wdburt Loc: Tualatin Oregon

Hi, new to the membership, but been reading you all for a while. 65 year-old retired, cancer survivor, getting back into more intensive photography now that my post-chemo stamina is as close to normal as I'm going to get. Shooting mostly digital (2 Canon 60D bodies, a variety of L glass), and some medium format with a 30's vintage Zeiss Ikonta (6x9 cm negs on 120).

I've got a spare 60D at home with 7k on the shutter. A local pro has offered me a straight swap on a 1DS Mark III with 70k on the shutter. Rear display is cracked, but otherwise functional. I'd love the higher resolution, but I'd love some feedback on this idea.

DWU2 Loc: Phoenix Arizona area

Borrow the 1DS for a few days and try it out before you commit.

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

There is a size/weight difference and you give up the articulating LCD .....do you have full frame lenses ??

TriX Loc: Raleigh, NC

What is the cost to have the rear display replaced?

wdburt Loc: Tualatin Oregon

Mostly full frame, as I shot with Canon pre-digital era. I've found the articulated viewfinder useful, as I'm at the "creak and groan" stage of life, but I'll see if he'll lend it to me for a day or two of practice, and see how I do. Thanks

wdburt Loc: Tualatin Oregon

Thanks, I'll see if he'll go for that

jim quist Loc: Missouri

I have the 1ds mk3 and really like it.

PixelStan77 Loc: Vermont/Chicago

Welcome to UHH. Stay cancer free. Can't give you an opinion because I am a Nikon guy...but check this out and decide;

http://snapsort.com/compare/Canon_EOS-1D_Mark_III-vs-Canon_EOS_60D

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

Interesting trade idea. Did you ask your friend why they want to make the trade? It's a lot of camera and significant upgrade, including physical size. Given you have two 60Ds and would keep one, this would give you an option to pick the tool for a specific need. I'd make the trade assuming the cracked screen doesn't impact camera usage. Borrowing for a few days is a good suggestion. Make sure the firmware is up to date (v1.2.3) and research where to find back-up batteries as the 1DsIII uses a different model (LP-E4) than the 60D.

A few technical details to consider, some mentioned already:

1DsIII processor: dual DIGIC III, 60D: single DIGIC 4, newer technology in 60D

1DsIII sensor 21MP full frame, 60D: 18MP APS-C

1DsIII AF 45-point (19 cross-type), 60D: 9 cross-type AF points

1DsIII fps: 5, 60D: 5.3 fps

1DsIII weight: 1.1 kg (39 oz), 60D: 0.76 kg (27 oz)

1DsIII shutter: 300,000, 60D: 100,000

WDCash Loc: Milford, Delaware, USA

Congratulations on your recovery.

rmorrison1116 Loc: Near Valley Forge, Pennsylvania

Even though the 1DS III is 21 megapixel full frame, your 60D's 18 megapixel APS-C sensor is a much newer design than the mk III plus the processor in the 60D is faster and will allow you to shoot at higher ISO'S with substantially less noise than the older camera. You said you have more than one 60D, so that works in your favor but, the 1DS III sounds like it's been used hard and may not be in the greatest condition. I personally have several DSLR'S and I don't baby them but I've never broken a view screen. 70K clicks is not outrageous for a camera of that caliber and age, there should be a whole lot of life left in it. If the camera was in excellent condition and had under 50K actuations I'd speculate it would be worth around $800+ on the street, a 60D, probably half that. If you know for sure the camera hasn't been abused and the broken screen was a freak accident then, sure, make the trade. You can always get the screen replaced or put a screen protector over it to keep it intact. If you are good with your hands and have the right tools, replacing the screen isn't hard at all. Besides, you will look really cool with your L lenses on that Pro body and, most folks won't really know the camera is pretty much an antique in digital camera years.

shegeek72

I'd have the 1DS checked out at a camera repair shop. As someone else said, it might have been banged around. It's worth it to spend a few bucks (+/- $60) if you're going to potentially trade away a 60D that works well.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Welcome to our forum!

Try some comparison sites. After a quick look, the 1DS seems to have the edge. http://snapsort.com/compare/Canon_EOS-1Ds_Mark_III-vs-Canon_EOS_60D

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

NormanTheGr8 Loc: Racine, Wisconsin

Welcome

bweber Loc: Newton, MA

I own a 1Ds iii and a 5Dsr. I bought the 1ds used five years ago. It is a great camera that I still use on a regular basis. It is heavy, but very rugged. I use it when I am worried about the setting, such as when I go dog sledding. It is older technology, but the images are really great, and I have no need for most of the newer technology such as multiple focusing points, higher speed shooting, video, etc. You will need very good full frame lenses. "L" lenses are really required for high quality full frame images. I would make the trade. I think the rear screen is easily and cheaply replaced.