One of the problem I recently discovered with MK2 cameras is that as of Lightroom 4 they are no longer supported for tethered shooting. Worked perfectly with Lightroom 3, but with Lightroom 4 neither the 1Ds Mark II nor 1D Mark IIn work. That's with a Mac, not sure about Windows...
You could still use Canon's own Camera Window and set Lightroom to import from the folder, but it was a lot more convenient to shoot directly from Lightroom
I used both 1Ds IIs a lot in 2004-2007 for birds, but there are better choices now. The cameras were advanced for their day and predictable if nothing else. The slow frame rate and buffer are the main hindrance for wildlife, but many of my best photos are with those bodies.
15Bit wrote:
Jerry, i definitely wouldn't recommend the 1DsII for you as changing settings like ISO involves pushing two buttons at once and requires a level of dexterity that frustrates many of us fully able-bodied folk. My one afternoon with the camera was immensely satisfying but for that one incredibly annoying design feature
Jools, the multi-button push to access functions is a PITA for me, 1st experienced that problem with the T-90 and the 1V HS had the same issues. I managed using them but it wasn't a joy at all, it's one of the reasons I don't shoot with the T-90 anymore and sold the 1V. The EOS-3 doesn't have the same button/function issues and I still use them, gripped and without. The joy of the T-90 was it's high FPS for the time, the 1V for it's fast FPS and incredible AF, but their weight was way heavy; rugged tanks the both of them. I do like the lighter bodies now, find the balance/weight of the 40D wonderful...even like shooting with the G12
The 1D bodies are a nice to shoot with, have good memories of, but they're not a must; more a goal to reach physically. And given I live in sunny SoCal, shoot mostly in good daylight, they're not needed for any extremes, smog isn't a big reason for a weather sealed tank
Both the 5D3 and 6D have great IQ...we'll see whose feature set wins out, either way it will be a nice upgrade from the 40D
Jerry, I know this might seem a bit out of left field...but have you ever considered one of the canon bodies that have an articulating lcd? It could probably open up a lot of new creative possibilities for you due in part to the ability to shoot at odd angles while still being able to see composition. Any of the crop sensors with the 18mp sensor imo is quite a leap of an upgrade compared to the 40d. I'm using a 7d and absolutely love it.
RogerC11 wrote:
Jerry, I know this might seem a bit out of left field...but have you ever considered one of the canon bodies that have an articulating lcd? It could probably open up a lot of new creative possibilities for you due in part to the ability to shoot at odd angles while still being able to see composition. Any of the crop sensors with the 18mp sensor imo is quite a leap of an upgrade compared to the 40d. I'm using a 7d and absolutely love it.
Another interesting alternative would be a 6D on the end of a monopod with ballhead, using an android tablet or ipad to set off the shutter. If Jerry has the strength and dexterity.
RogerC11 wrote:
Jerry, I know this might seem a bit out of left field...but have you ever considered one of the canon bodies that have an articulating lcd? It could probably open up a lot of new creative possibilities for you due in part to the ability to shoot at odd angles while still being able to see composition. Any of the crop sensors with the 18mp sensor imo is quite a leap of an upgrade compared to the 40d. I'm using a 7d and absolutely love it.
Hi Roger, yes I've looked at the 60D and it felt quite nice in hand, held off buying anything as I was hoping to move to FF. I do have a G12 and really do like the articulated LCD a lot, it does help at times with my disability issues. The 5D3 has a great set of features, but the lack of an articulated LCD is why I'm also looking at the 6D as an alternative. With it's WiFi features, my 7" tablet; even my Nexus phone, the wireless aspects are quite appealing.
I picked up a used 50D on the cheap to get use to the higher MPs and noise issues in PP, and am finding the extra pixels a very good thing when cropping a lot; the 7D looks great/fantastic; I'm waiting to see if Canon updates it, in any form it would be a step up from the 40 or 50D.
I've some health/strength issues and in the end the lighter weight bodies might be my best bet...usability goes before pride. I have thought of the 60D/6D as a nice crop/FF combo, we'll see what the future holds...I'm still thinking, could be dangerous
Now I just have to find the subjects to shoot! Most of my birds are suburban "forest" (small parks) types, fast & too quick to jump behind a branch or twig (just to annoy me...they all have the "laugh at Steve" call).
There is a Hawk blind that opens in September, so I do plan on getting to that. And there is the Meadowlands birding sanctuary, I just need to make the time and convince the wife.
Ive found photography (all types) to be 89% subject, 1% the photographer, 10% luck.
