Camera Bodies

[peety3]

I'm in the good/bad position of being married to another Canon shooter. My plan these days is to buy a new camera annually, partly as a write-off and partly so that we don't end up with ancient cameras (two people * two cameras each). Right now, we've got two 1Dx, 5DsR, 5D4, and 5D3 (plus my trusty 1D3 that I refuse to sell). The 5D4 serves as both my wife's primary camera (lighter than a 1Dx, "safer" than a 5DsR as she's not disciplined enough to stay low ISO and shake-free) and a backup to "my" 5DsR. The 1Dxes get hauled out for action (not necessarily for frame rate, but for their responsiveness, and certain other features), and now that we got the 5D4, the 5D3 collects dust (actually it's on loan to my dad with our 100-400) but it is available for when we do Alaska cruises (I roll with three cameras) and when I need a remotely-triggered camera.

However, I'm really torn on what to get next. Do I wait for a new version of the 5DsR, and pay bleeding-edge prices for it? Do I get a 1Dx2 and begin to phase out the 1Dxes (or realistically sell the 5D3 and move the 1Dx to dad's place)? I don't see a need for two 5D4s: if my wife is shooting with two cameras, she's going to want one of them to be a 1Dx for action, and if I'm shooting with two cameras, I'm going to want a 5DsR or a 1Dx long before I want a pair of 5D4s.

[Kayaker72]

Very interesting reading what all of you are thinking.

In terms of yet to be introduced by Canon, I would likely be most interested in back side illumination (BSI) sensors, which is supposed to take sensor efficiency from ~60% to a theoretical maximum of ~90%. That would give ~0.5 stops improvement across the board and also max out what sensors can do. The Nikon D850 and Sony A7R II have BSI. Using DXO data, they have a slight advantage of the 5DIV depending on where you look. But, for the most part and despite the buzz, the 5DIV seems to hold its own and even beat them in some areas, so, as is usual, there may be a lot more to the story.

After that, I may want 120 to 240 fps in full HD video most. The 5DIV has 120 fps for "HD" video (720 p), so that is something I am interested in playing with. As I actually shoot a lot of family stuff and am working to mix in more video. I like the idea of taking a scene and slowing it down.

Then there are a few radom things, fast flash sync speed, built in intervalometer, etc. I do like the flip screen on my other cameras, but am not sure if I will like it on my main body. There is just a line that is crossed in how I am using the body.

Medium format could be an alternative to my super high MP camera that I can see wanting some day. My issue will be the cost of everything that goes into a new system (lenses, etc), but you never know and that could be a great two camera system (general purpose and MF systems)

This year has been a disappointing year for those who feel the need to upgrade each year.
Maybe next year we will see a 5Ds R II.

That is the rumor, a 5DsR II, 7D III, and a "new dSLR" next year. Speculation for the "new dSLR" seemed to focus on a high MP/lower fps 1D series body. Then full frame mirrorless in 2019 and the next generation of the 1Dx and 5D in 2020/2021.

It actually lays out pretty nicely if you think about it from a revenue generation perspective for Canon. Of course, add in new lenses/rebels/M series bodies in there as well.

However, I'm really torn on what to get next. Do I wait for a new version of the 5DsR, and pay bleeding-edge prices for it? Do I get a 1Dx2 and begin to phase out the 1Dxes (or realistically sell the 5D3 and move the 1Dx to dad's place)? I don't see a need for two 5D4s: if my wife is shooting with two cameras, she's going to want one of them to be a 1Dx for action, and if I'm shooting with two cameras, I'm going to want a 5DsR or a 1Dx long before I want a pair of 5D4s.

Bit of a tough call. Even when new, a 5DsR will likely be less than a 1Dx II. Plus, the 1Dx series is intended to last longer. So, to me, you would really need to want a feature in 1Dx II to update. Otherwise, I suspect the 5DxR upgrade will be both less expensive and likely expand that camera's ability a bit more than the 1Dx vs 1Dx II. Of course, this is speculating about a yet to be announced camera.

[HDNitehawk]

Speculation for the "new dSLR" seemed to focus on a high MP/lower fps 1D series body.

Lest we forget the 1Ds IV.

I think the days of two different 1D production bodies has past.

[Fast Glass]

Peety3, I am getting a 1D III soon as well. I've always wanted one and am now curious. Why do you not want to get rid of it? Doesn't it feel ancient compared the your 1Dx?

[clemmb]

I love my 1DIII. 10mp is usually plenty. If I had the opportunity to upgrade to a 1DIV I would but until, I'll keep using it. I also have a 1DsIII. Both are identical in terms of operating so its an easy switch back and forth but the 1DIII is usually my go to.

[Fast Glass]

I have always liked the 1D III. I have thought about getting a 1Ds III as a companion. But more than likely I'd would upgrade to a 1Dx. My thought is they both use the same bateries so I can snag a hell of a deal on a 1Dx body only.

So I would keep the 1D III and a 1Dx. Now that would be sweet.