There is a slightly dated post comparing the 5D and 1D Mk III. As someone seriously thinking about buying the 1D, I would like to hear opinions or advice now that the camera has been out for a while and the focusing problems are fixed. I presume that few would consider the 1D as a viable replacement for the 5D. Thanks in advance.
Well, I'll jump in. I have been considering a 1DMark3 since introduction, but have waited due to the focusing issues. I am glad I waited.
I am currently using a 1DMark2, so I have some of the advantages of a 1 series camera already. From what I can discern the new firmware has for most people made the camera what it should have been in the first place. The 1Ds3, according to Rob Gailbaith, may have the same issues as the 1DMK3. If I needed a new camera I would buy the 1DMK3 and hold my breath hoping it worked as advertised. However, since I do not "need" a new camera I am waiting for a 1DMK4 or whatever the new replacement will be.
These are really two different cameras for two different uses. Why do you need the 1DMIII?
Or for that mattter, why the 5D? That is really what should be dictating your choices.
The 5D cannot touch the 1DMIII for fps or autofocus speed (assuming that it works) and will be useful when you need to move or react by instinct. I own the 5D and by comparison to even the 20D, it glacial slow for action. Having said that, I don't shoot sports or other events that require a high frame rate very often. Whn I do, I have the 20D.
An alternative plan may be to look at a used Mark II, whether it is the S or the not-S version (both of which have a working autofocus system), or the 40D. But again, your intended use for the camera really should be driving the decision.
I've also been waiting for the MkIII's issues to get sorted out before buying one. In the meantime, Nikon has released the D3, which blows the doors off any Canon body for low-light, high ISO performance. I know this because I have compared results achieved in the same theater with three D3 shooters.
So now I'm waiting for Canon to develop a sensor which matches or surpasses Nikon's latest before replacing my 1DMkII, which is still one heck of a great camera.
As well as improved image quality for dance, theater, and sports in low light situations, imagine the window "sweet light" at dawn and dusk extended by several minutes, and the need for strobes and even tripods lessened. Noise-free shooting at high ISO could be a revolutionary advance for many photographers.
I am perfectly happy with my 1D Mk III, nearly. The one thing I would like is a wider angle capability, so I'm exploring the idea of getting an ultra-wide angle lens. My 17-40 on the 1.3 sensor of the 1D sometimes simply isn't wide enough. On a full-frame sensor like the 5D, perhaps 17mm would be wide enough for me. I've never used a 5D.
Without putting price into the equation, the only real advantage I can see of the 5D over the 1D Mk III is the full frame sensor.
Discussion
4 repliesI am currently using a 1DMark2, so I have some of the advantages of a 1 series camera already. From what I can discern the new firmware has for most people made the camera what it should have been in the first place. The 1Ds3, according to Rob Gailbaith, may have the same issues as the 1DMK3. If I needed a new camera I would buy the 1DMK3 and hold my breath hoping it worked as advertised. However, since I do not "need" a new camera I am waiting for a 1DMK4 or whatever the new replacement will be.
Or for that mattter, why the 5D? That is really what should be dictating your choices.
The 5D cannot touch the 1DMIII for fps or autofocus speed (assuming that it works) and will be useful when you need to move or react by instinct. I own the 5D and by comparison to even the 20D, it glacial slow for action. Having said that, I don't shoot sports or other events that require a high frame rate very often. Whn I do, I have the 20D.
An alternative plan may be to look at a used Mark II, whether it is the S or the not-S version (both of which have a working autofocus system), or the 40D. But again, your intended use for the camera really should be driving the decision.
So now I'm waiting for Canon to develop a sensor which matches or surpasses Nikon's latest before replacing my 1DMkII, which is still one heck of a great camera.
As well as improved image quality for dance, theater, and sports in low light situations, imagine the window "sweet light" at dawn and dusk extended by several minutes, and the need for strobes and even tripods lessened. Noise-free shooting at high ISO could be a revolutionary advance for many photographers.
Without putting price into the equation, the only real advantage I can see of the 5D over the 1D Mk III is the full frame sensor.