buying suggestion: a 5D3 or 1Dx?

[dash2k8]

Hi guys, I've asked for recommendations/opinions on various gear purchases from fellow users here and have always gotten great real-world advice. Here I am again with a buy question:

My old 1Ds3 is dying after serving me well for many years. I do mostly event coverage (weddings, graduations, conferences... generally "people doing stuff") that do NOT involve high-speed athletes or motor vehicles. All I really need is excellent low-light performance and good-to-great AF. Online research seems to indicate that the 5D3 can produce just as good an image as the flagship 1Dx under the same conditions. I don't need 14fps, I don't need extreme weather sealing, I don't need the 1Dx's extra AF speed. Does that mean the 5D3 is the right choice for me? Can anyone who own or have used both bodies offer a reason why a 1Dx would still be worth twice the $$$?

For the record, money is not an issue. I just don't want to spend twice as much for the 1Dx if I can achieve the same results with a 5D3 (the money saved can go to a new lens!). Thanks guys!

 

[FEBS]

I have both cameras. The 5D3 is used much more then the 1Dx. 5D3 is lighter, however several times I need more then one battery during a day, which never happens with the 1Dx. The 5D3 has more megapixel compared to the 1Dx. The 5D3 is also much quieter, the 1Dx is really a machinegun. If I take one camera, it will be mostly the 5D3. Only for sport/action and the use of big white lenses I prefer the 1Dx. Also the 85 1.2 lens performs better on the 1Dx then the 5D3, which is caused by the more performing battery of the 1Dx. In low light the 1Dx seems also a little better compared to the 5D3.

So it mainly depends on what you are shooting mostly. I can't see the difference on the photos which camera is used.

 

[Marsu42]

For the record, money is not an issue. I just don't want to spend twice as much for the 1Dx if I can achieve the same results with a 5D3 (the money saved can go to a new lens!). Thanks guys!

I'm in no position to buy a even a 5d3, but for the record I'm very happy with the size and weight of my 60d & 6d - esp. when carrying them around all day attached to my hand(strap).

This would matter to me:
* Advantages of the 5d3: Magic Lantern = 14+ ev dynamic range, raw histogram, focus peaking, whatnot.
* Advantages of the 1dx: Better metering (rgb), red dots for active af points in servo af, faster lens af, larger vf for manual focusing (which exchanged vf screen).

 

[Dfunk99]

I always read where the 6D is Better in low light situations.

 

[dgatwood]

Agreed. If your main goal is low light, your choice should be between the 1DX and the 6D, not the 5D Mark III. The low-light noise—particularly once you start adding digital gain—is considerably cleaner on the 6D than on the 5D Mark III, and is roughly on par with the 1DX, from what I've read.

But if you want good-to-great AF... the 6D might or might not satisfy you. I'd either go with the 1DX or wait for Canon to fix the 6D's deficient AF system or the 5D's high ISO pattern noise problem.

 

[rpt]

5D3 with MagicLantern.

The 5D3 has a silent shooting mode you can use for weddings and other functions where you don't want to sound like a gun...

 

[Marsu42]

Agreed. If your main goal is low light, your choice should be between the 1DX and the 6D, not the 5D Mark III. The low-light noise—particularly once you start adding digital gain—is considerably cleaner on the 6D than on the 5D Mark III, and is roughly on par with the 1DX, from what I've read

The low iso & dynamic range is indeed on par or even a bit better on 6d than on 1dx - probably that's why Canon felt the need to cripple the 6d in other areas. And for this reason, I don't see a 6d2 anytime soon.

The 6d vs. 5d3 difference is blown out of proportion though, to compare you have to downsize the 5d3's 22mp to 20(6d) or 18(1d) first. The 6d also has a stronger aa filter, making 5d3 shots a bit sharper, actually the older 5d2 is sharpest. The main difference 6d vs. older 5d2/3 is less pattern noise which only occurs after raising shadows a *lot*

5D3 with MagicLantern.

Fyi: 6d also has ML, but as less mature version - 1d will never get it.

The 5D3 has a silent shooting mode you can use for weddings and other functions where you don't want to
sound like a gun...

6d is even quieter than 5d3. I don't really want to promote the 6d due to the terrible af, just sayin'...

 

[tayassu]

5D3.
It is a very good camera in low-light, the AF is impressive, it is more transportable and you can invest the extra 3k in glass.

 

[dash2k8]

Thanks for all the suggestions thus far. I noticed that no one even tried to say the 1Dx has an obvious advantage in image quality or low light. I guess my decision is made up!

 

[danski0224]

What about ergonomics?

Big difference between the 5D3 and 1D bodies.

5D3 + grip is bigger and heavier than 1DX from what I have read online.

 

[Marsu42]

Thanks for all the suggestions thus far. I noticed that no one even tried to say the 1Dx has an obvious advantage in image quality or low light. I guess my decision is made up!

If "low light" means "very high iso", the 1dx does have a noticeable advantage! It has a different readout design (less banding & noise, more and constant dynamic range) and is clearly superior to the 5d3 in this regard. There's a reason action photogs shell out a lot of €€€ for it, look at the data here: http://sensorgen.info

It's just that you probably won't notice at medium-high iso and if not raising shadows a lot, and you get more resolution with the 5d3. About the same goes for the 6d, btw. Look at the usual studio image comparisons at make up your own mind and look at tdp for the differences 1dx vs. 5d3 (at the bottom):

http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Canon-EOS-1D-X-Digital-SLR-Camera-Review.aspx

 

[Dekaner]

For what you've listed, 5DIII. Good pricing on it right now. Ignore the 6D, the improvement in low light is related to focusing and is very minimal - more importantly the reduced autofocus capabilities in the 6D will drive you nuts. 1Dx is a gorgeous camera, but unless you need the speed, the 5DIII is a better buy.

 

[Deleted member 91053]

1DX vs 5D3 - for me it is a no brainer - 1DX all the way, probably why I use one!
However I am not a wedding/event photographer - I shoot wildlife.
For the OP's needs I would take the 5D3 in a heartbeat. For this sort of photography the 1DX has little extra to offer. Yes the high ISO is better, but not by that much, and the battery life is better, so carry a spare. In fact, looking at the price difference, then get a spare 5D3 as well!
Looking at you post you don't really need what the 1DX offers and whilst it may be theoretically better in some respects, I believe a 5D3 will fulfill your needs just as well and you can get 2 of them (backup is always handy) for only a little more than a single 1DX.
As I said, for me, the 1DX is a no brainer - for your requirements the 5D3 is the no brainer + it allows you to buy a second body or improve/add to your glass.

 

[Dylan777]

Thanks for all the suggestions thus far. I noticed that no one even tried to say the 1Dx has an obvious advantage in image quality or low light. I guess my decision is made up!

5D III is a good camera, however, 1DX is a MUCH-MUCH better in every ways. With current price drops, I think 1DX is a better choice regardless you need speed or not. The IQ looks better in low and high ISO due to larger pixel(my taste of course).

I'm more likely keeping my 1DX when 1DX II comes out. My 5D III will more likely ends up on ebay to fund 1DX II

 

[expatinasia]

It does sound as if, from what dash2k8 says s/he needs, the 5D Mark III will suffice.

But, as the first post also states money is not an issue then I would be tempted to take the 1D X. Why? Because you are already used to the 1D form, there is a certain comfort knowing you have the absolute best that Canon has to offer - you will never wonder whether that other camera is better, it isn't. Plus, you never know what the future may bring and fast action of one form or another could play a role in your life, and there are technical benefits too.

Personally I would take the 1D X. I love it.

 

[dash2k8]

Thanks again for the excellent and informed suggestions/views. I'm convinced that the 5D3 will do everything that I need it to, and that buying that over the 1Dx will give me more $$$ to buy other stuff. One last question: with the 5D4 rumored to be announced in early 2015, should I wait a bit longer? Nothing hurts more than buying a body only to have a successor announced two weeks later.

BTW, I'm a guy!

 

[Marsu42]

With the 5D4 rumored to be announced in early 2015, should I wait a bit longer?

Look at when the 5d3 or 1dx was rumored and actually delivered. You never know with Canon, but I imagine the 5d3 sells a lot so there's no reason to update it. If any, there'll be a 1dx2 or high-mp "3d" first, and then this new tech will trickle down to a 5d4 not before 2016.

I'm more likely keeping my 1DX when 1DX II comes out. My 5D III will more likely ends up on ebay to fund 1DX II

Oh my, looking at full res of the portraitit's a genuine "only the tip of the nose in focus" shot with the eyes already oof ... and it shows, even downsized there's a kind of dull look to the eyes. I guess even an 1dx doesn't beat mf for something like this :-o

 

[Dylan777]

I'm more likely keeping my 1DX when 1DX II comes out. My 5D III will more likely ends up on ebay to fund 1DX II

Oh my, looking at full res of the portraitit's a genuine "only the tip of the nose in focus" shot with the eyes already oof ... and it shows, even downsized there's a kind of dull look to the eyes. I guess even an 1dx doesn't beat mf for something like this :-o

I'm no expert with mf(tried with Sony A7 series & I x100s hate it). I prefer not to ask a person to stop & hold still so I can mf, especially shooting at the event

I like his expression...

 

[swampler]

The 5D3 sounds ideal for your needs. The only question might be whether the extra stop of ISO the 1Dx gives you would be needed or not?

 

[TexPhoto]

I would buy a used or heavily discounted 5D3, or a new 6D right now. Put some money into lenses/lighting, or the bank, and see what's next.

Or, Get a D810 a 24-70 f2.8 Nikon or Tamron, and spend a year or so seeing if Canon will wake the hell up. (sorry, someone had to say it)