1DX or 1D4

[ReedZ]

Hi Everyone

I just want to hear an opinion from the forum readers, before I decided to buy which camera. Currently I am looking to buy the 1D bodies, I shoot birds, wildlife & landscape and I am not a wedding photographer.

I like the 1D4 because it offers good AF, reasonable ISO and autofocus available at f/8 and I don't mind getting a used body (it's cheaper). On the other hand the 1DX a new AF (autofocus only up to f/5.6) and ok I admit I like the new feature such as built in HDR for my landscape and multiple exposure (something interesting), but it's pricey.

So, in your opinion which one is better to get the 1DX or 1D4?

Thanks

Rgds
ReedZ

[RLPhoto]

you could almost get 2x 1D4's for just one 1Dx.

[bdunbar79]

Hi Everyone

I just want to hear an opinion from the forum readers, before I decided to buy which camera. Currently I am looking to buy the 1D bodies, I shoot birds, wildlife & landscape and I am not a wedding photographer.

I like the 1D4 because it offers good AF, reasonable ISO and autofocus available at f/8 and I don't mind getting a used body (it's cheaper). On the other hand the 1DX a new AF (autofocus only up to f/5.6) and ok I admit I like the new feature such as built in HDR for my landscape and multiple exposure (something interesting), but it's pricey.

So, in your opinion which one is better to get the 1DX or 1D4?

Thanks

Rgds
ReedZ

Well it depends.  Anything the 1D4 can do, the 1DX does better.  However, for price, if you are shooting sports in enough light, go with the 1D4.  If you do low-light sports/indoor sports, and weddings for instance, you'd get the 1DX or 5D3.  If you love the built-in HDR and ME modes, actually the 5D3 is better.  The 5D3 actually does very well in good light with AF and action/sports.  If you don't need that, and want only speed and fps, and AF-point linked spot metering, get the 1D4.  It's a tough choice for you.  Of course, if you spent the $6799 on a 1DX, seeing as how it's good for at least 400k actuations, it'd be a good, lifetime investment that you would never regret.  The 1DX, 1D4, and 5D3 are all fantastic.  Whichever you buy, the 1DX or 1D4, you'll be happy.  Be careful though about low-light with the 1D4, noise starts showing up pretty thick at ISO 6400.

[charlesa]

Both good bodies, does the improved AF and speed justify the cost. Is your photographic work based on sports/wildlife/action mainly?

[Mt Spokane Photography]

I have a 1D MK IV, and for wildlife, where you are focal length limited, the 1.3 crop plus ability to AF with TC's down to F/8 and even to f/11 with taped pins is valuable.
Resolution is about the same.
No doubt, the 1Dx is a supurb camera, but maybe not when you are focal length limited.
Get a little used 1D Mark IV plus a 5D Mark III for less than the cost of a D1 X.

[M.ST]

I sell the 1D MK IV because the 1D X is faster and delivers a better image quality.

But I am shocked if Canon let die the APS-H-sensor. The 1.3 crop is perfect im combination with supertelephoto lenses and the AF 1D MK IV works with f/8 lenses. If dont have supertelephotos like the new, EF 400 II, EF 500 II or EF 600 II, stay or buy a 1D Mark IV.

I my opinion the 1D X is not the best of two worlds (1D MK IV, 1Ds Mark III). The 1D X is not a good replacement for the 1D MK IV or 1Ds Mark III. Image quality from ISO 50 to 200 is better in the  1Ds Mark III. To have a crop factor is better for sports, action and wildlife shots.

[xROELOFx]

About 2 months ago I asked myself the very same question. Save a little more and get a 1DX or buy a 1D4. I finally bought the 1D4 as an upgrade to my 7D. The main reasons were that it was a hell lot cheaper (still it was a load of money), because of the f/8 autofocus, 1.3 crop, very good autofocus and I decided for my self I did not really need the newest technology. I'm not a pro, and I'm not a millionaire. What also helped me decide, was I got the chance to shoot half a day with a 1D mark III. This was such a great experience that I just couldn't wait any longer to upgrade my 7D.

Like you, I use the 1D4 for wildlife and birds. With a 500 f/4, the camera performs really really well. With the 1.4x extender it performs good too, although the AF is a bit slower. Using a 2.0x extender (and f/8 autofocus) is only really usefull for subjects that are moving very slowly, or not moving it all. The AF is pretty slow and hunts a lot. IQ takes a hit too. For close-up portraits of birds or other wildlife it is a really great option to have though!

For me the 1D4 was a great choice. If you're not shooting many small or shy subjects, you'll probably don't need the 1.3 crop and f/8 autofocus. A tough choice. Buying a 1D4 and a 5D mk. III would be a great option too, you would have the extra reach of the 1D4 and the fullframe sensor of the 5D3. Plus 2 camera's, so you can carry 2 different focal lengths with you.

By the way, what lens(es) do you use?
Good luck!

update:
If I had more money, I'd probably not sell the 1D4 but use it together with a 1DX. Use the 1D4 when I need the reach the 1DX cannot deliver, and use the 1DX for the rest

another update:
Check this topic for a couple of beautiful examples Gary made with the 1DX. If you're able to get close to the animals or have a long 600mm lens, the extra reach of the 1D4 is not always needed. Although, I am not able to get these kind of shots of birds of prey. They always fly away when I cautiously try to approach them...

[bdunbar79]

Exactly.  The reason I have used the 1D Mark IV for sports is the speed, metering, and 1.3 crop factor.  I actually love that camera and despite having the 1DX, I am keeping my 1D4 so that I can shoot outdoor sports with two cameras this year.  For instance I'll have a football game at 1pm in the fall, and I have to run across the parking lot to do a soccer game (same university campus) at 4pm.  You better believe I'll have both cameras for that day, with different lenses on each.

[photophreek]

I struggled with much the same decision process.  I decided to go with the 1D IV and add the 5D III this fall.  The 1D IV has been an amazing upgrade to my 7d and all that I hoped it would be.  However, I've very recently decided to not get the 5d III and supplement the 1D IV with the 1Dx. 

I like the 1D series features such as spot metering linked to AF points, AE and FE adjustments and the ergonomics of the 1D body to name only a few.  In addition, the 1Dx offers better low-light shooting than the 1D IV, cleaner files, better IQ and better spot metering to AF point.  The biggest advantage for me is better metering/exposure and face recognition tracking which the 1D IV does not have.  The 1D IV has the same 63 zone metering system as the 5D III and 7D.  BTW, the 1Dx does not have in-camera HDR.  The 5D III has this feature. 

My only concern with the 1Dx is the loss of the crop factor.  I've recently seen some aggressive crops of bird shots with the 1Dx and I was amazed at the amount of detail not lossed with the aggressive crop. 

The best of all worlds is to have both (I'm very fortunate I will have both),  If I had to pick, I'd get the 1Dx and hold out for a used 1D IV if you can afford it.  Don't get me wrong, the 1D IV is a very capable and superb camera which is why I'm keeping mine.   

[briansquibb]

It is interesting that the new 600II was tested using the 1D4. Just read the article and look at the IQ of the pictures - you would wonder why anyone wants to upgrade from a 1D4 to a 1DX.

A 7D or 1D3 to a 1DX then maybe

I cant understand those that actually think that in real life the 1DX will be noticeably faster than the 1D4 or the IQ would be better until you get over iso6400. For normal shooting in normal light the 1DX will not be significantly better than the 1D4

If you want a low iso landscape body then the 1DS3 is still king

[photophreek]

briansquibb:

My 1D IV has a permanent place in my bag and is going nowhere.  I also agree that the IQ of the 1Dx is only slighly better than the 1D IV.  I'm not getting the 1Dx just because of sharper files.  The 5D III is slightly sharper than the 1Dx according to TDP.  For me, high shutter speeds in low light shooting means high ISO which is one of the reasons why I'm getting the 1Dx.  The 1D IV files start to suffer above 6400. 

I'm keeping the 1D IV, because my camera equipment fund is gone when I get the 1Dx and so is the notion of adding the 600 II.  I'm sure that the images coming out of either camera coupled to my "old" 500mm f4 IS will be more than awesome. 

[briansquibb]

briansquibb:

My 1D IV has a permanent place in my bag and is going nowhere.  I also agree that the IQ of the 1Dx is only slighly better than the 1D IV.  I'm not getting the 1Dx just because of sharper files.  The 5D III is slightly sharper than the 1Dx according to TDP.  For me, high shutter speeds in low light shooting means high ISO which is one of the reasons why I'm getting the 1Dx.  The 1D IV files start to suffer above 6400. 

I'm keeping the 1D IV, because my camera equipment fund is gone when I get the 1Dx and so is the notion of adding the 600 II.  I'm sure that the images coming out of either camera coupled to my "old" 500mm f4 IS will be more than awesome.

I agree that the one good reason for the 1DX over the 1D4 is the high iso shooting as I mentioned

I am getting a 1DX so I can get higher iso ff as a partner to the 1DS3 which is realistically limited to iso 800. Whilst I could go 5DIII the lack of AF point metering and small body puts me off. Having a 1d4 and a 1DX beside each other opens up more options for sport shooting too

[bdunbar79]

Only problem is indoor sports.  If I have the option of taking a 5D3 for a BACKUP camera, or a 1D4 for a backup, the 5D3 is going in the bag because I cannot afford high noise when most of my photos will be going as jpeg to a file and to a webmaster.  So my indoor sports combo is going to be 1DX/5D3.  Outdoors, you better believe it'll be the 1DX/1D4!

[Secretariat]

If I may ask,how do the images of the 1D MKIV and 1DX compare to each other up to ISO 6400?Are the images of the !DX so much better than that of the 1D MKIV?
Thanks.

[ReedZ]

Thanks Everyone

I think I might be going for 1D4 due to price, it is still a good body and as far as the price is concern, it's half of what 1DX is currently. I could save some money as well.