5D MKIII vs 1Ds MKIII

[smithy]

This is the exact same dilemma I've been facing these past few days... whether to upgrade my 40D to a used 1Ds3 or a 5D3. To compound the issue, my wife/financial controller said that if I wanted the 1Ds3 I could buy it now, but if I wanted the 5D3 I'd have to wait a few more months (because the 1Ds3 was on auction). She actually wants me to get the 1Ds - because she knows I won't be satisfied until I have a 1D-series body!

Currently I'm leaning more towards the 5D3, because the used 1Ds3 I was looking at has never been serviced and I don't want to spend such a huge amount of money on something that could have the dreaded 1D AF problem (or the shutter problem, for that matter). You'd think that anyone who owned such an expensive camera would get it serviced...

Regardless of which body I get, I think I'll have to sell my 10-22mm EF-S lens and replace it with the 17-40mm (can't afford to stretch to the 16-35mm).

 

[briansquibb]

This is the exact same dilemma I've been facing these past few days... whether to upgrade my 40D to a used 1Ds3 or a 5D3. To compound the issue, my wife/financial controller said that if I wanted the 1Ds3 I could buy it now, but if I wanted the 5D3 I'd have to wait a few more months (because the 1Ds3 was on auction). She actually wants me to get the 1Ds - because she knows I won't be satisfied until I have a 1D-series body!

Currently I'm leaning more towards the 5D3, because the used 1Ds3 I was looking at has never been serviced and I don't want to spend such a huge amount of money on something that could have the dreaded 1D AF problem (or the shutter problem, for that matter). You'd think that anyone who owned such an expensive camera would get it serviced...

Regardless of which body I get, I think I'll have to sell my 10-22mm EF-S lens and replace it with the 17-40mm (can't afford to stretch to the 16-35mm).

The main downside is the max iso at 1600 (or 3200 as H)

Perhaps you are thinking of the 1D3 AF problem - the 1DS3 has always had good AF.

You will need to update to the latest firmware - 1.20 - has a fix to use the joystick to move the focus point.

The 1DS3 is a straightforward stills camera with no video etc - but the IQ is stunning. It has a shutterlife expectancy of 1/4 million so should last a long time.

For a landscape camera it has all the features you want including firstclass weather sealing, it is also pretty good at sports and fast moving subjects.

 

[smithy]

Perhaps you are thinking of the 1D3 AF problem - the 1DS3 has always had good AF.

I always knew about this problem with the 1D3, but read in a forum elsewhere that the 1Ds3 also had this problem - it's possible that that person didn't have their facts straight.

The 1DS3 is a straightforward stills camera with no video etc - but the IQ is stunning. It has a shutterlife expectancy of 1/4 million so should last a long time.

For a landscape camera it has all the features you want including firstclass weather sealing, it is also pretty good at sports and fast moving subjects.

Arrghh now I really don't know what to do! :-\

Useable ISO1600 images are fine for me, and I have NeatImage Pro for anything a bit too noisy.

 

[4jphotography]

I have the 1ds3, 5d2 and 5d3. The 1ds3 has felt "blah" ever since I got the 5d2. I have to say though that the 5d3 doesn't feel like much of an upgrade from the 2. As someone who mostly uses manual focus, and doesn't venture much above 3200 ISO, it seems a bit gratuitous. Fingers are crossed on the 1dx.

 

[smithy]

I have the 1ds3, 5d2 and 5d3. The 1ds3 has felt "blah" ever since I got the 5d2. I have to say though that the 5d3 doesn't feel like much of an upgrade from the 2. As someone who mostly uses manual focus, and doesn't venture much above 3200 ISO, it seems a bit gratuitous. Fingers are crossed on the 1dx.

Just out of curiosity, given that you don't go over ISO3200 and only use manual focus, why did you buy the 5d3? (Seeing that its two biggest features are its new autofocus and high ISO capability).

 

[4jphotography]

Haha itchy trigger finger, I think.

 

[4jphotography]

And I think I wanted it to be a bit cooler than it is. Don't get me wrong, I'm not bashing it in any way – it's a great camera, and if you're in the market to upgrade to ff and will use the features, it's likely your best bet for the money. I would definitely pick it over a 1ds3.

 

[briansquibb]

And I think I wanted it to be a bit cooler than it is. Don't get me wrong, I'm not bashing it in any way – it's a great camera, and if you're in the market to upgrade to ff and will use the features, it's likely your best bet for the money. I would definitely pick it over a 1ds3.

If I was buying now - I would buy the 5DIII with the grips - because I also have the 1D4

 

[smithy]

Thanks - I think I'll buy the 5D Mark III, as recommended by nearly everyone here. I just wish it had the same build quality as the 1 series cameras (including the top button layout). Well, I suppose I can always use my 1v when I'm shooting in bad weather!

 

[tomscott]

Cheers for all the advice. After all the comments on here and also a lot of digging around else where I feel that the 5D MKIII is far superior to the 1Ds for the way I shoot. So will be making a purchase soon. Shame that in the UK the 5D MKIII with lens kit is £3650 in america the same kit works out at £2550. Going to NYC soon so may just drop in for one The saving will pay for a pretty sweet week in NYC! haha

 

[DavidRiesenberg]

How much does it cost on digital-rev? They include everything in the price: Product + shipping + taxes. I read that quite a few people from the UK buy camera gear from them.

 

[BillyBean]

They include everything in the price: Product + shipping + taxes.

They don't include VAT and import duty - they used to 'guarantee' you would not pay it, by marking the parcel as a 'gift', and refunding you if HMRC (customs) caught on, but they are more reputable these days, and HMRC have got wise. In any case, this is illegal.

I don't believe there is import duty on camera bodies (only lenses) but you will certainly pay 20% VAT on delivery, plus a handling charge from Royal Mail or whoever the handler is - normally £20 or so on top. If you don't pay up, you don't get the goods.

If you work it out, prices from DigitalRev are therefore higher than the UK at present on a 5D3.

They are nice, reliable people though.

Of course this advice applies to all non-EU vendors when you are importing into the EU, for example Adorama, B+H, etc.

 

[tomscott]

Well I did think about going down that route and the risk wasn't really worth it for me although I did buy my 40D from digital rev back in the day and didn't pay any import tax, got it for a complete steal less that £700 when it had just come out I seem to remember.

5 years later most 40Ds seem to be going for £350-400 so it owes me nothing. Although it was a Jap spec camera and came with no English instructions or english plug but easily resolved at minimal cost.

But seen as tho im in NYC might as well.

 

[DavidRiesenberg]

They don't include VAT and import duty - they used to 'guarantee' you would not pay it, by marking the parcel as a 'gift', and refunding you if HMRC (customs) caught on, but they are more reputable these days, and HMRC have got wise. In any case, this is illegal.

They state on the site that:

Once you have paid the Import Handling Fee, we will handle all the following costs should they occur during customs clearance:
Any Import Tax and/or Duty in your country
Any courier's Free Domicile handling charge (Duties and Tax Forwarding Surcharge)
Any Local Customs clearance fee

http://www.digitalrev.com/help/import-handling-for-non-hong/MTQx

Does that not mean it is everything? I'm not familiar at all on taxes (and their names ) in the UK.

And their price for the UK is 3200GBP for the kit.

 

[briansquibb]

Body only from Digital Rev is 2549ukp - no extra taxes or hidden costs - already £400 lower than when introduced

 

[smithy]

Since I have an ongoing interest in this topic, I was wondering about AF performance. Would the 1DS3's higher battery voltage (which drives lenses faster) mean that 'overall' it provides better AF performance (think AI servo, etc) than the 5D3?

 

[danski0224]

They don't include VAT and import duty - they used to 'guarantee' you would not pay it, by marking the parcel as a 'gift', and refunding you if HMRC (customs) caught on, but they are more reputable these days, and HMRC have got wise. In any case, this is illegal.

They state on the site that:

Once you have paid the Import Handling Fee, we will handle all the following costs should they occur during customs clearance:

Any Import Tax and/or Duty in your country
Any courier's Free Domicile handling charge (Duties and Tax Forwarding Surcharge)
Any Local Customs clearance fee

http://www.digitalrev.com/help/import-handling-for-non-hong/MTQx

Does that not mean it is everything? I'm not familiar at all on taxes (and their names ) in the UK.

And their price for the UK is 3200GBP for the kit.

David-

Note the wording in bold in your website quote.

Note the part in italics from BillyBean.

I would interpret your part in bold to mean that we won't charge you, but if it gets caught while being imported, you will pay. The seller, DigitalRev, no longer guarantees that the parcel will make it through customs duty/tax free. Their "import handling fee" must be an internal item to pay for filling out the form.

$.02

 

[Razor2012]

Good thread Tom. I'm in the same dilema. I also use a 40D and was going to upgrade to the 5DII, but hesitated because of the AF. Now that the 5DIII is out, it almost seemed a no-brainer until I seen some used 1DsIII's at a good price. There's something about a 1 series, but since I want video also, I'm leaning towards the 5DIII. Hmmm, I could still live with a MKII and spend the extra on glass.

 

[briansquibb]

Good thread Tom. I'm in the same dilema. I also use a 40D and was going to upgrade to the 5DII, but hesitated because of the AF. Now that the 5DIII is out, it almost seemed a no-brainer until I seen some used 1DsIII's at a good price. There's something about a 1 series, but since I want video also, I'm leaning towards the 5DIII. Hmmm, I could still live with a MKII and spend the extra on glass.

I would choose between the 5DIII and the 1Ds3. The 1Ds3 blows away the 5dII particularly with the AF which is up to pro level sports (think 1D3).

The 40D and the 1Ds3 is the same technology except of course the 1Ds3 gives a much superior IQ.

The 5DIII and the 1DS3 give about the same IQ and about the same mps

Personally I would, now, get the 5DIII unless you had a need for the series 1 features. Both bodies are very good and you will get excellent pictures from both.

The 5DIII really scores in low light - the 1Ds3 is great to iso 1600 and OK to 3200, and that is that.

 

[Razor2012]

Good thread Tom. I'm in the same dilema. I also use a 40D and was going to upgrade to the 5DII, but hesitated because of the AF. Now that the 5DIII is out, it almost seemed a no-brainer until I seen some used 1DsIII's at a good price. There's something about a 1 series, but since I want video also, I'm leaning towards the 5DIII. Hmmm, I could still live with a MKII and spend the extra on glass.

I would choose between the 5DIII and the 1Ds3. The 1Ds3 blows away the 5dII particularly with the AF which is up to pro level sports (think 1D3).

The 40D and the 1Ds3 is the same technology except of course the 1Ds3 gives a much superior IQ.

The 5DIII and the 1DS3 give about the same IQ and about the same mps

Personally I would, now, get the 5DIII unless you had a need for the series 1 features. Both bodies are very good and you will get excellent pictures from both.

The 5DIII really scores in low light - the 1Ds3 is great to iso 1600 and OK to 3200, and that is that.

Exactly, plus video is a big bonus for me.