[h4rri]

I hate these sort of threads so apologies in advance.

I am looking at my upgrade path in terms of body, my chosen subjects are nature [birds etc], portrait [family stuff] and Macro.

Funds are not unlimited and I'm really looking to throw a Canon 500mm f/4 L IS into the mix at some point for the distance stuff.

Now the dilemna, I have been looking hard at the advantages of the 1Ds Mk 3 but at £4899 it's a lot of cash for something that doesn't actually earn me any in return. To that end I have been looking at the 1Ds Mk 2 and for around £2500 it's a lot better in terms of hurting my wallet.

Into the affray comes the 1D Mk 3 which [apparently] is lighter than the 5D & grip but comes with a 1.3x crop and 10Mb resolution.

I'm starting to look hard at the 1D3, the only stumbling block for me [mentally] is the crop and lesser resolution. Now I know that it's not all about pixels but it's a mental thing!

I've also noticed the falling price of the 1Ds Mk 3, it's dropped over £1100 in the last three days Now available from Park Camera's for £4899. Is this something that should concern buyers or just a natural drop? They also offer trade-in's and I can grab a 1D3 for £1900 plus my 5D. Makes waiting all the harder. Whats a 5D worth these days?

So in closing, which is the best rig for my type of photography? Interested to hear from people who've gone from FF to the 1D3 and how they handle the crop.

[Radiohead]

From what I'm reading of the 1Ds III it's not looking like it's of much use to anyone not shooting studio, billboard and the like. I'm also seeing a lot of comments about it showing up flaws in some very nice glass. Whilst it'd be good for studio portraits it doesn't seem the obvious choice for wildlife. The 1D3 is a very nice camera indeed, but the continuing AF issues make me wonder about the wisdom of buying one - I'm wary of it attaining some sort of flawed status over time that will affect resale value.

Having said that - almost everyone I know who went to a 1D3 (mainly wedding pros) from a 5D have nothing but good things to say. Aside from the slightly neither-here-nor-there crop factor it seems to have better overall IQ than the 5D, massively better AF, build, handling and speed, and handles noise better - I would expect any 5D replacement with 14-bit and Digic III to better it though, as long as Canon keep the pixel count sensible. £1900 plus your 5D is not great though - I sold mine in mid-Jan for £1125 and there's no replacement on the horizon to drive the price lower. The 1D3 can be had for £2400-2500, so that's giving your 5D away for £500-600. If it's in good condition you'll get £950-1050 all day long for the 5D.

Personally I think the 1Ds III is hugely over-priced, even at £4900. £2400 more than the 1D3 for more resolution and a FF sensor? I don't think so.

[h4rri]

Thanks RH, I'm thinking the same with respect to the 1Ds3, I simply can't justify the additional cost for little improvement. I did think the trade in price on the 5D was a little off the mark, however I can't search for '5D' as it's too short for the search so thanks for the price-line.

Good to hear about people using the 1D3 and liking it, concerned about 'ongoing' AF issues though as I thought these had been sorted now with an update?

[tdodd]

I'd say 1D3. From what you say about your needs I think you'll find the high FPS an advantage for birds, if we're talking BIF, and the crop will give you more reach. Also, for macro, you'll get the Live View feature and a bit more DOF from the cropped sensor. Plus you'll save a packet on the price over a 1DS2/3.

The first round of fixes are in for the 1D3 but I have read that Canon has identified further improvements to be made, so it might be worth hanging on a bit or checking out the latest news on this.

16 MP or 21 MP just means a lot more data to store and to process. Do you need the extra overhead for your workflow? Are the extra pixels really an advantage for your photography or just good for bragging rights?

You can get a 1D3 for £2100 delivered from Digital Rev in Hong Kong - http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Canon-EOS-1D-M...QQcmdZViewItem. I know there is the potential issue about warranty/support but you could keep your 5D for full frame stuff, which would effectively only be costing you £200 more than the deal you're looking at.

Personally, in your position, I'd go 1D3 but wait until the AF issues are put to bed for once and for all. Right now the 40D gives me all I need. I'd like a 1D3 but I sure don't need one

[h4rri]

Originally Posted by tdodd

The first round of fixes are in for the 1D3 but I have read that Canon has identified further improvements to be made, so it might be worth hanging on a bit or checking out the latest news on this.

Ah thanks, will read up a bit. Not looking to change right away but in the next few months so starting research early.

Originally Posted by tdodd

16 MP or 21 MP just means a lot more data to store and to process. Do you need the extra overhead for your workflow? Are the extra pixels really an advantage for your photography or just good for bragging rights?

I think you're right if I look at it from a purely IQ point of view, I really don't need the extra file size [would have to upgrade all my backup and storage systems] and it would certainly slow down my workflow which I hadn't considered.

Originally Posted by tdodd

You can get a 1D3 for £2100 delivered from Digital Rev in Hong Kong - http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Canon-EOS-1D-M...QQcmdZViewItem. I know there is the potential issue about warranty/support but you could keep your 5D for full frame stuff, which would effectively only be costing you £200 more than the deal you're looking at.

I would sell on the 5D as I just wouldn't use it and it's more to carry. I would be looking at UK retaillers simply for the warranty side of things.

[iGiDK]

In terms of your chosen subjects, 1D mkIII seems the most logical choice.

If you're selling your 5D try and get it done quick before the next round of Canon Cashback promotions start. Latest rumours are that it'll kick off on 1st March with £150 off a new 5D body, therefore potentially bringing the price of a brand new 5D down to about £1000-£1050 with full warranty.

^ Remember that's all purely speculation so take it with a pinch of salt

I think the current 'going rate' for a well looked after and boxed 5D would be approximately £950

[tomson]

Originally Posted by h4rri

I'm starting to look hard at the 1D3, the only stumbling block for me [mentally] is the crop and lesser resolution. Now I know that it's not all about pixels but it's a mental thing!

It's usually not all about pixels, but the difference between the 1ds3 and the 1d3 is huge - you'll get nearly 50% more pixels along each edge. That's a hell of a lot more information and detail.

But having said that - going by your intended purchase of a 500mm you're after a lot of reach. Having a 1.3x factor is going to make a fair bit of difference to that reach. Then again, so is having 21MP - you can crop a hell of a lot.

Unless you've got money to burn I'd go for the 1d3 - you could get the body and a sigma 500mm for less than the price of the 1ds3.

[h4rri]

Originally Posted by tomson

But having said that - going by your intended purchase of a 500mm you're after a lot of reach. Having a 1.3x factor is going to make a fair bit of difference to that reach. Then again, so is having 21MP - you can crop a hell of a lot.

Thanks, the crop would make a lot of difference on the longer stuff, however the 17-40 would also 'widen' so thats another issue.

I looked at the Sigma 500 against the Canon 500 and as yet undecided. I think it will be the Canon though if I go for the 1D3. If I pick up a 1Ds3 I will be potless so either 500 is out of the window for a while, another plus for the 1D3.

[hot-fuzz]

I cant really add anything to your choice, but the IIIs is an impressiv epiece of kit, jsut dont regret NOT getting it.

Also, if you do sell your 5D, let me know ...... id be very interested.

[h4rri]

Originally Posted by kinchy

Also, if you do sell your 5D, let me know ...... id be very interested.

Will do, it will be going on sale soon [I hope] just have to break it to the missus that the six month upgrade timeline has now been reduced to 6 days

She's used to it though and is suprised I haven't already grabbed one, have to see if the corded remote fits the 1D3 [only listed as supported by the 1D2] or if that will go too.

[Tobers]

if you have fast moving stuff to photograph then the 1d3 would be the best bet. Image quality is superb and it is really fast in all respects. Do you really need the additional pixels of the 1ds? Doubtful. You can put the price diff to some nice lenses.

[Radiohead]

There's a further 1D MkIII AF update from Rob Galbraith

[h4rri]

Thanks, all but decided to go down the 1D Mk3 route but not for a couple of months now, the cashback on the 5D has knocked the resale value of mine so it's worth keeping it for a while. Might just grab the 500mm first then head for the 1D later in the year, who knows by then the 1Ds might have dropped in price to a realistic level.

[Tobers]

The 5D will just drop and drop in price, esp when a new one comes out eventually. Feed the fire - get the 1D now. You know it makes sense

[h4rri]

Originally Posted by Tobers

The 5D will just drop and drop in price, esp when a new one comes out eventually. Feed the fire - get the 1D now. You know it makes sense

I know but I can balance this by dropping it around mid July, just after the cashback has finished and before a new model comes out

If it does drop in price too much then I'll simply hang onto it and never use it

[hot-fuzz]

I think you should sell the 5D after Cashback as people will just ask you to knock £150 your price. And if the 5D MkII (Or 3D) does come out it will again knock the price of the 5D down meanign you wont get a decent price before it was released .... But..... there isnt any mention of a 5D replacement yet nor a 3D, which will come out at alot more than you can get a 5D for.

So i would suggest getting the 1DMkIII now as you can have it for £2299 from HERE and thats a UK based company, then sell your 5D after cashback, or if you need to offset the cash, suck it up and lose £150 off your price. How much do you want it ?

[Tobers]

Sell kinchy the 5D - he's in the market I hear

[hot-fuzz]

Originally Posted by Tobers

Sell kinchy the 5D - he's in the market I hear

SSShhhhh, dont say it too loud. The missus might hear !!!! Was going to go up to Focus to get one, but decided i wont get a deal so didnt bother.

[h4rri]

Originally Posted by kinchy

So i would suggest getting the 1DMkIII now as you can have it for £2299 from HERE and thats a UK based company, then sell your 5D after cashback, or if you need to offset the cash, suck it up and lose £150 off your price. How much do you want it ?

Ah ya git I'd decided to wait but I'm seriously unsure at the moment. I *really* want the 1D but can't decide if that's just 'upgrade-itis' or a real need. Don't think it's the latter but at that price it's a steal.

Might just drop £100 of the 5D and sell it on anyway

[Radiohead]

My ONLY concern about the 1D3 is the fact that it's still not fully fixed over a year after launch and for many it's now tainted. I'm not so sure we won't see a 1D MkIIIn later this year and Canon know they need to get it fully sorted by Beijing.

I'm have to be really surely before ploughing £2500 or so into a camera I knew still had issues.

Please note this isn't a slight on anyone who uses or buys one. I've seen some great work with the 1D3 and for many shooters they'll never see the issues affecting it, but it could affect any resale price (more so if a IIIn arrives).

Canon have to be suffering with sales at the moment and the price has dropped markedly since the introduction of the D3. So, by all means buy but just make sure that you're not going to see the AF issues.

[hot-fuzz]

Keep you eye on HERE looks as though that price is the lowest its been for over a year. General trend is its going down ,but it cant keep slipping, must level out somewhere.




EDIT - Radiohead, i thought there was a fix out for the MkIII ??

[Radiohead]

Originally Posted by kinchy

EDIT - Radiohead, i thought there was a fix out for the MkIII ??

There have been 2 - the first was firmware and the second the sub-mirror assembly. But there's a third on the way but with no date known. All is not well though.

Linky

[h4rri]

Originally Posted by kinchy

Keep you eye on HERE looks as though that price is the lowest its been for over a year. General trend is its going down ,but it cant keep slipping, must level out somewhere.

Thanks, also shows the 1Ds Mk3 slipping down to silly levels too which is interesting ...

Originally Posted by RadioHead

I'm have to be really surely before ploughing £2500 or so into a camera I knew still had issues.

This is one thing which does concern me to be honest and probably the only reason I am not stepping up to buy one now. I'm reading about the current issues and see another fix has been offered. Only time will tell whether this works though.

I would have thought that the fix would have been down at factory level so no affected units should be shipped after the original recall. Is this not the case? Are there owners who have purchased recently who have the same issue?

[Radiohead]

That I don't know - although Rob Galbraith said after testing the sub-mirror fix that he didn't consider the problem solved. Andy Rouse would agree as he is livid with Canon at the moment.

[hot-fuzz]

Originally Posted by h4rri

Thanks, also shows the 1Ds Mk3 slipping down to silly levels too which is interesting ...



This is one thing which does concern me to be honest and probably the only reason I am not stepping up to buy one now. I'm reading about the current issues and see another fix has been offered. Only time will tell whether this works though.

I would have thought that the fix would have been down at factory level so no affected units should be shipped after the original recall. Is this not the case? Are there owners who have purchased recently who have the same issue?

Speak to Tobers, as you know he has a MkIII and has nothing but good things to say about it, he doesnt have a problem, from what im aware.

[Bristol Pete]

Originally Posted by kinchy

Speak to Tobers, as you know he has a MkIII and has nothing but good things to say about it, he doesnt have a problem, from what im aware.

Good point as are Guy's.

You need to put this into context however. To casual snappers, the camera is a delight, but when put to work, it bottoms out.

It has cost me big time in that when I worked boxing day and subbed 34 images to my local agency for various customers, they called me to complain about the quality of my work citing 20 out of the 24 as unprintable due to not being on the money. I felt that was harsh, but I could see their point of view and on review, they were, but wiring images from the sideline is a different story.

The real issue is that there is no science or clear understanding to this issue. Some are citing heat as the issue, others poor light, back lighting and now the colour blue. I used my camera in every way. Pro sport, street, indoor casual, dim light, bright light, macro and in everyway it misfocused and in all kinds of light. Fact. Other people witnessed this. My mate Sam from South West news was sat next to me at a Charlton game and I gave him the camera to try and we both shook our heads in disbelief - confirming that I was not cracking up, useless or some fanboy. I took photos in front of the directorship at LCE and they saw first hand how the camera reacted.

As I have said before, it will take a brave or foolish man to land £2400.00 on the deck for a camera that is causing this much discussion for a start. I say it again that when working, the IQ is something else.

Put it into context, there is no way people would buy a car with the reputation of this camera. Simple as that.

Personally, I regret buying it from the outset as my kit is now in a bit of muddle and mid permitation and I cant really find any money to play with despite that fact I want a D3 big time.

Pete.

[h4rri]

Thanks BP. I understand people are using these and are happy with them but as a friend said moments ago, everytime I miss focus [cheeky git!] I'll be pointing the finger at the camera. I'm an impulse buyer and wouldn't normally hesitate to grab one, I think the fact I'm dithering is down to confidence in the gear. I have no issues with the 5D so I just don't want issues with the one I replace it with.

I'll be reading up on the 1Ds and might just stretch to that, failing that I'll be waiting until the issues are resolved or dropping the cash on a 500mm [or 400 f/2.8 IS] instead.

One of the biggest problems is finding a retailler with the 1D's in stock to have a 'feel' of them, looks like I'm going to have to buy whichever I decide on without having a feel/play.

[Radiohead]

Get a D3 then

[h4rri]

Originally Posted by Radiohead

Get a D3 then

LOL no way I'm flogging all those lenses and flashes etc and changing camps now

[Radiohead]

No, you'd have to be a right tool to do that.







Hang on...