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hogband
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Registered: Apr 4, 2005
Location: United States
Posts: 608
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Review Date: Jan 9, 2010
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Recommend? yes |
Price paid: $925.00
| Rating: 9
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Pros:
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AF Speed, color accuracy, AF speed (did I say that already?)
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Cons:
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Confusing use of menu-review buttons.
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This is the sixth digital SLR I've owned but the first in the 1D series. I've had a D30, D60, 10D, 20D and 40D and I wanted to find a good deal on a 1D Mark II N and got one on Ebay.
I absolutely love the AF speed and it feels like a real camera but I'm still having trouble using the buttons on the back of the camera. I'm real spoiled by the joy stick deal on the 20D and 40D and having a single button for chimping on the non 1D cameras is nice but, that said, I shoot sports and have for 15 years and the AF speed on this camera blows all the others away. I absolutely love it.
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 Jan 9, 2010
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SAUMBI
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Registered: Nov 22, 2005
Location: United States
Posts: 20
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Review Date: Dec 10, 2009
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Recommend? yes |
Price paid: $1,200.00
| Rating: 10
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Pros:
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The typical 1D series build and ergonomics, AF, record different files to different cards, weather sealing, balance with L lens, metering accuracy, speed, customization possabilities, battery life, file size, etc. etc. etc.
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Cons:
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I just can,t find one???
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This is the 6th digital slr body I've owned. in 2005 I sold both my 1N and 1V film cameras and have not looked back. I have owned the 10D, 20D, 30D, 1D, 1Ds MKII, and now the 1D MKII N, I have been Pleasently surprised after each upgarde, and when I added a 20D to my then 10D, decided I no longer had a use for film with the type of photography I do. I sold both film bodies and have been amazed ever since. I then bought my first 1D, the original 4.2mp, and was very happy, but then I bought a 30D and it cured a lot of the things missing on the 20D, and gave me more reach and res, than the 1D did for wildlife, I was happy for a while and sold the 1D, mainly because of battery life, and flash performance, and dedicated the 30D to my wildlife photo's, but missed the AF speed and accuracy of the 1D, then when the MK III series of the 1D series came out I started watching the 1Ds MKII bodies that I had lusted for since it's introduction, I finally got one at a steal w/ less than 4000 click's on it confirmed by Canon CPS, and had to replace one internal part causing high battery consumption, $300.00 and I had a now new body! I love it for what it is and all it does, my landscape and most portrait and event photo's are taken with it. That is my experiance with digital slr's till 3 weeks ago, and that is what you want to hear about, so here goes!
I bought this body used, it has around 20,000 click's on it and looks new, it is what I always wanted for sporting events and wildlife, now I got it. I love it and it is everything I had thought it would be, and more. It is hard to explain the fealing one has when he has the 1Ds MKII and 1D MKII N, at their disposal. I feel after owning and using both that I have all I need at my disposal, to capture any, Image any cutomer could want, and better image quality they could imagine with these two bodies. I have to say I miss the lens magnification for some wildlife shots the 30D allowed, and for now am keeping it in my collection. But I don't think it is worth the loss in accuracy of AF, metering, white balance, and information, not to mention the customization ability you gain with the MKII N. I believe I can actually crop a photo more with the this camera than you can with the 30D and still have the quality without degrading the image. The auto focus is killer, and from what I have heard and read, actually better than the MKIII, which I am confident that canon will Iron out. I am not sure if this is the same imaging sensor and engine, that runs the 30D, but I feel the image, both raw and jpeg, right off the camera is better in most ways and require much less processing on the computer to obtain what I call better results, the camera's white balance is better as is focus speed, exposure metering, and though in my case so far not necessary the increase in frame rate! There is more than a speed increase to just frame rate as this body focuses faster the shutter button lag is faster and the way the whole camera works in unison, makes it the FASTEST IMAGE CAPTURING MACHINE, I have ever had the pleasure of using or seeing!! And the images are as good as it get's.
So I am going to risk being wrong by saying I am where I need to be to satisfy any customer and myself, with the addition of this camera to the big brother the slower but higher resalution king the 1Ds MK II. I will probably never upgrade my bodies again, I am to old to add video to my resume and think these are where I need to be.
We have seen that the smaller size sensors of the prosumer crop bodies are running out of space, and that the manufacturers are starting to lose image quality by cramming to many pixels onto them. I know when I got my first 1D with 4 megapixel it could deliver a richer quality to the images it captured, than the 6 and 8 megapixel camera's I had at the time. I see this in the 1D MKII N over the 30D I own and the XTi a friend ownes. I will be very happy at my age with over 40 years of SLR use, to be happy with what I have today, if for no more than MANY YEARS TO COME. Live view would be nice, and I am sure there are others that need these extras, I don't, and I sometimes ask myself if we are deviating from being photographer's. I feel if anything is lacking in my photo gear it may be some more L glass. I feel if one has this body and is not well healed in "L" lenses, he will not be happy with any other body till he is, even with this body he needs good glass to gain image quality, and with more resolution he will definitly loose quality.
When it comes to the flash performance, many complain, I don't. I am not an instructor so one will have to do some reading or view some instructional video, but I love the flash mode these camera's use. ETTL II, is great, it works great once you use it correctly, one thing the original 1D lacked. The other thing the 1D lacked was battery life. Not this baby, it will run all day for most I know mine shoots over 700 frames without IS lens and using the back screen set on 4 sec preview. I feel you allways need a backup battery, but feel one would be safe shooting all day with 2. I know I will with one, but will carry a spare fully charged for security.
I love being able to store JPEG files to SD, and RAW to CF card's, wish I could that with my 1ds MKII!
I don't know why I bother with reporting on durability and weater sealing. Some complain about size or weight, sorry but I feel this is the most comfortable camera to shoot with on the planet, yes other 1D's are as good but none better. I set this beside my 30D with the battery grip on it and it is as big as the 1D MKII N and I feel as heavy, so are they the same feel? NO NOT EVEN CLOSE, there is no way anothere series of digital SLR comes close to the ergonomics or balance an smooth operating feel this camera has, especialy with quality "L" glass attached, and as everyone on the planet, that has ever looked at this camera knows, it is the best there is bar none!! some may be as good but no camera body is built better, none, this is as good as it get's!! PERIOD!
So I have to say I would recomend this camera to anyone. I would also say if you want a digital body for wildlife, or sports, there is NONE BETTER, this is as good as it get's. I know some say you just cant aford the MKIII, well I have seen a lot of complaints about the MKIII since it was introduced and I have not since it's introduction, heard that from MII N owners. I FEEL AT THE PRICE ONE COULD PICKUP A 1D MKII N for today he has the best buy in the camera industry, I would buy 2, before I paid more for 1 MKIII, hands down, the best buy!! and did I mention AS GOOD AS IT GET'S!! PERIOD!!
If you are thinking about it, GO GET IT, This is everything you can imagine and more, and the best buy on the planet, no other digital imaging piece of equipment is as good a buy, period!!! It is AS GOOD AS IT GET'S! PERIOD!! and don't forget to thank me!!
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Dec 10, 2009
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norrislw
Offline
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Registered: Aug 5, 2008
Location: United States
Posts: 21
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Review Date: Aug 6, 2008
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Recommend? yes |
Price paid: Not Indicated
| Rating: 9
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Pros:
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AF points, Fast, Bright viewfinder, Pro Body
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Cons:
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None
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Bought it used last month, very happy with AF speed and focusing screen. Luv the 8.5FPS, and image quality. Like the ergonomic of the body, feel good in the hand, weight is well balanced.
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Aug 6, 2008
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LotsToLearn
Offline
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Registered: Jan 12, 2006
Location: Canada
Posts: 426
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Review Date: Jan 14, 2008
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Recommend? yes |
Price paid: $2,900.00
| Rating: 10
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Pros:
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Focus speed and accuracy, physical size, sharpness, colour rendition, and responsiveness.
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Cons:
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None.
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This is by far my most favourite camera to use. I moved up to this, my first 1 series body, from a 20D after growing a little frustrated with the 20D's focusing abilities.
This camera is nothing short of amazing to me. I can't say enough about it.
My lenses found a new life on this body. Comparatively, my 135L would take it's sweet time trying to lock onto something with my 20D, but on the 1DIIN it's locked on before I'm even ready for it to be. It absolutely just sings on the 1DIIN. And it's super accurate. The variety of focus screens available also let me go to a split prism so it's easier to do manual touch ups. I also appreciate it's extra stop of AF functionality to f/8.
It's ability for some in depth customization of personal functions is extremely useful. There's alot more than I personally need.
The overall handling is great for me. I prefer the heft to something small and light. It's superbly built body balances very well in my hand.
I do find mine underexposes by 1/3 or 1/2 a stop but that is no big deal. I also would have liked it to have the card full over flow feature now in the 1DIII, but oh well. At least it supports part of the dual card functionality.
After having used this for nearly a year now, I decided to pick up a couple of the older 1 series as well since I love the similar design concepts, handling and performance shared amongst them. None have disappointed. I only wish I could afford the newer III's.
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Jan 14, 2008
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GeneO
Online
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Registered: Jul 10, 2003
Location: United States
Posts: 8471
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Review Date: Nov 25, 2007
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Recommend? yes |
Price paid: Not Indicated
| Rating: 8
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Pros:
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AF accuracy and speed, frame rate performance, build, good ISO performance
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Cons:
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Older battery tech, not ergonomic, LCD display needs better resolution, no "real" iso 3200
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Once I got the back-focusing and banding isues fixed (one month - and I bought it instead of the Mk3 to avoid AF issues!), the camera is finally performing to my expectations.
The pporly thought out control ergonomics are particularly bad for super-telephotos - you can't adjust ISO without supporting the lens by some means because you have to use both hands, ugh.
Other than that it seems solidly built and performs very well, does what I need it to. Hope it holds out.
If I wouldn't have had initial quality control issues with it I would have rated it higher. It took two trips and 3 weeks to fix the banding (replaced lots of components including the sensor assembly).
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Nov 25, 2007
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Peter Kotsa
Offline
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Registered: Nov 1, 2007
Location: Australia
Posts: 190
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Review Date: Nov 1, 2007
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Recommend? yes |
Price paid: $5,500.00
| Rating: 10
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Pros:
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it just works, and it works well.
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Cons:
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battery weight.
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I have had the 1D, 1DmkII, 1DmkIII and the IIN, this is my favourtie.
Its a gun of camera. Focusses very well and performs flawlessly.
Definite keeper.
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Nov 1, 2007
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melkor
Offline
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Registered: Jan 31, 2006
Location: Australia
Posts: 531
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Review Date: Sep 12, 2007
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Recommend? yes |
Price paid: Not Indicated
| Rating: 10
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Pros:
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AF, LCD screen, high ISO noise performance
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Cons:
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Weight
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I've just bought my unit, 2nd hand off EBay for AU $4100. I'm stoked with this new camera. I've upgraded from an original 1D and D60. Areas of improvement are:
*AF is slightly faster than my 1D. Accuracy seems about the same as the original 1D.
*Exposure seems more accurate than either the 1D or D60
*WB seems more accurate than either the 1D or D60
*Massive 2.5" LCD screen is fantastic! Love it. Good angle of coverage, not too bad in sunlight, plenty of detail and information at hand.
*LCD screen magnifier - fantastic. Much better than the D60's imho, and of course, the original 1D didn't have one (major oversight on Canon's part if you ask me). My main area of photography is Insect & Arachnid macro photography, so checking focus is sharp is important to me, preferably in the field.
*Dual memory card slots - excellent idea, and well implemented. The Mark IIn also supports fat32 file systems, so it can take cards over 2gb, which the 1D cannot (at least not without some good 'ole DOS trickery).
*8mp file size - much better than the original 1D's 4mp, which hampered cropping.
*High ISO noise performance - amazing! I've found that my D60 is noisier than the 1D unit - ISO 400 on the D60 is about the same as ISO 800 on the 1D from my experience. With the Mark IIn, ISO 1600 is the same as ISO 800 on the original 1D, in some cases I feel ISO 400. It's THAT good. I don't know what people are whinging about when they mention noise and the Mark IIn in all honesty...some of these people need to go out and shoot high ISO film to see what it's like, then they might stop griping.
*Much improved battery performance - the original 1D is a dog when it comes to battery performance, averaging 130 shots per charge - something which Canon Australia have confirmed for me. The Mark IIn is way ahead by all accounts.
As an overall package, the Mark IIn is a HUGE improvement in all areas over the original 1D. Sure, it's an incremental improvement over the Mark II, but I'm writing this review in mind of upgrading from the original 1D or an older Canon prosumer DSLR.
Some of you will talk about the new Mark III, and yes, I believe it's a fine camera, sadly, it was out of my price league. The Mark IIn has a fine reputation with AF and tracking, the Mark III by all accounts has a very dubious reputation in this respect, so maybe it's a good idea that I got a Mark IIn instead 
Dave
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Sep 12, 2007
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TV21
Offline
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Registered: Sep 14, 2004
Location: United States
Posts: 153
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Review Date: Aug 27, 2007
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Recommend? yes |
Price paid: $2,900.00
| Rating: 9
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Pros:
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Build, image quality, feature set, overall speed, LCD picture on the back, flexibility
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Cons:
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Weight, cost, minor issues focusing in LOW light
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I went from a Canon 20D to this beast. What a difference.
Although it can be hard to use on a tripod, it really shines when you use it hand-held. I shoot mostly weddings and portraits, so I'm 99% hand-held.
When matched up with the 70-200 2.8 or the 24-70 the whole thing has the right proportions and works flawlessly. However, the camera is a bit heavy and it can be tiring lugging it around for 6+ hours.
Unlike the 20D, this is a camera you learn over an extended period of time. As you confont more jobs, you start to see just how versatile this tool can be.
As long as the light is OK, the autofocus is extremely impressive.
Overall, its a great, flexible camera that outputs excellent images.
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Aug 27, 2007
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sivrajbm
Offline
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Registered: Mar 15, 2005
Location: United States
Posts: 2073
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Review Date: Jul 25, 2007
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Recommend? yes |
Price paid: $3,299.00
| Rating: 10
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Pros:
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Speed, Handling, AF, Size, Weight, Balance, Customization Features, Long lasting battery, Big bright view finder, It's a beautiful piece of equipment. I'm stopping here before someone thinks I like this CAMERA... :)
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Cons:
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Camera is to light :) Nothing I can think of.
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After shooting film for years I thought digital was just for fun with my first digital the Kodak DC290. Then I got a Sony F828, I thought all was good, just a little slow. Then a friend let me see his new 20D. I bought one and a grip that next week, then 30D, 1D and now the "N". Man this camera is the BOMB. It is so much better than I expected. I thought I was happy when I opened the box, but when I saw the first pictures from the "N" I knew this is where I was supposed to be.
I like the bigger screen and the new features for the dual cards of the "N". This camera tracks better than the 1D and so much better than the 30D, my sports keeper rate went up 20-30%. The buffer on the "N" is great the 1D just didn't have enough room, thou the speed was almost the same.
I was amazed at the AF speed and the FPS, the 30D is no slouch but this is it. I almost bought a Mk3 but after hereing about the focus issues I bought the "N" and a new Toshiba a205-4639 notebook. I'm plannig on buying a second "N" and just using 1-series cameras from here on. I don't have a problem with the size or the weight of this camera it fits me perfectly even with large lenses it's perfectly balanced.
This is the best camera I've ever owned bar none. I've had it about 6 weeks now and I'm glad I bought it. Don't try it unless you are ready to buy it, it's just that good.
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Jul 25, 2007
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PeepingTom
Offline
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Registered: Aug 4, 2006
Location: United States
Posts: 609
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Review Date: May 30, 2007
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Recommend? yes |
Price paid: $3,000.00
| Rating: 10
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Pros:
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Rock-Solid build and feel, Dependable Autofocus, Beautiful viewfinder, Joy to use... once you learn how!
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Cons:
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Cheap neckstrap, no wriststrap, terrible manual, heavy battery (need to discharge battery before recharging), huge battery charger
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1) 5D or Mark II N- I spend almost a year making up my mind. Decided on M2N based on overall shooting pleasure.
2) The 5D feels like my 10D / 20D (over 40K shots) except for viewfinder and image quality. It took me 2 weeks to learn to use M2N and was very disappointed initially with results.
3) After about 1500 shoots and learning to set white balance, iso settings, autofocus points, I started seeing acceptable results.
4) The overall image quality is similar to 20D /30 D in my opinion, though the image files are larger. The number of keepers has gone up substantially.
5) After shooting with the M2N, the 20D (with grip)feels like a toy. Once you get used to teh 1 series, it grows on you.and I suspect I will not go back to prosumer bodies (except as a back up / second body).
6) Unlike others who complain about the weight, I love the size and feel of this machine. It feels just right in my hands (180 lb male with smallish hands) and the balance is fantastic, even wth the 70-200L.
7) I think white balance, autofocus, shooting lag, color accuracy, flash results & balance etc etc ....are far superior to the 20D/30D.
8) The 5D is probably a much better choice for overall image quality and landscapes, but I love the 1D M2N for event photography and for pure shooting pleasure.
9) The neck strap is an annoyance, as is the fact that battery needs to be discharged before recharge (memory degradation otherwise). Canon used this heavy old fashioned battery for required burst of power (8.5 frames per sec.)
10) Canon seems to have impoved size, weight and battery performance for the mark III which costs more (about $ 1500 more at this time, besides being unavailable)
11) This is an intuitive purchase for me; it is difficult to justify based on specs and resolution (compared to the 5D with grip-- with more resolution, full frame and maybe a 0.5 lbs lighter)
12) You got to shoot with the M2N to know how it feels in your hand -- CONFIDENT! SMUG & SATISFIED SMIRK 
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May 30, 2007
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Pinetree
Offline
Image Upload: Off
Registered: Feb 21, 2006
Location: Finland
Posts: 122
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Review Date: May 20, 2007
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Recommend? yes |
Price paid: $2,695.00
| Rating: 10
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Pros:
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Superb AF, ease of use, fantastic WB etc.
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Cons:
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None!
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One day I was in my local photo store for some minor things. I saw they had one 1D Mark II N in itīs box on their shelf and said to my regular salesman "Oh, I see you have one of those still left. To bad they are so pricey even with the forthcoming of the Mark IIIīs". To my surprise they said I could now get their last 1D Mark II N on their shelf (in an unopened box) for a bargain price.
In these nothern parts were I live the light isnīt very good for the most part of the year, so my 400 5.6L wasnīt up to itīs task most of the time on my 30D. With it the shots of fast flying birds were a hit and miss kind of thing. When the Af seemed to do did ok the accuracy of it wasnīt there after all. I felt I was in need of a F4 supertele or at least a 300 2.8 + 2x ... but my financial resources or even will to hick up several thousands to get only better AF wasnīt there, so I thought I have to get by with what I have. That is = shoot a lot of shots and hope for keepers in regard of AF accuracy. These were my thoughts until
I have now been a happy owner and used the II N for a few weeks. I do have to say that the AF-speed on the 400 5.6L and the accuracy (!!!) of it has leaped to a totally different and amazing level. The picture quality is also much higher.
To my surprise the AF speed+accuracy is faster with even the 400 + 1.4x combo on the II N than it ever was with even the plain 400 on the 30D! All in all I donīt miss the 1.6x factor one bit. To see in practice is to believe that 1.6x ainīt the true answer! I now feel the 1.6x crop factor is greatly overappreciated as I now get consistently much better results and even close-ups of flying birds than I ever got with the 30D ... and my 24-70 has turned to a decently wide wideangle for my purposes as well! Some feel that the 1D is a heavy beast, but in my hands it feels no heavier than the 30D with itīs battery pack.
My tip is ... roam around in the photo stores around you and get a bargain on a new (or a near-mint used) 1D Mark II N as long as they are available. There are still sufficiently many of them around on the shelfs. You coldnīt be happier after you have succeeded! Lotīs of luck in your searching. The 1D Mark II N is a truly amazing DSLR.
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May 20, 2007
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lpazxxsh
Offline
Buy and Sell: On
Registered: May 31, 2005
Location: United States
Posts: 1078
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Review Date: May 5, 2007
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Recommend? yes |
Price paid: $3,050.00
| Rating: 10
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Pros:
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Pro Built quality, Weather Sealed, Fast auto focusing, Large 2.5 in. monitor, 2 memory card storage with sellectable designated Raw or Jpg storage, Picture style. Great Battery life. Big Bright viewfinder, 200,000 shutter reliability, builtin vertical grip and more....
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Cons:
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Poor AWB in artificial lighting condition. Small histogram in monitor.
weight.
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I've owned a D60, 10D, 20D, 30D, 5D, 1D, 1D MKII and now the 1D MKIIn, and i can honestly say this is the best camera
i have ever owned. I love the big 2.5 inch monitor. The 8.5 fps when ever i need to shoot sports and most of all the dual slot CF/SD card. I feel very confident having that feature when ever i photograph weddings...knowing if one of my cards decides to die on me i have it backed up on the other card.
The camera feels great in my hands but becomes heavy after a while when carrying it for an extended period of time. Owning the previous 1D's made it easy transitioning to this version. I thought about waiting a few months for the MKIII but for the price and small upgrades they did on the MKIII it was a simple choice. The 8MP is plenty and great for workflow. I'll wait for the MKIV before i think about upgrading again. The backup system where you can store the raw and jpeg in diffrent cards gets confusing at first but i'm learning fast. Sometimes i wished this camera had a 1.6X crop
factor for my big glass. But i use my 30D if i need extra reach.
I recommend this camera to anyone who is thinking about getting a porfessional DSLR. Its fast, responsive, builtin vertical grip. I plan to keep this camera for years to come.
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May 5, 2007
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