I have decided to buy a 2nd hand 1D Mk II....a really big leap for me (and VERY exciting) I'm currently watching 2 on Ebay, and here is my dillema....

One finishes at 11.00 am tomorrow morning (it's now 10.45 pm)
It's starting at $2000 (about $1700 US) and still no bids on it! I have a feeling this camera is going to go very cheap! I've emailed the seller and he says it only has 800 actuations or so (he's guessing)...
Only problem is, it's not the 'N' version....it's a 1D MK II. I looked up the difference on DP Review and it seems the main difference is smaller screen size, slower buffer and NO picture styles. I NEVER use picture styles...I shoot RAW and use LR.

I'm a little bummed about this. I thought I really wanted the 'N' version. There is one also on Ebay...3 days to go, and already LOTS of bids! I'm only guessing, but I think it will go to at least $3500 Australian ($3000 US)...probably much higher. It's only 8 mths old, 3500 actuations.

Bottom line. Any 1D Mk II / 1D MkIIn users out there have an opinion on this for me? Would it really be worth spending well over $1000 extra for the 'N'? I'm thinking all of that leftover change could go toward a really nice lens.

BUT I don't want to make a wrong decision here...or one I'll regret ( BTW I do realize ANY 2nd hand purchase has risks) I don't know enough about these 2 cameras to make a sound decision!!!

Help OSP....I need you to help me spend my hard earned!

Annie

I know you don't give this as an option but I'd buy the 5D. In my opinion it's the best all around camera, plus it's much newer than any Mark II...

Get the mark II N. The functionality has changed a bit from the Mark II to the N, making a few simple functions a lot more accessible on the N than previous models. Also, you're looking at higher buffers, some new custom functions and a much much much better screen.

Don't get a 5D... sure 13mp is nice, but you know that you want a pro body and a 5D just isn't gonna cut it. Oh... and the 1D has a ~200,000 shutter cycle life. 5D is about half that from what I remember.

I'd disagree.


Annie - I shoot a pair of the MkII's (non-N) and they are awesome in every way. If you're shooting raw and editing in LR (as am I) then you don't need any of the style stuff in the camera. Thats for people shooting jpeg and trying to skip some post process.

The display is a bit smaller, but it's fine. I have no complaints about mine.

You can write raw to one card and jpeg to the other card on the N, but that's the only real feature difference as I see it.

The buffer on the regular MkII is fine. Just fine. You WON'T hit the end of the buffer as long as you're using UltraII speed cards (most current flash cards) and even the old 1st generation 1GB CF cards - I shoot lots of those, and there is no problem with speed. You can shoot Raw at 8 frames/sec and you can hammer off 20 to 30 shots before it'll finally slow down due to the buffer. Unless you're shooting auto racing, don't even worry about it.

All of the wearable parts in the MkII can be serviced - the shutter and everything else. If you get a good deal, worst case, you'll have to replace the shutter eventually which isn't all that expensive. These things are built like tanks, so as long as the previous owner didn't do something awful to it, they'll probably work like new. For a long time.

Mine are now 2 years old with a bizillion shots on each - hard core shooting constantly, full time wedding work, they're still like new. I LOVE them.

I would advise to skip the 5d. Sure it's newer, but the images are also twice the file size requiring more storage and more horsepower to edit. The focus system and build quality of the MkII's are MUCH better than the 5D. There's a place for everything, but the MkII (any flavor) will deliver razor accurate autofocus every time, and they'll take a beating. I can honestly say that unless I were shooting super detailed studio work, there's just no need for more MP.

Put good L lenses on it and you'll be thrilled.

Make sure you get all the info for the Canon Pro Service from the seller - each 1-serries camera comes with a registration for CPS - make sure to contact Canon and get the registration swtiched to your name in case you need service in a hurry.

Enjoy!

Carlos, Trevor and Kevin....

Thanks so much for your replies! I really appreciate you taking the time.

I have considered th 5D....even did a shoot this weekend with a friends 5D. The thing is, I'm super critical of focus (have had very hit and miss focus with my 30D) and so I guess I just have my heart set on a 1D. I really want all those lovely precision focus points! I liked my friends 5D....but I still want the 1D!!!

The 1D Mk II (not "N') finishes in about 15 minutes. I realised a couple of hours ago the seller doesn't seem to be including the battery and charger. I've emailed him repeatedly to clarify this...but no reply as yet. Suddenly that camera is not such a bargain after all. It seems a battery and charger will cost me about $500 Aus. THAT difference makes me think I'll hold out for the 'N' auction on Thursday. If it goes too high....I'll wait. I'm sure there'll be more....

I'll let you know what happens! Thanks again for caring!

Annie

as far as price on the N, make sure not to pay over $2900 or $3000 at the VERY HIGHEST. i've seen them go for $2700 or so in good condition, so just something to think about. keep an eye out on KEH.com as well, as i'm sure they will start seeing some pour through due to the recent release of the mark III.... i'd almost buy another mark II N but i'd really love to have a mark III by sometime this fall.

Hi Annie,

I have both a 5D and a MkIIn and they are totally different animals... They are physically about the same size (5D with grip) but the 1D is substantially heavier and more 'solid'. The 45 focus points on the 1D are a plus but mine doesn't focus as well in low light as my 5D, the MkIII is supposed to have improved that (Thanks to Nikon for setting bar high in that regard).

I've been using them both at the last 3 weddings I've done, but if I had to choose one, there's no question, I'd take the 5D. It's files are much cleaner at high ISO and the full frame sensor takes full advantage of the 'character' of my lenses.

Sorry I don't have any advice about the n vs non-n... I'm sure Kevin is right that they are both killer cameras.

Just thought I'd throw in my .02 about the 1D vs the 5D. For sports or fast action PJ the 1D is the winner, but for more relaxed paced portraits and general wedding work, the 5D is my choice (especially when the lights get low).

Good luck shopping!

~Bill

PS. I bought my MkIIn as a Canon Factory Refurb from Adorama for $2800, added a 2 year Mack warranty for $130... ;-)

I have many of the same questions Annie does when it comes to the differences between these cameras. But why exactly is the file size larger on the 5d as compared to the 1d? I'm not the most tech savvy gal on the block so forgive me if that seems like a silly question

The 5D has almost 13 megapixel, while the Mark has only ten. That is the new one, I think the older versions of Mark has maybe only eight. I love my 5D and the clarity from it and how it handles the high ISO.

the 5D is 12.8 megapixels, the 1D mark II and II N are 8.2 megapixels. more megapixels = bigger file size.

the mark II and mark II N are just fine for wedding coverage, portraits and just about anything else excluding high-res stock photography. i print 30x40 canvases from my 1D mark II N files and they are just fine for that size of print. however, a 5D would obviously render larger files and cleaner images with room for cropping, but i've honestly never had a problem with the mark II N... plus, i mean, its a pro body! who can beat that? ;-)



the mark 3 has 10 megapixels... the mark II and II N that are mentioned in this thread are 8.2

Ooooohhh....Thanks so much for that little piece of advice! (I will assume you mean $US)

The non-N on ebay went for $2700AU, with NO battery or charger. I let it go!

I have no problem at all buying from the States...except I think I would have to factor in (or at least assume) import tax on top...10% extra!

I'll keep shopping (browsing)....SO exciting!

Annie

yeah, i meant US... slipped my mind that you're in australia. I have no idea in that case... it totally depends on the market. The one you passed on would have been almost $3200... i'm glad you passed on it because that's almost what you can buy a new N here for in the US.

I also shoot with both (Mark II N and 5D)....and just like Bill said, they are TOTALLY different animals. Here's my breakdown between the two.

Advantages of the 5D

1. Better high ISO. Quite a bit better actually.
2. Much bigger viewfinder. It's awesome.
3. Lighter. If you're carrying it around all day that makes a big difference.
4. I like the screen on the 5D a lot better than the Mark II N.

Advantages of the Mark II N

1. Bigger buffer
2. Buffer clears A LOT faster than the 5D buffer clears
3. 45 AF points vs. 9 on the 5D, although I wouldn't really use ALL of those 45, particularly in low light.
4. faster fps. I keep my Mark II N on 6 fps vs. the 3 fps on the 5D
5. Weather sealing. (hey common, it rains around 8 days a year in Santa Barbara)....

Ummmm... duh. Don't I feel smart ?? Ha! Thanks Trevor!

Well Chris (and Bill )

Thanks to your posts, from the perspective of owning BOTH the 5D and the 1DMKIIn, I am now officially on the fence! (oh dear)

I primarilly shoot weddings and portraits (mostly babies, kids, families etc. both studio and location)
I've been using a 30D, and have had contstant issues with poor focus. My most used lens is 24-70 2.8L...also a few fast primes, a 70-200 f4 (all Canon) and a Tamron 17-35. I've had the 30D re-calibrated for focus and metering, and it still really sucks. So focus on my next camera is really important to me!

BUT... so is good quality in low light (low noise) I shoot a lot indoors, between wedding 'getting ready' shots and family home sessions. Like most everyone else, I strive to use fast lenses and natural light as much as possible!

I know the 1D has superior focusing, but according to you both it's not as good as the 5D in low light. You both describe the 1D as better for 'action'...and both say you still prefer the 5D overall for portrait style work. Being very honest with myself, the vast majority of what I shoot is NOT action based. By your assessment, I would actually be better offf with the 5D!

I guess my main question is, what's the focus on the 5D like? (in your opinion) Is it better than the 30D? ....Is there a difference in the actual specs? If I'm going to 'move up' to the 5D, I would be SO disappointed if I still had to struggle with poor focus all the time.

Anyone else have an opinion on this, please say so.....

Annie (confused, and SO ready to spend....)