canon eos1d mk2. Any good?

Gary Bagshawe · 26-07-2005, 18:24

Hiya all, just wondered if anybody has the Canon 1d mark 2 and could give me any feedback on it as I am thinking of purchasing one.
All the specs etc appear to be good for the work that I do but a review of some sort from somebody who owns one would be usefull.

Matty · 26-07-2005, 19:11

alas i dont, but i think we have a new member who does!

Garnock? i think..../runs off to check

*yes its Garnock i think*

Adrian · 26-07-2005, 20:02

I got one 10 days ago. It's a little early for me to do a comprehensive review as I'm still getting to grips with it but it's exceeded my expectations already. I've been using a 10D and while it doesn't quite blow that into the weeds (the 10D's images are very, very good) the additional functions it offers make life very much easier - 45-point AF, spot metering (including a spot averaging system), evaluative metering that is very difficult to fool, autofocus that is much quicker, 8 frame per second max shooting speed, superb construction, 100% viewfinder, weather resistance...the list goes on. The 8.2 megapixels don't actually make a lot of difference but the extra is still good to have.

Depending on what you're going to be doing with the camera I'd certainly check it out and also look at the 20D as it may be that it would do everything you need without having to shell out the extra money.

CT · 26-07-2005, 20:04

Dazzajl uses one too I think.

There are some significant advantages with the 1D Mk2 . Mainly the larger sensor giving a FOV crop of only 1.3X or thereabouts IIRC. Lots of the settings are 'belt and braces' in that you can't alter a setting without pushing a button and sliding a switch or rotating a dial, so you can't accidentally change settings - very important in a pro camera. It's in every way a real pro camera with environmental seals at key points so the camera will still function in extreme conditions where lesser models tend to become paper weights in no time flat.

It's a lot of money, but you get what you pay for.

CT · 26-07-2005, 20:09

Quote:

Originally Posted by Adrian

I got one 10 days ago.

Git!!

milou · 26-07-2005, 21:05

Bit tongue-in-cheek but check out the rumours on the a new Canon snapper: http://photography-on-the.net/forum/...ad.php?t=87107 ;o

dod · 26-07-2005, 22:22

does/did anybody ever use the eye controlled focus? I had it on the EOS5 and switched it off very soon after trying it.

Adrian · 26-07-2005, 22:49

Quote:

Originally Posted by dod

does/did anybody ever use the eye controlled focus? I had it on the EOS5 and switched it off very soon after trying it.

None of the digital models have it. I tried it on an EOS-3 once and found it really useless.

Bachs · 26-07-2005, 22:55

If the forum would like to club together and buy me a 1ds, I would be happy to write an exclusive review on it.

Just let me know.

Gary Bagshawe · 27-07-2005, 13:59

Thanks for the feedback so far, some of the main reasons for buying this would be the fact that I can take pictures in the ****ing down rain (moto gp on sunday was fun with a d60 in torrential rain!!!)
The speed of the auto focus and metering options.
Oh well, looks like my local camera shop manager will be having another good day soon.

dazzajl · 01-08-2005, 15:29

Yup, when I'm not using real cameras with movements and the like

I turn to a 1D mkII.

I can't compare it to much apart form a 10D but I do really like using it. The first thing you'll notice with one of these is the shear size and weight of the thing. I personally prefer a hefty chunk of camera to something small and compact so it suits me fine but there are those that aren't offered enough extra over the likes of a 20D to warrant the size or cost.

In terms of quality, it's a fine peice of kit but in terms of capture I doubt it goes far beyond the quality of the 20. Where it really does excell is in what is does before the capture. The focusing is very fast and in most cases you can trust it with fast moving objects and fairly low light levels. The metering is usually just about on the money (although I still have this nagging feeling that my old EOS 100 and 5 were better).

The main reason I have the 1D is because I often have to get shots in places or weather that you'd rather not get a camera out in and I needed that sealed full metal shell. Oh and for spray and prey shooting you're not going to get much better than 11fps.

Adrian · 01-08-2005, 15:47

Just to add to my earlier thread - I spent 8 hours on an RNLI Lifeboat last week in ****ing rain and heavy seas, ensuring my 1D MKII got the same sousing as me. It performed admirably in conditions that would have seen my 10D ruined.

***Steve*** · 01-08-2005, 16:06

I'd just like to add that unless you are using a sealed lens as well as a sealed camera (most but not all Canon L lenses) then using it in bad weather is just as likley to end up in tears.

The real chances are that if you are using a 1Ds II that you are already using weather sealed lenses as well though

Just thought I would mention it

dazzajl · 01-08-2005, 16:12

and just to add to the add.....

Just becuase a camera or lens says it's weather sealed doesn't mean you shouldn't take all possible steps to keep it protected as best as poss when shooting in nasty conditions.

Pretty obvious to folks here I'm sure but I'd rather mention it anyway to be double safe.

The bodies are pretty good but a chamios over the lens is always a good idea.

Adrian · 01-08-2005, 16:31

Indeed guys - I was using my 17-40 which is weather resistant, and a large supply of soft paper towelling to wipe everything down at every opportunity.

Garnock · 12-08-2005, 14:42

Reasons why I bought a 1D MK II, as requested ;http://www.thephotographyforums.com/...ead.php?t=2807

I upgraded from the 10D and shoot mainly landscape and wildlife with the emphasis on landscape.

These are my reasons for upgrading to the 1D MKII as opposed to the 20D.
1. The 1.3 crop factor for landscape work.
2. Fast and more reliable AF.
3. AF is retaind at f8. I can now use AF with the 100-400 and a 1.4 TC.
4. Weather seal with appropriate lenses.
5. Spot metering.
6. Larger, brighter viwfinder with 100% FOV.

In general this camera is a pleasure to use. Yes it's heavy but it is very well balanced and sits in the hand well. The improvement in image quality, tonal range, lack of noise at high ISO plus all of the above resulted in far more keepers compared to my 10D.
The battery just seems to last forever. I won't give a number of shots because I tend to chimp alot and use IS lenses which will drain the battery.
The camera is extremely customizable with the usual Custom Functions plus the Personal Functions.

The negatives.

1. The obvious, it's heavy and bulky.
2. Out of the camera it's not as sharp as it's predecessor, the 1D. So a bit more process work required to get the best image. I shoot mainly RAW and processing is not an issue for me. The images do sharpen up incredibly well with some USM. In fact USM settings of 300, 0.4, 0 work well with no haloes.
3 More than double the price of the 20D
4

Once you've handled and used the 1D MK II it will be difficult to part with it.

Regards,
Cameron