I was captivated by the discussion because I just sold my 5D and have been looking at the 1Ds Mk II very closely. However, it occurred to me that comparing a $1500 (aprox used price) camera body to a $3500 (aprox used price) camera body isn't entirely fair. I believe that the discussion also persuaded me that I really do not need the 1Ds II and, perhaps, my money could best be spent elsewhere.
I do, however, need to replace the 5D with something. Not wanting to hijack Jerry's thread, I thought it more appropriate to ask my question in a separate thread.
If choosing between a used 5D vs a used 1Ds, which would you buy and why?
For those who want to know how my previous 5D was used, it was used for Landscape, portraits and weddings. Please note that I am not a professional photographer...just a guy who really loves taking pictures.
I think the comparison he asked about is 5D vs 1Ds (original). Resolution is about the same IIRC, but the 5D does probably have superior high ISO performance. I have a 5D and I've seen lots of (very good) shots from 1Ds's, but never actually owned one.
You will probably get a LOT of model loyalty from 1Ds owners who claim the 1Ds 'blows away' (hate that phrase) the 5D, we certainly did when the question was last posed, about 3 days ago
Fact is, 1Ds was brilliant when it was introduced, it has a 1-series body, focusing system and build etc etc and still takes super RAW files up to about 400 ISO.
The 5D is newer, lighter, smaller, has superior high ISO performance, zooming LCD etc etc.
You pay your money and you take your choice. IMHO you would be simply unable to tell the difference in a large print at low or medium ISO's.
1Ds. For what I used it for, anyway (landscapes that don't run away and don't need high ISO). Not as versatile as the 5D, but if you have the time, the results are better.
I have had the 1Ds for about 3 yrs and absolutely love it. I picked up a 5D a couple of weeks ago and I absolutely love it. I like the big VF and the zoom feature ( I wear glasses) of the 5d and high ISO, not to mention excellent images, etc...
Now in the studio, I like the 1Ds much better... So far, (I haven't done a whole lot) I have better results. Tomorrow I'm headed to shoot in Page, Az. I'm going to hit the antelope slot canyon and horseshoe bend grand canyon, and hopefully will have some comparisons out in the field. I'll probably hit Sedona also, and any thing else that looks good as it is the monsoon season in AZ. I'm hoping and praying for some crazy sunsets and sunrises, and will try to shoot the same shot with both cameras. If I can handle carrying both rigs..... The 5d does feel like a toy compared to the 1Ds. I'm hoping the 5d successor will come out soon, I will get that for sure, and keep one of the others for a backup. I wouldn't hesitate to get a 1Ds2 either. Heck... they are all good!
Randman wrote:
I have had the 1Ds for about 3 yrs and absolutely love it. I picked up a 5D a couple of weeks ago and I absolutely love it. I like the big VF and the zoom feature ( I wear glasses) of the 5d and high ISO, not to mention excellent images, etc...
I have asked you before in another thread, and you didn't answer, so I'll try again - what VF zoom feature. To the best of my knowledge, the 1Ds doesn't have a VF zoom, nor does any other SLR for that matter. I am referring to this other post of yours:
I just acquired a 5D pretty much for free after selling the other equip that came with, and I must say I really like it very much... it's faster, lighter, higher ISO shooting, and fat viewfinder with zoom, ( I wear glasses and I can hardly see the VF on the 1ds)
dhphoto wrote:
You will probably get a LOT of model loyalty from 1Ds owners who claim the 1Ds 'blows away' (hate that phrase) the 5D, we certainly did when the question was last posed, about 3 days ago
Fact is, 1Ds was brilliant when it was introduced, it has a 1-series body, focusing system and build etc etc and still takes super RAW files up to about 400 ISO.
The 5D is newer, lighter, smaller, has superior high ISO performance, zooming LCD etc etc.
You pay your money and you take your choice. IMHO you would be simply unable to tell the difference in a large print at low or medium ISO's.
but if you look at the metering of the two cameras you'd be surprised.. how different they are
the 1Ds classic is still unsurpassed, in my opinion, and the metering is correct but "conservative". Now if you open up a stop or so at 800ISO you'll get the same exposure with the 1Ds +1 and 5D +0
I see the same thing with the 1DsII as a matter of fact.
exposing "to the right" explains why the 1Ds needs a photographer behind the viewfinder , but being a "studio" animal the 1Ds didn't bother to collect "tricks" to deliver.
Stan- I think he is referring to being able to zoom in on a taken image in the LCD (veiw finder).
Like others have said if it isn't running or flying, subject is well lit and you don't need ISO above 400, the 1Ds is a very nice camera that produces excellent images.
Gil_W wrote:
Stan- I think he is referring to being able to zoom in on a taken image in the LCD (veiw finder).
That would be the biggest misnomer I've seen in a long time, then
The 1Ds that I had could zoom in on the LCD. Controlled over a personal function, only limited, but given that even today on the mk3 you get really crappy detail from the embedded JPG - just really big - there's only so much to see...
This was debated so many times.
I'll try to make my opinion short.
What you'll have more from the 1Ds :
- Pro built, weatherseal, those 1 series are tanks and made to last. The 5D isn't bad but some parts are flimsy and plasticky (CF door, battery door).
- Better viewfinder and 100% coverage
- AF speed and accuracy
- Buit-in grip obviously. If you like vertical grip, an integrated one just feel better.
What you'll have more from the 5D
- Battery life (for my use i can get 400 pics from the 1Ds, 600 from the 5d)
- Better screen with better magnification
- Better Hight ISO, from 800.
- Faster to write to the CF card (so quicker to review). The 1Ds takes 3-4 secondes to display the image after it was taken (in raw mode).
For same people the 1Ds is unusable above 400iso. Actually I love the film/grain look of the 1Ds at high iso. In 13x19 prints the noise is not an issue for me.
The weight is a matter of taste :
The heavyweight of the 1 series is great for stalility for handheld shooting. That fits better in the hands.
But can be troublesome for traveling.
