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DPChallenge Forums >> Hardware and Software >> Canon 1Ds
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04/02/2008 09:58:49 AM · #1
Hi guys, just wondering what people think of this camera? The 1Ds...not the Mark II or III versions, but the original.

I'm considering buying a used one from a studio that's well cared for, I've read good reviews, but I realize it's 'old' technology. I'm not into keeping up with the Jones's, I just want a reliable, sturdy camera. I have a 30D that I would use as a back-up if the Canon 1Ds is as high quality as I read it is.

I appreciate any response!
Lori

Message edited by author 2008-04-02 09:59:12.
04/02/2008 10:05:25 AM · #2
It was state of the art at one time. Just like a 60s ferrari was the bees knees in the 60s, it's behind even a family car these days, performance wise. Such is the same with the 1Ds. It's 6 years old...very old in tech terms.

3 fps...ISO 1250 max, realistically means 800 is all you'd be able to use. It takes different batts, different interface than your 30.

It dates from the D60 era...how old is that? Hmm...10D, 20D, 30D, 40D have come out since...5 generations old then. Wow.

For $500 it might be a fun toy, a cheap way to go FF perhaps. For $1000 or so I'd suggest you get a 40D instead.
04/02/2008 10:34:44 AM · #3
You don't say how much, but it is a pretty old camera.

Unless you need what it offers over what you can get in another camera for the price, I'd pass.

04/02/2008 11:09:38 AM · #4
I'd end up paying around $1200 so sounds like too much. I was also thinking of holding out for a 5D...we'll see I guess! Thanks guys for the comments :-)
04/02/2008 11:47:45 AM · #5
Fps don't mean the world to me. Most of my shots are set at ISO 100-400. The battery is compatible with other 1-series Canons. It's FF, has enough mps for most pro purposes and large prints, it's weather-sealed and built to last. It would, certainly, be worth the asking price to anyone who can't spend more for a Mk II or III version.

$ 500, with all respect, seems a bit of an insult to this venerable old maid.

04/02/2008 11:58:37 AM · #6
Right now you could get a 5D for around $1800 second hand, $2100 new. The price on the 5D is likely going to go down this Fall when the 5D II is released. The image quality of the 5D would be a LOT better than that of the 1Ds. But the build quality of the 1-series DSLR's is worth the premium, not to mention better AF and metering systems. A fair price would probably be around $900 to $1100.
04/02/2008 12:08:44 PM · #7
I was interested in the 1Ds because of the build quality, but image quality is more important at this point. It's a tough decision!
04/02/2008 12:18:05 PM · #8
Originally posted by Prof_Fate:

It dates from the D60 era...how old is that? Hmm...10D, 20D, 30D, 40D have come out since...5 generations old then. Wow.


The 1Ds was an entirely different sensor, processor and price bracket, compared to the D60, 10D, 20D, 30D and 40D. Doesn't seem to be a relevant comparison. D60 was $3k when it came out, 1Ds about the same time was $9k. The AF and build quality alone might make it a better option than a current 5D for certain users.

I remember this review being quite controversial at the time, when it claimed the 1Ds outperformed medium format film.

Image quality for a 1Ds is supposed to be roughly as good as a 1D MkII at lower ISO values. Yes the original 1Ds doesn't have ridiculously great high ISO performance, but it depends if you are running around shooting weddings or shooting in a studio or shooting gigs in a dark night club, what you might need.

Message edited by author 2008-04-02 12:23:15.
04/02/2008 12:22:19 PM · #9
The 5D is an awesome camera and I am beginning to realise that it was at least 18 months ahead of its time, its still highly desirable to own one so in a straight contest between the 1DS MK1 and the 5D, the 5D wins every time for me.
04/02/2008 12:25:12 PM · #10
Originally posted by Simms:

The 5D is an awesome camera and I am beginning to realise that it was at least 18 months ahead of its time, its still highly desirable to own one so in a straight contest between the 1DS MK1 and the 5D, the 5D wins every time for me.


My shoulder would pick a 5D over a 1 series camera every time too. Too damn heavy. But if you need the build quality, or the AF quality and it is half the price, the 1Ds might be worth a look. ETA: you mentioned shooting weddings, I would probably go for a 5D or even one of the new cheaper crop bodies, mainly because of the ISO performance.

Message edited by author 2008-04-02 12:39:10.
04/02/2008 12:30:15 PM · #11
I think the weight would end up being a big factor since I lug my own gear around weddings all day long. I might wait until the fall for the new 5d to come out and get the old one for cheap(er).
08/04/2008 01:18:32 PM · #12
a little late to weigh in on this, but...

I currently own a 40D, 30D, xti and a rebel along with an older 10D. I just picked up a used 1ds that had less than 5000 clicks on it. I shoot primarily weddings and or portraits. Very little sports (unless its my kids!).

I was immediately blown away by the 1ds! The focus is immediate and accurate! Did I mention accurate? My 40D is a pretty reliable camera, but when I started shooting the 1ds I am just amazed. I don't need to look at the pathetic LCD to verify focus, I don't have to really care. The rehearsal dinner/picnic I just shot (outdoors, informal backyard party) not one image was out of focus. The speed and ease of picking an AF point is great and its a well balance, albeit heavy camera. I am one happy puppy! As for the above 800 ISO issues with grain, well, I use the 40D for the lowlight/no flash in church photos...

I am not at all regretting this purchase!

Message edited by author 2008-08-04 13:19:06.
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