1Ds Mark III or 1D Mark III

[RobAmy]

I know there is a huge difference between the 2. My question with all the hype of problems and fixes, which do you feel is the more dependable camera. As many of you know I like wildlife and birds as my favorite subjects. So the choice there would lean towards the Mark III but really the 1Ds offers 5 fps which will still do a very nice job for birds in flight. I feel if you know what your doing and do not just like the machine gun picture taking, either camera would perform. I use the Mark IIn now which I really like. I feel there are pro and cons with both these cameras. I would like to hear from some real users of both cameras and here your thoughts of reliablity in the field. I sure IQ will be better from each vs. the Mark IIn. Maybe the thoughts would be even wait for new models. I would love to hear some thoughts.

[Max@Home]

Hi Rob (& Amy )

Originally Posted by RobAmy

I know there is a huge difference between the 2. My question with all the hype of problems and fixes, which do you feel is the more dependable camera.

At this moment in time, both camerabodies are equally dependable IMO.

As many of you know I like wildlife and birds as my favorite subjects. So the choice there would lean towards the 1D Mark III but really the 1Ds III offers 5 fps which will still do a very nice job for birds in flight. I feel if you know what your doing and do not just like the machine gun picture taking, either camera would perform.

If you can live with 5FPS, then the MP advantage would certainly go to the 1Ds, more than twice the pixels to crop from...

I use the Mark IIn now which I really like. I feel there are pro and cons with both these cameras. I would like to hear from some real users of both cameras and here your thoughts of reliablity in the field.

I use a 1D3 'purple dot' body, which means a unit with the updated/corrected sub-mirror fix installed in-factory, before shipping, but after initial production. I have never had any AF problems, but then AI Servo I do not use that much, but when I do, it is reliable *for me*...

I sure IQ will be better from each vs. the Mark IIn. Maybe the thoughts would be even wait for new models. I would love to hear some thoughts.

IQ is certainly better, with both MkIII models, cleaner shots, lower noise level, wider dynamic range, etc... Controls/handling has improved immensely IMO over the II/IIn models, no more two-handed hold-this-then-press-this button combinations, very straight-forward and intuitive, 'as easy as a 40D' , IMO...

But in all your text so far, apart from IQ, you did not mention why you would 'need' any of the Mark III models... if the pure 'need' ain't there, and you can wait, that would be *my* solution: wait at least till PhotoKina (end of September) in Köln, Germany, and see what Canon has up it's sleeve, if anything...

But timeframe-wise the DiGiC IV processing chip could be introduced, maybe in the 'New5DII', maybe in a 1D Mk IV...., or maybe in a PowerShot Pro 2

...and that would open the road to a whole new generation of cameras again....

...just *my* thoughts, €0.02 and all...

Kindest regards!

Max@Home

[RobAmy]

Thanks for the info, I really have no need to upgrade at this point. So I can wait for sure. But now keep in mind, new models mean new bugs to work out, so more waiting to see what the new cameras bring.

[JDArt]

You're upgrading from a II, right? I think the more apt question is whether the upgrade is worth it.

I'm hearing that the Mark III has issues with focus that were not present on the II model. I'm also hearing that the improvement in image quality is marginal. I've also actually heard tales of woe regarding the more novel of the new features: micro adjustment and anti-dust. I've heard more than one user of the III say that he has issues with lenses on the III that he/she never had with the II. Apparently you have to microadjust on the III to get the same quality that you had with no microadjusting on the II.

All in all, the upgrade sounds like a headache I can most certainly do without.

[aam1234]

Few points to consider:

* Basically, the two cameras are identical, expect for:
- MPs, obviously
- Cards: IDsIII can use UDMA while 1DIII can't

* Judging from your work (if memory serves) it doesn't seem that you need the high frame rate (which you pointed out already)

* Need Max's input on this one: Noise at high ISO. You probably live in the high ISO range to get the shutter speed you want or for being in the shade. This could be critical to the decision, imo.

* To counter the above point: The 1DsIII files can take a lot of beating and still smile. It's amazing in this regard.

* The details coming out of the 1DsIII will make you dizzy

Just some thoughts

[aam1234]

Any update.