1Dx compared to 1DX MK2 differences for concert photography?

[bluemoon]

I've been lucky to have an opportunity to shoot some concerts at a small local venue. After shooting with the 6D and 7Dmk2 I recently rented the 1DXmk2 for the last gig and was blown away with the performance (AF more than anything else). So much so, that I sold my 6D within next few days and purchased 1DX (shipping tomorrow).
My concern is that the older 1DX camera will not be as good as the new one (95% keeper rate). How much difference will the new AF make in the rapidly changing light and erratically moving subjects? My standard settings are 1/200 F2.8 and auto ISO which for 90% of the images translates to 6400.

thanx,

pierre

 

[Larsskv]

Well... I had the 1DX for about 6 months before upgrading to the 1DXII. I didn´t stress test the low light AF on the 1DX very much, but I did notice a difference with the 1DXII. Anyway, I would expect the 1DX to be able to acquire focus with the help from the light that is changing rapidly, so it should serve your purpose very well.

 

[JoSto]

Hi!

I currently own a 1dx and a 7d Mark2. I have not used the 1dx Mark 2 so I cant say how much difference between the mark II and the 1dx is.

I bought my 1dx used with about 40k shots on it and I love it. As far as there is enough light at the stage there will be zero concerns about the AF. One of the best I had ever used. I just want to share two things I found out with you: The Mirror is really loud and there is no silet mode (on paper there is but I dont hear any difference in noise). I dont know which kind of concerts you do but in classic piano concert this might be a concern.

Another thing about the AF: I found out that It takes a significant time to find focus in near dark environments. Dont know if your subject is lit by light but when its hard to see the subject with your eyes, then the AF will struggle.

To the ISO, everybody has different standards what level of noise is ok, but I shoot the Camera up to ISO 10000 without any problems.

 

[Cthulhu]

I've been lucky to have an opportunity to shoot some concerts at a small local venue. After shooting with the 6D and 7Dmk2 I recently rented the 1DXmk2 for the last gig and was blown away with the performance (AF more than anything else). So much so, that I sold my 6D within next few days and purchased 1DX (shipping tomorrow).
My concern is that the older 1DX camera will not be as good as the new one (95% keeper rate). How much difference will the new AF make in the rapidly changing light and erratically moving subjects? My standard settings are 1/200 F2.8 and auto ISO which for 90% of the images translates to 6400.

thanx,

pierre

As far as dimly lit scenarios are concerned there's quite a bit of difference, I think 1EV but don't quote me on that, the red af points also help. Image quality at high iso can be a wash sometimes.
The 1dx will be a lot better than your current set up!

 

[domo_p1000]

I run two pro bodies, replacing the older one with each new incarnation. Currently have the 1DX and 1DXmk2 and use them extensively to photograph performances at a theatre... now quite the same as concerts, but very close! The venue I cover overhauled its lighting just before I purchased the 1DXmkII, now using (predominantly) LED par cans which give out far les light than the old incandescent PAR cans.

At the time, I recall it being a bit of a battle to get the 1DX to cope with the lower light, particularly where AF was concerned - it had always coped well with the older lighting, but under the new LED lighting I opted to use manual focussing unless there were bright scenes. The moment I took delivery of the 1DXmk2, I was blown away by the performance... it will happily focus in minimal light and the image quality even at high ISO is superb. I routinely shoot beyond 10,000 ISO and print the images as 20"x30" posters with the results looking crisp and fantastic!

A luxury with photographing drama is that I can have multiple goes at covering a production, so I have taken to using the Canon 85mm f1.2, shooting shoot at around f2.0 for one performance and then the 28-300mm for a second performance. I am so happy with the results.

Don't get me wrong, the 1DX still is a fantastic beast that performs incredibly well (and so much better than its predecessor), but the 1DXmk2 takes things to a new level and the improved AF is cracking!

Regards,
Dom

 

[bluemoon]

thanx for the input. I am afraid that the 1DX is not going to live up to the mk2, but will really find after it gets here (tomorrow).
The lights are LED and I have a little bit of say so in their programing, so hopefully we can keep them bright enough to get this working well. If not, I'll have an almost new 1DX for sale and will be shopping for the mk2.

'am worried that the red focusing point missing will be a problem. Often I have to get things going while waiting for the light, but oh well, I'll find out soon.

thanx again,

pierre