Was considering upgrading my camera body now that the prices are starting to come down a bit. My question is for those that know...Is the AF of the 5D Mark III as good or better than the 1Ds Mark III?
Whoa! Wait a minute! Latest doesn't always mean greatest. As for AF the 1DsIII is extremely good. I've never had (or heard) any complaint about its ability. I've also never seen any meaningful comparison between the two.
Frankly we are talking about two very different types of cameras. The 1DsIII is a pro-body with all the pluses and minuses associated with that. My hands and eyes like pro-bodies and I almost always work with them.
Now the 5DIII is a nice camera and if higher ISO is important to you or 6 fps is significantly better for your work than the 1DsIII's 4 or you want a lighter non-weather sealed that's not essentially bomb proof body, then go for the 5DIII. I see nothing to suggest that 5DIII IQ is any better than the 1DsIII (up to say ISO 1600 maybe 3200) and I sure don't see any increase in dynamic range or if there is then why are all those folks in several other threads on this board ranting about how Canon hasn't improved DR in some say 10 years.
Both can make excellent photographs depending on the skill and dedication of the photographer. Buying a 5DIII doesn't automatically make you a better photog than if you bought the 1DsIII. To suggest such is absurd as there are millions of fine pix that have been and continue to be taken with the older camera.
Personally I'm moving to a nice used 1DsIII cause it works well with my 1DIV (same batteries and command structure and handling) and as a landscape photographer, I don't need fps or high ISO. Look to your needs and where you want to grow. Newer taint necessary better.
There's no comparison between the two, and I've owned (own) both and use them professionally. 5d III is light years ahead. Total no-brainer decision right there.
Sorry Robert, but I've got the 1Ds3, and I had the 5D3 as a CPS loaner. The 5D3 is far more accurate at focusing, and repeat focus acquisition (double touch). It's really fast. And the IQ of the RAW files is substantially cleaner, even at ISO 100 -- the 1Ds3 looks "gritty" in comparison at 100%. Don't get me wrong, I love the 1Ds3 (and the 1Ds2) imaging, but it has been superseded.
I went through this dilemma (albeit a good one) recently. My heart was set on the 1ds3. TBH, for my style of photography which is portrait & wedding the 1ds3 is more than I need. After all my old 5d AF lurched along those times. Alas I ended up with a 5d3. Mostly because of instant compatibility in terms of handling with my 7d. The 5d3 feels alot like the 7d. So switching b/t the two will be seamless.
I also feel the 1ds3 max ISO of 3200 though adequate for my needs, is a bit limited. No AF in LV will limit me on certain compositions. My wife is a 2nd shooter and she didn't like the idea of a heavy camera either.
In the end, depending on your needs either camera will be fine. I will have no hesitation buying a 1ds3 if the value quotient is there.
And listen to Gunzorro! He owns a 1ds3 and is honest about it!
if i wouldn't need high iso (higher then 1600) i'd get 1Ds mk3
never had issues with focus with mine and there are so many nice thing in the 1Ds, that are still missing in 5d, like spot metering linked to AF point, focus screens, DR is still TOP of all canon bodies in the iso 100-400 range.
i really like the integrated grip and battery life
buffer and FPS are pretty close
PS.
Model fps Max JPG Max RAW Startup Shutter Lag VF Blackout
Canon EOS 5D Mark III 6.0 65/16k 13/18 .1s 59ms 125ms
Canon EOS 1DS Mark III 5.0 56 12 .2s 40-55ms 80ms
I have both and have used them extensively in a wide variety of situations and lighting conditions as I am a Movie Stills and Advertising Photographer.
RAW Image quality is very similar. Thats great because I can use both cameras side by side. Only when I need to use iso 3200-6400 do I prefer the 5D3. The 1DS3 does have a more natural and less "digital" look since it has very little artifacts and almost zero banding in the shadows. Best Canon DSLR ever made in that regard.
In extremely long exposures I think the 5D3 produces cleaner and more manipulative files.
I MUCH prefer to hand hold the 1DS3. Its just that more comfortable and balanced. Shutter feels better also and I believe its a touch more responsive.
AF is very good in both cameras but the 5D3 has a slight edge in very low light with fast lenses.
Sneaky -- I'm glad you brought up the shutter button. This is a key feature for my preference of the 1D-series over the 5D-series. The 5D's all have a mushier and more resistant release, which hampers my low shutter speed handheld exposures -- I keep waiting for it to break without moving the camera -- seems like forever sometimes. This isn't a deal breaker against 5Ds, but it is a pleasure to shoot the 1D shutter buttons.
I also prefer the 1D-series body ergonomics with its integrated vertical grip, but the 5D-series with the the battery grip and extra battery is competitive and possibly longer lasting power source than the 1Ds3 battery. I've never done tests, but it seems like that in use.
I like the Ds3 better. Never had a AF issue with it being late or tardy. The 5 series images always look over processed (smooth digitally). The Ds2 & 3 images always had that film like quality to them and process very well. For my hands the 1 series just works, the size, weight and all works in my favor. Lets not even talk about build quality or weather proofing...
You are certainly getting plenty of opinions which break strongly for one or the other. Since you've given us no clue as to what sort of photography you do, all you're getting from us is opinions based upon our experience with the type of shooting we do. You are seeking a comparison that differs in 2 ways. First you are comparing a pro body with - I'm not sure how to label the 5DIII - enthusiast? Semi-pro? Certainly plenty of pro use the camera. Second you are asking for comparisons across two generations.
On the first point, if you've never handled a pro body (any 1D or 1Ds) it is quite a different experience than any other type of camera. I've shot extensively with a 7D and a bit with a 5DII and very much prefer the 1D(s) feel, interaction, performance, craft, etc. For sure I like the shutter button better. On the other hand a pro-body is heavier, bulkier, and requires a commitment to carry. You need to handle one to know if you'll like the difference. For me, the pro-body is worth the trade off.
Secondly, each succeeding generation of Canon cameras generally do 2 things for sure: (1) they extend the ISO range, and (2) they improve the rear LCD making things like Live View focus better. As for whether they improve IQ, add to dynamic range, focus better and so on is a matter of much debate. The 5DIII clearly works at higher ISO and the LCD is much nicer than the one on the 1DsIII.
For my taste I've always found the 1Ds series to have a richer, deeper, more pleasing color palette. They just make better pictures. I still think the 1DsII was one of the all time greats. Others will quite legitimately disagree with me on this point. As for improved focus, you have those who claim it the 5DIII is much better and those who disagree. I can't answer this one, but will note that the AF on the 1DsIII is good enough that you are unlikely to miss a shot based on its lack of competent AF. I am perfectly ready to concede that the 5DIII at high ISO will probably focus better as the 1DsIII being an older generation wasn't built to work at that level.
So you need to decide what sort of light you'll be shooting in, what style of body you are comfortable handling, and how close to latest technology you feel you need to be.
The great thing is there are so many quality cameras out right now you really can't go wrong.
Crazy thing is these cameras will be selling for 1k in a few years. I'm just waiting to see a 10 year old using a 1dsIII as their personal (learning) camera .
Thanks for all the responses. This is the kind of info I was looking for. I am considering selling both my 5D classic and 1D Mark IIN and going with just one body. Just wanted to make sure the 5D Mark III had an adequate AF system. Especially if I sell my 1DMKIIN.
WilliamFinley wrote:
Thanks for all the responses. This is the kind of info I was looking for. I am considering selling both my 5D classic and 1D Mark IIN and going with just one body. Just wanted to make sure the 5D Mark III had an adequate AF system. Especially if I sell my 1DMKIIN.
Bill
The AF on the 5DMK2 is much better than the one on your 1DMK2. Also you get options like silent shooting, 3 or 4 stops better noise, lighter camera, and a menu system and controls that are IMHO easier to use.
jerrykur wrote:
The AF on the 5DMK2 is much better than the one on your 1DMK2. Also you get options like silent shooting, 3 or 4 stops better noise, lighter camera, and a menu system and controls that are IMHO easier to use.
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