Sell my 40D and get a 1D Mark II?

^^Gord^^

^^Gord^^

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Hello everybody!

I've been mulling over the idea of selling up and getting a 1D Mark II but can't make up my mind so looking for some input from you guys and girls.

The majority of my photography is aviation so a good AF system is a must and since we rarely see good weather around here I also need good performance at higher ISO settings.

This is my thinking, please feel free to comment / correct as needed......

The frame rate and buffer size on the 1D is better than the 40D. The 1.3 crop sensor does mean a lower effective focal length which isn't ideal for me but a 1.4x TC should go a long way to solving that (f/8 AF on 1D series).

I'm expecting the 1D to offer slightly worse IQ / noise control than the 40D with 14bit images and Digic III processing.

The build quality of the 1D will be better and it is weather proofed but this will be offset by the fact that my 100-400 L IS and 300 f/4 L IS aren't weather sealed.

The AF is a bit more complexed. The 40D has 9 cross type points (f/5.6 or better) spread across the sensor. The 1D has 7 cross type (f/2.8 or better) in the centre of the sensor. Since I don't own any f/2.8 telephotos I will only get the use of the cross type points with the 40D. The 1D has dual RISC processors for AF compared to the 40D's single processor so actual tracking of an object should be better.

So, without the us of f/2.8 telephotos would I be better to stay with the 40D?
 
Possibly less important to you than the IQ issues, but remember you'll be dropping to a much smaller screen size if you went for the 1D. I was considering a similar path from the 30D but have decided that it's probably not for me. One of my major sticking points was, I'm afraid, that piddly little screen!
 
Yeah, the screen isn't good. I've owned a 20D and have a 30D as well as my 40D so i've experience the various size of screens. If I could afford to get the 1D Mark II N the screen situation becomes better.
 
I think you've summarized, the differences pretty well all by yourself. I own a 1DMK2n and a 40D and the only answer which makes any real sense is to get the 1DMK2 but keep the 40D if you possibly can.

The FOV of the 40D with a 1.4X TC is almost exactly identical to that of the 1DMK2 with a 2X TC, which is a massive advantage in reach, and a whole stop faster with it's larger effective aperture, not to mention the drop in image quality which the 2X TC inevitably means. The advantages of the Digic 3 processor in the 40D are enormous, just in reduced image noise alone.

The 40D is the camera in the Canon line-up to stick behind long lenses for maximum reach. This is due to change shortly when the 450D with it's 1.6 sensor and 12 million pixels hits the market.

The 1DMK2n is in another league for bomb proof build quality and features, and the 45 point AF system is much quicker than the 40D despite the improvements in the latter.

Sorry. :D
 
It's the 1DMK2n you should be looking for Gord, if you want the larger screen.
 
Yes the1Dmk2n is the best for autofocus, but I must say the 40D is pretty damn good as well, had some flying albatross shots blown up to A1 from the 40D and they are pin sharp with a 100/400 is L
 
I have a 1DSMKII and the 1DMK2N I used the 1DMK2N at southport airshow in 2006 and took over 600 shots with a Sigma 100-300 F4 lens. I didnt miss a shot all pin sharp an amazing camera, you cant go wrong.

MirrorMove.jpg


Canon 1DMKIIN SIGMA 100-300 F4 Lens
 
Doing the sort of stuff we do Gordon I would forget about changing the camera and be looking to get a bright lens maybe the Sigma 120-300 f2.8 or something like that would maybe make for a bigger improvement in ultimate image quality which I presume is what you are looking for.

Bill
 
The 1Dmk2n has a total of 45 AF points, I have a 20D as well and it's the same AF as your 40D. The 1Dmk2n blows it away in the AF stakes, plus the frame rate is far better.
And if you still want one after Aug I might be selling mine it's only 2 years old around 2000frames and in mint condition £1500. Thinking about getting the 1DMK3, for the better ISO performence above 800 ISO.
 
explora56 said:
Doing the sort of stuff we do Gordon I would forget about changing the camera and be looking to get a bright lens maybe the Sigma 120-300 f2.8 or something like that would maybe make for a bigger improvement in ultimate image quality which I presume is what you are looking for.

Bill
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That is the other plan at the back of my mind. :D I'd love a 300 f/2.8 L IS but the price is just too high. Whilst the 120-300 f/2.8 is a cracking lens I'd prefer to have a prime. The Sigma 300 f/2.8 could be an option.

PapaLazarou said:
The 1Dmk2n has a total of 45 AF points, I have a 20D as well and it's the same AF as your 40D. The 1Dmk2n blows it away in the AF stakes, plus the frame rate is far better.
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I'd expect the 20D to lose out as it doesn't have the cross type points or the double sensitive centre point the 40D has. The 9 point v 45 point could also be a moot point if the camera is set to centre point AF to help the AF keep locked onto the aircraft rather than the background. I think it's the dual RISC processors of the 1D Mk II N and maybe better AF detection routines that is the key.

PapaLazarou said:
And if you still want one after Aug I might be selling mine it's only 2 years old around 2000frames and in mint condition £1500. Thinking about getting the 1DMK3, for the better ISO performence above 800 ISO.
Click to expand...

Give me a yell if you decide to sell. :thumbs:
 
I wouldn't. I have a pair of 1DII and my girlfriend has a 40D. I've been very impressed by the 40D. The AF is really quite good on it. We were both in Norway last week photographing White Tailed Sea Eagles and the 40D didn't miss many shots at all.

Certainly don't expect the 1D to be any good at tracking using an f/8 lens. It is centre spot only and I am convinced that a 40D at f/5.6 would do much better.

I bought a Sigma 300 f/2.8 off here and last week was its first run in anger. Worked really well on birds in flight so could be an option.

Paul
 
The 40D AF system is definitely better than the 20D - much snappier, and locks on very quickly.
 
Yes, 40D miles ahead.
 
Yeah I think it's better to hang onto the 40D, you could save up more and then keep it as a 2nd body, that's what i'm planning to do with my 40D.

Plus I love the 40D, don't think I could part with it! :D
 
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