Heavily used 1Dx (original)?

[Mikehit]

I am based in northwest UK which has the same sort of weather and light levels as Pacific Northwest of North America (about the same latitude as mid-BC).
I have a 7D2 and although it is a good camera (still much to learn, though) I am toying with getting a 5D3 second hand to see how it copes with higher ISOs in lower light.

However (and hence this post) I have seen online a 1Dx with 700k on the clock with a shutter replacement 2 months ago, for about the same price and a 1Dx with 200k on the clock (also a relatively new shutter) for a little bit more.
Do you think it is worth a punt or would those be pushing reliability a tad too much?

One motivation for this is that we are heading to Canada to watch coastal grizzlies in September (so much like Manchester with its clouds, and rain....) and this seems a great excuse to get a superior camera for the conditions.

 

[pwp]

I am based in northwest UK which has the same sort of weather and light levels as Pacific Northwest of North America (about the same latitude as mid-BC).
I have a 7D2 and although it is a good camera (still much to learn, though) I am toying with getting a 5D3 second hand to see how it copes with higher ISOs in lower light.

However (and hence this post) I have seen online a 1Dx with 700k on the clock with a shutter replacement 2 months ago, for about the same price and a 1Dx with 200k on the clock (also a relatively new shutter) for a little bit more.
Do you think it is worth a punt or would those be pushing reliability a tad too much?

One motivation for this is that we are heading to Canada to watch coastal grizzlies in September (so much like Manchester with its clouds, and rain....) and this seems a great excuse to get a superior camera for the conditions.

Are you sure about that shutter count? My 5D III is on it's third shutter and the counter has reset to zero with each new shutter. Maybe it's different with the 1DX...

-pw

 

[Warrenl]

The shutter count keeps counting even after a shutter replacement. However it stops recording at 1000000 actuations.

 

[j-nord]

I am based in northwest UK which has the same sort of weather and light levels as Pacific Northwest of North America

debatable ;D

 

[[email protected]]

I use the 7d2, which was my main camera until last year; moved to add the 5D3; sold the 5D3 and purchased a 1DX (for not much more). So, I've essentially done what you propose to do. Some notes:

- The 5D3 was superior to the 7D2 in some conditions and not others. The 7D2 spanks it still for wildlife, but not for very bad light. When reach and speed are needed, it was my go-to camera. Having the pair was very nice.

- Now that everyone is selling their Mark I 1DX's, the used price is depressed. You can buy one for about $3000 with about 80-120k clicks, so the price difference between it and the used 5D3 is nothing like it used to be ($1,000 versus $3,000).

- Both the 1DX and 5D3 lack some of the build finesse of the 7D2, like the shutter mechanism (boat loads quieter). The 1DX feels as tough, but does so at the expense of feeling like a cinder block. Awkward weight, and awkward form factor for me, although I recognize I may be in a minority in this opinion.

- The resale value loss of a $3,000 1DX is going to be lower in a year than the resale value loss of a $2,000 5D3, which is expected to be updated any month now.

Both the 5D3 and 1DX are great choices. Buy one, but do so based on your sense of the form factor. You really need to handle the 1DX for an afternoon to know if it's for you. When the 5D4 comes out I'm going to sell and get the new 5 series.

 

[Mikehit]

I am based in northwest UK which has the same sort of weather and light levels as Pacific Northwest of North America

debatable ;D

What, you mean Manchester is worse? I wouldn't be surprised but the three vacations I have had over there reminded so much of home in that respect (not really why I go on holiday... )

 

[j-nord]

I am based in northwest UK which has the same sort of weather and light levels as Pacific Northwest of North America

debatable ;D

What, you mean Manchester is worse? I wouldn't be surprised but the three vacations I have had over there reminded so much of home in that respect (not really why I go on holiday... )

Haha, the PNW gets more precipitation and wider range of temperatures but, it's probably better than Manchester weather

 

[Mikehit]

I know where I wold rather be...and with the grizzlies definitely wins !

 

[Mikehit]

Both the 5D3 and 1DX are great choices. Buy one, but do so based on your sense of the form factor. You really need to handle the 1DX for an afternoon to know if it's for you. When the 5D4 comes out I'm going to sell and get the new 5 series.

Thank you for your feedback comparing the different models, Tiggy.

I agree with the comments about the form factor - what is your thought on a 700k 1Dx? If the shutter is new is there anything else I should be considering?

 

[kaihp]

Both the 5D3 and 1DX are great choices. Buy one, but do so based on your sense of the form factor. You really need to handle the 1DX for an afternoon to know if it's for you. When the 5D4 comes out I'm going to sell and get the new 5 series.

Thank you for your feedback comparing the different models, Tiggy.

I agree with the comments about the form factor - what is your thought on a 700k 1Dx? If the shutter is new is there anything else I should be considering?

I would be concerned about a 700K camera - mirrorbox might need adjustments (bdunbar has some problems in his two bodies). I recently purchased a 1DX with just under 55K clicks. Before committing, I called the local CPS repair center and asked them what I should be looking for and based on the serial number, they could tell me the service history.

Personally, I don't notice the size/weight difference between the 5D3 and the 1DX, partly due to using a monopod.