Canon Cameras

[otooleg]

Canon EOS-1D Mark II N & EOS-1Ds Mark II

I am interested to learn if any members are using the above cameras because I hope to be in a position to move from my current equipment - Canon D10, to a choice between the above two shortly.

Questions. - I don't want to limit the variety of subjects I photograph so this may be a consideration, I particularly like Weddings, portraits, landscapes, Macro & sports photography - a great range I am sure you will agree - will I be restricted using either these cameras.

Cost is obviously a consideration but I am obviously aware of that limitation.

I am really interested to learn regarding weight considerations, speed of transfer, anyone used Firewire connections to these cameras for example.

Hope you can advise?

George ;)

[Renee Marquis]

I can only comment on thE 1D and I just sold them, and waiting as we speak for my New 1D Mark II N. It is the fastest camera out there. and if your shooting wedding photojournalism style you dont want to miss anything.
My main deciding point was the number of focal points the Mark IIn as 45 whereas the 5D only has 9. It puts the focal point right where I want it then you can fire away.
I ve heard that the 20d really compresses the images, with the full frame in the 1ds, depth becomes much more real, natural, I believe that the professional line of 1d cameras are the best in the world in terms of SLR cameras. which are most realistic to film, but there is a big budget factor. This camera is heavy, but want something that is going to last....
also when you put the 70-200 lens on you now you've got something! An extrem machine.

[Stemmy]

Im 10ds as well but I have 4 complete outfits so to replace one would trying to replace all. Otherwise you have different batteries for one etc.

Quite happy with the results I get from them so Im going to sit on the fence for a while longer.

[otooleg]

Decided on the above so we will see how it performs soon I hope.

Regards

George

[england1965]

I guess the size of enlargements you want to make (or the amount of cropping liklely) will be a consideration. The 1DS Mk2 is 16MP and the 1D Mk2 is 8MP.

I wonder what Canon are planning as the MK3 ? :)

[tonymidd]

I'm not a Canon man, but I'm sure they will be announcing something at PMA next month if you can I'd wait and see what emerges.

[Andytee]

I use a 1ds mk2 for studio work and for weddings, I have used 10D and 20d previously. I also use 1D mk2 for journalism and sports
The 1 Ds mk2 has only one major flaw and that is speed... I shoot raw and small jpg, which gives me the ideal setup for my own particular workflow..
I show images to the clients minutes after they are shot, using Iview media pro, and showing the small jpg images, straight off the camera, on screen, (these are 1.7 mb files at 2500 x 1600 pixels opening up as 11 mb files in Photoshop) These are quick to open, and display, but have sufficient depth and size to show on screen without compromising too much on quality.
The raw files are saved to use once the pics have been sorted and selected.

When I say speed is a problem, these are examples.. If I shoot say a small child who is moving about a lot, and am trying to take loads of frames to capture a decent expression. it is easy to fill up the buffer, ( 10-15 shots) and end up sat waiting for it to clear which can take a full minute..
Likewise you are never going to compete with the paperazzi on frames per second... but I have never yet got stuck for speed at a wedding..!

The major advantage is the full frame, with a 17-35 L series lens on the front, I am never stuck to get a shot in the smallest vestry whilst doing the signing of the register, even the 28-70 is wide enough for most work, which it certainly wasn't when on a 10D... OK, the 70-210 isn't quite as long as it is on the 10D, but remember the resolution.. if you crop the frame to double the focal length, you are still left with more pixels than a full frame on a 10D..
I regularly shoot inside the church without flash at 800 asa, and have no grain whatsoever, and I have pushed it to 1000 asa and above at times, without any real problems..
The 1D mk2 is far better for paperazzi and sports,and certainly wins all contests for speed, but lacks the depth of the 1Ds mk2, and loses out big style for weddings, interiors, portraits and landscape work, by not being full frame..

The EOS 5 looks quite interesting, faster than the 1Ds mk2, and not quite the same pixel count..but still full frame... I have yet to play with one..

[Renee Marquis]

I just bought the mark II N and have not played with much.... I will be over the weekend I hope.... Life.... to many things going on... But can you tell me alittle about the Mark II N that I should be aware off.... I had the 1D and loved it but the 4MP was killing me in the church, and the sensor was so out dated.... I do wedding photography and pretty new to all this.... only have been shooting for going on 6 years and only have 20 weddings under my belt.
thanks!