The ludicrously large 1d series

[JoeDavid]

I don't have any problems with the weight of the 1DX or the 1DX2. I did have a real problem with the size difference when I moved from a 1Dm4 to the 1DX. I have a couple of backpacks and a couple of shoulder bags that are the most functional camera equipment carriers I've found over the years. While the 1Dm4 worked fine in all of them with a lens attached, the 1DX was too tall. If I use one of them, the 1DX or, now the 1DXm2, has to go in without a lens attached with a body cap laying down. Not exactly a "run and gun" setup.

 

[scottkinfw]

I think that's good logic. I just bought high mileage 1dx for about 2800. It'll get here next week. I suspect I can unload it later for roughly same price. Perhaps that'll last me till the 5d4 arrives, if it turns out to be much better.

I'll have the 100-400 II on it most of the time. Throw anything else on, like a TC, flash with better beamer, etc., and you hit that gallon-of-milk inflection point.

Obviously, you didn't get your discouragement in time. Enjoy!

sek

 

[9VIII]

When I still had a 5D2 I used it almost exclusively with a battery grip... When I had a 5D2... I guess that kind of gives away my conclusion.
I loathed going hiking with the 5D2 so much that I would take the 12MP 1100D out birding instead, and given that the 1100D still has a higher pixel density I figure I'm not missing much.
I can't wait to see what Canon comes up with for the EOS-M Pro and 6D2. Actually I almost bought the 6D and I think if I had it might have pushed me on to Full Frame forever vs. my current crop obsession. The 6D is lighter, has wi-fi, and to this day has some of the best low-light IQ you can get. It may very well have been perfect, if I hadn't decided to save a few hundred dollars and go for the 5D2 instead.

Which brings me to the conclusion of: Don't get the 1D and I have absolutely no clue what you should get instead. (but I see you got the 1D, so, have fun with the super speedy AF). But something the size of the 1D was a deal breaker for me in many applications.
I did love the look some people give when you pull a gripped Canon out of your bag though. It's like "Oooh, we should definitely get out of that guys way."
And then apparently some venues try to throw you out for having something like that. Not to mention some parts of Africa where people will murder you without a second thought for a camera that valuable.

My best experience with the 5D2, grip and all, was Disneyland. Using a 40mm Pancake even makes giant bricks not too difficult to pull out of a backpack.

 

[brianftpc]

when I weighed 130 pounds I wagged the 1dx around at events that lasted all day with no problem at all. The 1dx weighs 3.4 pounds.....the 5d mk3 weighs 2 pounds. Why are so many people so physically weak that an extra 1.5 pounds feels so damn heavy. If the camera is so heavy to you simply try holding it in the other hand in between shooting with it.

 

[pwp]

You get used to 1 series cameras pretty quickly....

Understatement of the week. :

From the moment late last century when I unboxed my first 1-Series, an EOS-1n I was convinced. And they've never stopped being 100% awesome. In terms of feel and handling, the original 1Ds is so similar to the current bodies it isn't funny. ;D

-pw

 

[Zeidora]

I always used gripped bodies, back in film days, and now on 5D2 and 5DsR. The high format shutter alone is worth it. Additional mass also means more inertia, you can hold the camera more steadily. A 1D series is not for me, prefer MP over FPS. Short of Antarctica, where I don't want to go anyway, I think I'm better off with two 5D bodies rather than one 1D. Ideally, the 5D series would have a high capacity battery built into the body, like the 1D series.

A gripped 5D can also get you the "pro" label. I've been stopped by park rangers to check on my commercial permit just with a 5D, Zeiss makro (not even a white lens), flash, and tripod.

 

[Eldar]

The 1D bodies have fantastic ergonomics and they are a joy to use, with everything from the smallest to the largest lenses. The main reason why the 1DX-II looks (almost) identical to the 1DX is because the 1DX is pretty close to perfect. If weight is an issue, find a gym

 

[George D.]

The next innovation needs to be on batteries. Reducing battery size significantly reduces body size and costs lesser to manufacture (and sell). Multiple benefits.

Smaller battery means lower power reserves which mean AF not a quick on big lenses (a lot of glass to move) and not as many shots between charges. You can't fight the laws of physics. And given the main target market of the `1Dx the payoff would not be well received, I think.

I was saying smaller battery with the same (or better) power efficiency.

Actually Canon seems to be working on it. The 1DX II has a larger rear LCD screen (power eater) yet battery size remained same.

Think of early mobile phones the kind of battery pack size they used to have and how small it is now. Mobile phone beat DSLR on battery size. It's high time we beat them at their own game. They started innovation from the opposite end (not sensor or lens quality but product size; we keep on seeing just sensor and lens).

Furthermore, if you haven't realized already larger size DSLR is becoming sort of hostile to authorities. They stop you asking why you're shooting public buildings ([email protected], please note). I'd say innovate on energy/battery efficiency, lose huge grips and all, and let us enjoy photography.

 

[scyrene]

If you plan on walking around with a 500mm f4 people will look at you funny but if you are at the zoo people will move out of the way.

Totally agree. It's like having a magic wand. Parents drag their kids out of your way to give you a better view. Clearly you're a pro and their kids are getting in the way of your job!

This does happen a bit What's funny is, a lot of the time the people ducking or stopping to avoid crossing my line of sight wouldn't affect the image at all - they don't realise how narrow the field of view is, and how distant the subject usually is.

Oh and as a general reply - I find people think a 5D is huge. People thought my 300D was a big intimidating camera! I don't think the 1 series is alone. But also most of the time nobody pays any attention either.

 

[Memdroid]

As someone who is considering moving from a 5DIII (gripped) to a 1D XII, I'm curious about this. For those who have used both styles, is the 1DX really that much bigger and heavier than a gripped 5D?

A gripped 5D III with two batteries is slightly lighter than the 1DX. The weight difference is about 200 grams I think, it is noticable. But the overall ergonomics on the 1DX are much, much better, which makes it easier to use than a gripped 5d3.

 

[Maui5150]

I actually thought it would be bigger.

Two words... Portrait Orientation.

The majority of my shots are done this way, and a grip, whether built in or added, is so much more comfortable.

I find a gripped body is better balanced, fits my hands better and is more comfortable / versatile than a non-gripped body

 

[pwp]

As someone who is considering moving from a 5DIII (gripped) to a 1D XII, I'm curious about this. For those who have used both styles, is the 1DX really that much bigger and heavier than a gripped 5D?

A gripped 5D III with two batteries is slightly lighter than the 1DX. The weight difference is about 200 grams I think, it is noticeable. But the overall ergonomics on the 1DX are much, much better, which makes it easier to use than a gripped 5d3.

There have been threads here that argue this point, but really, the completely superior ergonomics of any 1-Series body vs a gripped 5DIII is clear. It's one of the things that truly sets the 1-Series bodies apart. Anyone who argues otherwise has either rare, unique physiology or has never worked with a 1-Series. I work daily with both. It's no contest.

-pw

 

[George D.]

2) Care to speculate as to IQ comparisons between the non-existent 5d4 and the quite existent 1dx?
4) This one you need not answer, as I've discovered the answer... Will my wife allow me to carry this rig in her presence when other humans might see us?

Q2: We hope CR soon shines a light on this one.
IQ is not what separates these two though, purpose is (action/not really action).
Then for Q4, do wife and action go together? Enjoy.

 

[[email protected]]

Just curious to know if any of the posters to date have been female. Or if there are lurkers on the thread that haven't piped up who are female.

It strikes me that when you have a product that is rather large or rather small, the size of the individual is going to vastly affect their preferences. This isn't to say that women can't carry a big camera, but I do sense that there might be one more "pro" in the pros/cons columns for an alternative. Women have hands that are, on average, about 3/4 of an inch shorter. As these cameras are designed in Asia, where finger sizes are even smaller, it does seem odd. Unless cultural influences cause women to shy from the these types of cameras anyway. Or cultural influences cause photo pros to enjoy having a more "exclusive" camera design. I'd imagine many women who really cared about IQ would be grabbing Sony full frame systems in that case.

I actually have large hands. [Yes, Donald Trump did just become the presumptive nominee for one of my country's main parties last night. Sincerest apologies, rest of the world.] But I find that I sometimes shoot from contorted positions to get wildlife shots. It might be crawling on the ground. A few weeks ago, my daughter and I were returning from a woodcock mating dance photo session, when one of them landed right in front of us. The little guy knew we were there and froze. I was frozen with my camera about ten inches from my face, shooting the bird in live view, attempting to focus manually in what was essentially night time. With my arms extended, the weight seemed pretty extreme. This was with a 70-200 f/2.8 on a 5d2 or 7d2, as I forget whether I'd sold the 5d by this time. I spent more than 5 minutes (seemed like an hour) shooting the bird, with arms out.

If I were a studio guy, this wouldn't be a problem. A street shooter or event photographer, also not as much of a problem, as I'd be swapping hands and not having the camera up to my face for long bouts. But when I am generally sneaking around outdoors, once I'm in position to take a picture of a skittish creature, I'm trying to stay on target for as long as possible without moving for as long as possible.

Anyway, I'll stop pre-complaining and go out when I get this monster and shoot a whole bunch and report back.

 

[retroreflection]

My view on 1D size is that what's inside plus an ergonomic layout are in control.

I am also slightly annoyed at some of these posts, as well as what has been said in many other threads. "Just go to the gym" is not helpful.
There will come a day when each and every one of us cannot haul a 1Dxmlxvii around. I recently got my mom's favorite pair of Leica binoculars (say what you will about the cameras, if they can build binoculars that last through 20 years of my mom's abuse, they know their stuff) because she can't take the weight. While it might have been a little self serving, it was in her best interest for me to help her find a lighter pair rather than telling her to tough it out.
Also, each ounce counts. Especially when you are hiking long distances, or hand holding for long times. Ansel did haul those view cameras up mountains, but most are not him. Surapon seems to best him, with a modern flair.

I think the only sensible advice for the weight conscious is "try it before you buy it". It is a shame that you probably can't figure it out in the store, which rarely look like Yosemite, or accept customers spending 8 hours sitting in the corners shooting other customer's shoes. Rent, borrow, or simulate. Carry 8 pounds of rocks around for the next week, see it you like it.

 

[whothafunk]

I bought a 1DX about a month ago after using the gripped 7D2 for over a year and I really don't like the buttons (especially the preview and delete) below the main LCD display on the 1Dx. I definitely work faster with the 7D2 button layout, as I have to move (or reposition) my left hand in order to play with the photos on the 1Dx.

And I really don't understand the philosophy behind the 2nd smaller LCD display showing the folder numbers.. why would anyone need that?

Other than that, extremely satisfied with the 1Dx.

 

[Hannes]

And I really don't understand the phylosophy behind the 2nd smaller LCD display showing the folder numbers.. why would anyone need that?

I suspect it is a hang over from the olden days when a 4gb memory card was big and the camera took 11mpx photos.

 

[Hillsilly]

My 1 series body is a bit old - a 1Ds Mkii. Two thoughts immediately come to mind: -

1. It looks like a serious camera, and people take you more seriously.
2. It makes me appreciate mirrorless cameras more.

To answer your queries more specifically: -
1) Probably. But if you're looking at big cameras, why aren't you considering medium format? If you can summarise why a 1DX is a better choice than a Pentax 645 or a 5D, then you'll probably be able to ignore the size and weight.
2) DxO have already written their 5D4 review. I think we all know what it says - best sensor ever! (not!)
3) Yes, but no different to anyone else toting a DSLR. (Yet sneakily taking pictures of kids with an iPhone seems to be socially acceptable?)
4) If you wife likes feeling like a supermodel with her own paparazzo, then I'm sure she'll be into it. Otherwise....

 

[Cheekysascha]

I started out using the Canon 600D and switching to the 5D3 was such a huge change, the grip felt so much better and the design layout was insanely better but the weight change bothered me for about a month before I got used to it and the 600D felt like a toy, now two years later I use two 1DX cameras and the switch from 2 5d3's to the 2 1dx setup wasn't nearly as big as the 600d to 5d3, I think it's because of how the camera is designed, the grip and general ergonomics of the camera are so much better that the added weight issue didn't bother me at all when I switched, besides if you're like me and shoot adventure/landscapes in -30 celcius in snow storms and rain storms in the autumns here in Norway then there's not really any other option for a camera that can survive the conditions.

Also if you're in Norway or have access to any good camera stores like scandanavia photo you might get lucky like me, I got both of my 1dx camera's brand new for less then a 5ds or 5dsr with the mark 2 being on the market now so unless you want the little bump in features now would be the best time to buy a 1dx

Also to answer the rest of your questions I think the 5d4 will be a disappointment however comparing the 5d and 1d series isn't really a good idea as they're made for completely different kind of photographers.

And yeah it will make people get out of your way more, I recently shot a marathon here in Oslo and no one dared get close to me with two 1dx's hanging off my shoulders haha.


And your last question... I can tell you my girlfriend isn't the biggest fan of me using the 1d camera's over the 5d3's I still have as she is worried about my back after I injured myself on a hike a while ago but as for being embarrassed about it nah... I don't think she will be

 

[Stripedown]

I think that's good logic. I just bought high mileage 1dx for about 2800. It'll get here next week. I suspect I can unload it later for roughly same price. Perhaps that'll last me till the 5d4 arrives, if it turns out to be much better.

Hey there,
can I ask just how 'high mileage' your 1dx is/was?

I'm currently having the exact same dilemma, waiting for 5dIV or getting the 1DX now second hand.
The camera I can get a deal on at a local store is quite beat up(magnesium visible under the black paint at some places) and has a whopping shutter count of 550k!! the shutter has been replaced one time and the current one is at 200k. It's currently available for 2500, while all other 1dx's secondhand with lower shuttercount are going for 3300+ locally. The store also gives me a year of insurance but if I decide to keep it instead of buying the 5dIV I'd prefer to use the camera for ~4 years and not just one.
Just curious to your input on this.