7D or 1D mk iii (apologies in advance)

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James
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Hi all,

Sorry for yet another 'what gear' thread, I never though I'd be posting one of these. :rules:

In the not too distant future I'll be looking at getting a 2nd body to go alongside my 5D.

I was looking at the 7D but then it was pointed out to me, that once I've bought a grip and whatnot, the cost is going to be pretty similar to a 2nd hand 1D III.

I was thinking, the 7D gives me a bit more reach. But high ISO and good AF are more important to me.

I've read and heard glowing and shall we say, not-so-glowing reports on both bodies. I know there are a number of you guys who've had both, so what do you think? How does the 7D handle the higher ISOs compared to the 1D (~3200) and does the 1D still murder the 7D's AF?

Main uses will be events, journalism and a little bit of sports. It will pretty much live with a 70-200 2.8 IS bolted to it if that makes any difference (with a 24-70 going on the 5D).

Any opinions greatly appreciated. :)

Cheers,

J
 
Not sure you are comparing apples with apples there Jay. At new prices the 1D3 is more than twice the price of a 7D, which makes that a very expensive battery grip you're adding to the equation.

7D is fantastic for a crop camera, no question, but it can't compete with a 1D3's bigger sensor and full-on pro spec body.

If you can get an as-new 1D3 for similar money to a 7D plus grip, bite their flippin hands off! Bear in mind that the 1D3 tends to get well used. Sure they can take it, but that's not the same as a new camera :)
 
I've had both and at the same time too, unless you want video, a slightly better screen and a built in spirit level then the 1dMk3 is probably your choice. This is provided you can live with the loss of the 1.6x crop for a 1.3x.

They are both very good cameras and each will probably suit you well, but for me the 1DMk3 pressed my buttons and I would still have it now had the opportunity not come up to get a reasonably priced swap for a 1Ds Mk3.
 
I've got a 7D, but did notice that I could have got a used 1D3 for not much more money. The extra size and weight swayed me, it's not something that suits me. It's also the reason I got rid of a 70-200 f2.8 and bought the smaller and lighter f4.

However, in your position I'd go for the 1D3, it will be a great match for the 70-200 f2.8. With the 24-70 on your 5D, you've got the best of both worlds.

Having said that, I'm loving the 7D, it's a massive improvement over my 40D. :)
 
I think the 1DIII will be the better camera for you compared to the 7D.
 
I think it's like saying, should I buy a brand new volkswagen golf or a 2nd hand porsche 911.

I think that would be a no brainer
 
I'd normally say get the 1D III, for the reason the pro-spec body will outlast the 7D.. I still use a 1D II and it still gives me results.

Would you still feel the 7D gives results in 2, 3 or 4 years time when it's been superseded by newer models?
 
I'd normally say get the 1D III, for the reason the pro-spec body will outlast the 7D.. I still use a 1D II and it still gives me results.

Would you still feel the 7D gives results in 2, 3 or 4 years time when it's been superseded by newer models?

This is the thing, it's gotta last whatever it is as it'll most likely be a while before I can upgrade. I've heard a lot of people questioning the image quality from the 7D, possibly that's just people expecting too much though.

Mark III is making more and more sense to me at the moment, especially if I get the opportunity to do more outdoor sports this year.
 
I don't have a 1DIII but I do have a 1DsII which I run alongside my 7D. They are both good cameras but if I had to lose one, it would be the 7D - no hesitation.
 
There's a general pattern to how people are assessing their 7D's on this and other forums.
Those who have moved up from a 40D or 50D are quite content with their new 7D. Users who've added a 7D to a 1DII or 1DIII are less than impressed....I fit into the latter category.

Bob
 
I have a 7D, don't have a 1DIII, but have a 1DS III, to try and answer your questions, I think if the image/scene is evenly lit, then the 7D noise (or lack of) is comparable to the 1Ds MKIII, where it struggles a bit is in shadow detail noise, with the larger files of the 1DS III I can manage the shadow noise better than 7D's files.

IMO, the af and af tracking of the 7D is as good as 1Ds III, I've been very impressed at this aspect of the 7D, don't know how it compares with 1D IV though.

Another important consideration considering the intended usage, is that the 1 series bodies are extremely robust, they will take any amount of punishment that a non pro body could never manage.
 
Well I was in the similar position yesterday.

I own a 7D and for some reason I just wasn't satisfied with the image quality when viewed at 100%

Anyway I saw a Mk III on ebay with only 5500 clicks and in excellent looking condition, I put a maximum bid of £1600 and got it for £1270 the same price I paid for the 7D, now all I have to do is sell my 7D and grip and it'll be just like swapping one camera for the other.

I can't comment on the 1D performance but I am a member of fredmiranda forum and a lot of people their swear by the 1D:thumbs:
 
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