to the EOS 1D haters

[Dennis_Stiff]

Andrew
Another question for you. What or how is the Canon autofocus system faster. I am seriously interested about this.

Dennis Stiff

[Andrew_Grant]

Dennis, the AF system in the 1D is the same as the one in the 1V and EOS 3. It is the fastest and most accurate AF system Canon makes. The top of the line Canon AF systems generally have been faster than the top of the line Nikon sytems. I have seen may comparisons on the web between the Eos 1V and the Nikon F5. The 1V came out ahead in the tests I saw. The F5 and D1 have the same AF system and given the Eos 1V and Eos 1D share the same AF I would check out these comparisons.

In addtion to comparing the F5 and 1V, you should also take into account what lens was used on the Nikon F5 for any tests. AFS lenses are similar to Canon's USM lens. Unfortunately, few Nikon lens have AFS focusing and none have image stabilization and AFS in the same lens. Long Zoom lenses without AFS or USM are very slow to focus. All pro grade Canon Zooms have USM including all the Zooms with IS.

[Dennis_Stiff]

Andrew
Thanks for the follow up. I believe that has been one of Canon's strong points for a while now...among other things. Nikon is finally trying to catch up. Years ago, The F was the pro camera of choice but Canon pushed them aside. I have owned and used a dozen Nikons (and still use the D1) since 1975 but watched Canon's inovations in autofocus speed jump Nikon pretty good. I used a T90 along with the F2, F3 and FM2 and wondered why Nikon never came up with a light weight easy to use model. The F5 was made obsolete in the autofocus area by the F100. I finally settled on N90s's because Nikon still had that one touch 80-200 2.8 D lens (discontinued now). I had too many Nikkor's to even think about switching to the EOS line. Also, the EOS obsoleted my Canon lenses so I held on to the F1 and the T90. Now, after 18 years shooting the rafters on various rivers and the fact that I have beat up my equipment in the process, I have some big repair bills to deal with...so, I have been asking questions around the forums, fitting answers into my type of work (which is a lot of short intensive action shooting and I need 100% in focus shots at all times).

Dennis Stiff

[Dennis_Stiff]

One other question. Is the EOS 1D 45 point autofocus retina driven?

Dennis Stiff

[Kevin_M_Cox]

Dennis,
No the auto-focus of the 1D is not eye-controlled. The most recent Canon camera to feature the eye-controlled focus point selection is the EOS 3 (about a year older than the 1V which also does NOT have this feature).

[JimCooper]

Kevin,
The Elan7 also comes in an eye control model. I use it for a backup film camera to my D30. Although it isn't a "pro" body, I find it to be very quick to focus and has a very quite shutter. I believe one of the magazine reviews said that the focus was actually quicker than the EOS 3.
A great film camera for around $400.
I also got the BP-300 battery grip which was only $69 and is more comfortable grip for my large hands.
Jim C.

[ October 04, 2001: Message edited by: Jimbo ]

[Kevin_M_Cox]

Jimbo,
Thanks for the correction. I had just realized my mistake when I saw your post. I guess I was in "pro-camera" mode when I wrote it! [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img]

[Pro Photo Store]

Visit the B&H Pro Photo Store for the best Gear Prices and regular specials!

Brilliant Color for any Digital SLR
White Balance Cap
The Pros Agree on ColorRight
What People Are Saying