CanonTom Loc: Birmingham

I do not know how to edit the title of my post but it should have read "Canon 1D Mark 3 vs Canon 5D Mark2"

Hello folks, I am new here! Well sort of new. I have been listening for several months and learning quite a bit which I have sincerely enjoyed. By way of a quick intro, I have been shooting for approximately 60 years, starting with a Kodak dual lens box using 620 film, progressed to a Zeiss Ikon Contessa made around 1950 which I picked up in the mid 60's for $20, I still have it and yes, its still a very good little camera. First SLR was a Minolta I bought about 35 years ago, still have it, etc. Current primary camera is a Canon 60D which I bought about 6 years ago.

Yes, there is a question in here somewhere, lol. I am keeping the 60D regardless as I do like the crop sensor camera for its purposes and I have 5 lenses that pretty much cover my need for it. Two of those five will also work of a FF camera.....and on to my camera question:

I am currently looking at two FF Canons which I would appreciate your comments on, especially if you have used both of these cameras. Both cameras are used and rated in excellent condition by KEH. First, a Canon 1D Mark 3 and second a Canon 5D Mark 2. They are priced fairly, and only $145 apart. Both would suite my needs well I think. My main question is this: We know they are both fine cameras, period, but.......do the additional features of the 1D outweigh the fact that it has only approx. 10 mega pixels while the 5D has over twice that. While I do not print most of my pics I do wish to be able to print a few up to approx 3 by 4 feet or so. I apologize for the length of the post. I would sincerely appreciate any and all comments on these two potential choices, especially from those who have experience with either or both of these two cameras.

markngolf Loc: Bridgewater, NJ

"Canon 1D Mark3 vs Canon 5D Mark 3"?? You also referenced "Canon 5D Mark 2" in the body of your text. Which do you mean, 2 or 3?
I have owned the 5D MIII for 4+ years. It is a fabulous camera.
Mark

spaceylb Loc: Long Beach, N.Y.

[quote=CanonTom]Hello folks, I am new here!

The 1D 3 is an APS-H sensor. Not FF.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Welcome to our forum!

Try some comparisons.

Read comparisons and specs, and decide what features are important to you.
(Reviews) https://www.youtube.com/user/TheCameraStoreTV/videos
http://www.cameradecision.com/
http://cameras.reviewed.com/
http://camerasize.com/
http://www.imaging-resource.com/IMCOMP/COMPS01.HTM
http://snapsort.com/compare
http://www.dpreview.com/products/compare/cameras?utm_campaign=internal-link&utm_source=mainmenu&utm_medium=text&ref=mainmenu

CanonTom Loc: Birmingham

Mark, thank you for your response and thank you for pointing out my posting error. I have edited the post I should have indicated Canon 1D Mark3 vs Canon 5D Mark 2

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

First, my take is that the 1D MK IV is much preferred over the III version - neither full frame tho - but realize slightly more reach from your lenses than FF.

CanonTom Loc: Birmingham

Spacey, I looked again and you are correct. The 1D Mark 3 is not FF, just a different crop than my current Canon. Now that begs a totally new question: Will my EF lenses fit the 1D? Since they fit my 60D with a crop, I would assume so but if not that will be enough to go with the 5D!

Can anyone tell me if the EF lenses made for FF fit the 1D Mark 3?

lamiaceae Loc: San Luis Obispo County, CA

That 1D Mark III is a really old camera, I believe the current model is the Canon 1D X Mark II (very expensive). I think you would find the Canon 5D Mark II or Mark III more to your liking; more pixels, more powerful processor, more up to date features. Cameras get better all the time. I have several friends with Canon 5D, 5D Mark II, and 5D Mark III, and they are all very happy with them. None of my personal friends have a 5D Mark IV yet as far as I know.

A 1D Mark III, digital camera that old in Excellent Condition sound odd, you might want to check that ad and models numbers, and price. KEH is rated well, but unless that camera was setting in a closet for all these years...

...perhaps some Canon users can shed some light on this...

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

Hey CanonTom! Your title says mark 3, but your question references mark 2 ... The 5D Mark II is the better choice. A few reasons why:

1. You've already noted the 2x increase in MP.
2. The 1D model is a CMOS sensor (APS-H size). This is not a full frame sensor. It's larger than the sensor in your 60D, but not yet roughly the size of a 35mm frame of film.
3. The 1D model includes the DIGIC III image processor that is 1 generation behind your 60D and the 5DII. You may find it performs less effectively in low light / higher ISO than your 60D

The 1D body will have every professional feature, rugged build, ergonomic layout that Canon's flagship 1D series can provide. I have a nearly 20-year old EOS 1v film camera that is just as advanced today as my 5DIII DSLR. But, your decision and search for a full-frame model should seek a tangible upgrade to your crop-sensor model in image quality rather than just professional ergonomics. Here I suggest also considering whether the 5DII is that tangible difference. Although the 5DII is a full-frame sensor, the processor is the same DIGIC4 of your 60D. You'll get better ISO and low-light, but you may find the differences are negligible and really only isolated to the loss of the crop factor. The difference sized (18 vs 21) sensors is again negligible.

If these were my only two choices, I go with the 5DII. If I had more choices and a higher budget (and a 60D), I'd look at a used 6D as my full-frame option. Or, a 1DsIII that also is a full-frame.

CanonTom Loc: Birmingham

Thank you Jerry, I will take a look.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

The technical specifications for all EOS DSLR bodies are readily available on the internet. You should bookmark this page: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comparison_of_Canon_EOS_digital_cameras

The top portion of the wiki page gives a chart of all EOS DSLRs with technical specifications and links to individual product pages. The bottom of the page gives a graphical representation of the product line presenting the individual models in a timeline and showing the relative product tiers.

You also can confirm directly from the KEH product listing for the used models being offered for sale. From the product description of the Canon EOS 1D Mark III Digital SLR Camera Body {10.1 M/P}:

Lens Compatibility
Canon EF, TS-E, and MP-E lenses (except EF-S lenses)

CanonTom Loc: Birmingham

CHG_CANON.....Thanks so much for the thoughtful input! I believe you are correct. While I do want a FF (and someone else also corrected me that the 1D is not FF either)....I also want a real upgrade from my 60D for my money beyond just the FF. If I do not get noticeably improvement in IQ, especially for portraits as well as for landscapes, I would definitely be disappointed. I will look closer at a newer version of the 5D as well as check out the 6D. Again, thank you for the insite!

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

The 1D Mk IV is worth considering - not cheap tho .....MANY do use them today - is what keeps the price high. -

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canon_EOS-1D_Mark_IV

CanonTom Loc: Birmingham

Thanks Imagemeister but that one is way above budget!

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

Yes, mine too