This is my first post here on the FM forums. I've been lurking for a few days and it seems like you all have it going on over here. Anyway...I just sold all my Nikon Gear (D50, D2H + Lenses) because coming back here to New Orleans is not the easiest thing to do! Bills are rolling in and clients aren't paying! Being a freelance creative...it's tough to find work. So...with that said...I'm looking to start over with Canon, and I have several choices. My budget is around $2,000 and here's what I came up with so far....
305 XT + 17-40L + 50 1.4 - $1700 +/-
1D Used KEH EX+ w/ 85 1.8 - $1800 +/-
So you sort of see my dilema. Coming from the D2H, I had lots of problems as a beginner finding the exposure sweet spot which lead to some some noise. I've read some great things about the 1D and I think with the 350 XT I would miss the build quality of the D2H as well as what I could have had with the 1D.
In conclusion...do you all think the 1D is worth the extra $700? Would the image quality be that much better.
By the end of the year I would like to have upgrade to the 5D, and I would already have very good glass. Something tells me the 350XT combo might be my better choice, but would love to hear some feedback from you. Thanks in advance...and I look forward to you reply.
I don't know much about the 350 XT, but I do know the 1D is a great camera. Much depends on which elements are most important to you. If the AF system, frames per second, build, speed and the like are important, the 1D is the way to go. The XT probably has better performance at the highest ISO's, and more megapixels, but not much else that would be better than the 1D. But again, it depends most on what you plan to use your camera for.
My reason for posting, though, is to say that you can do much better than $1800 for a very nice 1D by buying through the Buy/Sell forum here at FM. You should be able to save at least $300, possibly more, and if you're careful, you can buy with confidence.
I really can't help asking......why are you leaving out the 20D as an option Could be had right now with the 17-40 and 50 1.4 for less than $2000 if you look. I had the XT for a good while.......great images, perfectly functional for everyday stuff........but coming from the D2H I doubt if you would appreciate the 350's 'tiny graces'. I'd say either go for the 1D or seriously consider the 20D.