1DX or 1DX2 - that is the question

[takesome1]

No, the real question is 1DX2 or 1DX3 1DX3 or 1DX4. Or maybe the 1DX5, that'll be killer.

Honestly, questions like this are meaningless, something better is always around the corner. If you need it now, buy it now. If you want it now, buy it now. If neither, wait for what's next. If you're the sort that must always have the latest and greatest, you'd better preorder every new version when the queue opens, so you have the most time possible with your new gear before you preorder its successor.

It's the same question as with computers (or almost any electronics), at what point does it make worth buying the next one, compared to waiting for the next-next.

Exactly, and it's the same answer: If you need it now, buy it now. If you want it now, buy it now. If neither, wait for what's next.

I have a 17" MacBook Pro that's >3 years old, I put a 1 TB SSD in it and it runs great – I don't need to replace it. I would like a new 17" Retina MBP, but they don't make them. Should I get a 15" Retina MBP? I don't need it, I don't really want it, so no. Now, if I happen to drop my 17" MBP out of my 2nd floor den window which I inexplicably left open in spite of the sub freezing temps, then I'd need a new MBP and would get the 15" Retina MBP as the closest thing to what I want.

These shouldn't be hard decisions, assuming you can accurately define your needs and wants and assess how the current products meet or do not meet them (without consideration of future products, because while they'll most likely be 'better' the how and when are unknown).

Apple upgrades every year almost like clockwork. The model they are selling now is well overdue an upgrade.
I really have enough computers but could use a new laptop, the next big upgrade I am buying a MacBook Pro. W

With Canon 1D bodies it is years between releases. When they do it probably isn't going to be what you expected.

It is much easier waiting on Apples next upgrade. Buy the 1Dx.

 

[jcunder]

No, the real question is 1DX2 or 1DX3 1DX3 or 1DX4. Or maybe the 1DX5, that'll be killer.

Honestly, questions like this are meaningless, something better is always around the corner. If you need it now, buy it now. If you want it now, buy it now. If neither, wait for what's next. If you're the sort that must always have the latest and greatest, you'd better preorder every new version when the queue opens, so you have the most time possible with your new gear before you preorder its successor.

It's the same question as with computers (or almost any electronics), at what point does it make worth buying the next one, compared to waiting for the next-next.

Exactly, and it's the same answer: If you need it now, buy it now. If you want it now, buy it now. If neither, wait for what's next.

I have a 17" MacBook Pro that's >3 years old, I put a 1 TB SSD in it and it runs great – I don't need to replace it. I would like a new 17" Retina MBP, but they don't make them. Should I get a 15" Retina MBP? I don't need it, I don't really want it, so no. Now, if I happen to drop my 17" MBP out of my 2nd floor den window which I inexplicably left open in spite of the sub freezing temps, then I'd need a new MBP and would get the 15" Retina MBP as the closest thing to what I want.

These shouldn't be hard decisions, assuming you can accurately define your needs and wants and assess how the current products meet or do not meet them (without consideration of future products, because while they'll most likely be 'better' the how and when are unknown).

Do you mind me asking where you purchased your 1TB SSB drive for your MB Pro 17. I also have a MB Pro 17 and have been wanting to upgrade to a SSD, but have had a hard time trying to find one that size.

 

[tpatana]

No, the real question is 1DX2 or 1DX3 1DX3 or 1DX4. Or maybe the 1DX5, that'll be killer.

Honestly, questions like this are meaningless, something better is always around the corner. If you need it now, buy it now. If you want it now, buy it now. If neither, wait for what's next. If you're the sort that must always have the latest and greatest, you'd better preorder every new version when the queue opens, so you have the most time possible with your new gear before you preorder its successor.

It's the same question as with computers (or almost any electronics), at what point does it make worth buying the next one, compared to waiting for the next-next.

Exactly, and it's the same answer: If you need it now, buy it now. If you want it now, buy it now. If neither, wait for what's next.

I have a 17" MacBook Pro that's >3 years old, I put a 1 TB SSD in it and it runs great – I don't need to replace it. I would like a new 17" Retina MBP, but they don't make them. Should I get a 15" Retina MBP? I don't need it, I don't really want it, so no. Now, if I happen to drop my 17" MBP out of my 2nd floor den window which I inexplicably left open in spite of the sub freezing temps, then I'd need a new MBP and would get the 15" Retina MBP as the closest thing to what I want.

These shouldn't be hard decisions, assuming you can accurately define your needs and wants and assess how the current products meet or do not meet them (without consideration of future products, because while they'll most likely be 'better' the how and when are unknown).

One of the problem is that I don't need 1DX, probably ever. But I do want one. So I'm trying to get some discussion about the current one versus the coming new one, in hopes to clear my mind which one I should get. Many times just writing it out helps to lean towards certain decision, and for sure it never hurts to get opinions from other people too. Of course at the moment this is somewhat tough one since Mk2 is not out yet, we don't know the actual specs or even price. If it's just an incremental improvement with $10k price tag, for sure I'll take Mk1 then. But if it's the best thing invented since sliced bread, and costs only $7k, I'm sure to go for Mk2.

 

[Loswr]

Do you mind me asking where you purchased your 1TB SSB drive for your MB Pro 17. I also have a MB Pro 17 and have been wanting to upgrade to a SSD, but have had a hard time trying to find one that size.

It's a Crucial M500 960GB SSD, I think ordered it from Amazon.

 

[RGF]

Do you mind me asking where you purchased your 1TB SSB drive for your MB Pro 17. I also have a MB Pro 17 and have been wanting to upgrade to a SSD, but have had a hard time trying to find one that size.

It's a Crucial M500 960GB SSD, I think ordered it from Amazon.

New MBP can not be upgraded. Which I could upgrade my 13" MBPR, but ... I would add more RAM and possibly swap out SSD from 512GB to 1TB.

 

[RGF]

I've been intentionally paying way too much tax withholding through the year. Come February, I should get decent amount money back. So the big question is, should I get 1DX for ~$5k, or wait for 1DX2 for (maybe) $7k around late-summer (or early winter) (just guessing, no knowledge on price or release date).

I've been trying to read the speculations on the 1DX2 features, but nothing solid there. Will it have enough improvements to make it worth the extra money and wait?

Current 5D3 does great, so no immediate need to upgrade. There's big sports tournament in May, but I've already given hope of having 1DX2 by then.

Time line is optimistic. But if you get an early specs not the 1Dx 2 please let me know.

As you have undoubtedly learned from everyone's comments, it is very hard to know what Canon plans and from the latest comments Canon will introduce fewer new products (unlike Nikon which introduces incremental improvements to milk the must upgrade every cycle).

Bottom line: is there something that the 1Dx can not do that you have reason to believe a newer camera will be able to do in a reasonably amount of time. If so, go for it.

Rich

 

[telemaq76]

i agree, it s a good question, 1DX is a bit old now, and not that cheap, price brand new is same than 3 years ago, around 5500 euros in my country . then buy 5500 for a camera if the MKII is announced in few days/monthes...I would be happy to buy a 1DX today, but 4000euros for a used one...if mk II comes 6000 soon, it s a good question, and not the same that buying a computer, outdated after 3 monthes. I m waiting next weeks, one new body will be announced i guess...

 

[dgatwood]

Do you mind me asking where you purchased your 1TB SSB drive for your MB Pro 17. I also have a MB Pro 17 and have been wanting to upgrade to a SSD, but have had a hard time trying to find one that size.

It's a Crucial M500 960GB SSD, I think ordered it from Amazon.

New MBP can not be upgraded.

Not entirely true. The RAM is soldered, I think, but the SSD is a removable stick, and at least one company builds upgrades in that form factor.

http://eshop.macsales.com/shop/SSD/OWC/Air-Retina/Apple-MacBook-Pro-Retina-2012-Drive-Internal-Flash

I just wish somebody built something bigger than a terabyte. My three-year-old MacBook Pro can be upgraded with dual 2 TB drives, for a total of 4 TB. My nine-month-old MacBook Pro can't go any bigger than the tiny 1 TB drive that Apple shipped in it.

With that said, even though I wish *my* MacBook Pro were thicker and supported real hard drives (or at least provided four SSD slots instead of one), I'm glad my mother's isn't. (It fell out of an overhead bin on my head last week....)

 

[Don Haines]

My bet is that Canon is in the process of phasing out their 500nm fabrication line, and that means the 6D, 5D3, and 1DX will have to be upgraded to use new sensors....

That said, the volume of 1DX sales is by far the smallest of the three. It would be easier to make enough 1DX sensors for the foreseeable future and keep them in storage. My bet would be the 6D gets replaced, the 5D3 gets replaced, and then the 1DX gets replaced last..... and that's a long wait!

Keep in mind, none of us know what Canon's plans are. A 1DX2 might be announced later on today, it might be in 3 years... none of us know, we just make guesses and speculate.

 

[lintoni]

My bet is that Canon is in the process of phasing out their 500nm fabrication line, and that means the 6D, 5D3, and 1DX will have to be upgraded to use new sensors....

That said, the volume of 1DX sales is by far the smallest of the three. It would be easier to make enough 1DX sensors for the foreseeable future and keep them in storage. My bet would be the 6D gets replaced, the 5D3 gets replaced, and then the 1DX gets replaced last..... and that's a long wait!

Keep in mind, none of us know what Canon's plans are. A 1DX2 might be announced later on today, it might be in 3 years... none of us know, we just make guesses and speculate.

We don't know if they're still making the cameras, what their stock levels are or even if they've already started building any of their replacements...

 

[Dylan777]

It's hard not to fall in love with 1DX once have your hands on it

 

[dgatwood]

That said, the volume of 1DX sales is by far the smallest of the three. It would be easier to make enough 1DX sensors for the foreseeable future and keep them in storage. My bet would be the 6D gets replaced, the 5D3 gets replaced, and then the 1DX gets replaced last..... and that's a long wait!

Agreed. I would expect the 6D to be updated on a schedule that's slower than the rebels, but faster than the higher-end pro bodies. My money was on approximately a two-year cycle, which would make the 6D mark II about a month and a half past due. I would not be at all surprised to see it updated "real soon now".

With that said, I would expect the 5D to be on a three-year cycle, which means I'd expect it in a couple of months. So if I'm wrong about the two-year number, it could come out first. Or they could shock everybody by releasing both of them in March.

 

[tpatana]

It's hard not to fall in love with 1DX once have your hands on it

I might consider used (or refurb maybe) 1DX while waiting... I'm sure it's great body, but I feel it's not great enough compared to 5D3 to justify the cost. That's why I think I should wait for 1DX2. OTOH, if Canon had great deal on refurb (w/ warranty), buying one and selling when 1DX2 comes out wouldn't be much waste of money.

 

[tpatana]

That said, the volume of 1DX sales is by far the smallest of the three. It would be easier to make enough 1DX sensors for the foreseeable future and keep them in storage. My bet would be the 6D gets replaced, the 5D3 gets replaced, and then the 1DX gets replaced last..... and that's a long wait!

Agreed. I would expect the 6D to be updated on a schedule that's slower than the rebels, but faster than the higher-end pro bodies. My money was on approximately a two-year cycle, which would make the 6D mark II about a month and a half past due. I would not be at all surprised to see it updated "real soon now".

With that said, I would expect the 5D to be on a three-year cycle, which means I'd expect it in a couple of months. So if I'm wrong about the two-year number, it could come out first. Or they could shock everybody by releasing both of them in March.

In my mind, 6D was some sort of bastard hybrid between FF and crop. It seems to me they felt there was gap between lowest FF (5D3) and best crop (7D), and they wanted to add something in that gap. So they took some stuff from FF level and slapped in things from crop level, and voila, you get 6D.

It had lot of good features too, but the AF alone was a show-stopper for me. My shooting I need higher end AF and 6D was not good enough. For many other purposes, it's same as 5D3.

So my guess:

5D4 announcement soon, maybe in <2 months. Followed by 1DX2 announcement 1 month after that.

5D4 shipping end of summer ($4k), 1DX2 ($8k) shipping end of year.

And early next year the strip-down version of 5D4 -> 6D2 for $2.5k.

 

[SwampYankee]

I can help here. You have a 5DIII and some lenses????? Take $100 and join Canon CPS. Best money you will ever spend. Free check and cleanings, 20% off repairs, priority service (you go to the head of the line on repairs) and............FREE EVALUATION GEAR! Big tournament coming up??? I expect it is time to evaluate a canon 300mm 2.8L to go with that 5DIII. Or, evaluate a 1DX. Join CPS, evaluate a lens or camera, and wait until the end of the year. You have a fine camera, 1DX is going to get a good bump, and if you are going for the top of the line you want CPS anyway. So, one year from today you are going to be rocking a 1DX2, have a 5DIII for a backup, and be gold or platinum CPS member. Sounds like a plan to me

 

[tpatana]

I can help here. You have a 5DIII and some lenses????? Take $100 and join Canon CPS. Best money you will ever spend. Free check and cleanings, 20% off repairs, priority service (you go to the head of the line on repairs) and............FREE EVALUATION GEAR! Big tournament coming up??? I expect it is time to evaluate a canon 300mm 2.8L to go with that 5DIII. Or, evaluate a 1DX. Join CPS, evaluate a lens or camera, and wait until the end of the year. You have a fine camera, 1DX is going to get a good bump, and if you are going for the top of the line you want CPS anyway. So, one year from today you are going to be rocking a 1DX2, have a 5DIII for a backup, and be gold or platinum CPS member. Sounds like a plan to me

That is interesting idea. But do they allow ~3 week evaluations?

I think 200/2 would be my first choice, although 300/2.8 wouldn't be too shabby either. Or the 1DX. Or maybe get the lens, and then bribe some local photog to take 3 weeks off and borrow his/her 1DX so I get both

 

[tpatana]

Canon website:

Members may evaluate each item on their respective "Evaluation List" for a period of ten (10) days, starting when the loaned product is shipped to the member and ending when Canon receives the loaned product back.

So it's really only about 5-6 days of usage :'(

 

[danski0224]

I might consider used (or refurb maybe) 1DX while waiting... I'm sure it's great body, but I feel it's not great enough compared to 5D3 to justify the cost. That's why I think I should wait for 1DX2. OTOH, if Canon had great deal on refurb (w/ warranty), buying one and selling when 1DX2 comes out wouldn't be much waste of money.

There have been several sales of brand new 1DX's in the ~$4300 range. Not refurb.

Probably grey market, which may or may not matter, depending on where you are located.

That is roughly the same price people are trying to sell "used" models for.

 

[tpatana]

I might consider used (or refurb maybe) 1DX while waiting... I'm sure it's great body, but I feel it's not great enough compared to 5D3 to justify the cost. That's why I think I should wait for 1DX2. OTOH, if Canon had great deal on refurb (w/ warranty), buying one and selling when 1DX2 comes out wouldn't be much waste of money.

There have been several sales of brand new 1DX's in the ~$4300 range. Not refurb.

Probably grey market, which may or may not matter, depending on where you are located.

That is roughly the same price people are trying to sell "used" models for.

ATM looks like it's $4624 for grey market.

Not sure if I want to drop that much on a camera without knowing for sure it's covered under warranty.

 

[tphillips63]

I'd bet no one will see the 1Dx Mark II by then so get a 1Dx now. If you want, sell that 5D, but as many have said, why wait if you want it now?