Is 1D Mark IV boring or almost perfect?

[markIVantony]

I've followed this forum for almost a year now (as an unregistered observer), and I've noticed a distinct lack of threads about the 1D Mark IV, -compared to- 5D MKII, 7D, 60D, etc, where most of those topics relate to recommended lenses, image quality, debate of the week on sensor size-vs-MP-vs-ISO, etc. I only recall seeing 1DMkIV threads in the context of the now-confirmed 1Dx.

I shoot almost exclusively with the 1DMKIV, so I was wondering why there aren't as many discussions about this great body. It's just as good a wedding, journalist, sports, etc. camera as any other. Is it just a non-controversial camera , or are there just not as many issues as with other bodies?

 

[Loswr]

Becuase people with 1DIV's are mostly out using them to shoot pictures, and have less time to participate in online forums?

 

[Viggo]

YEah, I second that, out of reach for a lot of people. Cost issue I guess.

I use the mk4 and I'm not a pro, but use it for all it's worth and it lacks some Af-tracking abilities in lower light, but other than that there's nothing wrong with it, and I know it by heart so less need to start threads. :-X

 

[Mendolera]

For me the Mark IV would be a dream camera... I think its the best worlds for the photography I enjoy (Action and some low light stuff).. and IMO its the best camera Canon camera you can buy until the 1DX is released.

For me photography is strickly a hobby and therefore the Mark II and 7D are more in my budget

 

[briansquibb]

I jumped to the 1D4 from the 7D. Absolutely the right move.

Great IQ
Great AF
Great metering - especially with speedlights
Great functions

I am not fussed about mp - I only print to A3 - but high iso is important and it is one stop better than the 5DII and at least 2 more than the 7D

What is there to discuss? Perhaps a few techniques - but this is probably the wrong forum

 

[sct69]

Like you I looked for more discussion on this great camera but I guess like others have said its just that, I great camera. With the soon to be released 1DX I was hoping too see a reduction in price on the Mark VI. On some sites that is already starting to happen. I was thinking of taking the plunge on an 1DX but I think with price drops on the VI and an unknown wait time on the 1DX being available to the masses I will be saving my coin so that I can finally join the Mark IV band wagon.

 

[kennykodak]

love mine...

 

[wockawocka]

It's a great camera but I can't seem to break away from the 1Ds3

 

[juwi]

One of the reasons for why theres so few threads about it (besides the fact that it is so good that it would be boring to talk about it) may simply be its price tag.

When you look at 60D/5D/7D Threads they are often about which one to choose or about shortcomings. Those cameras are all pretty close together price wise, so there really is a decision to be made. A 1D comes in at twice the pricetag of a 5D and its the only Canon model in that price region. When you have that much money to spend on a camera you don't ask questions, you just get one and as is often stated the 1D/1Ds lives up to its price tag, so there really is nothing to complain about either.
Its basically good enough to be boring to talk about.

 

[markIVantony]

One of the reasons for why theres so few threads about it (besides the fact that it is so good that it would be boring to talk about it) may simply be its price tag.

When you look at 60D/5D/7D Threads they are often about which one to choose or about shortcomings. Those cameras are all pretty close together price wise, so there really is a decision to be made. A 1D comes in at twice the pricetag of a 5D and its the only Canon model in that price region. When you have that much money to spend on a camera you don't ask questions, you just get one and as is often stated the 1D/1Ds lives up to its price tag, so there really is nothing to complain about either.
Its basically good enough to be boring to talk about.

This makes sense, and I was thinking along those lines. Guess I just wanted to hear someone else say it.

Like you I looked for more discussion on this great camera but I guess like others have said its just that, I great camera. With the soon to be released 1DX I was hoping too see a reduction in price on the Mark VI. On some sites that is already starting to happen. I was thinking of taking the plunge on an 1DX but I think with price drops on the VI and an unknown wait time on the 1DX being available to the masses I will be saving my coin so that I can finally join the Mark IV band wagon.

Haven't decided if I'll upgrade to the 1D X, or even if I'd sell the MkIV. If I do upgrade, I'll likely wait for the first Refurbs to show up on Canon Shop. My reasons to upgrade would be the reduced high ISO noise. Some of what I shoot is Fri. night football games, so I would benefit there (next year anyway). Also the reduced shutter lag is a big plus, though I'll have to slightly re-calibrate my brain-finger anticipation. I get more "perfect-timing" shots by anticipating the action, rather than just holding the button down. Also I will benefit from the dual-CF in certain sports situations.

 

[pwp]

My MkIV is easily the best camera I have ever used. Business is good so it's in heavy daily use, as have 1 Series Canons for me since the film days.

Yes, it is boring...but in the absolute best possible way.

It is just so good, and such a natural extension of my eyes/hands/creativity that I barely think about it. The functions I reach for are completely second nature. I can just get on with the job and have my attention on the things that matter rather than fretting about the camera. If a shot screws up, it will be caused by something other than the camera.

Of course it is vital to completely understand the capabilities and limitations of any tool you use, and work within those boundaries.

Another reason there may be fewer posts about MkIV is that relative to the consumer and prosumer bodies, there are simply far fewer of them out there.

Paul Wright

 

[Mt Spokane Photography]

I'm a low light shooter, and the reviews indicating that it is not a excellent performer in low light as compared to my 5D MK II have kept me from buying one.

Now, I'm interested in the new 18mp sensor Canon has announced and wonder if it will appear in a 5D MK III.

As long as you are not out for extreme low light, its a supurb camera.

 

[branden]

While I would certainly treasure and love having a 1D-series camera, I value the smaller size and increased portability of the non-1D cameras. (I don't use the grips for the same reason.)

 

[dr croubie]

I've said elsewhere that I wouldn't consider a 7Dmk2, all signs point to it not being that enough of an upgrade from my current 7D, I'm more likely to go a 5Dmk2/3 at some point in the future.

But a 1Dmk4 is probably the only upgrade from 7D i'd consider, i'd give up the 1.6x crop (and only 1 EFs lens) and 2MP for way better IQ, AF, sealing, pro-build, high-iso, more FPS, etc. I'm not the biggest fan of gripped bodies, but if it'd balance better with my longer lenses then i'd put up with the extra weight.
Too bad about the cost, when I bought my 7D I went with it and better lenses over the 5D2, I'd only get a 1D4 if it were offered about $2500-3k (which they're not, yet).

 

[Mt Spokane Photography]

We missed out. Last week, the 1D MK IV was in stock at the canon refurb store, and the 15% off coupon from Canon went into my deleted items by accident. I found it 3 or 4 hours later, but they were sold out by then. Its probably just as well, I don't need another body and really am wanting a low light camera.

 

[smirkypants]

It's nearly perfect for me. I actually prefer the 1.6 crop of my 7D, but not its IQ. I would wish for a stop or two better ISO performance and about 5 more MP to be able to chop up the photo more, but eh... It doesn't have any obvious flaws other than its price. I definitely felt a bit like I had the air let out of me when I heard the APH was toast. Happy with it.

 

[wickidwombat]

if they put all the 1D mk4 parts as is into a 7D body and priced it at existing 1D mk4 levels I would go straight out and buy 1. I'm over the oversized bodys

 

[smirkypants]

I was curious about this and started checking reviews on Amazon. The vast majority of people were really happy with theirs, but this guy, in a seemingly thoughtful review hated it. Can't say I've had the same problems as he has... but you know, he does have a point about reds. A few times shooting red jerseys, I've gotten VERY strange results.

http://www.amazon.com/Canon-EOS-1D-Mark-IV/product-reviews/B002TG3ZYQ/ref=cm_cr_dp_hist_1?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=0&filterBy=addOneStar

 

[markIVantony]

I was curious about this and started checking reviews on Amazon. The vast majority of people were really happy with theirs, but this guy, in a seemingly thoughtful review hated it. Can't say I've had the same problems as he has... but you know, he does have a point about reds. A few times shooting red jerseys, I've gotten VERY strange results.
...

Well now that the topic is brought up, it's been roses for me, which oddly enough, I hardly ever shoot! Walls, jerseys, etc. are prob. slightly off...nothing I would call very strange, but "off". The roses I just happened to notice when testing out the 100mm f/2.8L Macro lens. I remember it just was not a pleasing tone at all.

 

[smirkypants]

Well now that the topic is brought up, it's been roses for me, which oddly enough, I hardly ever shoot! Walls, jerseys, etc. are prob. slightly off...nothing I would call very strange, but "off". The roses I just happened to notice when testing out the 100mm f/2.8L Macro lens. I remember it just was not a pleasing tone at all.

I can't say that I shoot a lot of pink jerseys! But I guess I should be more specific since I really wasn't in my post. The red jerseys that I shot were a deep red bordering orange (R:185 G:35 B:5) shot in very bright conditions, and the tones in them just sort of ran all together and the shirts lost all of their texture. The opposing team's light blue jerseys flapping in the wind you could see gradations in color that give the shirts a nice 3D effect, but the reds just looked like you took the photoshop paint bucket tool and painted the whole shirt the same tone. They were very unpleasant to look at and no matter what I did I couldn't seem to fix them in post (which I'm pretty decent at). Strange.