Need to upgrade my eos- 1dsmark3 but to what???

[stacibeth2000]

Hi all,
I have been shooting with the eos 1ds mark3 since 2008/9 (which I've loved) but.. I think I am quite overdue for an upgrade, but to what???

I've heard terrible things about the 1dx, plus it would be a downgrade in megapixels.

So does that just leave me with the 5dmark3? And is that really more of a sidestep than an upgrade? Thoughts? Advice?

Is there a better camera that I just don't know about? Is the nikon d800 worth the switch?

 

[Eldar]

I had the 1DsIII, but I´m now using 1DX and 5DIII. I will NOT tell you terrible things about the 1DX. It is a phenomenal camera. If you are happy with the AF performance of the 1DsIII, you will love the 5DIII and even more so the 1DX. Resolution is slightly down on the 1DX, but I bet you´ll find it very hard to notice.

 

[chauncey]

Is this a need or want scenario...I'm asking because I'm in the same boat, with me it's a want more than need.
If the new 7D has 24 MP, I'll buy it as an adjunct, otherwise wait on the big MP one...if I live that long. ;D

 

[sanj]

Could you PLEASE list the terrible things you have heard about the 1dx?
Please do not ignore my request, I so need to know.
Thank you MUCH.

 

[AmbientLight]

In case you shoot mostly in a studio environment a 5D Mark III will probably do nicely.

On the other hand I expect you may prefer the 1D-series ergonomics sufficiently to be happier with a 1D-X.

I use both, but for me the 5D Mark III is always my backup camera. Same as Eldar I cannot tell you any terrible things.

 

[ajfotofilmagem]

If you need to use ISO 100 or 200 most of the time, D800E parace have the best value. But, the lenses? If you can wait for the big megapixel Canon can come true substitute for the 1DS III.

 

[privatebydesign]

At this point in time there is nothing, the 1DX is a "better" camera but there is no way in hell I am taking a 14% hit in very high quality pixels especially as I often use every single one. However I, personally, don't want a D800esque 35-45MP, I think the sweet spot for the 135 format is around 25-30MP, after that it is very much diminishing returns, wasted HDD space and RAM constipation.

I have the money waiting to upgrade my 1Ds MkIII's, but if the next 1 series is over 30MP I'll just keep waiting until the 1Dx MkII-MkIII etc gets there.

 

[danski0224]

Hi all,
I have been shooting with the eos 1ds mark3 since 2008/9 (which I've loved) but.. I think I am quite overdue for an upgrade, but to what???

I've heard terrible things about the 1dx, plus it would be a downgrade in megapixels.

So does that just leave me with the 5dmark3? And is that really more of a sidestep than an upgrade? Thoughts? Advice?

Is there a better camera that I just don't know about? Is the nikon d800 worth the switch?

I have read many things across the web that make some pretty sound reasons why the resolution difference between the 5DIII/1DsIII and 1DX are trivial. Some make a linear printed DPI comparison and others factor in noise and how it impacts resolution. Most of what I have read essentially boils down to this: low ISO (~<400) is the only place you will find any minute resolution differences, and it takes pixel peeping to find it. Anywhere else, the 1DX is far superior.

Many sources claim that the 1DsIII is still tops at 100 ISO.

The ergonomics between the 5D series and 1D series are completely different.

Metering between the 5D and 1D series is not the same.

On the surface the 5DIII and 1DX appear to have the same AF system, but they do not.

I know nothing about the Nikon cameras.

The rumored Canon "big megapixel" is still vaporware. When it does come out, I wouldn't be surprised if it is close to $10k USD. Then there is all of the other stuff that goes with it, like ~50Mb RAW files.

If I was in your position, I'd seriously consider renting the 5DIII and 1DX and put each through their paces. Or join CPS and try to get a loaner.

 

[StudentOfLight]

What kind of photography do you mainly do?
How do you feel the that 1Ds-III is lacking?
What additional capability do you want/need?

 

[privatebydesign]

What kind of photography do you mainly do?
How do you feel the that 1Ds-III is lacking?
What additional capability do you want/need?

My bodies are tired with corrosion, peeling "leatherette" and broken seals, further iso capability is vastly better now, AF has made big improvements too, RT flash menu, second joystick (moving AF point in portrait orientation via the single 1Ds MkIII joystick is not simple unless you have the thumbs of Sissy Hankshaw), exposure compensation via selectable iso in manual mode, more customisable buttons, dual CF cards instead of that oh too small and slow SD card second slot, a screen you can actually check focus on (the 1Ds MkIII screen even zoomed right in is atrocious for detail assessment), not to mention video, the 1Ds MkIII doesn't have video at all, the list goes on and on.............

The 1Ds MkIII is a superb stills camera, absolutely superb, but there have been many improvements in the 1 series since many of us got ours, the 1D MkIV and 1DX have kept the sports shooters, birders and many others happy, but it was never the 1Ds series replacement despite Canon's advertisements to the contrary, the 1DX is not and never has been a logical "upgrade" for those that spent $8,000 on their 1Ds MkIII's.

 

[jhpeterson]

I, too, have been using the 1DS mark3 for the past five years. It was definitely an upgrade when I got my first one. I'd been using both the mark 2 and original 1DS, and, such was the improvement in my images, that I almost immediately stopped using them.

Now, though, I've gotten quite accustomed to the quality of these files. Perhaps a bit too much, as I've lately found myself asking, "What next?"

I've had the opportunity to use the 1DX for a few weeks this past year and am most impressed. Such clean files from high ISOs (1600, 3200, even 6400 was most usable) and awesome autofocusing! It actually made my 1DS 3 bodies, in comparison, a bit disappointing. Fortunately, I never had any problems.

I never even noticed the reduction in pixel count (BTW, it's less than 8% in each dimension) and I frequently produce images that get used double-page size or printed to 40 x 60 (inches). Much as I love the 1DX, I'm still thinking about something a bit bigger. Guess I do have pixel envy!

 

[stacibeth2000]

Thanks so much for your responses thus far.

I mainly shoot architecture , food and portraits. My need or at least (consideration) to upgrade is based on a few factors. Lately my images just aren't looking ver sharp, I thought there was a problem, so I sent all my lenses and camera to canon, turns out two lenses and the camera were having some af / front focusing issues. However, I got my camera back and have had some shoots where the images are sharp and some where they are just not, I can't seem to pinpoint the issue, today I am running to test my lenses on a different camera, and then test new lenses on my camera to see if I can figure out if its the lenses or if its my camera.

I've noticed a ton of noise at very low iso (200), I've noticed my 24-105 struggling to focus and even when it does focus, images just aren't super sharp.

When using my Schneider 28pc I have to focus through live view, and just can't seem to get it in focus, I've tried to focus other lenses using the live view and am having the same prob. All of these issues are pointing me towards, it could just be time.

Thoughts??

Sanj, I'll pull up the info that I read about the 1dx and probs with grease/ dust on sensor from a plastic piece inside camera

 

[drmikeinpdx]

Nice discussion gentlemen, I am reading with great interest!