Gear Talk > EOS Bodies - For Stills

5DM3 is not doing all I hoped...wanting to upgrade to 1DX

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ideaworx:
Hey guys, maybe some insight here, maybe a good deal for someone, not sure. I purchased a 5DM3 kit at B&H on March 30, in that time I have been waiting for the mixed accessories to become available, as I typically shoot off a tripod (Using RRS brackets...Not yet available) and use a remote flash (New ST-E3-RT + 600EX's) and have just got to the season where we can do the photography that I purchased the camera for, night time tarpon fishing. We have tested the 5DM3, as it is a marvelous camera for daytime shooting, it is not delivering the results we hoped for, especially in the area of AF and IQ. When shooting at night, ISO is a big factor, and both cameras (based on results I have seen) appear to be the same, but the actual ability for the camera to focus and do it quickly, for what we are shooting, which you have a split second reaction time to capture the moment, is failing. I contacted B&H today, and they were not able to help me, in either a return or exchange, so I am asking here, if anyone has any insight on how I can deal with this (Minus just buying a 1DX on top of what I have already spent). I asked them if they could work with me, as since 3/30 i had spent $23,000 in their shop. They said it had been too long, nothing they could do. I would be more than willing to part with my equipment for a discounted price, so that I can efficiently make the needed upgrade. I am really up against a wall here as I desperately need the right tool for the job. Can anyone shed some light on this doom situation I have? Thanks in advance!

neuroanatomist:
FleaBay or Craigslist, or perhaps fredmiranda.com?  Basically, sell it at a bit of a loss or keep it as a backup, and buy the 1D X outright.

I was tempted by the 5DIII, but glad I held out for the 1D X.

ideaworx:

--- Quote from: neuroanatomist on July 30, 2012, 02:35:24 PM ---I was tempted by the 5DIII, but glad I held out for the 1D X.

--- End quote ---

Delays are what scared me, didnt want to miss the height of the season here, and yeah, I bumped on that decision. :-x

Mt Spokane Photography:
The 1D X will be a little better, but you pay a lot to gain very little.  I'd rent one and see if it does the job.  The AF is about 90% the same, its faster due to the higher voltage driving the AF motor in the lens, but accuracy is not going to be but just a little better. The camera settings you use can have a big impact on the type of use you are doing.
As to your old one, 3 or 4 months is a long time to hold off on a return. 
Here are a couple of suggestions:
1. Contact Henry Posner of B&H and ask him for help.  He is their Goodwill Ambassador and will do anything he can.  e-mail henryp[at]bhphoto.com
2.  If you used a credit card, contact your credit card company and see if they can help, sometimes there is insurance that allows a return.
3.  Contact KEH and Adorama.  They will buy it, but you might not like what they offer.
4.  Sell on craigslist, Fred Miranda, or eBay.
Note, prices have dropped, so don't expect to get near the new price when selling used.  New, they are found for $3200, and as low as $3,000 on ebay.
Realistically, $2700-$2800 on craigslist or $2900 on ebay is the best you can hope for, assuming its in the box with all accessories and no mechanical scratches or damage from salt spray.
Before you sell it, RENT.  Otherwise, you may find that you still do not have a solution.  Also make sure you are using a fast lens, f/2 or faster is best.  There again, a rental might be smart.
Also consider a more powerful strobe.  There are much more powerful ones available.

Kernuak:
I actually found in some quick tests, that I was able to focus in light so low, that the high ISO was pretty much too noisy to use, which is a first for any camera I've owned, usually the AF falls apart first. While it was only on stationary targets (apart from some slight wind) and darker subjects were a problem due to lack of contrast, I was impressed. It did depend on the AF selection though. I think I was using single point (as opposed to spot or point assist). Light was low enough for me to drop to ISO 25,600 and f/4 @ 1/125th handheld (420mm) and still almost a stop underexposed. It was extremely noisy (so not alot of detail left), but it seemed to be in focus, although it was so dark it was difficult to tell which point of the flowers and grasses I'd focused on. To be honest, I don't know that many (if any?) cameras would be able to focus any better in such low light and few would produce cleaner images (D3s perhaps), so I'd definitely add a voice to renting first. Another possible option would be trade-in, it's worth asking anyway.

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