5D3 vs 1DsIII

[charlesa]

If you had to choose between the 5D3 and the 1DsIII, seeing as the 1DsIII second hand is close to the 5D Mark III price point, what would be the best option. The scenario involves me needing a second body for architecture and landscape work, for the sports and wildlife I am quite content with the 1DX.

[bdunbar79]

Just know your ISO limits.  If you always shoot 400 and lower, the 1Ds3 has slightly better IQ and if you do portraits, better skin tones.  All else the 5D3 wins.  Personally I wouldn't be wanting to pay $3k for a camera released in 2007, considering the IQ differences aren't really realized to the everyday person.

[kbmelb]

I recently picked up sweet 1Ds3 for $2200 (it has everything including the box and extra battery) to be be a second camera to my 5D3. It is replacing my 5D2.

I mainly got it for the build quality, interchangeable focus screens, spot metering at all points and better flash metering (than 5D3). I don't know what the tech info on the flash metering is but the 5D3 does a worse job than my old 1Ds2 but better than the 5D2.

The 5D3 does skunk the 1Ds3 above ISO 400 as far as IQ but the 1Ds3 is pretty good up to 1600.

Being that you already have the 1Dx I'd definitely go with the 5D3.

[Seanlucky]

I have a 1DS III at work that I'd kind of forgotten about. I was typically opting to use a 5DII, and then the III when it came out. However after shooting with the Mark III a bunch, I've been really liking the lower ISO image quality that comes out of the older 1DS. Not only that, I really do like the feel of a 1D style body, it's just nice! The only thing I miss while using the 1DS is the high ISO performance (that even the 5D2 beats), and the newer autofocus system. That being said, I only miss these attributes in very specific situations that I don't deal with that often.

[charlesa]

Good information, you probably have a point that paying that amount of money for a 5 year old body released in 2007 does not really make sense... but waiting for a high MP count to ever appear from Canon will take quite a while...!

[RLPhoto]

If you had to choose between the 5D3 and the 1DsIII, seeing as the 1DsIII second hand is close to the 5D Mark III price point, what would be the best option. The scenario involves me needing a second body for architecture and landscape work, for the sports and wildlife I am quite content with the 1DX.

.. .... .

5D Mark 3

5D Mark 3

5D Mark 3

5D Mark 3

5D Mark 3

5D Mark 3

5D Mark 3

[bdunbar79]

Good information, you probably have a point that paying that amount of money for a 5 year old body released in 2007 does not really make sense... but waiting for a high MP count to ever appear from Canon will take quite a while...!

No matter the decision, you will have a great camera either way.  Just know each cameras' strengths and weaknesses. 

[charlesa]

The 1DX I love, but I need a second body since it is too messy having to keep changing lenses from telephoto to ultrawide each time.

[nicku]

If you had to choose between the 5D3 and the 1DsIII, seeing as the 1DsIII second hand is close to the 5D Mark III price point, what would be the best option. The scenario involves me needing a second body for architecture and landscape work, for the sports and wildlife I am quite content with the 1DX.

.. .... .

5D Mark 3

5D Mark 3

5D Mark 3

5D Mark 3

5D Mark 3

5D Mark 3

5D Mark 3

+1

[jhpeterson]

I must be in the minority, but I would have to say the 1DS Mk III. Perhaps that's because the conditions I usually shoot in require the solid build of the 1D series.
I have a 5D2 which gets seldom used, because it's just a bit fragile, especially in regards to its weathersealing. On the other hand, my original 1DS has been through been through most everything the past 4-1/2 years.

[BrandonKing96]

The 5D 3 is more updated now than the 1Ds III.. but it really is a hard choice. 
I'd feel more inclined to go for the 5D 3.  However, if you think you want that build quality of a 1D series, go for the 1Ds 3. 
When I was buying a new camera I was stuck between a used 1Ds 3 and new 5D 3, so I understand the predicament because both are such amazing cameras.

[charlesa]

2400 euro for a 5D Mark III new or a 1 year old 1Ds Mark III, 1400 euro for a 5D Mark II... tough choice but I am gravitating towards the 1Ds III. I prefer the ergonomics and it will be meant for low ISO work, for the high ISO work miss 1DX performs just... purrfect.