Canon 1Ds

[DylanS]

Hello, okay here is the question, I have a 500D currently and I am really enjoying it but I have some one who will sell me a 1Ds for R5000 with 3 batteries and a AC adapter. Is it worth buying and using for portraits and band photography ?

 

[bwana]

Which 1Ds?

 

[DylanS]

The original 1Ds Mark 1

 

[Edduck]

hmmmm this is bit of do you really need it/damn it would be great to have a 1D body situation.... My first opinion: No. The 1Ds is OLllllllddd. Points against it:

Old AF system
ISO performance bad compared to modern dSLRs
Tiny LCD screen
Fixing it will probably be impossible or $$$
Do the batteries hold their charge?

Points for it:
Full frame!
Huge 100% viewfinder
Pro 1D body with all the robustness and weathersealing you could want

So for your primary need of band photography I don't think it will worK. For portraits, definitely will work.

AND what else can you spend 5k on? A 70-200 f4, 17-40 f4, 580 mkii speedlight + wireless trigger, canon battery grip for 500D + 4 canon batteries, Canon 10-22mm/Tokina 11-16mm f2.8... The list goes on...

 

[DylanS]

Thanks Edduck I thought as much

 

[Edduck]

Thanks Edduck I thought as much

Pleasure dylan

Here's a full review if you want more info http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/canoneos1ds/

 

[bwana]

I agree - the relatively low ISO available could be an issue when you're shooting bands but for studio and day time photography it should be great. Got to love that 1D series body though - I've heard it described as a camera you can beat a man to death with and then take his picture. I'm looking to trade my 7D in for another 1DMk3, or perhaps it's time to bite the bullet and upgrade to a Mk4.

 

[Edduck]

And for anyone who is too lazy to read the review, here are few interesting comparison pics between the 1Ds MK I and the 1DMK IV...

1Ds MK I :

1DMK IV

Amazingly the only major design differences are the smaller click wheel and LCD screen sizes whilst the body shape is almost entirely the same (besides slight dimension changes). Goes to show how successful the 1D body design is.

 

[bwana]

the only major design differences are the smaller click wheel and LCD screen sizes whilst the body shape is almost entirely the same (besides slight dimension changes). Goes to show how successful the 1D body design is.

Hard to say if the dimensions have actually changed at all - it seems they might have just rounded off differently converting mm cm to inches and vice versa.

It really is a comfortable design - the grips you get on the smaller bodies try to emulate it but fall short.

 

[Edduck]

Hard to say if the dimensions have actually changed at all - it seems they might have just rounded off differently converting mm cm to inches and vice versa.

It really is a comfortable design - the grips you get on the smaller bodies try to emulate it but fall short.

The height has changed from 158mm to 157mm............................................

 

[bwana]

The height has changed from 158mm to 157mm............................................

And yet it magically remains the same at 6.2 inches . . . . similarly the depth remained 80mm yet simultaneously increased by 0.1 of an inch.

 

[DylanS]

I've heard it described as a camera you can beat a man to death with and then take his picture.

I have heard this as well, now we know how those photo journalist work

I don't think I can afford 1d M4 or 3, haha being a student means limited cash flow

 

[Edduck]

I have heard this as well, now we know how those photo journalist work

I don't think I can afford 1d M4 or 3, haha being a student means limited cash flow

Rather look out for a 2nd hand 40/50D with low shutter mileage on. I did and I'm LOVING it and make sure you get a grip, changes your camera world hehe

 

[DylanS]

... make sure you get a grip, changes your camera world hehe

My 500D has a grip and it really does change the camera (in handling and more importantly looks )

 

[DylanS]

... make sure you get a grip, changes your camera world hehe

My 500D has a grip and it really does change the camera (in handling and more importantly looks )

 

[koffiejunkie]

Rather look out for a 2nd hand 40/50D with low shutter mileage on.

While I agree in principle, but this is one of those rare occasions where I won't cheer for the xxD range. The 50D is not an upgrade over the 500D in terms of image quality or low light abilities. They have the same sensor and perform essentially the same. Yes, the 50D has an extra ISO mode (12800) but trust me, you don't want to use it except in very very good light - certainly not where there's a lot of shadows. You'll have to go to the 60D to see an improvement in high ISO. Better spend your money on nice glass

I did and I'm LOVING it and make sure you get a grip, changes your camera world hehe

Yip, the the grip on the xxD models is nice and chunky - lots to hold on to

 

[DylanS]

Okay back on the 1D topic, what are your Pros and cons for a 1Ds II

 

[Derrick]

http://www.dxomark.com/index.php/Cameras/Compare-Camera-Sensors/Compare-cameras-side-by-side/%28appareil1%29/586|0/%28appareil2%29/516|0/%28appareil3%29/191|0/%28onglet%29/0/%28brand%29/Canon/%28brand2%29/Canon/%28brand3%29/Canon

Seems to compare favourably to your 500D, much better than the 1Ds Mark I. How much is the potential seller asking for it?