Why buy/own an EOS-1D X ?

I know a lot of you folks out there have an EOS-1D X and are crazy about it, and I was wondering why you own one and which things it does better than other bodies, such as the 5D3 or 6D. Conversely, any good reasons not to own one (other than price, of course)?
 
There are numerous reasons why I own a 1DX. In my view it has the best ergonomics on the market, in a very solid wrapping. Some find it too big, but I find it just right. Its collection of functions, which covers just about everything I´d like it to do and its programability provides an ability to tailor it exactly to your specific needs. It has a very good AF system, very good low light performance, it does 12fps and it works and works and works and works.
 
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I have my 1DX for its responsiveness, speed, AF, high iso, bigger + higher voltage battery, build and ergonomics.
If my AF, iso and speed requirements (wants?) were a little less I am sure I would be very happy with a 5D3 and have a fatter wallet!
 
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I don't own one. I wish I did. However, I get to live vicariously through the members here who do. I've likened the experience to be what it must feel like to be a Dale Earnhardt fan. (When he was alive, of course)
 
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Why indeed? It's a valid question. Some people get them just because they can, others value a super dependable work tool and others get them to look cool, which is perfectly fine too. Why not?

But buying a 1DX won't make you a pro photographer, it just makes you a 1DX owner.

There's a raft of reasons people buy 1-Series bodies. They're just rock solid in a way that 5D3 and 6D just don't come near. I shoot daily with 5D3 & 1D-Mk4 and the Mk4 is the winner by orders of magnitude for handling, speed of operation, "just perfect" ergonomics, almost insane levels of weather sealing and long term dependability which is vital in business. The 1D4 has a shutter count of several hundred thousand and hums along like new whereas the 5D3 is now on it's third shutter. It's not an expensive job but equipment failure can cost you your reputation. Previous 1-Series bodies have been retired with 700K+ shutter counts and still functioning perfectly.

The 5D3 was my first non-1 Series body since the original 1Ds. While I love the files I get from the 5D3 in hindsight I wish I'd coughed up for the 1DX. I'll be first in line for the 1DX-II. Once you've travelled first-class it's hard to go back.

-pw
 
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pwp said:
Why indeed? It's a valid question. Some people get them just because they can, others value a super dependable work tool and others get them to look cool, which is perfectly fine too. Why not?

But buying a 1DX won't make you a pro photographer, it just makes you a 1DX owner.

There's a raft of reasons people buy 1-Series bodies. They're just rock solid in a way that 5D3 and 6D just don't come near. I shoot daily with 5D3 & 1D-Mk4 and the Mk4 is the winner by orders of magnitude for handling, speed of operation, "just perfect" ergonomics, almost insane levels of weather sealing and long term dependability which is vital in business. The 1D4 has a shutter count of several hundred thousand and hums along like new whereas the 5D3 is now on it's third shutter. It's not an expensive job but equipment failure can cost you your reputation. Previous 1-Series bodies have been retired with 700K+ shutter counts and still functioning perfectly.

The 5D3 was my first non-1 Series body since the original 1Ds. While I love the files I get from the 5D3 in hindsight I wish I'd coughed up for the 1DX. I'll be first in line for the 1DX-II. Once you've travelled first-class it's hard to go back.

-pw

True. 1dx is my first 1d body. The only upgrade path now is 1DX II.
 
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pwp said:
Why indeed? It's a valid question. Some people get them just because they can, others value a super dependable work tool and others get them to look cool, which is perfectly fine too. Why not?

But buying a 1DX won't make you a pro photographer, it just makes you a 1DX owner.

There's a raft of reasons people buy 1-Series bodies. They're just rock solid in a way that 5D3 and 6D just don't come near. I shoot daily with 5D3 & 1D-Mk4 and the Mk4 is the winner by orders of magnitude for handling, speed of operation, "just perfect" ergonomics, almost insane levels of weather sealing and long term dependability which is vital in business. The 1D4 has a shutter count of several hundred thousand and hums along like new whereas the 5D3 is now on it's third shutter. It's not an expensive job but equipment failure can cost you your reputation. Previous 1-Series bodies have been retired with 700K+ shutter counts and still functioning perfectly.

The 5D3 was my first non-1 Series body since the original 1Ds. While I love the files I get from the 5D3 in hindsight I wish I'd coughed up for the 1DX. I'll be first in line for the 1DX-II. Once you've travelled first-class it's hard to go back.

-pw

WOW 3rd shutter! can you please give approximate numbers on how many shoots it took for the shutter to fail on each time.
 
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meywd said:
WOW 3rd shutter! can you please give approximate numbers on how many shoots it took for the shutter to fail on each time.

Actually it's on it's fourth shutter. The first one collapsed after ten minutes. Then at round 70k under warranty and the next died at around 130k, out of warranty. But it was a relatively cheap job and I live close to CPS. FYI the shutter counter resets to zero when CPS puts a new shutter in. The newest one is only a couple of months old. CPS said 120-150k fails are quite common.

I don't often shoot continuous on the 5D3, but I do always use Silent shutter. I doubt that makes a difference but there you go. Who knows? I suspect I've just been very unlucky. I've heard of 5D Classics still going strong with a few hundred thousand clicks.

All good reasons to stick with 1-Series bodies.

-pw
 
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Not one single thing thing I dislike. The ability to set it up just like you want and which button does what is great. It's faster in any way. But my favorite feature of them all is the ability to set whatever speed I want as the slowest in Av mode and spotlinked AF.

What I don't like is that it's often something wrong with it. I use it carefully and I am no pro, but the ONLY part that haven't been replaced is the top plate. Back front, all buttons, memory card slot and screen. TWO mirror assembly's, 95% of the electronics, the shutter (gone at 167k). The mirror itself and focusing screen. Adjusted af module on three occasions. General calibration after working great for some time. It really should be more durable and last more than three years.
 
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fps, af, ergonomics, feel, looks.

And just because it's the best out there. Why shoot with the second best? Do you marry the second best girlfriend? Do you test drive cars and then pick the one you liked second best?
 
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Viggo said:
Not one single thing thing I dislike. The ability to set it up just like you want and which button does what is great. It's faster in any way. But my favorite feature of them all is the ability to set whatever speed I want as the slowest in Av mode and spotlinked AF.

What I don't like is that it's often something wrong with it. I use it carefully and I am no pro, but the ONLY part that haven't been replaced is the top plate. Back front, all buttons, memory card slot and screen. TWO mirror assembly's, 95% of the electronics, the shutter (gone at 167k). The mirror itself and focusing screen. Adjusted af module on three occasions. General calibration after working great for some time. It really should be more durable and last more than three years.
You sure got a Monday morning specimen. I have had it in for the modification Canon announced a couple of years back and that's it. It just works and works and works.
 
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Viggo said:
... the ONLY part that haven't been replaced is the top plate. Back front, all buttons, memory card slot and screen. TWO mirror assembly's, 95% of the electronics, the shutter (gone at 167k). The mirror itself and focusing screen. Adjusted af module on three occasions. General calibration after working great for some time. It really should be more durable and last more than three years.
Reading this list of broken parts and if I were you I'd be asking Canon for a replacement/conversion the next time something fails.
Like Eldar said, this really sounds like a lemon.
 
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