1DX mkii vs 5D mk iv

Nov 7, 2012
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I am considering a new camera and can't decide which way to go. I shoot sports, portraits, night photography, birds, occasional weddings, etc. In other words, a little of everything. I recently rented a 1DX mkii and loved it. I wasn't considering it due to cost, now I'm thinking I can't afford not to get it. Is it that much better than a 5D mk iv? I haven't tried a 5D mk iv yet, hoping to try one over the next couple of weeks. Obviously the 1DX mk ii is better for sports, but I used a 5d mkiii for a while and it was fine for the most part.

Has anyone used both? Should I not even consider the 5D mk iv?
 
I'll offer a comment although I'm no expert and never got out to try the 5D4.

For me it was the desire to not lose a shot based on action (fastest AF), in particular with converters and F8. It was really hard to choose 20 MPs over 30 but the video capabilities plus a few other features influenced me.

I had hoped for the 1DX II to have about 24 MPs for more reach-limited cropping flexibility. For people who always are close to filling the frame I don't see the benefit of super high MPs myself.

Jack
 
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frankly i'd buy a used 1dx and a 5d mkiii for the price of the 1dx mkii. i own the 5dsr and the 1dx mark ii (just upgraded from the 1dx) i absolutely love the 1dx mk ii for boxing, football, and soccer. i use the 5dsr for everything else like landscapes, automobiles i sell at my dealership, wedding, prom, senior portraits etc. once you have a 1dx everything seems slow for sports. i had the 7d mkii before the 1dx which was better than the 5d iii for sports. hope this helps a little in confusing you more! :)
 
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Jack Douglas said:
I'll offer a comment although I'm no expert and never got out to try the 5D4.

For me it was the desire to not lose a shot based on action (fastest AF), in particular with converters and F8. It was really hard to choose 20 MPs over 30 but the video capabilities plus a few other features influenced me.

I had hoped for the 1DX II to have about 24 MPs for more reach-limited cropping flexibility. For people who always are close to filling the frame I don't see the benefit of super high MPs myself.

Jack

I think once you got a 1dx2 - there is no way back :) I still love my 5dsr though, but use it for staged shoots only.
 
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Jopa said:
Jack Douglas said:
I'll offer a comment although I'm no expert and never got out to try the 5D4.

For me it was the desire to not lose a shot based on action (fastest AF), in particular with converters and F8. It was really hard to choose 20 MPs over 30 but the video capabilities plus a few other features influenced me.

I had hoped for the 1DX II to have about 24 MPs for more reach-limited cropping flexibility. For people who always are close to filling the frame I don't see the benefit of super high MPs myself.

Jack

I think once you got a 1dx2 - there is no way back :) I still love my 5dsr though, but use it for staged shoots only.

I currently have a 7D mkii and a 5D mkiii. If I got the 1DX mkiv, I would probably sell the 7D mkii. And if I got a 5D mkiv, I would probably sell the 5D mkii. I do crop a bit with the sports shots. When I loaned the 1DX mkii from CPS I was able to crop quite a bit considering it was only 20 MPs, but I only had it for a limited time. I think the ultimate may be the 1DX mkii and the 5Dsr, but don't know if I'm ready to drop $9000.
 
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shtarker said:
Jopa said:
Jack Douglas said:
I'll offer a comment although I'm no expert and never got out to try the 5D4.

For me it was the desire to not lose a shot based on action (fastest AF), in particular with converters and F8. It was really hard to choose 20 MPs over 30 but the video capabilities plus a few other features influenced me.

I had hoped for the 1DX II to have about 24 MPs for more reach-limited cropping flexibility. For people who always are close to filling the frame I don't see the benefit of super high MPs myself.

Jack

I think once you got a 1dx2 - there is no way back :) I still love my 5dsr though, but use it for staged shoots only.

I currently have a 7D mkii and a 5D mkiii. If I got the 1DX mkiv, I would probably sell the 7D mkii. And if I got a 5D mkiv, I would probably sell the 5D mkii. I do crop a bit with the sports shots. When I loaned the 1DX mkii from CPS I was able to crop quite a bit considering it was only 20 MPs, but I only had it for a limited time. I think the ultimate may be the 1DX mkii and the 5Dsr, but don't know if I'm ready to drop $9000.

Even the 1D4 for a very good price is wonderful at lower ISO and if you can fill the frame. Many, more knowledgeable than me have stated that such high MP numbers are not needed if cropping isn't significant. Of course everyone is enamored by being able to blow things up to huge sizes, like me looking at the toenails of birds. We know that any average person owning any type of camera will always ask how many MPs and see that as the be all and end all. It's like the HP spec on an engine.

With my 6D I've lost a fair number of shots due to AF performance obviously and now with a large expenditure on the 400 DO II, I am not interested in losing shots at 400 X2 period, when that's the precise reason for buying the lens - to have quality 800 at F8 - to have the extra reach, with the best possible AF. Thus, it's 1DX II over 5D4.

Jack
 
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shtarker said:
I am considering a new camera and can't decide which way to go. I shoot sports, portraits, night photography, birds, occasional weddings, etc. In other words, a little of everything. I recently rented a 1DX mkii and loved it. I wasn't considering it due to cost, now I'm thinking I can't afford not to get it. Is it that much better than a 5D mk iv? I haven't tried a 5D mk iv yet, hoping to try one over the next couple of weeks. Obviously the 1DX mk ii is better for sports, but I used a 5d mkiii for a while and it was fine for the most part.

Has anyone used both? Should I not even consider the 5D mk iv?

get a 5d4 save some money build ya lenses up get 64gig sandisk cf cards and etc and battery "dont get the battery grip and enjoy ans stay away from the 4k video lol
heres some samples

9H6A0013-1 by Big Ant TV Media LLC, on Flickr
File150-1 by Big Ant TV Media LLC, on Flickr
9H6A0510-1 by Big Ant TV Media LLC, on Flickr
9H6A0555-1 by Big Ant TV Media LLC, on Flickr
 
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If you don't know which way to go, then pick up a couple 5D3's or a 5D3 and 1Dx -- then build your glass. I'm not trying to be flippant, but the time to upgrade is when you find that you are frequently pushing the limits of your current gear. If the 5D3 was fine for you, then you may not be pushing it's limits enough to warrant the 5D4 or the 1Dx2.

In my case, I shoot a lot of action in low light. When my 60D wasn't keeping up with focus tracking, I upgraded to the 7D. When I found that I was constantly cleaning the noise from high-ISO images from the 7D, I upgraded to the 5D3. And, when the 5D3 still had trouble locking on to figure skaters performing double jumps during ice shows, I added the 1Dx. My keeper rate increased with each of these upgrades. Still, I find that I'm often flirting with the limits of the 1Dx and someday hope to add a 1Dx2.

It's hard to offer advice without fully understanding what you shoot, how often, and what you demand from your gear. My 1Dx is my primary body. But, I most often shoot with two bodies and often shoot events where the 1Dx shutter noise can be an annoyance. Consequently, I've kept my two 5D3's. This is why I'm suggesting a 1Dx and a 5D3 -- you'll have sports covered, have two bodies, and have the silent shutter for the occasional wedding.

On last note. While photography is all about the image, part of the fun can be found in the gear that you use. I don't always "need" my 1Dx for every shoot, but it does have a fun factor that's hard to resist. So, while a 1Dx and a 5D3 may be practical advice, they may not have the same fun factor of their successors. In which case, go with the 1Dx2.
 
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FTb-n said:
If you don't know which way to go, then pick up a couple 5D3's or a 5D3 and 1Dx -- then build your glass. I'm not trying to be flippant, but the time to upgrade is when you find that you are frequently pushing the limits of your current gear. If the 5D3 was fine for you, then you may not be pushing it's limits enough to warrant the 5D4 or the 1Dx2.

In my case, I shoot a lot of action in low light. When my 60D wasn't keeping up with focus tracking, I upgraded to the 7D. When I found that I was constantly cleaning the noise from high-ISO images from the 7D, I upgraded to the 5D3. And, when the 5D3 still had trouble locking on to figure skaters performing double jumps during ice shows, I added the 1Dx. My keeper rate increased with each of these upgrades. Still, I find that I'm often flirting with the limits of the 1Dx and someday hope to add a 1Dx2.

It's hard to offer advice without fully understanding what you shoot, how often, and what you demand from your gear. My 1Dx is my primary body. But, I most often shoot with two bodies and often shoot events where the 1Dx shutter noise can be an annoyance. Consequently, I've kept my two 5D3's. This is why I'm suggesting a 1Dx and a 5D3 -- you'll have sports covered, have two bodies, and have the silent shutter for the occasional wedding.

On last note. While photography is all about the image, part of the fun can be found in the gear that you use. I don't always "need" my 1Dx for every shoot, but it does have a fun factor that's hard to resist. So, while a 1Dx and a 5D3 may be practical advice, they may not have the same fun factor of their successors. In which case, go with the 1Dx2.
I find this a very reasonable approach. I have 2 5D3 and a 7D2. While I long for a 1Dx II I am sceptical about the increased weight, size (it will not fit in my very discreet office-like think tank shoulder bag) and it will have added costs: a second battery CFAST cards and later possibly a charger just in case. In contrast 5D3 5D4 and 7D2 share the same batteries, chargers and cards (CF and SD).
 
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tron said:
This thread does not get the hits it deserves.

Where are the opinions for bird photography and night photography regarding these two cameras?

Haven't used the 5d4 but I love the 1dx2 for Astro. I can generally shoot iso1600 and pull up the shadows quite nicely. I find the ability to get the shadows out of the 1dx2 far superior to the 6D which I also have.
 
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Don't know if this fellow Tin Man Lee is a reliable spokes person but here is his quote:

"I would have never believed I would say this.

If you are on the fence of deciding whether to upgrade to the new Canon 1DX Mark II or not, my advice to you, after two weeks of intense use, can be summarized into three words.

Buy. It. Now.​"

I just happened upon his page while searching: http://tinmanphotoblog.com/

He certainly has impressive wildlife photos.

In everything I've read, AF is the claim to fame; now, how much the 5D4 lags the 1DX II is debatable but that difference may matter to some. It matters to me with the big white since that represents about 80%+ of my photography.

If I didn't have a choice and I ended up with a 5D4 I'd be a very happy shooter because it's one fabulous camera.

Jack
 
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I have used the 5D IV and 400mm DO II + 2xTC at 800mm a few times now for BIF as Jack has wanted me to. None of my examples are worthy of posting because they are mainly back lit, too small etc. But, I can see the AF is by far the best I have ever used and is spot on for far more times than I had hoped. I bought the 5D IV for its better AF, and I am not disappointed.

The 5D IV fits the bill for me for many of the reasons in this thread - weight, size, interchangeability with 5DS R and 7D II for batteries etc. But, I think Jack won't be happy until he gets the 1DX II.
 
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AlanF said:
I have used the 5D IV and 400mm DO II + 2xTC at 800mm a few times now for BIF as Jack has wanted me to. None of my examples are worthy of posting because they are mainly back lit, too small etc. But, I can see the AF is by far the best I have ever used and is spot on for far more times than I had hoped. I bought the 5D IV for its better AF, and I am not disappointed.

The 5D IV fits the bill for me for many of the reasons in this thread - weight, size, interchangeability with 5DS R and 7D II for batteries etc. But, I think Jack won't be happy until he gets the 1DX II.

Alan you are wrong. I am happy today just thinking about getting the 1DX II! :)

And I, like you, would be perfectly happy with the 5D4 and also find its AF to be superb (until I got my hands on the 1DX II since we know it's a little better). It's not unlike my transition from my 70-300 to my 300 2.8 II. I paid huge percentage more for a small percentage better.

However, regarding the 1DX II, it is a bigger and heavier camera, which aspect neither of us like but for me having used the 1D4 I accepted it as a compromise for the other features that it has. I'm also accepting other compromises. That's what drives so many mad, it's these compromises.

It is wonderful that each of us can be happy to have a superb camera in spite of various feature differences. I know I can trust Canon's reputation quite securely and I'm happy to stick with Canon but I also know lemons occur in all brands, so fingers crossed.

Jack
 
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As far as buying the used camera or the one essentially obsoleted by the new model, I can think of one reason to be cautious. That is, if you are going to upgrade fairly soon, you are operating on the region of the curve of decreasing value that is quite steep and you may find that your resale of the used purchase is not too good.

My used 1D4 was a very good price, easy to justify but as soon as 1DX II info filtered out I dumped it and even though it was relatively soon after, the prices they were commanding had dropped drastically. I did manage to break even though, by luck.

OTOH if you will keep it longer term then that is not a factor.
 
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I have a 1DX2, it really is the king of sport and wildlife cameras, also can take some very decent landscape photos as well.
it also crops well, i previously had a 1D4, the 1DX2 is streets ahead of the 4.
the 1D4,1DX,1DX2 are really at home with the large whites, made for each other.
 
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If nice picture is what you want to achieve, then I would definitely go with the 5D4, especially if you lean more towards portrait, weddings and night photography. It is smaller and as such will make you more mobile and less tired so that you could focus more on interacting with your bride/model. It is cheaper so that you could buy better lighting system or better prime lens. It is more silent that you could be more discrete. It has more MP so you could crop more, and so on and so forth. It addresses the need of those genres.

We all have heard someone saying, it is not the gear; it is the photographer.
Well, he is not a sport photographer.
And if a sport photographer tells you that, he is liar. He wants simply to sell his service to you. Believe me; he can sell a fridge in the north pole.
Don't get me wrong; 5D4 will deliver nice sport pictures. But sport is not about nice pictures; it is about the moment. Here: more is more. Less is for kids. Buffer, fps, focus, battery - these are some of the key words.
If you think 14 fps is a lot then think again - sometimes I have to switch to frame grab before I can catch the right moment.
If you don't want to go over 5 000 photos per hockey game then go shoot weddings!

My suggestion is simple; if you are ambitious about sport then forget everything else; grab the 1DX II - it has no competition. Why would you buy a 4 year old technology in a form of 1DX?

If you want more portraits then go with the 5D4. Here: less is more: quality, creativity and story: you will need it all. Some will trade story for quality and creativity. That is not sport; that is wedding/portrait/fashion.
 
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