View Full Version : Getting a new DSLR... Which would you pick?


kkjay77
May 15, 07, 9:08 pm
I am planning on getting a new DSLR to replace my trusted 300D/Digital Rebel/Kiss Digital (depends on where you are).

I currently have a array of Canon lenses, so I don't want to change the body brand to Nikon or Sony or any other brands.

Bodies I am considering right now is either Canon 5D or 1D Mk. III. 5D is of course a full fram body which I can use my 24-70 2.8L to full. 1D Mk. III, on the other hand, looks like its noise reduction is such that ISO1600 is usable. I'm so torn between the two, and am pulling my hair out. Which would you buy?

jbjbts
May 16, 07, 1:15 am
Bodies I am considering right now is either Canon 5D or 1D Mk. III.

I think it depends on what you shoot. If you are doing landscapes the extra stretch of the 5D is the way to go. If you are doing anything action related the faster frame rate of the 1D is decisive. And there is a price difference there- right? 1D is more?

Emma65
May 16, 07, 5:44 am
I think it depends on what you shoot. If you are doing landscapes the extra stretch of the 5D is the way to go. If you are doing anything action related the faster frame rate of the 1D is decisive. And there is a price difference there- right? 1D is more?

I'm with JB on this. However - even going from 300D to 30D would be a massive step up.

I've got the 350D/XT and love it but I could seriously think about getting a 30D. I can't just yet justify getting a 5D.

The 1D is overkill unless you make a living on shooting in lowlight. The 5D is what a lot of pro's use and is more than sufficient + has good noise handling.

The 30D a firend of mine has and I think the noisehandling on it is way better than the 350D. Same goes with the 20D another friend of mine has.

Or get faster glass so you can shoot in lower ISO's

/E

skofarrell
May 16, 07, 6:15 am
No integrated flash with the 1D/5D, and that kills any opportunity for using in in a casual/non professional way. The camera is big to cart around, adding a speedlite to it makes it bigger.

Replacement for the 30D (40D?) has to be due soon...

Kevincm
May 16, 07, 8:11 am
As had been said before what's youre application?

If its snapshot or more spontanious, a 30D or a 5D might be better.
Landscapes - 5D without question - you'll need the full frame.
If you can carry the weight daily and weather sealing is important - 1D Mk3
Action - 1D Mk3... with appropriate memory!

Again, you could invest in better glass (although a 28-70 2.8L is hard to beat unless you're using primes), use lower ISO Speeds, or Use Noise Ninja/Neat Image for Noise reduction....

I'd read about user experiances on FredMiranda, The Digital Picture and lots of other places, and get one in the hand and try it out (failing that, rent one for a weekend).

Kevincm
May 16, 07, 8:14 am
...deleted.. double post (grr firefox!)

kkjay77
May 16, 07, 9:18 am
As had been said before what's youre application?

If its snapshot or more spontanious, a 30D or a 5D might be better.
Landscapes - 5D without question - you'll need the full frame.
If you can carry the weight daily and weather sealing is important - 1D Mk3
Action - 1D Mk3... with appropriate memory!

Again, you could invest in better glass (although a 28-70 2.8L is hard to beat unless you're using primes), use lower ISO Speeds, or Use Noise Ninja/Neat Image for Noise reduction....

I'd read about user experiances on FredMiranda, The Digital Picture and lots of other places, and get one in the hand and try it out (failing that, rent one for a weekend).

I've got a decent array of Canon lenses (17-40 f/4L, 24-70 f/2.8L, 70-200 f/2.8L non-IS, 50mm f/1.8 and 100mm macro), so I don't really see myself getting any of the "better" lenses.

The problem is that I shoot in low light condition in far more times than I would like to (I shoot many photos at trade shows), and using a flash isn't always an option. Thus my interest in 1D Mk. III. On the other hand, I like how I could use my current lenses in full potential with 5D without the crop factor.

Decisions, decisions...

p.s. I don't really want to read FM, dpreview, etc just because whenever I read their boards, I want to get a newer (supposedly better) equipment that I don't really need (like new 16-35 f/2.8L, 580EX II, etc)

Kevincm
May 16, 07, 9:46 am
I've got a decent array of Canon lenses (17-40 f/4L, 24-70 f/2.8L, 70-200 f/2.8L non-IS, 50mm f/1.8 and 100mm macro), so I don't really see myself getting any of the "better" lenses.

The problem is that I shoot in low light condition in far more times than I would like to (I shoot many photos at trade shows), and using a flash isn't always an option. Thus my interest in 1D Mk. III. On the other hand, I like how I could use my current lenses in full potential with 5D without the crop factor.

Decisions, decisions...

p.s. I don't really want to read FM, dpreview, etc just because whenever I read their boards, I want to get a newer (supposedly better) equipment that I don't really need (like new 16-35 f/2.8L, 580EX II, etc)

To be honest I don't blame you...you can be waiting for a long time with equipment that never never arrives that you never need (admittedly I'm using FM less these days - except when i'm trying to locate dual voltage flash heads).

You've got a nice selection of glass there, so it goes back to question of which will knock out the better image...

The 1D Mk3 will certainly have better AF performance and better speed performance. The 5D will be an easier "jump"

I saw some ISO vs Noise performance charts somewhere (done with greys - not 100% useful, but still an indicator) and a comparison of shots on a website somewhere.. Again the only real thing to do is to consider hiring a 5D and a 1D Mk3 for a few days and do a qualitive performance test (Calumet or a local hire place should help you - other places may do a Hire and Buy at Discount) - or find a camera shop who will let you buy one and return it (you'll have to negotiate with a branch manager if you try this).

And as you are committing a lot of cash to this, the vendor should be bending over backwards to help you out in your desicion.

jbjbts
May 16, 07, 3:02 pm
Again the only real thing to do is to consider hiring a 5D and a 1D Mk3 for a few days and do a qualitive performance test

Excellent idea- especially if you can convince the store you'll buy one or the other. They might be willing to apply the rental fee toward the purchase.

Another thing to consider is whether there will be another Canon rebate offer soon. 5D was included last time at $300 off. Plus the 5D could be updated in 6 months to a year if you can wait that long you might find good deals on the current model.

mikey1003
May 16, 07, 4:10 pm
Wait a few months until the 40D (or whatever it will be called) then make your decision.

Even if you decide on a 30D, the prices should drop like a rock

kkjay77
May 18, 07, 10:59 am
I'm not interested in APS-C sensored models as it makes my 24-70 to 38-112 effectively. I would prefer 5D if it has the noise characteristics of 1D Mk III, but it doesn't.

I guess it's time for me to visit B&H.

Emma65
May 18, 07, 1:35 pm
Wait a few months until the 40D (or whatever it will be called) then make your decision.

Even if you decide on a 30D, the prices should drop like a rock

I've just spoken today to a guy who's inlaw is on the board for canon uk. He always gets to hear early on if there is a new model coming out and roughly when. He's heard nada. Infact, he's not expecting anything new probably not in the next 18 months as that is what he recomended 20/30D owners to wait for (unless they plan to buy 5D and up).

This guy is about to turn in to my canon dealer ;-)
/E

Kevincm
May 18, 07, 2:52 pm
Sounds like a good person to hang onto Emma65!

But yes kkjay77.... time to go and try them out... good luck - and let us know how you get on!

K

aaac
May 21, 07, 1:47 pm
Run around with a 4kg-5kg dumbell in your hand, lifting it up and down every 10 seconds for the next 3-4 hours. If you feels fine, the 1D is for you ;).

Honestly, is edge to edge sharpness important to you? I used to shoot with the 1Ds and even the 24-70mm was pushed to the limit and vignetting is highly visible at 24mm.

CPRich
May 21, 07, 5:45 pm
I've just spoken today to a guy who's inlaw is on the board for canon uk.

There have been so many "I know a guy who's on the inside at Canon" at dpr that it's become somewhat of a joke. In February "my neighbor on Canon's board assured me the 40D would show up next week" messages showed up every week.

I can't fathom any way that a "40D" doesn't come out at this fall's show. Almost every other x0D lifecycle has been 18 months, and that's up this fall for the 30.

kkjay77
May 21, 07, 10:36 pm
There have been so many "I know a guy who's on the inside at Canon" at dpr that it's become somewhat of a joke. In February "my neighbor on Canon's board assured me the 40D would show up next week" messages showed up every week.

I can't fathom any way that a "40D" doesn't come out at this fall's show. Almost every other x0D lifecycle has been 18 months, and that's up this fall for the 30.


Yep, and a successor to 5D will be introduced as soon as Sony or Nikon introduces a FF body. :mad:

kkjay77
May 21, 07, 10:43 pm
Run around with a 4kg-5kg dumbell in your hand, lifting it up and down every 10 seconds for the next 3-4 hours. If you feels fine, the 1D is for you ;).

Honestly, is edge to edge sharpness important to you? I used to shoot with the 1Ds and even the 24-70mm was pushed to the limit and vignetting is highly visible at 24mm.

I still think it will be better than carrying a tripod with me all the time. :D

I don't think 1,155g for 1D mk III and 892g + battery grip will be that big of a difference. I won't have to mount a flash on 1D.

DullesJason
May 23, 07, 2:06 pm
This is a tough call. The 5D is appealing for the full frame. But to me, that's the main thing.

I shoot both sports and and a lot of lowlight situations. With the MarkIII firing off a staggering 10 fps, I would go gaga over it. Couple that with it noise reduction for improved low light performance and you've got a winner. Sure,it's much more expensive . . . but you can afford it or else you wouldn't be considering it.

I am a Nikon guy, but that Canon Mark III sure is a beautiful thing and I would get that if I was going to move to Canon.

birdstrike
May 23, 07, 4:23 pm
Yep, and a successor to 5D will be introduced as soon as Sony or Nikon introduces a FF body. :mad:

I don't know if Sony or Nikon will ever introduce a FF DSLR. That is a problem for anyone who has an existing stable of Nikon glass.

I was a Canon film user and was therefore strongly motivated to go with Canon when I upgraded to digital so I could use by existing lenses.

Once I decided to become more serious about photography, I had to buy the 5D to match the L glass.