e.s.sandusky wrote:
My 1D3 is used mainly for theatre "staged" shooting and head shots. I am thinking better/higher detail when doing large group shots??
So what do you think? Crazy or not?
Al
That's not crazy. I have both and while I much prefer the 1D3 for action/event/moving subjects etc, I have the 5D2 for commercial/studio/landscape/static subjects. Its files are remarkable, as long as your subjects are fairly static and/or in good light.
The FF let's you go wider for your "staged" shots. Also more room to crop if that is needed. On the other hand, if you're going for theater "action", or low light, the AF on the 1D thrumps the 5D.
I've looked at and seriously considered the new 5, but having used a "mk1" 5 for nearly 3 years, and upgraded to a 1D3 6 months ago, the AF is killer.... could never give that up. Only real disadvantage is the physical size ... sometimes you don't want that, so the 5 is more discrete.
I own both. Both are great at what they are designed for.
<martines34> - The 1D3 is not full frame (1.3 crop).
Can't really help you decide. They are both excellent but excel in different areas. I shoot my 5D2 in studio and 1D3 at sporting events... For stage performance, I have used both.
You're not crazy, I went through the same thing. I ended up with the 5DII because of weddings - I want a lot of detail that the 21mp provides when blown up. The HD video is a nice bonus. Plus, I pocketed $300 going to the 5dII.
I also like the 5DII for its better high ISO performance and full frame goodness
martines34 wrote:
I really don't know much about the pro line of cameras but, here are my thoughts.
The pro line are all full frame. Supposedly the top of the line sensors.
Apparently you do not because the "pro line" (as you call them) are NOT all full frame e.g. the 1D3.
I own both. After using the 5DII exclusively for a couple weeks I picked up the 1D3 for a test shot and had forgotten how sweet it is to shoot with a 1 Series. The 1D3 has a speed / precision feeling that makes the 5DII feel like a point and shoot. Shooting a 1D3 is simply more satisfying but there are times when I prefer 21 megapixels and full frame. The 1D3's high ISO performance is comparable on a pixel basis. YMMV.
yes,if your 1D MKIII was made after Canon fixed the problems and is working well,you are crazy; 5D MKII has an antique AF sistem,even 40D and 50D have better AF sistem,and the body will not fitt so well in your hands;plus it is pretty slow.DON'T DO IT!!
I have to say if you just want sheer image quality the 5d MKII takes its, but handling, focusing, speed the 1D3 takes it.
I was shooting studio when I realized the 5D syncs at 1/200 and the 1D3 syncs at 1/250 I have much more off focuses with the 5D and the outer focus points are useless with my fast glass.
e.s.sandusky wrote:
My 1D3 is used mainly for theatre "staged" shooting and head shots. I am thinking better/higher detail when doing large group shots??
If you want more resolution, the 5D2 is obviously going to be a better option than the 1D3... 21MP vs 10MP...
If your subjects aren't very challenging on the AF, the 5D2's AF may be sufficient and the 1D3's AF may be overkill...
I know why you want the 5DmkII. The extra resolution counts in group shots. If your customers are like mine they always want a crop of their portrait on stage out of the group shot. So you are not crazy. But if you change it for the 1DmkIII you will miss the 1DmkIII for it's response and speed, AF etc. So this is really the devils dilemma. I guess you need to change and not look back, but then again do it: don't look back. There is a compromise: the 1DsmkIII. But that one is gonna cost you a lot of money. If you have the money for it, do it and don't look back. It's what I use for theatre, choirs, musicals etc. Do you understand why my alias is EOSfun ? If you don't want to spend the money: you are probably wiser than I am The 5DmkII is great for what you want to do. As I said: this is the devils dilemma
? Crazy or not?
? If you don't want to spend the money: you are probably wiser than I am 
The 5DmkII is great for what you want to do. As I said: this is the devils dilemma