7 · 1D or 1DmkII?

I've owned them both... and currently use the 1D and 5D. If I could, I'd sell the 1D and buy the 1DmkII. The 1D is a great camera with small files... this is great if you have to send your work over the wire fast. But... it doesn't touch the MkII.

The MkII is faster, has better battery life, has better high iso capabilities (even @ 400), and is 8mp. In addition, the mkII is newer... means less abuse. With that said, the 1DmkI is a bargain @ $600-$800 range. You can't buy a better performing more rugged camera than a 1D if your budget is tight.

Finally... I own a 40D as well... the 40D beats the 1D for image quality... and it should... 10MP and current technology.
cheers,
bruce

Oct 12, 2008 at 01:33 PM

Psychic1
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p.1 #8 · 1D or 1DmkII?

I owned a 1D, 5D and 10D and seriously considered purchasing a NIB 1DII, but after testing I purchased the 1DIII.
The 1D, like the 5D delivers usable files out-of-the-camera while the 1DII required post-processing like the 10D.
I needed to write JPG to the SD and RAW to the CF, the 1DII does not offer that capability, the IIN and the III do.
If you need to print LARGE try Fred's software.
http://www.fredmiranda.com/shopping/1DRP

Oct 12, 2008 at 02:09 PM

Zander Alberts
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p.1 #9 · 1D or 1DmkII?

I own a 1D and a 40D. Unless I'm going to be shooting at 3200, I pick up the 1D first EVERY TIME. I think that says a lot.

Oct 12, 2008 at 04:55 PM


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