p.1 #1 · How long does a 5D, 1D or 1Ds series body last you
The 1D4 is on the verge of shipping anytime now and I was wondering how often you upgrade. Is it every time a new Mark comes out or skip a generation or two?
p.1 #2 · How long does a 5D, 1D or 1Ds series body last you
I use FF, 1.3 and 1.6 crops so upgrading every generation is difficult to justify. I've probably bought a new camera every 18m over the past 5 years but I try and buy on features I want and need not just to have the latest and greatest. I think all the new bells and whistles are nice but don't really see the important aspects of usability and IQ improving very rapidly now (extreme ISO aside-which I don't really need). I've just bought a 7D to try for bird photography (replacing a 30D) but I see no reason personally to upgrade my 5D or 1DIII at present as I rarely print above A3. If I shot one camera and just kept an old one for backup I'd probably upgrade every 3 years (so thats my vote) but even that would probably be more from wants than needs.
p.1 #4 · How long does a 5D, 1D or 1Ds series body last you
It's not that simple. I generally buy when I need a new capability, or to replace something that needs to retire. When I started shooting field sports, I picked up a pair of 30D bodies. For that purpose, it was a very useful upgrade over my 20D. After about a year, I replaced the pair of 30D's with a pair of used 1DII's. They're still going strong, and won't be replaced or upgraded until one of them croaks. Last year, I bought a new 40D to replace my 20D, as it was getting worn out. The camera that I currently use most often is a 5D. I plan to get a 1DsIII next year, but I don't look at it as an "upgrade" over my 5D - I'm getting the 1DsIII for its added capability in terms of AF, ruggedness and resolution, and I'll be still using the 5D.
p.1 #5 · How long does a 5D, 1D or 1Ds series body last you
I purchase a new body when I need one, not to upgrade. I used (and still have but don't use) my old Topcon SLR purchased in 1962 until I purchased a 10D. I bought a 20D, not to upgrade, but for a second digital body. I bought a 5D, not to upgrade but to have FF. I bought a second 5D to have a second FF body.
I don't purchase a new car simply because a new model came out, but rather wait until the car has to be replaced. Same with cameras (and most other tools).
p.1 #7 · How long does a 5D, 1D or 1Ds series body last you
I bought my 10D used in 2004, then a D30 for backup which I didn't need and I'm still using the 10D. Just now considering upgrading to a 50D or 5D. Didn't go for the 20/30/40D jumps.
p.1 #8 · How long does a 5D, 1D or 1Ds series body last you
canon film to G3 to 20D to 5D2 to ?
(still have all of them and they all work just fine, took the G3 out for a spin the other day and it works surprisingly well- even tossed the 580 EXII on it just to see how the combo does)
p.1 #10 · How long does a 5D, 1D or 1Ds series body last you
It depends on the quality of the upgrade, my mood and the size of my wallet. I bought a 5D in 2006 and a 5DII in 2009 but I can't really call that a pattern of purchasing.
