Hey everyone,

wondering if anyone would have a recommendation between the 5D Mark II and 1Ds Mark II (used) for wedding work. Aside for resolution (16 is plenty), the only benefit of the 5D is the video. I see so many upsides to the 1Ds (AF, build, Vgrip included, same controls as my 1D Mark II, etc).

They are about the same in price.

Thoughts?

Well the one benefit you will definitely see with the 5DII is ISO noise. I just shot a wedding and used 3200 and 6400 with confidence. Other than that, it sounds like you're leaning towards the 1Ds. You can't go wrong either way. You can buy a grip for the 5D though if need be.

I have not used a 5D MkII but having used a 1DsMkII in the summer for a powerboating event, I was hooked. It really is a fine piece of kit. The only downside for wedding work may be the low light performance which, of course, the 5DMkII excels at. I was seeing noise in the shadows above ISO 400 but I guess that could be fixed with Noise Ninja or something similar.

I would suggest you try to borrow or rent one and give it a test run. There's nothing like a hands on trial.

I wouldn't count (personally) the 5D2 video as a benefit . . . unless you really know what you are doing with video work you'll be able to do it . . . which I doubt most of us on here would be.

I have 2x5D2 and couldn't be happier. Loved the 1Ds2 when I had them, great camera. I've found (from owning many many different Canon pro-bodies) that the 5D delivers enough AF performance for my needs, is plenty weather sealed, and I like the weight of the 5Ds. It's a winner in my book.

Thanks for all the feedback. I will probably go with the 5D2 if for no other reason than the lowlight capabilities. I dunno if its just my lot in life or what, but I ALWAYS get the weddings that take place in the darkest venues possible. Some around here have dark wood floors, walls, and ceilings. Cant even bounce a flash of em...

Thanks again.

5d2 is hands down the choice here. It just produces better files.
bb

Better body or better files.

That's really your decision. For me the 5d2 would win.

I've never found the focus of the 5d to be a problem for shooting weddings though. If you do that would weigh in on your decision.