Canon EOS 5D or 1Ds Mk II ? ? ?
Discussion
Hi all,
The title says it all really.
I am contemplating upgrading my current EOS and have got the two above as the front-runners but am struggling to put them apart, my main factor in selection of these has been based on sensor size. I mostly do landscape photography so nothing requiring extreme ISO levels or very high shutter speed (equally I don't want/need video capability), do any of you have any thoughts or indeed other suggestions apart from these - I am sticking with Canon so I don't have to buy new lenses.
Many thanks in advance,
Matt.
The title says it all really.
I am contemplating upgrading my current EOS and have got the two above as the front-runners but am struggling to put them apart, my main factor in selection of these has been based on sensor size. I mostly do landscape photography so nothing requiring extreme ISO levels or very high shutter speed (equally I don't want/need video capability), do any of you have any thoughts or indeed other suggestions apart from these - I am sticking with Canon so I don't have to buy new lenses.
Many thanks in advance,
Matt.
What I didn't mention is that I moved the other way - I used to use 1-series bodies (from EOS3 to D2000 to 1D to 1D2), and while I do miss the you-could-use-it-as-a-hammer-if-you-want-to build quality, and the speed of shutter reaction, the smaller, lighter form factor makes up for it in my use. But I think it does entirely depend on how you wish to use it as to which you should get.
Do you mean the 5D or 5D2?
5D2 has the most resolution, build is OK and its great for landscapes, autofocus isnt great but landscapes often dont move, it also has live view which is super handy for landscapes.
1DsII has better build and AF , no live view, poorer LCD.
If your talking the 5D then I'd pick the 1DsII.
5D2 has the most resolution, build is OK and its great for landscapes, autofocus isnt great but landscapes often dont move, it also has live view which is super handy for landscapes.
1DsII has better build and AF , no live view, poorer LCD.
If your talking the 5D then I'd pick the 1DsII.
RobDickinson said:
Do you mean the 5D or 5D2?
5D2 has the most resolution, build is OK and its great for landscapes, autofocus isnt great but landscapes often dont move, it also has live view which is super handy for landscapes.
1DsII has better build and AF , no live view, poorer LCD.
If your talking the 5D then I'd pick the 1DsII.
I was indeed talking about the 5d as I don't want the video features of the 5D II - I can't see the point in paying for technology that I won't, use so was ignoring the II. Resolution-wise more resolution on the sensor means more noise in my book (just IMO) so the increase from 12.8mp to 21.1mp is just going to give me bigger files and therefore RAM issues etc with my PC (either that or I probably just won't be capturing at max resolution anyway).5D2 has the most resolution, build is OK and its great for landscapes, autofocus isnt great but landscapes often dont move, it also has live view which is super handy for landscapes.
1DsII has better build and AF , no live view, poorer LCD.
If your talking the 5D then I'd pick the 1DsII.
Hmmmm.... all food for thought
Cheers,
Matt.
Well, the 5D has a 'classic camera' reputation, used and loved by many, both pro and amateur.
The 1DS is built like the proverbial outhouse.
As has been said, if you're doing landscape work, you probably don't need the better AF of the 1DS.
I wouldn't discount the 5D2 though, it's a bargain for what you get, technology has moved on since the 5D.
Noise isn't really a problem with the 5D2 either, and you never know, you may use the video function in the future. The 5D2 is a fantastic piece of kit.
A couple of other points to bear in mind;
If you do move to full frame then to get the best out of the sensor you should also think about L series lens.
As you point out you'll need more processing power to handle larger files, especially if you're shooting RAW.
Try a 5D2, you won't be disappointed.
The 1DS is built like the proverbial outhouse.
As has been said, if you're doing landscape work, you probably don't need the better AF of the 1DS.
I wouldn't discount the 5D2 though, it's a bargain for what you get, technology has moved on since the 5D.
Noise isn't really a problem with the 5D2 either, and you never know, you may use the video function in the future. The 5D2 is a fantastic piece of kit.
A couple of other points to bear in mind;
If you do move to full frame then to get the best out of the sensor you should also think about L series lens.
As you point out you'll need more processing power to handle larger files, especially if you're shooting RAW.
Try a 5D2, you won't be disappointed.
Thanks for the input.
Your last two points somehow continue to put me off the 5D2 though as I should really spend the extra £ required to buy a Sd2 on a lens upgrade, and I don't really want to have to go for a Laptop upgrade at the same time. 21mp just seems way over the top somehow...
Your last two points somehow continue to put me off the 5D2 though as I should really spend the extra £ required to buy a Sd2 on a lens upgrade, and I don't really want to have to go for a Laptop upgrade at the same time. 21mp just seems way over the top somehow...
M@H said:
Thanks for the input.
Your last two points somehow continue to put me off the 5D2 though as I should really spend the extra £ required to buy a Sd2 on a lens upgrade, and I don't really want to have to go for a Laptop upgrade at the same time. 21mp just seems way over the top somehow...
Off topic but...man, you're like the electronics manufacturers' worst nightmare Your last two points somehow continue to put me off the 5D2 though as I should really spend the extra £ required to buy a Sd2 on a lens upgrade, and I don't really want to have to go for a Laptop upgrade at the same time. 21mp just seems way over the top somehow...
A person who actually consider their needs instead of having to have always the latest piece of kit 
lol thanks ..I can't see any point in buying more than I think I am going to need and you get much better value for money buying a bit back from the leading edge. In 2007 these were the best two FF cameras Canon made and the photo's some people produce with them are way better than anything I am ever going to create.
A 'better' camera doesn't make better pictures.
..I can't see any point in buying more than I think I am going to need and you get much better value for money buying a bit back from the leading edge. In 2007 these were the best two FF cameras Canon made and the photo's some people produce with them are way better than anything I am ever going to create.A 'better' camera doesn't make better pictures.
I've owned both the the 5D and the 5D2. The 5D was good but the 5D2 is fabulous. No way would I go back to a 5D.
The 5D was launched in 2004 I think. The 5D2 is already a couple of years old and is as cheap as it is going to be until the 5D3 comes out.
If I had to choose between the 5D and the 1Ds MKII I would go for the 1Ds. I know someone that has one and the results are very good. Better than the 5D I think.
If you don't like the video feature of the 5D2 don't use it. I dabbled a bit with it but I don't think it is really for me. Rather than look at the video as something you pay extra for look at it as something that is thrown in that you can use if it takes your fancy.
Edited to say that a better camera doesn't take better pictures. That's true. But if you have one of the best cameras available you definitely know it is you that screwed up when the pictures are not right for some reason. In other words you can't blame your tools, only yourself.
The 5D was launched in 2004 I think. The 5D2 is already a couple of years old and is as cheap as it is going to be until the 5D3 comes out.
If I had to choose between the 5D and the 1Ds MKII I would go for the 1Ds. I know someone that has one and the results are very good. Better than the 5D I think.
If you don't like the video feature of the 5D2 don't use it. I dabbled a bit with it but I don't think it is really for me. Rather than look at the video as something you pay extra for look at it as something that is thrown in that you can use if it takes your fancy.
Edited to say that a better camera doesn't take better pictures. That's true. But if you have one of the best cameras available you definitely know it is you that screwed up when the pictures are not right for some reason. In other words you can't blame your tools, only yourself.
Edited by Ammo 7 on Friday 19th November 11:36
Ammo 7 said:
I've owned both the the 5D and the 5D2. The 5D was good but the 5D2 is fabulous. No way would I go back to a 5D. The 5D was launched in 2004 I think. The 5D2 is already a couple of years old and is as cheap as it is going to be until the 5D3 comes out.
In what way are they so different - is it just in the usability or in the results? (5d2 will be much cheaper when the 3 arrives and I still won't need video then )Ammo 7 said:
If I had to choose between the 5D and the 1Ds MKII I would go for the 1Ds. I know someone that has one and the results are very good. Better than the 5D I think.
..aah, now that's the sort of info that is highly sought after here! Ammo 7 said:
If you don't like the video feature of the 5D2 don't use it. I dabbled a bit with it but I don't think it is really for me. Rather than look at the video as something you pay extra for look at it as something that is thrown in that you can use if it takes your fancy.
Good angle however surely a 5D II is going to cost me quite a bit more than a 1Ds II - how would they compare. Equally I would much rather be spending extra cash on a lens upgrade than the latest camera Ammo 7 said:
Edited to say that a better camera doesn't take better pictures. That's true. But if you have one of the best cameras available you definitely know it is you that screwed up when the pictures are not right for some reason. In other words you can't blame your tools, only yourself.
True, but we are debating "one of the best camera's available" with the 5d, 5d II and the 1Ds II - its not like any one is consumer/pro'sumer level - I will be blaming me for the screw up in all cases! Edited by Ammo 7 on Friday 19th November 11:36
Edited by M@H on Friday 19th November 12:31
"I will be blaming me for the screw up in all cases!" That is the correct attitude! :-)
They are all good cameras. In order of preference I would go 5D2, IDs MkII and 5D as my last choice.
5D2 because it is relatively small and has 21MP which you will find useful for landscapes. The resolution is fantastic. In head and shoulders portraits, if I zoom in on the eyes I can see my reflection in there. I can tell if the subject has contact lenses in.
IDs MKII will give similar results. 5MP difference doesn't amount to much. I have seen poster size prints from my friend's camera that looked stunning. He is a commercial photographer and hasn't seen the need to upgrade.
5D is a very competent camera but I didn't really connect with it. I bought it just as the 5D2 came out having upgraded from a 20D that I really liked. The 5D took good photos but I didn't think it was that spectacular for some reason, although a big step up from the 20D. I had the 5D six months before upgrading.
They are all good cameras. In order of preference I would go 5D2, IDs MkII and 5D as my last choice.
5D2 because it is relatively small and has 21MP which you will find useful for landscapes. The resolution is fantastic. In head and shoulders portraits, if I zoom in on the eyes I can see my reflection in there. I can tell if the subject has contact lenses in.
IDs MKII will give similar results. 5MP difference doesn't amount to much. I have seen poster size prints from my friend's camera that looked stunning. He is a commercial photographer and hasn't seen the need to upgrade.
5D is a very competent camera but I didn't really connect with it. I bought it just as the 5D2 came out having upgraded from a 20D that I really liked. The 5D took good photos but I didn't think it was that spectacular for some reason, although a big step up from the 20D. I had the 5D six months before upgrading.
I think the 1Ds MkII is a good choice if it leaves you a bit of cash to spend on lenses. It is what I would probably get if I was in your shoes.
Here is a sensor comparison of the three cameras: http://www.dxomark.com/index.php/eng/Camera-Sensor...
Here is a sensor comparison of the three cameras: http://www.dxomark.com/index.php/eng/Camera-Sensor...
Edited by Ammo 7 on Friday 19th November 16:17
I'm not a Canon shooter, but according to DXO Mark the 5DII has the best sensor, followed by the 1DsII then the 5D.
(I know you weren't originally considering the 5D mark II, but I included it because plenty of people are suggesting it).
The 5DII has better dynamic range, better tonal range and better SNR. All good things for your landscape photography, I'd have thought
Obivously as others have pointed out there are plenty of other factors to consider (ergonomics, AF performance, price, etc.) - but sensor performance is pretty important too.
http://www.dxomark.com/index.php/en/Camera-Sensor/...
(click on the tabs to see the appropriate graphs).
Adam
(I know you weren't originally considering the 5D mark II, but I included it because plenty of people are suggesting it).
The 5DII has better dynamic range, better tonal range and better SNR. All good things for your landscape photography, I'd have thought
Obivously as others have pointed out there are plenty of other factors to consider (ergonomics, AF performance, price, etc.) - but sensor performance is pretty important too.
http://www.dxomark.com/index.php/en/Camera-Sensor/...
(click on the tabs to see the appropriate graphs).
Adam
[quote=Ammo 7
In order of preference I would go 5D2, IDs MkII and 5D as my last choice.
[/quote]
Me too.
You can capture all those 21 megapixels of detail, you can make use of them and they are great for landscapes.
Its also better for noise than the 5D or 1dsII.
Remember the 5D2's pixel pitch is only equivelant to the 8mp canon 350D...
Even then I would take my 7D (18mp) over a 5D for landscapes, sensor tech has come a long way.
In order of preference I would go 5D2, IDs MkII and 5D as my last choice.
[/quote]
Me too.
You can capture all those 21 megapixels of detail, you can make use of them and they are great for landscapes.
Its also better for noise than the 5D or 1dsII.
Remember the 5D2's pixel pitch is only equivelant to the 8mp canon 350D...
Even then I would take my 7D (18mp) over a 5D for landscapes, sensor tech has come a long way.
ive owned and used both these cameras heavily (until my 1dsII was stolen). IF they were the same price I'd have the 1d, I always preferred the look of the pictures it took, and it's a nicer feeling bit of kit. But the high ISO stuff was not as good, that is the weak spot.
the 5dII is great, although I have not used one a massive amount.
the 5dII is great, although I have not used one a massive amount.
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