lpazxxsh wrote:
Are there people like me in the same boat? what do you think?
I'm waiting for the next generation of anything right now. I started off with the 20D when it first came out, and just sold it a few months ago when I picked up my first two 1-series, a classic 1D and a 1DmkII. I have a 5D that I picked up in the Fall of 2006 when they had the Double Rebates, and an XTi that I just have for the size.
I feel in love with the 1D's so my next 1-series will be the successor to the 1DmkIII, not because I feel that the MkIII has issues any more, just because I can wait 6 month or whenever the next one comes out.
How long can you hold off? Doubt you'll see an "IV" (or "V"?) until sometime next year. Several threads here and other places on the owner satisfaction thing. While there are a number of very upset and vocal folks out there (very understandable when you hear what they have experienced), the overwhelming majority of owners seem very satisfied. My self included. There are other voices besides RG, including pro sports photographers and such, that have tested the III's out, even replicating RG's experiences. Point is RG is one person, experienced as he is, but not the gospel.
That said, I would suspect that for a number of reasons Canon will skip the "n" version of the III and go right to an "IV", probably just moving that up a bit. But that would still be next year.
So, can wait until next year ... perhaps even this time next year, for what you need? And of course are you going to be an "early adopter", or wait to see what others experience?
I'm biased because of a personal history of getting defective cameras but that aside, the 1D3 is now well into its life cycle which has been marred with a lot of problems. There have always been many users who are very happy with their 1D3 but also too many others who have had problems and still do. They're generally better than they used to be but they're still not what they were supposed to be. If I needed the likes of a 1D3 right now then I'd buy one - or a Nikon - but otherwise I'd advise to wait for the next model. It's not as if the 1D2N is an incapable camera to use in the meantime.
Now we can be silly and say there is always a better one coming and therefore we will never buy a new model, but few models have had the persistently bad vibes that the 1D3 has had. If they were totally fixed then why not just give a bundle of the fixed ones to Rob Galbraith ? A 1D4 or at least a 1D3n is quite feasible with a few of the 1Ds3 or D700 features (UDMA card access, high res LCD, etc.) even if they don't totally upgrade the AF. Even the 50D has those features now.
If like EOSDNG you will keep your new camera for several years then it might as well be the next model as the current one. If you upgrade every year or two then there is perhaps less need to wait (unless you end up getting a dud, in which case you'll wish you had waited).
If you're really ready for an upgrade now, go ahead and get the MarkIII. But make sure you buy from a vendor who will let you exchange it easily if you see problems.
If you don't really need the upgrade, wait. Quite a history of trouble with the MarkIII.
Don't ever base your decision on how many people say their camera works fine, or doesn't work fine. It became quite clear from the samples posted, a large number of people didn't even understand the reported AF trouble. Which made the past polls basically worthless too.
Even if I needed another 1 series camera, I wouldn't touch the 1DMkIII now or ever.
The reasons are: user reports on its performance have been divided, moreover, should one get a bum copy, Canon's support would be questionable. Lastly, the new camera price is too high in my opinion.
Unless the Mk IV turns out to be a consistently well performing camera worth the money, I'd just get yet another MkIIN. Fortunately, my camera needs are relatively modest: even 8 Mp, half-decent ISO 1600 and 8 FPS make do. However, I happen to be picky when it comes to AF performance, overall camera reliability and value ($).
lpazxxsh wrote:
I currently own a Canon 1D MKIIn and was considering buying a 1D MK3. But with all the problems with the MK3 i've been reading I've decided to hold off and wait for the MK4 or what ever they name it. I believe all the bugs will be fixed and it will have a 16MP sensor. I think they should name it the MK4 just because it has a better ring to it. I think having an odd name like the MK3 is cursed from the get go
Are there people like me in the same boat? what do you think? Has anyone heard or seen anything about the next generation 1D?...Show more →
I've been very happy with my Mark II's but decided I needed to upgrade some camera equipment for the upcoming high school sports season.
I too was also waiting for a major AF fix or new pro body from Canon or switch back to Nikon but took my chances with the Mark III.
I'm not disappointed at all with that choice. I shoot mainly sports and the Mark III
is a major step up from previous Series One bodies with much improved AF and high ISO performance being the ones most beneficial to me.
The Mark II's still produce incredible images but the Mark III is that much better that I'll most likely sell off the older bodies and use the money for another III.
Unless you have an immediate need for something a MKIII will do that your MKIIN will not do......I would wait for the MKIV. It will most likely drive down the price of the MKIII new and used making them a great value. If the IV leap frogs the Nikon D3 as I believe it might and your credit card is still not overheated......go for it.
I am expecting it to come out much sooner that usual due to the Nikon onslaught this past year and it's own focus problems which would be nice for Canon to put behind them as quickly as possible.
lpazxxsh wrote:
I currently own a Canon 1D MKIIn and was considering buying a 1D MK3. But with all the problems with the MK3 i've been reading
I don't have any problems, what problems are you talking about? Some malicious AF issues happened in certain conditions for some number of people? Fixed about year ago ...
PetKal wrote:
Even if I needed another 1 series camera, I wouldn't touch the 1DMkIII now or ever.
The reasons are: user reports on its performance have been divided, moreover, should one get a bum copy, Canon's support would be questionable. Lastly, the new camera price is too high in my opinion.
Unless the Mk IV turns out to be a consistently well performing camera worth the money, I'd just get yet another MkIIN. Fortunately, my camera needs are relatively modest: even 8 Mp, half-decent ISO 1600 and 8 FPS make do. However, I happen to be picky when it comes to AF performance, overall camera reliability and value ($)....Show more →
Have you ever used a Mark III or are you making your equipment decisions based on internet reports and not first-hand experience?
leewoolery wrote:
Have you ever used a Mark III or are you making your equipment decisions based on internet reports and not first-hand experience?
Lee Woolery
Speedshot Photo
Once again another person with an opinion but does not own a MK III. IMHO this is the exact reason the MK III is losing its value and will be branded for life. The MK III is a wonderful piece of equipment and I would buy another one in a heartbeat if I needed it. People need to take what they read with a grain of salt.
astrolucida wrote:
In fact, you might not see MK4 because the Japanese think it is cursed. Canon never produced S4 IS but moved directly from S3 IS to S5 IS. Thus we might get a 1D V next, whichever year that happens.
Nope. Itīs chinese who think that number 4 is bad.
We were sure the 5D replacement was coming last year. How we see Canon's current offerings has little or nothing to do with how Canon Japan see the market and its needs. If you can wait a year to buy a high end camera you don't need it, you want it. So there's no answer to your question except do what pleases you.
? what do you think? 
I think having an odd name like the MK3 is cursed from the get go 
