Canon 1D MkIII or Canon 7D?

boogieville

boogieville

Suspended / Banned
Messages
32
Name
Len
Edit My Images
Yes
Hi Everyone

I know this is an equipment question and as such should probably be in that forum, but it is very specific to Sports. I want to upgrade my 20D in a month or so, and wondering whether to go for a 1D mkIII, or the 7D which is getting really good reviews.

I want to get serious with sports togging, but don't have loads of money to throw around, so want to make the best choices early on!! If money wasn't a problem I'd definately get a couple 1D mkIV's ;)

I must say, I've always fancied a 1D but there are pros and cons, in particular crop size, noise etc.

Would really appreciate your thoughts.

Cheers
 
Yes Andrew, I realise they have different crop factors thanks. The lenses I'll be using on either camera will be Canon L series, compatible with both. Wondering more about Image Quality in particular, how good images will be after cropping etc
 
boogieville said:
I want to get serious with sports togging, but don't have loads of money to throw around
Click to expand...

Then your in for a long hard slog.. Believe me I know.. its taken me 8 yrs and I still have a want list.. From the camera in my avatar to my current list.. by finding bargains.. part exchange and selling pics to make up the shortfall..

I woud go for the MKIII but only from someone who can prove to you its workign perfectly before you buy..
 
I may even consider a 1D MkII, and use the remaining cash towards a lens??? Any thoughts?
 
A mate of mine who does MotoCross bikes recently bought a Mk3, he fancied a 7d too, he had a play with my Mk2, for him a major factor was reliability, AF and battery life, he's more than pleased with the Mk3.
I know the 7d is tough and pretty waterproof but the Mk3 is a pro-camera and built as such. Another mate had a Mk3 replaced it with a Mk4, he threw everything at his Mk3, never missed a beat, he was into wake board photography, he dropped it twice into shallow water by accident and bashed it around inside the tow boat on numerous occsions, still kept going.
Another factor is what condition you will get a Mk3 in, pro cameras have a hard life, so factor that in if choosing 2nd hand.

Mk2 are getting a bit old now, I have one, so you'll need to be carefull about condition etc. I adore mine, it just feels so right, I even like the much criticised double button way of working the controls, many people hate it, coming from a 20 you may think the same.
Small screen on teh back is pretty much useless but it does at least confirm you have a shot, bigger rear screen (does the Mk3 have one - I think it does) with more pixels is a definite improvement (my wife's 50D leaves a 1D dead in the water in that respect).

1D - wont accept ef-s lenses if you have any.

HTH
Matt
 
Last edited:
boogieville said:
I may even consider a 1D MkII, and use the remaining cash towards a lens??? Any thoughts?
Click to expand...

Thats the way I went a couple of years back, well the MKIIn version.... The reason, well the XXD offerings just didn't offer much upgrade on the 20D at the time. I still have the 20D as a 2nd body and thinking about selling that and buying the 1D MKIII, the 1D MKII still a capable camera, but the extra ISO performance and resolution of the MKIII might edge you towards the MKIII rather than the MKII. I personally think the 1D offers the better all round camera, especially for action photography, but a new lens also sounds like a good idea, you can't have enough lenses :D
 
MatBin said:
I adore mine, it just feels so right, I even like the much criticised double button way of working the controls, many people hate it, coming from a 20 you may think the same. Matt
Click to expand...

:thumbs::agree: The controls took some getting used to but second nature now and like Matt 1D MKIIn is here to stay....
 
For me theres a big difference between a mkII and mkIII.. However the mkII is a great camera and i know pro togs that still use them working for big agencies.. I wouldnt go to the added expense of a mkIIn though.. the differences arnt worth the price IMHO
 
Thanks very much guys, some very quick responses!! It's looking very much like a 1D mkIII so far, just grit my teeth and go for it, I'm sure I'll be pleased with it.

I am aware of the AF problems of the early models, and the "bargains" that are around, but will make sure it's a good one hopefully.

Thanks once again
 
boogieville said:
Thanks very much guys, some very quick responses!! It's looking very much like a 1D mkIII so far, just grit my teeth and go for it, I'm sure I'll be pleased with it.

I am aware of the AF problems of the early models, and the "bargains" that are around, but will make sure it's a good one hopefully.

Thanks once again
Click to expand...

I would just use one of the rep 2nd hand dealers like Ffordes, Mifsuds, Camtech, Park Camera's, Digital Depot, MPB or TP for sale forums, I would avoid eBay for camera purchases, unless from a rep seller.
 
The mkII batteries are the awful heavy and low capacity NiMH monsters that my 1d also has.. The mkIII seems much better on all counts, so Id probably get that or the 7d. My take on them is...
1D3: better af, weather sealing, fps, dual cards
7D: better high iso, tighter crop, lighter, ef-s ultra wide angle lenses

If you can't afford the long f/2.8 lenses, the 7d may let you shoot cheaper and lighter f/4 glass with high ISO. If you can get the glass, the mk3 will probably give more keepers.
 
7D has weather sealing aswell Jukka :)

7D's AF is great and fast, 8fps not to be sniffed at

I'd stick my neck out and say a gripped 7D is better than a 1dIII personally for what I use it for - sports/motorsport & wildlife/birds

not to mention the larger final image size and detail resolving difference at 1:1 against 1D pics

*awaits 1D3 owners rath* :bat: :D:thumbs:

drew
 
Well the 7d weather sealing is good to have but nothing compared to the 1-series, I own both :) and while I love the 7d af and the configurability, the 1-series is still better in tracking movement. And the mk3 also has direct focus point selection with the joystick like 7d.. It's a close call.
 
boogieville said:
Hi Everyone

I know this is an equipment question and as such should probably be in that forum, but it is very specific to Sports......
Click to expand...

Sports is a photo sharing forum so, I'm afraid, off to Talk Equipment it goes :)
 
ive gone from a 20D to a 1Dmk3 and its a totally different world..

i use mine for indoor and outdoor sport and the 1D handles it superbly. although i now have to favour the 120-300 rather than the 70-200 its no big deal in my opinion.
 
buckas said:
7D has weather sealing aswell Jukka :)

7D's AF is great and fast, 8fps not to be sniffed at

I'd stick my neck out and say a gripped 7D is better than a 1dIII personally for what I use it for - sports/motorsport & wildlife/birds

not to mention the larger final image size and detail resolving difference at 1:1 against 1D pics

*awaits 1D3 owners rath* :bat: :D:thumbs:

drew
Click to expand...

I'm not knocking the 7D's performance and yes its a good camera, can't comment on either the 1D MKIII or the 7D, as I don't own either, but when I got the 1D MKII there was a significant gap in performance between that and the 20D I own, ok that gap has probably lessened with current technology of the 1D MKIII v 7D, however, if you want a pro action camera, I think the 1D MKIII is still the one to go for and prices are falling due to the MKIV.

http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Canon-EOS-7D-Digital-SLR-Camera-Review.aspx

The percentage of OOF shots (they tend to be focused behind the direction the subject is traveling) I experience with the 7D is higher than I experience with the 1-Series bodies. Said another way, if your living depends on your ability to capture action quickly moving toward or away from your camera, I recommend that you get a Canon 1-Series body. If you can afford to have a somewhat higher percentage of missed shots in these situations, the Canon EOS 7D performs very well for the price - better than any other Canon APS-C body I've used to date.
Click to expand...
 
boogieville said:
I am aware of the AF problems of the early models, and the "bargains" that are around, but will make sure it's a good one hopefully.
Click to expand...
If you find one and can get the serial number, give Canon a call, they are very helpful, and ask them if they have any history on it; if the Af and mirror box mods have been carried out they will know, also they will be able to tell you the shutter actuations when they had the camera in. Its not perfect but will give you some more information when deciding whether to buy or not.

The build date of the camera can be found inside the battery compartment and follows the same format as the lens code.

Good luck in your search.
 
Thanks again guys, some very interesting point raised.

Decisions....
 
I'd go for the 1d3 if faced with the same choice. It's a lot of camera and an excellent professional package.
 
Having used a 1d mk3 for a day I'd say that's the way to go. Viewfinder, build, clean film like files and amazing build quality, don't see how a 1.6 crop body can compare....
 
Hi,

suffering the same dilemma myself having just sold my 50D to help fund a much needed holiday ;)

I use a 400mm F5.6 currently and will possibly be stepping up to a 500mm F4 IS later this year, and still not convinced which way to go, having previously owned 2 Mark II's and loved the images from them ( colour/detail etc ) I am swayed towards a good Mark III and a 1.4 TC to regain and surpass the reach of a 7D and 400mm if I don't manage to buy a 500mm, I don't own any EF-s Lens' so that's not a problem.

Not been convinced by images seen from a 7D yet ( there also seems to be a lot up for sale second-hand already ) as they all look a tad soft, but the again I soon realised that cropping too much on my 50D had the same affect and always tried to make sure I was cropping as little as possible.

I will be interested to see which way you go as this might help me decide.

Mike.
 
tarmac_chaser said:
I went from a 7D to a 1DIII, apart from missing the video I didn't look back. Felt very confident in the camera and got excellent results
Click to expand...

Hi,

had forgotten about the video, that IS one part of the 7D that intrigues me and certainly a feature I would use so that's one definite plus over the Mark III.

Mike.
 
buckas said:
7D has weather sealing aswell Jukka :)

7D's AF is great and fast, 8fps not to be sniffed at

I'd stick my neck out and say a gripped 7D is better than a 1dIII personally for what I use it for - sports/motorsport & wildlife/birds

not to mention the larger final image size and detail resolving difference at 1:1 against 1D pics

*awaits 1D3 owners rath* :bat: :D:thumbs:

drew
Click to expand...

My 7d did not like any weather!!
after a small shower on Dartmor it got very sick.
after another in Scotland it died:'(
The claims by Canon on the 7d,s weather sealing are very vague.
trust it at your peril.
I need a MkIII urgently;)
 
Last edited:
Interesting reading this, as im in a similar situation myself. Went to have a play with a 7D today and whilst it was very clever and would almost certainly do what I need, as I primarily shoot sport I cant help thinking i'd be better going for a MkIII for the IQ.
 
I have a 7D and a 1D3 (and a 5D2 as well). I don't shoot a lot of sports, but I've shot a bit, and I also shoot BIF. Personally I think that unless you have great, fast glass (f/2.8 primes, for example), it is going to be very difficult to get results that make use of the 7D's 18 megapixles and which are both clean and sharp at the pixel level, throughout a sports season. With the 1D3 it is a comparative breeze. I'd far rather have 10 fat, juicy, clean, sharp megapixels which will open quickly and need relatively little processing, for my action shots, than 18 soft, noisy ones that need carefully applied sharpening and noise reduction to make the files sing. For those occasions when you are not focal length limited, the 1D3 will let you suck up more usable photons too, and that all adds to the IQ. IMHO the 1D3 is the better sports/action camera, or at least the more logical choice - faster, cleaner files, more robust, no contest.

Perhaps there are some sports pros that would disagree with my assessment, but that's the way I feel. The 7D is a terrific camera, but for many applications I think the 1D3 is better.

Slow down the action (to a stop) and shoot from a tripod and the 7D will do a grand job, and really pull out some detail that the 1D3 will not be able to deliver. But why does it have more megapixels than a 1D4, and on a much smaller sensor? I honestly don't know. It seems to me more like marketing than common sense for a sports shooter.
 
Last edited:
tdodd said:
I have a 7D and a 1D3 (and a 5D2 as well). I don't shoot a lot of sports, but I've shot a bit, and I also shoot BIF. Personally I think that unless you have great, fast glass (f/2.8 primes, for example), it is going to be very difficult to get results that make use of the 7D's 18 megapixles and which are both clean and sharp at the pixel level, throughout a sports season. With the 1D3 it is a comparative breeze. I'd far rather have 10 fat, juicy, clean, sharp megapixels which will open quickly and need relatively little processing, for my action shots, than 18 soft, noisy ones that need carefully applied sharpening and noise reduction to make the files sing. For those occasions when you are not focal length limited, the 1D3 will let you suck up more usable photons too, and that all adds to the IQ. IMHO the 1D3 is the better sports/action camera, or at least the more logical choice - faster, cleaner files, more robust, no contest.

Perhaps there are some sports pros that would disagree with my assessment, but that's the way I feel. The 7D is a terrific camera, but for many applications I think the 1D3 is better.

Slow down the action (to a stop) and shoot from a tripod and the 7D will do a grand job, and really pull out some detail that the 1D3 will not be able to deliver. But why does it have more megapixels than a 1D4, and on a much smaller sensor? I honestly don't know. It seems to me more like marketing than common sense for a sports shooter.
Click to expand...

agreed 100%, i have also found that the 1d3 takes both sharpening and NR very well so just because the origional files have noise its not necessarily a problem, where as the 7D struggles with sharpening bringing out noise and NR loosing lots of detail
 
I faced exactly the same dilemma a few months ago. I had been saving up to buy a 7D to relegate my 40D to be a backup/2nd body when I got the chance to buy a mint 1d3 for not that much more than a new 7D would cost.

I think enough has been said about great picture quality, images take sharpening and noise reduction very well, but the things that really swayed me towards the 1d3 were:

1) Weather sealing - I shoot 95% of my stuff outdoors and it rains a lot in Scotland
2) Auto focus performance in low light. The 1d3 performs very strongly here.
3) Battery life, both are very good, but I had heard of people getting 3,000 shots from a 1d3 before charging was needed.
4) File size. The 7D 18MP RAW files are significantly bigger than the 1d3 files. This means that I would have had to buy extra memory cards to capture the same amount of images, and copying those same amount of shots onto my computer would have taken significantly longer. I also assumed that processing them on the PC would be a bit slower as well. As my PC is well past it's sell by date (Pentium 4 with 1GB ram), I think the volume of data from the 7D files would have tipped the balance and I would have been forced to upgrade at a time when I couldn't really afford to.

So far I've been very impressed with the 1d3 performance, and feel I've made the right decision. The amount of keepers I get at an event now is significantly higher than before - and when I get the technique right the camera nails the shot first time, every time. The battery life is fantastic. I took over 2,500 shots over 10 days and still had over 30% battery life remaining!

The two downsides so far are:

The hi-res screen on the 7D is lovely, and better for reviewing images than that on the 1d3, especially in sunny conditions.
You can feel the extra weight when taking shooting all day, though there's probably not much difference with a gripped 7D.

John
 
Thanks all, I think there's some hard thinking to be done, but i'll likely start hunting down a 1D MkIII body considering the above comments.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top