Hi All,

I need another body to suppliment my 5D. I have $3000 to spend. I'm looking for opinions on what to buy, a new 5D2, or used 1dm3 or used 1dsm2.

I shoot mostly glamour/adult stuff. Rarely printed above 20x24. But far and away most for web sites and smaller prints.

I also shoot some UFC type fight events. I have had some of these enlarged to poster size by the venue. (no idea of processed used)

I also shoot events in night clubs, for web sites. Rarely if ever printed at all.

If you have experience with the above mentioned bodies, which would you purchase. Oh, I only use L glass.

I really appreciate your input.

Thank you

Currently I'm shooting the 5D/1DIII combo and love the versatility the pair create. For low light, accurate AF its hard to beat the 1DIII.

For the UFC events and in the nightclub you'll be very happy with the low light performance of the 1DMkIII.

If you are happy with your 5D (& don't feel the pull of video) I'd recommend pairing it with a 1DIII for the kind of shooting you list.

Thanks guys. How would you rate the IQ of the 1dm3 compared to the 5D. I'm thinkng that once I get the 1dm3, I wouldn't be using the 5D much unless it's a backup situation.

I'm thinking in terms of the glamour work, not low light here, but want do be able to get the occasional large print. I'm expanding on my original post I know. Just trying to hit the bases.

Thanks again so much for you help!!

If you're happy with the 5D and enjoy it's functions as a camera, I'd suggest getting the 5D MK II. Things are improved overall, the files are larger, the video is gratis and high iso is freaking great (I too never use it, but it's nice it's there). I'd stay away from a crop sensor camera, especially an older model at this point when things are so much better in the new line-up, when you are used to a full frame. To me, the IQ is far above the 1dsmk2 and the screen on those things...

Anthony, I do like the IQ of the 5D, but wish focus was faster and had more points!

You think the 5d2 has better IQ than the 1dsm2? NOT arguing, just want to make sure that is what you are saying.

Are you referring to the 1dm3 as older crop?

Thanks very much for taking the time to reply to my question!

According to TDP tests (imo very reliable), when the 1Ds2 is downsized, it's all but identical to the 1D3.

I have the 1D3 and 5D2, and the 1D3 is better than the 5D2 at the pixel level, but the 5D2 has a very slight edge when the 5D2 is downsized to 10MP. The 5D2 would have a marginal advantage over the 1Ds2 (at most 1/3 stops) right through to ISO 1600

Thank you. So for all intents the IQ of the MIII matches the 5D2? Since you have both, which do you reach for most? (what type of stuff do you shoot?)


Thanks so much!

M Vers wrote:
Currently I'm shooting the 5D/1DIII combo and love the versatility the pair create. For low light, accurate AF its hard to beat the 1DIII.

Great combination. That's what I'm shooting right now.

J.

Out of the 3, I'd go 1DmkIII, 5DmkII, then 1DsmkII. I've owned all three and shot for clients with great success.

JimiV,

I haven't worked with the 5Ds of any type so can't comment there, but working a 1DIII and a 1DsII I can say that the IQ of the 1DsII is superior to the 1DIII while the AF of the III **may be** better than the II. Both work well in low light though the III has higher ISO. It's interesting I tend to using my III outside (sports, wildlife) and the II inside in low light situations. Truth is, I find the 1DsII capable in virtually all situations except extreme high speed shooting which I doubt you do much. If you like the output of your 5D, the 1DIII might be a good choice for you though I've seen some nice deals lately on 1DsII in good shape. Frankly, I think either will do you just fine and you will really enjoy the pro body feel and focus.

Robert

well, i used a 1dsmkii, 1dmiii, a 5d and now a 5dmkii. The battery and screen on the 1dsmkii are the reasons not to get it, not the files. They are different and come out more neutral than the 5d, so at first it will probably shock you a bit. I also was using a 1dmkiii with my 5d and loved the fast autofocus, the battery lasts for ages, high iso is great and it gives a bit more reach (and i use almost always primes, so that helped having 2 different bodies and sensor sizes).

BUT considering what's available right now, I'd get the 5dmkii. It has amazing color, great resolution, great high iso and if you do run with 2 bodies they are both similar. Oh and the battery is small and lasts for days. Its a major upgrade.

caleb condit wrote:
BUT considering what's available right now, I'd get the 5dmkii. It has amazing color...

I'm not hating on the 5D2 (I recently bought one and am quite happy with it), but it is rarely praised for its colors. That is one of the most common complaints actually.

To the OP, I would get the 1D3. If you are going to need capable autofocus on anything but the center point in lower light situations like you described, the 1D3 is MUCH better than a 5D/5D2. Resolution aside, I think I prefer overall image quality from the 1D3 vs. both 5D and 5D2, except maybe at ISO 3200+ where the 5D2 wins.

I can't comment on the 5d2, but IQ on the 1d3 equals the 1ds2 across the board, and exceeds it in highlight retention. I didn't want to believe that for the longest time, but having shot both side by side for the past year, I've reached that conclusion.

The 1ds2 was the best camera I'd ever used until I picked up the 1d3.

1dmkIII/5DmkII - great combo I have now, however I am very interesting in mk IV as pair to mk III for birding. 5D2 for everything else besides birds and sports Superb for travel reason for example.

Thank you so much everyone. I really appreciate your taking the time to help me out.

I think I'm leaning towards a used 1dm3, I don't see the lower MP count as being a detriment to my glamour stuff and the faster AF should be a help with everything.

But I still can't shake that 1dsm2 thing!

You'll love the 1dmk3. I have had a love affair with my 5D going for several years. Then I picked up the 1Dmk3. The color reproduction and the subtle shading/light sensitivity has me hooked. It's a great camera.

J.

JimiV Photo wrote:
Thank you so much everyone. I really appreciate your taking the time to help me out.

I think I'm leaning towards a used 1dm3, I don't see the lower MP count as being a detriment to my glamour stuff and the faster AF should be a help with everything.

But I still can't shake that 1dsm2 thing!

I was also surprised at how narrow the gap was between 16mp and 10mp images. I expected a much larger difference. In a year of all around use, including sports & travel photography, it mattered only a handful of times.

The 1dsm2 is an alluring and awesome camera for sure. I loved using it, however, I think the 1d3 is slightly better. Now that the used prices are much more comparable, I think the 1d3 is a better choice for most. But I'll never have a bad word for the 1ds2.

I think my next step might be to get a 1Dsmk3 when the mk4 version comes out.

J.