There is right now a similar topic going on, started by Deb Brundage, but for me the problem is a bit different, and i've made also a poll.
I stand betwen the new 5D and the 1D III, and i am interested only from a wedding shooter point of view, no interest in sports.
Points to consider before giving advice:
1. If i would buy 5D, i would go with sraw1: 10MP are more than enough for me.
2. I really like to use the outer focus points, i rarely use the center one on my 40D
3. Focal lengh doesn't count (if i go with the 5D, i'll take the 35L, if 1D than i'll take the new 24L)
4. Weight does not count: if i go for the 5D, i would buy also a grip.
I think that thereare some very good photographers here on FM that have used both cameras, and i am really interested in your opinions!
I own both and the 1D3 is by far the better wedding tool. The 5D2 struggles to acquire focus in low light conditions with the outer AF points, which can be extremely frustrating. The 1D3 on the other hand nails focus in a dungeon with any AF point you choose no problem... Add to that the dual card slots for added data security and the more appropriate/efficient file sizes (for wedding work), and its a no brainer.
Also, sRAW1 on the 5D2 isn't quite as efficient as the 1D3's RAW. I just checked this out with an 8Gb card, the 1D3 gets 530 RAW images while the 5D2 can only record 440 sRAW1 images on the same card. Not a dealbreaker of course, just another fact to consider.
ChrisDM wrote:
I own both and the 1D3 is by far the better wedding tool. The 5D2 struggles to acquire focus in low light conditions with the outer AF points, which can be extremely frustrating. The 1D3 on the other hand nails focus in a dungeon with any AF point you choose no problem... Add to that the dual card slots for added data security and the more appropriate/efficient file sizes (for wedding work), and its a no brainer.
Also, sRAW1 on the 5D2 isn't quite as efficient as the 1D3's RAW. I just checked this out with an 8Gb card, the 1D3 gets 530 RAW images while the 5D2 can only record 440 sRAW1 images on the same card. Not a dealbreaker of course, just another fact to consider.
McGrattan wrote:
From the sounds of it you've already got yourself convinced. 1D3+24L would be a pretty stellar combo.
It's my favorite combo. I can shoot a whole portrait session with it.
ChrisDM wrote:
I own both and the 1D3 is by far the better wedding tool. The 5D2 struggles to acquire focus in low light conditions with the outer AF points, which can be extremely frustrating. The 1D3 on the other hand nails focus in a dungeon with any AF point you choose no problem... Add to that the dual card slots for added data security and the more appropriate/efficient file sizes (for wedding work), and its a no brainer.
Also, sRAW1 on the 5D2 isn't quite as efficient as the 1D3's RAW. I just checked this out with an 8Gb card, the 1D3 gets 530 RAW images while the 5D2 can only record 440 sRAW1 images on the same card. Not a dealbreaker of course, just another fact to consider.
+1 ... the AF is key for me and is, by far, the most important thing in a body in regards to my needs. I can deal w/ noise, I can't deal with OOF pics. I use AI SERVO a LOT and it's a part of my shooting style. I've tried lock+recomposing - it works for portraiture sessions and the like, but at a wedding, it's not for me. Way too many things happening too fast. I'll take the far better AF over a half stop better iso performance any day.
Also, I've had cards go bad on me. Some people here have never had that happen to them surprisingly and hence, have no idea how stressful it can be. The dual card slots is a major strong point as weddings happen only once.
Also, 21MP files are just too much for my needs and if I'm goign to be shooting sRAW anyway, might as well get a lower MP body.
Count me in as another going the way of the 1D3 and 5D2. Pretty excited about the combination. Should be fun. Interesting, as I have been reading on another forum about the 5D2 and its improved af, esp @ the outer points, but have not seen that claim on FM.
I will see when I get it, but the Mk3 is very good in low light. Feeling quite blessed about having these 2 bodies for the upcoming season.
swim_r wrote:
I'm going to be the jerk to say it... D700 or D3 :-D
Nothing jerk about that, those are awesome cameras. The thought of the D700 has tempted me away from Canon more than once... Glad to see Nikon's finally in the game.
ChrisDM wrote:
Nothing jerk about that, those are awesome cameras. The thought of the D700 has tempted me away from Canon more than once... Glad to see Nikon's finally in the game.
Chris Miller
www.imagineimagery.com
I agree... the D700, imo, is the most "complete" camera under $3,000. It's like a miniature 1DS mk3/D3. Has ridiculously good AF, full frame, and priced like a 5D2. Too bad Nikon doesn't have fast f/1.4 modern wide-standard primes. I assume the Sigma 50/1.4 and the D700 would make an awesome couple - one that would give the 5D2 and 35L a good fight.
Seems that the replies i've got are in favor of the 1D III, and people who voted, favored the 5D II
I am convinced that the best option would be to rent/try both to get some hands on experience and decide after. Unfortunately....in my town, that is not possible
I am sure that the AF performance is the #1 reason why people would take the 1D III over the 5D II. It's the biggest flaw of the 5D II. Some might also want the fast burst mode of the 1D III, but I think 3.9fps is more than adequate for weddings.
I would buy the 5D II before a 1D III for weddings because I really want that full frame DoF and viewfinder. Some really good pro photographers have used 5Ds - the AF performance is something to be tolerated and exchanged for other things, particularly the full frame wide angle and DoF.
Get a 1D III and a 5D mk I. The 5D has really come down in prices now, it gives you Full-frame, 12.8 Mp, good High ISO capabilities and the same AF as the 5D II.
If you say that you use the outer AF points, forget about the 5D and get a 1D. You have to see this to realize just how good is the 1D in comparison to the 5D. First of all: the 1D AF points are MUCH better spreaded across the viewfinder and not clogged in the middle like on the 5D. Second, all these outer AF points are performing better than the center point of the 5D, basically identical to the 1D's center point.
1D comes really close to the price of a 5D II + grip. So the weight would be the same, but the integrated grip in the 1D is much better than the "square" one of the 5D - at least for me.
There are also other advantages in the 1D: speed, durability, weather sealing, dual card slots, customizability...a lot of things you will get, over the 1.3x crop and "only" 10mp.
I agree that more resolution is welcome (especially if you crop a lot). The best tool if you want the best of both worlds is the 1Ds. But that's too expensive.
I have a 1Ds III and a 1D III. These cameras are very similar and the only difference is the sensor size and resolution + FPS. The rest is about the same. While the 21mp files are having a lot of detail, I could say that also the 10mp images are perfectly usable for wedding work. The only real imit I see here is actually on how much you can crop from the files.
I also own both and my recommendation is "both".
It almost seems like, "I'm going golfing, should I take woods or irons?"
They are such different cameras with different strengths & weaknesses that an either or comparison is difficult.
A (properly working) MKIII will focus faster in low light. The 5D2 would be my choice for the formals and portrait sessions. You can crop deeper and enlarge larger. I shot a cast picture for a HS play and you can crop to any cast member and make a decent 8x10 out of it.
Both if you can afford it.
