TriX Loc: Raleigh, NC

Regarding the relative high ISO low noise and DR performance of the two cameras, you might take a look at the data on: http://www.photonstophotos.net/Charts/PDR.htm just plug in the bodies you want to compare.

While they don’t have the 1Ds MKiii listed, they do have the 1D mkiii and the 1Ds mkii as well as the 60 D, and the curves show all three to be essentially the same. You can extrapolate a bit from the 1D mkiii as the 1Ds mkiii model was typically about .6 stops better in DR according to other test sites.

philo Loc: philo, ca

If you make the trade think about sending it to Canon Service. They would do a great job with cleaning etc. and you will start out with a like new pro camera. enjoy

amfoto1 Loc: San Jose, Calif. USA

This sounds like a very good deal.

1Ds Mark III with 70,000 "clicks" will have a lot of "life" left in it. That model was rated to 300,000 shutter actuations (your 60Ds are probably rated for 100,000).

1Ds Mark III is a 21MP full frame with "pro-grade" build and features. It's got a high performance 45-point AF system, essentially the same as was used in EOS-3, EOS-1V and all the preceding 1D-series models. One feature of which I really miss is it's AF-point linked Spot Metering.... That allows the camera to spot meter at up to 11 or 13 different places in the image area... It's not only able to spot meter at the center of the image area.

One short-coming is a somewhat limited ISO range. 1Ds Mark III has 100-3200 native range (analog), expandable to ISO 50 and to ISO 6400 (digital). In fact, the 5D Mark II that was introduced a year later at about 1/3 the price and using essentially the same 21MP sensor with a much wider range.... ISO 100-6400 native, expandable to 50, 12800 and 25600. The 5DII's images also "hold up" a bit better at the higher ISOs, thanks to a newer processor and other improvements.

However, the 5D Mark II's AF system is nowhere near as high performance as the 1DsIII's. The 5DII's AF (basically unchanged from the original 5D's) appears more similar to what's in your 60D, but 60D's is actually higher performance.

I think the 1DsIII was one of the first Canon DSLRs to have the AF Micro Focus Adjustment feature, which you can use to fine tune the accuracy of the focus of your lenses, if you wish. 60D doesn't have that feature (which always baffled me, since 50D, 7D, 70D, 7DII and 80D all have it). I'm guessing 1DsIII has the "first version" of that feature, which allows up to 20 lenses to be adjusted, is "lens model specific" (an adjustment set up for an EF 50mm f/1.4 USM lens will be applied to ALL EF 50mm f/1.4 USM lenses used on the camera), and only allows a single adjustment per lens, including zooms. The newer version of that feature allows up to 40 lenses to be adjusted, is "lens specific" (references the lens serial #, so diff. adjustments could be done to different EF 50/1.4s, for example), and allows for two adjustments on zoom (at each extreme of the focal length range).

The center AF point of the 1DsIII is "f/8 capable", giving you more flexibility to use teleconverters with lenses. 60D and 5DII are both "f/5.6 limited". Only very recent Canon models other than 1D-series been offered that are f/8 capable: 5DIV, 7DII, 80D, 77D, T7i, for example.

The LCD monitors on 1DsIII and 5DII are the same size (3"), but the 1DsIII's is much lower resolution: 230K pixels (compared to 920K in 5DII... Or 1 million + in the slightly larger LCDs on your 60Ds). Both 1DsIII and 5DII use a fixed LCD screen.... not articulated like those on your 60Ds.

The 1Ds Mark III was one of the earliest Canon DSLRs to have a self-cleaning sensor feature. This is a very good thing. Personally, I avoided full frame models prior to that feature... it was bad enough how much I had to manually clean my APS-C camera sensors... the FF cameras were even more prone to gathering dust.

1DsIII cannot shoot video. In comparison, the 5DII literally changed the way movies are made with its HD video capabilities.

1DsIII was one of the first Canon DSLRs to offer AE bracketing choices which might be useful for HDR or other purposes. You can select 2, 3, 5 or 7 image bracketing. Most other EOS of the day had no option other than 3 image bracketing.

1D-series models with their built-in vertical release are much larger and heavier than your 60D (or the 5DII without it's battery grip). But this allows them to use a much bigger battery that should give around twice as many shots per charge as you get with the LP-E6 in your current camera. You will need different batteries and the ones used by 1D-series are A LOT more expensive.

1DsIII has dual memory card slots.... If I recall correctly, one of those is for Compact Flash, while the other is for SD memory cards. So the 1DsIII probably can share memory cards you already have for use in your 60Ds. (If you have ultra-large cards, they may not be compatible with an older model such as this.... something to check.)

There's no built-in flash with 1DsIII, either (if that matters ).

speters Loc: Grangeville/Idaho

He already mentioned that he has a variety of ff lenses!

amfoto1 Loc: San Jose, Calif. USA

I'd recommend comparing with the 5D Mark II, which uses pretty much the same sensor as the 1Ds Mark III. Except with 1-year newer processing the 5DII gives roughly 10% "better" high ISO (whatever that means.... could be slightly less noise, or better handled noise that's less objectionable, or other factors). Both 1DsIII and 5DII full frame cameras are rated approx. 100% (one stop) "better" than 60D. Having used 5DII and original 18MP 7D alongside each other for about five years, I'd say that's very likely a pretty good estimate of comparative ISO performance (7D uses slightly older version of the 18MP sensor in your 60Ds).

1DsIII gives ever so slightly greater dynamic range and color bit depth than 5DII. Both give more DR (about 1/2 stop) and a wee bit more bit depth than 60D. That's to be expected, comparing a FF camera with APS-C, unless you look at the very latest APS-C using the "latest-and-greatest" 24MP sensor, with its much improved DR (more than a stop wider than 1DsIII... or 1.5+ stops wider than 60D).

Bill Emmett Loc: Bow, New Hampshire

I'm a bit sceptical of such a "good deal". Take a look at the offer from the "Pros" point of view. The 60D is a "old" camera, with a cropped sensor. Why would a "Pro" trade such a professional grade, full frame sensor camera for a older model cropped sensor camera. Everything about this trade has a slight smell about it. Not until you have the 1DS Mark III completely checked out by a competent camera shop, or Canon itself, would I complete such a deal. How did the rear screen get cracked? would be my first question, rear screens are pretty resilient, and don't crack without some force on them. If the camera was dropped, there could be other problems hiding in the wings. As for the value of the trade, look at KEH for a used 1DS M III.

B

blackest Loc: Ireland

Canon don't make L glass in anything but full frame.

I would go for the 1D , no matter which way you cut it high iso images have limited dynamic range, and are second rate compared with low iso images. Surely it makes sense to concentrate on making photos where your camera excels?

cambriaman Loc: Central CA Coast

I'm a Nikon user, so I won't show my Canon ignorance by doing a technical spec comparison. I stopped by to wish a continuing recovery to new hogger and much happiness and fun with whichever camera body you choose! Do't let the B******s wear you down!

aellman Loc: Boston MA

Have you ever honestly said, "If I only had a better camera, I could do <specific thing> that I can't do now?"
If not, save your money and enjoy image-making with your current gear.
>Alan

Bobspez Loc: Southern NJ, USA

A piece of 2" clear Scotch packing tape.

TriX Loc: Raleigh, NC

😸

Bobspez Loc: Southern NJ, USA

Used a one inch diameter triangle of the 2" clear Scotch packing tape on the cracked corner of my D3100 lcd screen. It's been there for 3 years. Never interfered with the live view.