5D MkIII or 1D MkIV

[x5x3]

upgrading from 7D, mostly use for sports photos - thoughts please?

[2slo]

I upgraded from a 7D to a 1Div after considering a 5DIII. I decided on the 1Div because 1) 1.3 crop sensor gets me closer to what I'm shooting 2) 10 fps vs 6fps 3) 1 series build quality (e.g. shutter life expectancy much higher on the 1 series) 4) AF possible at f/8 apertures on the 1Div meaning I can use my 400mm f/5.6 + 1.4x TC and still AF. I'm considering getting a 2x TC to fit with my 300mm f/4. That will AF and give 600mm focal length.
The results I've seen from the 5D3 are very good, but I don't think they beat the quality of images produced by the 1Div. If you were wanting to shoot landscapes or portraits and needed a FF camera, the 5Diii might be better but for sports, for the reasons I mention above, the 1Div takes some beating.
You will struggle to find a new one now that it's been superceded by the 1Dx, there is the odd one still in stock advertised by the major retailers last time I looked but very few left with no more being produced.

[x5x3]

thanks for the reply - interesting you went for the 1D and yes sport is my main category, so I'll have to see who has what left in stock.

[markmullen]

I've come from 1 series bodies (1D2, 1Ds, 1Ds2) to 5D3, as good as the 1 series bodies are (really really really good) there is a lot to be said for the lighter weight of the 5D3. I carry my camera everywhere and the 1 series is a lot heavier and bulkier. I didn't mind till I injured my neck in a car crash and the lower weight of the 5D3 is very welcome.

In terms of AF it seems at least as good as my 1 series, tracking jets at RAF Waddington, or cars at Le Mans it was very good.

[LongQ]

5D MK3 seems to make the decision more difficult than it used to be but things like battery life and weatherproofing (although iirc the 5D3 is better is good in that respect?) and frame rate when required may be the decisive factors.

I have a 1D3 which produces very easy to work with files and I assume the 1D4 is the same but better again. (And adds video for a bit of extra fun ....)

[x5x3]

well I sort of came to a conclusion on this but then did something very PH and bought a Canon EF 70-200mm f2.8L IS USM II instead...

[LongQ]

x5x3 said:

well I sort of came to a conclusion on this but then did something very PH and bought a Canon EF 70-200mm f2.8L IS USM II instead...

Good idea.

The new body can wait until next month.

[2slo]

x5x3 said:

well I sort of came to a conclusion on this but then did something very PH and bought a Canon EF 70-200mm f2.8L IS USM II instead...

Pairs beautifully with the 1D mk IV

[x5x3]

well look what just arrived

[LongQ]

x5x3 said:

well look what just arrived

Bravo!

Stick it on the camera, run off a few shots with some nicely distant subjects then see how far you can crop the images and still see good detail. You should be blown away. If not some tweaks may be required.

[red355]

I've had a 5D3 for about a week...i'm impressed with the AF, quiet shutter mode & the way it handles colour rendition.

Had a wedding shoot last weekend, my 1D3 & 1Ds2 are staring to feel a bit long in the tooth (but still awesome cameras) and I couldn't really justify a 1Dx....or actually get one in time.

The shots at ISo 2000 & 3200 in the church are really impressive. usually I'm having to open up the 24F1.4/35f1.4 & 85F1.2 wide


once the 1Dx price starts to slide as availbilty increases, which now the (1st) Olympics are over should start to happen, I'll be tempted to trade in the older Ones for the new model....but to be honest the 5D3 is a crackin' camera.

I'm going try the camera at a cycle race soon, just to see how good he new AF system is ...... recently tested a 60D against a 1D2 at a MTB event. Older 1 series walked all over the newer camera.... who needs moe than 8MP for most shots, 1D2 & 1D3 are a absolute bargain used

but that's going down the new vs used line that nobs keep dragging out in response to new car reviews

[markmullen]

You'll be amazed at the AF with tracking subjects.

I had a 1Ds2 and a 1D2 so a similar setup to yours. I've sold the 1D2 now so am using the 5D3 and 1Ds2 together, the 5D3 is so good I'm thinking of getting another.

As you say the high ISO is amazing, ISO6400 at a recent wedding meant the 3200 on the 1Ds2 felt a little feeble!

[red355]

mark

I took 600 with the 5D3 and just 80 with my much loved 1Ds2 ...that says it all methinks

[x5x3]

LongQ said:

x5x3 said:

well look what just arrived

Bravo!

Stick it on the camera, run off a few shots with some nicely distant subjects then see how far you can crop the images and still see good detail. You should be blown away. If not some tweaks may be required.

well this is even better than I expected - and with the 2x I'm not sure I need the 100-400 L anymore.

[2slo]

The lens itself is exceptional. You'll notice minor loss of IQ with a 1.4x Canon series 3 TC and more noticeable loss of IQ with a 2 x Canon series 3 TC. Other makes and models I'm not sure. IQ at 400mm won't be as good as, say, a 400mm f/5.6 but it'll still be very good.

[x5x3]

have to love this lens;