Help Wanted -- 5D Mark II or 1D Mark IV?

[greggf]

Hi Chris.


Depending on the venue and available light, and of course which lens would you be using? I have taken some great shots using the 5D2 in AI hi-speed(wouldn't really call it hi-speed though!!), but your keeper rate won't be that fantastic because the frame rate being so slow, you jump a little too much between shots. Of course, if you're tracking, and anticipating, and are good at it, you can get some decent shots. The center point does work really well, too. There is a guy on DPreview forums, who swears his 5D2 center locks better than his 1D4 center point in low light....


My personal preference is the 1D4. I try to frame the way I see the shot, thus not having to crop too much. Having 45 points that, once again, as far as I'm concerned, lock all as good as the center point, lends to that task(framing). Plus, the auto-focus is blazing fast on the 4. Especially coupled with the new 70-200 2.8ll(rarely leaves either camera, by the way!!). With the 4 and 10 frames, you could burn shots, trying to get the perfect one....digital is sssoooooo nice!!


Both have great hi ISO, and with today's noise reduction software( I use Nik Dfine 2.0...but looking forward to LR 3 for comparison), I think you have more play in the 1D4 files(especially raw, the only way to shoot, BTW). The 1D4 files just have a LOOK to them, even at hi ISO, with a really good film grain feel.


I think you could survive with the 5D2 if that was you're budget...especially with a couple of fast primes. but the 1D4 would be my choice for that particular situation. Then again, not having used a 7D, that might work, too. I've just read that anything above 1600 or 3200 on the 7D, you really start to push your luck...


GreggF

[Chris White]

Hi Gregg,

Depending on the venue and available light, and of course which lens would you be using?

The light is low at my daughters recital at times. I currently have the 24-70 2.8 L and the 70-200 2.8 for use right away with either body.

I think you could survive with the 5D2 if that was you're budget...especially with a couple of fast primes. but the 1D4 would be my choice for that particular situation. Then again, not having used a 7D, that might work, too.

I realize that the 7D is certainly a step up from my 50D, but the 1D IV is a giant (huge, dare I say) step up. My decision between those two already favors the 1D IV, no offense to the 7D people. It is just that I have a very usable body in the 50D. When I add a second body I want to upgrade as much as possible. The 5D II intrigues me since it is a great full frame sensor at a good price. The trade as Bryan mentions in the review is the slower frame rate and shutter lag. I think with slower action I could work with it. As it is now, I usually shoot at the lower continuous speed on my 50D, which is probably close to the 5D II highest rate.


I am half-way towards the 1D IV so I could pick up the 5D II now, but that would push the 1D IV way back on the acquisition list. I do see the merit in the 5D II and some good prime glass. It is a harder choice when it comes time to pull the trigger than I first thought. I was all 'hot' for the 1D IV when it came out, and certainly covet a 1 series.


Chris