jim10ec Loc: KNOXVILLE, TN

I have been a Canon user for a long time currently using a 7D MII and very happy with it. Most of my photography is with a local Professional Hockey Team (Game Photos), other misc. photography. However I have been getting an "itch" for a new camera, although the 7D MII is working great.

I am trying to make up my mind which way to go, either a Canon EOS 1D MII or Canon EOS 5D MIV. They both seem to be great cameras, although there is quite a price difference, and quite similar in operation with a few differences. I have read and researched everything I can find about both cameras, but just can't make a decision. The 1DX MII priced at $6299 (Kit - Body Only) and the 5DMIV $3499 (Body Only). The cost difference tends to push me to the 5DMIV, but because I would like this to be my last Camera purchase, I just can't make a decision.

My question to all, is the EOS 1DMII really worth the additional $3000?

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

How often do you need more than 6 FPS ?? ( fast action subjects)

jim10ec Loc: KNOXVILLE, TN

Actually following a hockey player down the ice at 12 FPS would be kind of nice, but not that important. I don't actually use the 6FPS that often, more single shot. I know I would use it "sometimes", but I don't use that as a difference maker though.

Notorious T.O.D. Loc: Harrisburg, North Carolina

I faced this decision a few months ago. I spent several moths looking over all my options including the possible switch to Nikon. After all was said and done my choice came down to the same choice, 1Dx Mk II or 5D4. I went with the 1Dx and have no regrets. I have Shot about 5,000 shots with it so far...slow time of the year for me...

I don't plan to buy another camera for a long time. I feel the autofocus and tracking is superior on the 1Dx Mk II. I can use the high burst rate. I like the CFast card although they are more expensive. I have a few CF cards that are fast I can use too. I have a 1D Mk III and I like the control layout and menu similarly. I prefer a vertical grip too. If the 1Dx MK II had the touch screen capabilities of the 5D4, which I believe could be provide by a firmware upgrade by Canon, it would be ideal. I decided I didn't need 30mp files, 20 is very fine and almost the resolution of the 5D3.

Cost...I calculated the price difference to be about $2,000. 5D4 plus grip and battery I figured about $4,000. I got the 1Dx MkII from B&H for $6,000 with CFast card and reader bundle. I feel I have one body that can shoot anything I want from racing and sports to portrait work and such. Plus the 1Dx is very rugged.

Good luck with your choice.

Best,
Todd Ferguson

LFingar Loc: Claverack, NY

Are you keeping the 7DII? If you are then you may want to go with the 5DIV if for no other reason then it's higher resolution compared to the IDX II. I have both the 7DII and the 5DIV and find that they complement each other quite well. The 7DII is superior for sports, BIF, etc, unless low light is a factor. The 5DIV is definitely better in low light. I did a test where I took the same shot with both cameras, using the same lens and settings. I then cropped the 5DIV shot to match the view perspective of the 7DII. I wanted to see if the increase in pixels would provide image quality equal to the 7DII. It didn't. There was a noticeable drop in quality compared to the 7DII. The 1DX II, with even fewer pixels would fare even worse I do believe.
The 1DX II is obviously an outstanding camera and probably the better choice if you can only have one. If you are keeping the 7DII then I think the 5DIV will give you some advantages regarding IQ, and for far less money. The 5DIV is an outstanding general purpose camera. Paired with the 7DII it is a hard combo to beat, IMO.

Basil Loc: New Mexico

Think of the glass you could buy for the difference.

speters Loc: Grangeville/Idaho

If you are really into sports and action photography, then yes. The Mark IV is somewhat adequate for that, while the 1D is great at it!

SharpShooter Loc: NorCal

Jim, that's not only a tough, but enviable position to be in!!! LoL
My suggestion is to go to The Digital Picture and read both reviews several time and very carefully to glean a better understanding between the two.
I have not used either a 1dxll or a 5lV.
I have used a 7ll and 1Dx interchangeably. I don't find those two very different.
What I absolutely love about the 1dx is the ability of the metering to follow the focus point. Much better exposure on faces etc. my 7ll struggles with that. It will meter the bright center area and the face is way underexposed. Both cameras struggle with focus when a high graphics jersey is involved. It locks on the jersey and not the face. That's a biggie if you are using a very fast lens wide open. I have not yet tried live view and face recognition, but the view finder will be locked out!
I will assume the 1Dxll will fare better because of the newer processors. How much better, I don't know.

On the other hand, the BIGGEST advantage to the 1Dxll is the frame rate and buffer. BUT if you DON'T use the frame rate, you DON'T need the buffer.
You're paying a LOT of money for those two features.
It doesn't sound like you need the mp. But more mp sure are nice when you have to crop.
If you don't get the 1Dx you could get a faster prime lens to boost speed and lower the iso(noise). Have you ever shot with a 200 f2? Maybe you'll want to forget either camera and get a lens. At 200mm you are very limited on what and how you shoot, but with good positioning, what you DO get can be spectacular!!
Good luck with THAT quandary! loL
SS

jim quist Loc: Missouri

I was talking to a canon rep about a lens I sent in for repair and asked about noise on those cameras. The 1dx is much better at noise reduction. The 1d series are weather resistant, and has a tough body design, not sure about the 5d. I switched to the 1D bodies (now have: 1d mk3, 1D mk4, 1Ds mk3) several years ago because of the kind of weather I shoot in and how rugged they are, It is the only Canon body I will buy.

Notorious T.O.D. Loc: Harrisburg, North Carolina

Maybe one L lens that will keep up with 30mp sensor. When I looked at it I could have gone 5D4 and almost got a100-400 Mk II lens with the difference. I have the 70-200 II and picked up a 2.0 teleconvertor when I went 1Dx MkII.

Maybe 2 lenses if you go with primes in part.

You mileage may vary...

Best,
Todd Ferguson

davidrb Loc: Half way there on the 45th Parallel

Your money, your camera, your call. Felt the same about the i-DX. Shooting birds at 12 fps made me see the value of that feature. Your knowledge of Canon tells you the 5 series is not the 1 series. Both are great bodies, but not equal. Rent one, shoot a hockey game, convince yourself the price is a deal killer, IF you can.

jim10ec Loc: KNOXVILLE, TN

Thanks Todd - I would pull my hair out trying to make a decision on what to do (that is if I had any hair), I am kind of leading to the 1DX but still kicking back and forth which way to go. One of these days I will just get on the laptop and make the order and hope that it makes me happy. Just not sure how long it is going to take me to make that decision. Hopefully soon.... THANKS FOR YOUR REPLY

jim10ec Loc: KNOXVILLE, TN

THANKS SS - I do have the glass (2.8 70-200 Zoom) which is great for Hockey as well as several other great lenses so that should take care of any camera I end up purchasing.

Haydon

The 1Dx II will offer the fps you need with the fast action and it has the better AF. It's expensive, but if you want the best for sports shooting, it's an easy decision. The 5DIV is more of an all around event camera. You won't look back after getting the 1DxII.

jim10ec Loc: KNOXVILLE, TN

Thanks Jim - appreciate your thoughts.