Stepping up to 1DX or 5D IV

[AdamBotond]

I would like to hear some advices from 1DX, 5D IV users that are into wildlife photography.
I am planning to aquire a new rig for my mostly wildlife photography. Currently, I have been using 1D mark IV which I really love for its 10 fps and rigidness, ergonomy, etc. I also kept my previous camera, a 6D for landscapes and extra low light situations. While the 1D IV has become my primary camera for several reasons, lacking those 4 mp is very noticeable coming off the 6D's 20 mp sensor. I often feel like ending up with pics lacking some fine details, especially if the subject does not fill the entire frame, this is something I never felt with the 6D.

So I'm considering to sell both cameras to step up to 1DX or 5D IV. Now the choice gets tough here. I prefer the 1DX for ergonomy, good high iso performance, 12 fps, reasonable price, weather sealing. I'm certainly one of those guys who once has experienced the 1D series, don't want to move from there. However, 5D IV features 30 mp, that certainly gives a LOT more fine detail compared to 1D IV, better DR, similar if not better high iso, built in GPS, Wifi. I must also say that I shoot mostly mammals that do not necessairly require 12 fps, I could probably live with 7 fps.

So how would you guys decide? Thanks for your inputs in advance!

 

[Mikehit]

Tricky one. The 5D4 is getting some good write ups regarding the AF but if you do a lot of low light shooting I would be more tempted by the 1Dx. As you have worked with the 1DIV already the weight is clearly not a problem.
But it is a tough call.

 

[Mt Spokane Photography]

I would not give a penny for the Wi-Fi and GPS on the 5D MK IV. The Wi-Fi range is very limited and pretty worthless for tethering to a laptop even a few feet away.

Have you considered a 5DS R? I've seen some amazing wildlife shots captured with it.

 

[AdamBotond]

Tricky one. The 5D4 is getting some good write ups regarding the AF but if you do a lot of low light shooting I would be more tempted by the 1Dx. As you have worked with the 1DIV already the weight is clearly not a problem.
But it is a tough call.

Yepp, weight isn't in issue for me, I used all my rigs with grip anyway, 1D IV feel comfortable as well.

Have you considered a 5DS R? I've seen some amazing wildlife shots captured with it.

Yes, I have, but all honestly 5 fps is something I consider slow even for mammals, plus I hardly do any prints, where I could really use all those 50 mp. Granted, 5DS R should give you the best fine details as long as there is enough light available.

I forgot to mention before that my wildlife photography often takes place at dusk/dawn as high iso, so good low light capability is a great need for me.

 

[j-nord]

Tricky one. The 5D4 is getting some good write ups regarding the AF but if you do a lot of low light shooting I would be more tempted by the 1Dx. As you have worked with the 1DIV already the weight is clearly not a problem.
But it is a tough call.

Yepp, weight isn't in issue for me, I used all my rigs with grip anyway, 1D IV feel comfortable as well.

Have you considered a 5DS R? I've seen some amazing wildlife shots captured with it.

Yes, I have, but all honestly 5 fps is something I consider slow even for mammals, plus I hardly do any prints, where I could really use all those 50 mp. Granted, 5DS R should give you the best fine details as long as there is enough light available.

I forgot to mention before that my wildlife photography often takes place at dusk/dawn as high iso, so good low light capability is a great need for me.

I don't have experience with these cameras but I've been considering all of them with a heavy emphasis on wildlife.
It's a tough choice, a couple points to consider:

- you don't print much > 1DX
- you don't care about size and weight > 1DX
- you like the 1 series feature set > 1DX
- do you want the fps and buffer to capture that epic rarely seen action > 1DX
- do you use big whites that you want to drive faster > 1DX
- do you crop often and heavily > 5DIV maybe 5DSR
- do you want max detail > 5DSR maybe 5DIV
- do you like pixel peeping on a 4k monitor or tv > 5DSR maybe 5DIV
- do you want to use teleconverters with f8 AF across the board > 5DIV
- do you really push the highlight and shadow sliders > 5DIV
- do you want geo tagging > 5DIV

From what you've stated so far, it sounds like you would prefer a 1DX but why not rent them both before you decide?

 

[Ryananthony]

Ive been shooting with a 5D3 after upgrading from my 6D. I too have always used a grip on my camera, I hate having my hands falling off the bottom. I just recently (maybe 2 weeks ago) purchased a used 1DX for 1500USD. But ive opted on keeping my 5D3. From my limited experience thus far, I have fallen in love with the form factor, size, and feature set of the 1dx. Like others have said, once you own a 1 series its hard to go back. I believe it. I haven't touched my 5D3 since. The 4mp is noticeable, but yet hasn't been an issue. I only like to crop slightly either way, if it doesn't fill the frame ill likely toss it. I would have no problem with my 1DX being my only camera. Coming from a 5D3, the 5D4 didn't excite me enough for the price tag, considering I could have bought two used 1DX for the price.

Edit: I was considering a 5DSR, but for the price and drop of FPS, I didn't think it would be worth it for me. So far I don't regret my decision, but ive never used a 5DSR, so I can't say for certain. When the 5DSR-2 is released, perhaps ill look into upgrading my 5D3 to a 5DSR when the price drops.

 

[pwp]

You say you really value the 10 FPS on your 1D Mk IV. There's your answer. FPS matters to you. Go for the 1DX MkII. You no doubt also value the fantastic unbustable quality of 1-Series bodies, not to mention the unrivalled ergonomics. Go for the 1DX MkII.

-pw

 

[eml58]

I do mainly Wildlife photography, again mainly Africa.

My preferred time of day to shoot is when the Animals are still on the move, and there's enough light to shoot, therefore mainly just after Sunrise, just before Sunset.

I used the 1DMk IV for a few years, loved the Camera, used the 1Dx until the 1Dx II came out, both amazing cameras.

The 5DMK III Ok
The 5DsR just doesn't cut it for low light Wildlife, but a superb camera when you have enough light and things move a little slower.

Of the gear I've used over the last 10 years the 1Dx II is the pick of the bunch, best for low light, best for fast moving Wildlife, excellent still life portraiture, just an all round excellent Camera.

The 1Dx II has a slight edge over the 1Dx, but either Camera does the job amazingly well.

I have no experience with the 5DMK IV and probably wont, my current gear is the 1Dx II (Wildlife), 5DsR (Underwater Photography), Hasselblad H6D 100c & Hasselblad X1D (Anything that doesn't move faster than a Turtle walks).

The edge I feel you want to look at regards 1 Series versus 5 Series, depends on how much protection you require, the weather/Dust sealing on the 1 Series has saved my arse so many times, I went through 4 5DMK III Bodies, admittedly two I drowned in a flooded Housing, same day, clearly Operator stupidity, but One failed due to dust getting in (Namibia) and the other failed with melting Snow getting in (Antarctica), I like the 5DsR, but I do more care with this Body than the 1 Series, I'm a little brutal with my gear.

The Hasselblad's I treat like the 5DsR, a reasonable amount of TLC.

I believe either the 1Dx, 1Dx II or the 5D MK IV will do the job for you, the 1Dx/1Dx II will just do it better, given the type of Photography you are interested in.

 

[AdamBotond]

Thanks for all the inputs, much appreciated.

 

[sanj]

1dx2. No questions. Why would you even ask? ;D

 

[j-nord]

Ive been shooting with a 5D3 after upgrading from my 6D. I too have always used a grip on my camera, I hate having my hands falling off the bottom. I just recently (maybe 2 weeks ago) purchased a used 1DX for 1500USD. But ive opted on keeping my 5D3. From my limited experience thus far, I have fallen in love with the form factor, size, and feature set of the 1dx. Like others have said, once you own a 1 series its hard to go back. I believe it. I haven't touched my 5D3 since. The 4mp is noticeable, but yet hasn't been an issue. I only like to crop slightly either way, if it doesn't fill the frame ill likely toss it. I would have no problem with my 1DX being my only camera. Coming from a 5D3, the 5D4 didn't excite me enough for the price tag, considering I could have bought two used 1DX for the price.

Edit: I was considering a 5DSR, but for the price and drop of FPS, I didn't think it would be worth it for me. So far I don't regret my decision, but ive never used a 5DSR, so I can't say for certain. When the 5DSR-2 is released, perhaps ill look into upgrading my 5D3 to a 5DSR when the price drops.

Where does one find a used, functioning 1DX for $1500??

 

[chasinglight]

Ive been shooting with a 5D3 after upgrading from my 6D. I too have always used a grip on my camera, I hate having my hands falling off the bottom. I just recently (maybe 2 weeks ago) purchased a used 1DX for 1500USD. But ive opted on keeping my 5D3. From my limited experience thus far, I have fallen in love with the form factor, size, and feature set of the 1dx. Like others have said, once you own a 1 series its hard to go back. I believe it. I haven't touched my 5D3 since. The 4mp is noticeable, but yet hasn't been an issue. I only like to crop slightly either way, if it doesn't fill the frame ill likely toss it. I would have no problem with my 1DX being my only camera. Coming from a 5D3, the 5D4 didn't excite me enough for the price tag, considering I could have bought two used 1DX for the price.

Edit: I was considering a 5DSR, but for the price and drop of FPS, I didn't think it would be worth it for me. So far I don't regret my decision, but ive never used a 5DSR, so I can't say for certain. When the 5DSR-2 is released, perhaps ill look into upgrading my 5D3 to a 5DSR when the price drops.

Where does one find a used, functioning 1DX for $1500??

Seriously! I just picked up a used 1dx for $2550 and I thought that was a steal as the going rate in Chicago was and still is about $3000.

 

[Ryananthony]

Ive been shooting with a 5D3 after upgrading from my 6D. I too have always used a grip on my camera, I hate having my hands falling off the bottom. I just recently (maybe 2 weeks ago) purchased a used 1DX for 1500USD. But ive opted on keeping my 5D3. From my limited experience thus far, I have fallen in love with the form factor, size, and feature set of the 1dx. Like others have said, once you own a 1 series its hard to go back. I believe it. I haven't touched my 5D3 since. The 4mp is noticeable, but yet hasn't been an issue. I only like to crop slightly either way, if it doesn't fill the frame ill likely toss it. I would have no problem with my 1DX being my only camera. Coming from a 5D3, the 5D4 didn't excite me enough for the price tag, considering I could have bought two used 1DX for the price.

Edit: I was considering a 5DSR, but for the price and drop of FPS, I didn't think it would be worth it for me. So far I don't regret my decision, but ive never used a 5DSR, so I can't say for certain. When the 5DSR-2 is released, perhaps ill look into upgrading my 5D3 to a 5DSR when the price drops.

Where does one find a used, functioning 1DX for $1500??

Seriously! I just picked up a used 1dx for $2550 and I thought that was a steal as the going rate in Chicago was and still is about $3000.

Just luck I suppose. I just ran into him, started talking and joked about purchasing his camera. He gave me a price that I couldn't refuse. I was not looking for a 1dx, but figured for the price it was worth it. Came with box, everything inside, and 2 batteries. I thought the used market was around 2k for a 1dx, so I didn't think I was that lucky.

 

[IgotGASbadDude]

I just recently (maybe 2 weeks ago) purchased a used 1DX for 1500USD.

WOW! That's a steal. I'd never let mine go for that amount.

I have fallen in love with the form factor, size, and feature set of the 1dx. Like others have said, once you own a 1 series its hard to go back. I believe it. I haven't touched my 5D3 since.

+1,000,000. I even sold my 5D3 since it was just collecting dust. Now my 1DX II is my main camera and my 1DX is the secondary rig.

 

[[email protected]]

Another thread here had me go do a test of exposure pushing between the 1DX and the 5D4. You can see the results here...
http://www.canonrumors.com/forum/index.php?topic=31076.msg632773#msg632773

The upshot: 5D4 wipes the floor with 1DX on image quality IF you are doing crazy exposure pushes, like 5 stops plus increasing shadows by 100 in Lightroom. That the DPR set thinks this is an important capability versus other things is pretty wild, but to each his own.

In general, I'm finding that the 5D4 is doing better than the 1DX in most conditions. The critical exception to that is situations requiring 12 frames per second.

 

[Jack Douglas]

AdamBotond, I came from exactly the situation you describe. Thee years 6D and mainly 300 2.8 II X2 III and then 3 months 1D4. Fell in love with 1 series but not 16 MPs and 1D4 ISO. Sold it as soon as 1DX II rumors surfaced in anticipation of buying that then decided to wait for the 5D4.

If I had stayed at 600 mm I believe I would have been better served by the 5D4 but I went for 400 X2 which required the 1DX II for the best action AF and of course FPS at F8. Letting go of 30 MPs was hard but I love the 1 series features and especially the lighted AF points. I dismissed the 1DX because prices are fairly high here and the camera is moving into a higher depreciation time frame in case of resale. I would only buy one if it were a real bargain.

My main criteria was the best possible AF with good fps at F8 since I shoot a lot of birds. However, your OP didn't allow for a 1DX II so in that case I'd go 5D4. If you are close to filling the frame then IQ on all the newer cameras is great, in fact the 1D4 was very nice too, just not for cropping.

Jack

 

[kingrobertii]

Unless they have fixed the touch screen on the 1Dx II, the 5D4 has a lot more functionality. It is super nice to fire off a round of shots and be able to quickly and easily pinch-and-zoom to see if you have locked focus. I really enjoy my 5D4 for wildlife and landscape shooting, but if I had the money I would love to have the 1Dx II.

Rent both, and try them out!

 

[Jopa]

Unless they have fixed the touch screen on the 1Dx II, the 5D4 has a lot more functionality. It is super nice to fire off a round of shots and be able to quickly and easily pinch-and-zoom to see if you have locked focus.

Would it be easier to just press the zoom button and see your image at 100% at the focus point?

 

[Jack Douglas]

Unless they have fixed the touch screen on the 1Dx II, the 5D4 has a lot more functionality. It is super nice to fire off a round of shots and be able to quickly and easily pinch-and-zoom to see if you have locked focus.

Would it be easier to just press the zoom button and see your image at 100% at the focus point?

The cell phone folk don't want that. It's not faster it's just more familiar. I use the set button and shutter wheel with my right thumb/finger.

Jack

 

[Ryananthony]

Unless they have fixed the touch screen on the 1Dx II, the 5D4 has a lot more functionality. It is super nice to fire off a round of shots and be able to quickly and easily pinch-and-zoom to see if you have locked focus.

Would it be easier to just press the zoom button and see your image at 100% at the focus point?