Buy 1DX now or wait for an upgrade?

[dlleno]

Well, it is the time to finally buy the 1DX. I have enough money. However, should I wait for an upgrade? I am not an expert who reads photo forums and rumors everyday. I came here to ask you camera junkies if it is time to buy it or wait.

What is the verdict?

I'm strucggling to get my head around this comment "Im not an expert" and yet you are about to buy a 12fps top of the tier, current state of the art professional camera, which happens to be the most expensive DSLR in Canon's portfolio. I'm pretty confident that you would be better served with either a 6D, 7D or 5DIII. There are very few photographers who really need the 1Dx's benefits.

well,, the purpose of the question is clearly stated. The OP wants comments on the 1DX life cycle; he did not ask us to infer anything about his photography skills or whether or not he is worthy of a 1DX. He asked if it is time to buy or wait; why not just try to answer the question that was asked? As for the "not an expert" comment -- and especially for the purpose of answsering the question, Note that the OP was admitting non-familiarity with rumors, and lifecycles.

The 1DX lifecycle isn't something I pay much attention to, but with that in mind I would suggest that the camera is still "young" as regards Canon's typical 1 series timelines. We may see a different body introduced or announced in the next year, but such a body would not replace the 1DX - it it more likely to optimize for a different core capability set (landscapes).

So my comment to the OP would be to try and analyze your needs/wants and let that help drive your decision: For example, if your desire is to optimize for sports and action, and you have the need or want the capability now, then buy the 1DX for sure. I don 't see Canon updating its flagship sports/action camera very soon. However, if sports/action isn't the most important of your goals and you have the luxury of watching for a while, especially if you are planing only one purchase, then wait a year and see what 2014 announcments might come down.

That said, if money will never be an issue then even if Canon does introduce another body in the next 12-18 months you can always buy that one when it comes out, and either keep or sell your 1DX.

 

[Nazareth]

I'm no expert either- what I am is very clumsy, and accident prone- and thsi was a driving force in determing my choice for the 1DX- that and the fact that it's rated at more than twice the shutter count of the 5D111 AND it's basically a waterproof camera, and I'm always gettign caught in the rain when 2 miles up a trail looking for scenery to shoot=- Plus, don't forget, you can get the shutter mechanism replaced for not too much money if and when it does crap out, which will further extend the life fo the camera/investment- plus, you will have an awesoem 12 frame per second camera with a beefy feel to it that's rugged and tough- and if you're accident prone like me, you won't have to wrry abotu knockign any dials off the camera liek you would if you had the 5D111 or 7D or 6D or whatever-

Now, the question becoems shoudl you wait? I woudl say yes, wait for the updated version- there were a few issues with hte 1Dx as well as thigns peopel didn't like abotu hte 1DX that might be improved upon in next version IF there is goiogn to be a next version? The 1DX was kind of a first geenration camera, and had a few kinks like most first edition models- which eventaully get worked out- soem features were not present that users wished liked GPS inbuilt, incamera HDR, Wifi inbuilt, better highlight and shadow settings for better results in either highlights or shadows- (the current 1DX isn't that great compared with otuer cameras in thsi department yet) as well as soem lowl ight focusing point issues and an umber of other smaller issues-- but of course none o these means much if you're not itnerested in thsoe features anyways- but if they can be offered for aroudn the same price- in an updated version, then they woudl be ni=ce to have IF you decide they are useful-

The ISO capabiklities of the 1DX are icnredible compared to my 7D- I was actually kinda shocked at how high I could go and get pretty decent resutls with hte 1DX- plus full frame was a treat-

 

[CarlTN]

I'm no expert either- what I am is very clumsy, and accident prone- and thsi was a driving force in determing my choice for the 1DX- that and the fact that it's rated at more than twice the shutter count of the 5D111 AND it's basically a waterproof camera, and I'm always gettign caught in the rain when 2 miles up a trail looking for scenery to shoot=- Plus, don't forget, you can get the shutter mechanism replaced for not too much money if and when it does crap out, which will further extend the life fo the camera/investment- plus, you will have an awesoem 12 frame per second camera with a beefy feel to it that's rugged and tough- and if you're accident prone like me, you won't have to wrry abotu knockign any dials off the camera liek you would if you had the 5D111 or 7D or 6D or whatever-

Now, the question becoems shoudl you wait? I woudl say yes, wait for the updated version- there were a few issues with hte 1Dx as well as thigns peopel didn't like abotu hte 1DX that might be improved upon in next version IF there is goiogn to be a next version? The 1DX was kind of a first geenration camera, and had a few kinks like most first edition models- which eventaully get worked out- soem features were not present that users wished liked GPS inbuilt, incamera HDR, Wifi inbuilt, better highlight and shadow settings for better results in either highlights or shadows- (the current 1DX isn't that great compared with otuer cameras in thsi department yet) as well as soem lowl ight focusing point issues and an umber of other smaller issues-- but of course none o these means much if you're not itnerested in thsoe features anyways- but if they can be offered for aroudn the same price- in an updated version, then they woudl be ni=ce to have IF you decide they are useful-

The ISO capabiklities of the 1DX are icnredible compared to my 7D- I was actually kinda shocked at how high I could go and get pretty decent resutls with hte 1DX- plus full frame was a treat-

I agree that if you can wait, you should. If you can't wait and can afford it, you should absolutely buy a 1DX now. Or else a 5D3, or 6D...or any combination.

 

[AmbientLight]

I agree that if you can wait, you should. If you can't wait and can afford it, you should absolutely buy a 1DX now. Or else a 5D3, or 6D...or any combination.

In this case I must admit that I don't get the reason for waiting. What would you be waiting for?

There is no 1D-X Mark II or anything like it coming out anytime soon. There's no one pushing Canon to release anything like that in a hurry, not with the Nikon D4 being as it is. If Nikon would bring out a D5 or D4s or whatever its name, which would be topping Canon's 1D-X in many characteristics, things would look different, but this not happening.

As for the high MP Canon camera, where is it? There is not even a product announcement out. There are only rumors. If you want to wait, you will probably still be waiting in about 2 years.

 

[Vossie]

I would wait for the higher MP medium format Canon EOS. That will allow you to scan your books with much more detail than the mere 18 MP of the 1Dx.

I hope they will give the medium format EOS a decent fbs, otherwise it will take too much time to scan your books. (With a 12 fps 1Dx it will aready cost you half a minute to scan a 360 page book, provided that your buffer dos not run full).

 

[dude]

I have a 5Diii so the 1DX is a luxury for me. I can wait. I would like to buy it now though. The biggest reason for me waiting is for the dual pixel sensor. Low light focusing is a big deal and I think the dual pixel tech will refine this a bit more. I am also hopeful it will improve the focus response time in AI servo.

Am I crazy for thinking that sensor will improve those two areas?

 

[unfocused]

The biggest reason for me waiting is for the dual pixel sensor.

The biggest benefits of dual pixel sensors is for live-view focusing and video. Neither of these are priorities of the 1D-X target market. Canon will be in no hurry to put this technology in the 1D-X series and if it requires any tradeoffs it may never make it into the series.

 

[RGF]

The biggest reason for me waiting is for the dual pixel sensor.

The biggest benefits of dual pixel sensors is for live-view focusing and video. Neither of these are priorities of the 1D-X target market. Canon will be in no hurry to put this technology in the 1D-X series and if it requires any tradeoffs it may never make it into the series.

Probably will see dual pixels in 5D M4 - just like the 5D M3 has an HDR mode and the 1Dx does not

 

[surapon]

Well, it is the time to finally buy the 1DX. I have enough money. However, should I wait for an upgrade? I am not an expert who reads photo forums and rumors everyday. I came here to ask you camera junkies if it is time to buy it or wait.

What is the verdict?

Dear Friend.
Yes, You have a choice Buy 1Dx now = $6,800 US Dollars and get 18 MP sensor----BUT , If you already have 2-3 years old good camera--Just use that money buy the Best Lenses---Just In my IDEA, I will wait another 6 months( Next Summer Big show in Las Vegas) for the new 1Ds mk IV= $ 8,000 US Dollars = 36 MP ( or More than 36 MP ??).
I have learn from the PRO, = Buy the New camera , If double MP. ( L. X H.)= 2 times of MP. of your old camera, and 50% improvement of Higher ISO. of your old camera.

Yes, I already have Canon 20D, 1DS MK I, 7D, 5D MK II---------My Friends ask me , Why I do not buy 5D MK III and 1Dx now---I tell all my friends that , I already have the thing that I need to do the good Job for my Hobby, Plus for my Past Time " PRO " + I already have 13 " L " Lens of total 37 " L " lens MFG. by Canon and I will have 24 " L " Lenses to buy in the near future----Ha, Ha, Ha..
Yes, I will wait for 3D and 1Ds MK IV in 2014.

YES, THAT JUST ONLY MY IDEA, and I am not the real PRO , YET.
Nice to talk to you, Sir.
Surapon

 

[GMCPhotographics]

Well, it is the time to finally buy the 1DX. I have enough money. However, should I wait for an upgrade? I am not an expert who reads photo forums and rumors everyday. I came here to ask you camera junkies if it is time to buy it or wait.

What is the verdict?

Dear Friend.
Yes, You have a choice Buy 1Dx now = $6,800 US Dollars and get 18 MP sensor----BUT , If you already have 2-3 years old good camera--Just use that money buy the Best Lenses---Just In my IDEA, I will wait another 6 months( Next Summer Big show in Las Vegas) for the new 1Ds mk IV= $ 8,000 US Dollars = 36 MP ( or More than 36 MP ??).
I have learn from the PRO, = Buy the New camera , If double MP. ( L. X H.)= 2 times of MP. of your old camera, and 50% improvement of Higher ISO. of your old camera.

Yes, I already have Canon 20D, 1DS MK I, 7D, 5D MK II---------My Friends ask me , Why I do not buy 5D MK III and 1Dx now---I tell all my friends that , I already have the thing that I need to do the good Job for my Hobby, Plus for my Past Time " PRO " + I already have 13 " L " Lens of total 37 " L " lens MFG. by Canon and I will have 24 " L " Lenses to buy in the near future----Ha, Ha, Ha..
Yes, I will wait for 3D and 1Ds MK IV in 2014.

YES, THAT JUST ONLY MY IDEA, and I am not the real PRO , YET.
Nice to talk to you, Sir.
Surapon

Pros generally need multiple camera bodies. A pair of 1Dx cameras is eye wateringly expensive and doesn't offer much more over a pair of 5DIII's in terms of features. Ok, the 1Dx is built more robustly, has better AI Servo tracking (the 5DIII is no slouch in this area) and 12 fps. But it's shutter sounds like a machine gun (loud and fast) compared to the softer 5DIII, which has a fantastic quiet mode....which really works.
As a working pro, I saw more avantages in a pair of 5DIII's than a pair of 1Dx's. I have a yearly budget for upgrading cameras and lenses, my camera body upgrades (over two years) easily fell into that bracket. This year, it's time to upgrade my 24-70L for a mkII and maybe one other lens upgrade.

 

[M.ST]

Wait for an update if you don´t need a new camera yet.

There is a professional event in Berlin that start from oct 12th. On my invite is a 1D style body.

We will see what is coming or maybe will announced.

 

[Lichtgestalt]

Wait for an update if you don´t need a new camera yet.

There is a professional event in Berlin that start from oct 12th. On my invite is a 1D style body.

We will see what is coming or maybe will announced.

we have discussed that already.

http://www.canonrumors.com/forum/index.php?topic=17249.0

seems like an discussion forum.. so chance for an announcment are small.

 

[surapon]

Well, it is the time to finally buy the 1DX. I have enough money. However, should I wait for an upgrade? I am not an expert who reads photo forums and rumors everyday. I came here to ask you camera junkies if it is time to buy it or wait.

What is the verdict?

Dear Friend.
Yes, You have a choice Buy 1Dx now = $6,800 US Dollars and get 18 MP sensor----BUT , If you already have 2-3 years old good camera--Just use that money buy the Best Lenses---Just In my IDEA, I will wait another 6 months( Next Summer Big show in Las Vegas) for the new 1Ds mk IV= $ 8,000 US Dollars = 36 MP ( or More than 36 MP ??).
I have learn from the PRO, = Buy the New camera , If double MP. ( L. X H.)= 2 times of MP. of your old camera, and 50% improvement of Higher ISO. of your old camera.

Yes, I already have Canon 20D, 1DS MK I, 7D, 5D MK II---------My Friends ask me , Why I do not buy 5D MK III and 1Dx now---I tell all my friends that , I already have the thing that I need to do the good Job for my Hobby, Plus for my Past Time " PRO " + I already have 13 " L " Lens of total 37 " L " lens MFG. by Canon and I will have 24 " L " Lenses to buy in the near future----Ha, Ha, Ha..
Yes, I will wait for 3D and 1Ds MK IV in 2014.

YES, THAT JUST ONLY MY IDEA, and I am not the real PRO , YET.
Nice to talk to you, Sir.
Surapon

Pros generally need multiple camera bodies. A pair of 1Dx cameras is eye wateringly expensive and doesn't offer much more over a pair of 5DIII's in terms of features. Ok, the 1Dx is built more robustly, has better AI Servo tracking (the 5DIII is no slouch in this area) and 12 fps. But it's shutter sounds like a machine gun (loud and fast) compared to the softer 5DIII, which has a fantastic quiet mode....which really works.
As a working pro, I saw more avantages in a pair of 5DIII's than a pair of 1Dx's. I have a yearly budget for upgrading cameras and lenses, my camera body upgrades (over two years) easily fell into that bracket. This year, it's time to upgrade my 24-70L for a mkII and maybe one other lens upgrade.

Thank you, Sir, Dear GMCPhotographics
Great suggestion, Sir---You are right, We, as the Press/ Photographers, we need 2 or 3 cameras body for many Lenses as " Army in one "---For many type of Photos, and many type of Distant to the subjects---With out waste our time to change the lenses, and the get the dust in to the sensor = Bad UFOs.
Yes, I try 1Dx two months ago, Free try from CPS, And I try to print 36 X 42 Inches and 42 X 60 inches / Hard Print on my HP. Large format Printer, I still do not like the quality of 18-19 MP sensor of 1Dx Which Not Much difference to my dear 5D MK II= in day light scenery views)---That why I will wait for 3D or 1Ds MK IV, which should more than 36 MP ( Which will beat Nikon D800 , or D800E= 36.3 MP.).
Have a great night, Sir. Nice to talk to you.
Surapon

 

[Nazareth]

I agree that if you can wait, you should. If you can't wait and can afford it, you should absolutely buy a 1DX now. Or else a 5D3, or 6D...or any combination.

In this case I must admit that I don't get the reason for waiting. What would you be waiting for?

There is no 1D-X Mark II or anything like it coming out anytime soon. There's no one pushing Canon to release anything like that in a hurry, not with the Nikon D4 being as it is. If Nikon would bring out a D5 or D4s or whatever its name, which would be topping Canon's 1D-X in many characteristics, things would look different, but this not happening.

As for the high MP Canon camera, where is it? There is not even a product announcement out. There are only rumors. If you want to wait, you will probably still be waiting in about 2 years.

I think there's enough 'growing pain issues' with the 1DX that Canon might produce a secodn version that addresses the issues- Just speculation of course- but if I wasn't wanting a new 1DX right away, and I had other cameras which I liked using and gave good results, (perhaps 5D2, or 1D3 or whatever), I'd wait a year or two to see if the issues are addressed (ones that can't be fixed via firmware upgrade).

The 1DX as it is is no sluch- it's a great rugged camera- and woudl be a worthy investment for the reasons I mentioned in previous post- but if I was in no rush, I'd just hold off a bit and see if canon might be planning somethign with improvements- and who knows, they might even be able to throw in a coupel more megapixels? maybe not, but who knows-