Stepping up from 1D IV to....?

[AdamBotond]

Hi folks,
I have been a 1D IV user for some time now. While I love almost everything about my recent camera, I do miss the FF sensor of my former 6D. I see two choices here to step up to: one is the 1DX (mk I), the other would be the 5D IV (1DX II is way out of my league). I am sailing towards the 1DX due to its built, fps, high iso, price but wifi, gps, better DR, F8 AF ability that 5D IV features are more than attractive. MP differential is not a deal breaker for my, as I rarely do prints and not particularly large ones. I shoot mostly wildlife, occasionally sports, landscapes as well.

Any input would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks in advance.

 

[jhpeterson]

Having used 1D series cameras almost exclusively the last dozen years, I might be biased. But, as you say, you value the high ISO capabilities of the 1DX, as well as its build quality (the prime consideration for me). I also think you'll appreciate the fact the camera feels and operates almost exactly the same as what you are used to. Less time spent learning where the controls are is no small matter.
As for MP differential, I doubt if you will see much difference in your work, and then only in landscapes subjects made at the largest sizes. With moving subjects the better AF of the 1DX should more than compensate for the fewer pixels.
I presently use both the 1DS III and the 1DX and see little if any difference in image quality. If anything, the files from the latter are superior, despite being 3MP smaller. If you're happy with your current results, rest assured you won't be disappointed with the 1DX, as at 18MP, it's still a step up from the 1D IV, in both the pixel count and a generation newer sensor technology.

 

[tarntyke]

I have 5D3 and 5DSR - both great. Don't see need to move to 5D4. 5dsr is ff and mimics 1.3 and 1.6 crops. As you don't need giant prints probably not for you. I shoot birds and sports (soccer, cricket and rugby). Fps not an issue for me yet. There will be lots of used 5D3 and original 1DX around. Nice dilemma to have.

 

[Larsskv]

I have the 5Ds, had the 1DX and now have the 1DX II. The 5DIV will give you better files than the 1DX, but in use the 1DX is in a league of its own. It is much more responsive, have superior build, ergonomics and viewfinder, which together makes it much more inspiring to use. It is personal preference, of course, but I would pick the 1DX over the 5DIV. My 5Ds has beem gathering dust since I got (and fell in love with) the 1DX.

The user experience feels very similar between the 1DX and the 1DXII, but the latter has better AF, especially in low light and in tracking.

 

[eml58]

Perhaps your preferred type of Photography will push you one way or the other, if it's predominantly wildlife, then it's 1Dx, if it's predominately Landscape then perhaps the 5DMK IV.

I've owned the 1D Mk IV, 1Dx & now the 1Dx II, there's streets of progress between the 1D Mk IV and the 1Dx, a marginal increase in the 1Dx II, having said that I do prefer the 1Dx II for those marginal increases over the 1Dx, but I'de still be happy if all I had was the 1Dx, this Camera was the best Canon unit I've owned until the 1Dx II, and the 1Dx gives up nothing in Image quality to the 1Dx and very little in fps, but the AF is better.

I've never had a failure with the 1Dx, I've owned 3 of them and have carted them all over, North Pole & The Arctic, Antarctica, Africa, Deserts, Snow, Rain, these Cameras just get the job done. I've had a few weather failures with the 5D Mk III and after replacing those with the 5DsR, and learnt their limitations, I'm extremely happy with the 5DsR for Landscape and street Photography.

Financially right now the 1Dx has got to be a good buy, good luck on your final decision and happy photographing.

 

[timmy_650]

Looking at your lenses the 5D higher Mpx might be nice for cropping. Are you planning on selling your 1D IV?

 

[Deleted member 91053]

Hi folks,
I have been a 1D IV user for some time now. While I love almost everything about my recent camera, I do miss the FF sensor of my former 6D. I see two choices here to step up to: one is the 1DX (mk I), the other would be the 5D IV (1DX II is way out of my league). I am sailing towards the 1DX due to its built, fps, high iso, price but wifi, gps, better DR, F8 AF ability that 5D IV features are more than attractive. MP differential is not a deal breaker for my, as I rarely do prints and not particularly large ones. I shoot mostly wildlife, occasionally sports, landscapes as well.

Any input would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks in advance.

I don't have much experience of the 5D4, but what I had was all positive. To me it looks like one of (probably the) best all round camera going.On any single aspect of performance there are cameras to beat it but as an all in one package it is very hard to beat. Having said that, if you are a specialist, then there may be better choices.

For my uses the 1DX (or better still the 1DX Mk2) is the better option. I need speed/responsiveness/high ISO/high voltage batteries etc for my photography.

If you want a 1D4 in spades then it has to be the 1DX, but if you do not need the best that you can afford in speed/responsiveness then the 5D4 is probably a better camera. It is all down to your needs/wants.

Both are excellent but one is an all rounder the other is a speed merchant, which is best for you?

 

[scottkinfw]

I moved up from the 5D3 to 1DXII. No experience at all with the 1DX or 5D4.

Like you, I primarily shoot wildlife. It was an intimidating step for me on many levels, but surprisingly, I adapted quickly to the bigger body, buttons, and menus. You will have a much easier time than I did for sure.

I am not sure about your reluctance with the 1DXII. If money is the issue (and for most of us it is), when I was thinking about your decision (5D4 wasn't out in time), I decided on the II version because this was my big chance, and I wouldn't get another big purchase like this for who knows when.

I consulted Edward who posted above, and also Neuro, both great sources.

In summary, I didn't want to give up my full frame. The 1DX is great and very similar overall in capability to the 1DXII. I am sure you have studied the differences. Either way, you should be very happy with either 1DXI or II if you decide to go that way. So you have to then decide between the X vs. the 4. Not too bad a situation overall.

All the best on that one.

By the way, I love my X, and I still take my 5D3 as a backup and second camera when I go on wildlife photo shoots (which is never often enough).

Scott

 

[Jack Douglas]

AdamBotond, it's very personal. My choice if I couldn't justify the 1DX2 and would miss the reach of the 1D4 would be the 5D4, for its extra cropping capability. If I had the reach I needed and didn't mind the 18 MP then the 1DX. Personally, although it might sound superficial, I really wanted the illuminated AF points of the 1DX2 after having had them with the 1D4 and I now would be hard pressed to give up the 14 FPS. If you don't care too much about the speed I'd go 5D4.

Jack