The bits of this report that caught my eye are these bits.
In this example, the SD of the 5D Mk III samples was 17 lp/ih, while the SD of the 5D Mk II was 38.5. Those are similar to the numbers we’ve seen over and over—accurate focusing combinations have SDs in the teens while less accurate ones have SDs in the 30s.
But clearly the 5DIII and 1Dx do better than the other cameras, while the 1D Mk IV seems to be a bit between those two and the rest of the pack
the need for both a new camera and a new lens to get accurate autofocus began to make sense
The two newest Canon cameras have more accurate phase-detection sensors than their previous cameras. The newest lenses have more accurate focus movement (or provide more accurate focus movement feedback, or both) that takes advantage of those sensors.From that I take it that to get the best results you need the latest kit.
So no great surprise there. It's nice to get confirmation that Canon are making progress! Of course some folks will be convinced they don't know what they are doing and couldn't make a decent (insert what ever stupid comparison you want) never mind build a decent camera and lens, and then go on to improve them a few years later.
The question to me is "Are you prepared to spend the extra money for the improvement you will get?"
To me it goes without saying that if you want to spend loads on a new camera but have one of the old lenses then the question should be read as including the cost of upgrading the lens as well at some point if you want the full benefit. One other thing that is self evident to me, IMHO, is that not everyone will come to the same conclusion. Some people will be very happy with the results that they get from their old camera / lens combination. Thats why I still use my old 30D some times, but I can honestly say I don't think I have ever put one of the latest lenses on it. Today it got used along side the new stuff. Guess what it still takes great pictures.
If I had an Italian super car (said that cos I can't spell Ferrari
) I can't see me putting the same tyres on it as I put on the Volvo (hides head in shame
), If I had that Ferrary (there I tried that time) with its supper dupper tyres most of the time it would go no faster than the old heap. The supper sticky tyres and engine would hardly ever work to the limit. Many people would say what a waste he has spent loads of dosh and he hardly ever gets anywhere any faster. They would be absolutly right, and also be totally missing the point of buying a Masaratie (
must improve my spelling)
It makes me think of something he said at the begining of his report "But I got tired of explaining that to people"
PS now that I think of it the camera and lens in the back of the Volvo today were worth about twice what the car is worth. Not many people would make that choice, but it's fine for me.
