Excellent review Fred, very well written and the lack of hyperbole makes it that much nicer. If I didn't already have one I would be lusting for one now!!
"... As a landscape photographer myself, I would love to see a high megapixel camera with a sensor that prioritizes base ISO image quality with improved dynamic range and low signal-to-noise ratio at the expense of frames per second..."
Excellent review! Thank you for taking the time to share your experiences!
Conclusion
We are all different photographers. We shoot landscape, wildlife, sports, weddings, news, etc... the list goes on. Canon's answer for all of us is their new, one size fits all, pro-camera, the Canon EOS-1D X. But, trying to satisfy the masses is a daunting task.
THIS is what we ALL need to understand that Fred summed up in one sentence.
From Canon's perspective, they have a unibody design that tries to meet everybody's needs - all photo aspects and even video with their EOS-1DC. No more multi-body issues from design, manufacturing and support. There is no way Canon (or any manufacturer) can make a camera designed to exactly what each of us want...and be at a price that each of us would agree to pay!
The fact is, a camera is just a tool. One that we use to make our jobs easier, but ultimately, it's our job to wield our tools to form and fashion the end result to our liking. And in about 2-3 years time, the next new model will be out with newer, better features that we'll individually love or hate.
From our perspective, as unique photographers - it is what it is. This is Canon's pinnacle flagship camera, a culmination of all their best technology based on their history of experience. We need to use it to it's ability for what we do, or use something else. I know that... thanks to Fred's web site... I see amazing photos with just about any/every camera out there, so I know it's not the camera that makes a photo... it's the photographer!
Again, Fred, thanks for the honest review. It should help plenty of us know what to expect with the latest and greatest!
Ralph Conway wrote:
Thank you Fred. Fine review so far. Yes, How did you manage to rent the cheetah? I did not find a "cheetahrentals.com" anywhere.
...
Ralph
Fred's in Southern California, I think. Anything's possible in Hollywood. Just google "exotic animal actors". Even so, stunt cheetahs appear to be rather rare!
araz wrote:
"... As a landscape photographer myself, I would love to see a high megapixel camera with a sensor that prioritizes base ISO image quality with improved dynamic range and low signal-to-noise ratio at the expense of frames per second..."
John_T wrote:
Thank you Fred for a real photographer's review!
Unfortunately too many reviewers never make it out of the lab, approach it like trying to find life by dissecting a frog and are not satisfied until they have succeeded in meticulously killing it.
Had some friends that had a pair of cheetahs as house cats. A little big as house cats go, but unlike house cats they would chase balls too so they didn't need a dog either.
Fred, I love you, your photos are awesome, great review, but I have to ask - why such low-res low-quality photos in this review? I downloaded one that was 174 kb
Pixel Perfect wrote:
So Fred, one thing you didn't really comment on in your excellent review, was do you really think the 1D X is worth the extra $3.2K over the 5D III? It's obviously a better camera overall, but 5D III is no slouch and even bests the 1D IV AF, with better IQ and is only 10% behind the 1D IV for pixel density.
It is worth the money for those who need 12 FPS.
Otherwise, the 5D III is a great full frame alternative.
Take care,
Fred
@ Fred, thank you for your nicely balanced, informative review; your 5D3 and D800 side-by-side as well!; beautiful images throughout both posts! A 1DX is out of reach but not the 5D3...early next year cross fingers!
@ Ralph and All,
San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Wild Animal Park are just down south of Fred, about 45/50 miles; less than an hour away, about 90 miles; an hour and 1/2 for me. If you ever get to the SoCal area they are both do-not-miss shooting destinations for those Cheetah like wild critters...there is Big-Cats-R-US if you dare
The California coastline ain't to bad either, Fred's San Clemente (it's downtown and pier), Newport and Huntington Beaches; NB's Back Bay, HB's Wetlands, Catalina Island, the LA beaches n canyons, Big Sur, Morro Bay, Missions galore (San Juan Capistrano is wonderful) and others, nor are several inland areas like Napa Valley, Lake Tahoe, Mammoth, the Sequoias and there's that little valley of ours known as Yosemite!
Born and raised in SoCal, having surfed, sailed, hiked, climbed and now rolling about most of our golden state, I might be somewhat bias to it's beauty...naaaaaaaah
).
You should do wildlife photography more often.
