1dsMkII or 5d

Jamie_Roberts · #15 11-12-2005, 02:11 AM

Hi John--yes--that fits with my experience, too, of older ACR and Capture One: the raw converter matters a lot when discussing shadow noise.

One of the reasons we went with Capture One over ACR (CS version, not the one in CS2, which is seems much improved) is when we tested we saw overall shadow noise was demonstrably (printably) lower with Capture One. I think RSP and ACR are starting to catch up with C1 here though--if they haven't caught up entirely already.

So I'm very glad, then, for all the 5d users if the camera has 2+ stops or so of room in the shadows given an appropriate noise management application in the raw conversion... that's more what I'd expect from this type of camera, anyway. If this is generally true, then that's one less difference between the 5d and 1ds2.

SeanKernan · #16 11-12-2005, 11:36 AM

This is great stuff. Thanks again for the thoughtful answers.
Sean

Andy_Biggs · #17 11-24-2005, 02:06 AM

Sean, I think of it this way. There is no way a working pro would not have a backup camera. Whether or not you use the 5D as your primary camera or backup camera, it will probably find its way into your daily shooting bag.

From a color and quality of output standpoint, I agree that the colors are a bit more vivid than the 1DsMkII. No harm no foul, because that is what raw converters are for. I don't see much difference in detail at 100%, printed on something like 13x19 or 17x22 paper. There is a difference, but not as much as you might think.

I love that I can throw my 5D and three fast primes in a bag and not feel like I am carrying the kitchen sink. Just a different tool for a different setup. Nothing comes close to 1 series cameras in Africa, though, but the 5D should hold its own, whether as a primary or backup camera.

I hope this helps.

Andy

Fergus_Hammond · #18 11-24-2005, 05:49 PM

Hi Sean,

I've been thinking about getting a 5D as a backup to a 1Ds Mark II. I have a 20D right now but it really is just a backup camera: I don't like using it compared to the 1Ds and I'd thought the 5D would be a good backup *plus* a camera I would sometimes use instead of the 1Ds (due to the size and weight advantage of the 5D).

However, in playing with a 5D, I've found I miss the ability to use the rear dial to select one of the outer nine focus point and the ability to use the WB+/- button to choose the center focus point. This might be my favorite feature of the 1-series. There's not a way to do the same thing with the 5D and I don't think I'd find the 5D's joystick a good substitution. Also, the focus points on the 1-series cover a much larger area than those of the 5D. With the 1, it's likely there's a focus point already close to what you care about. With the other cameras, you're more likely to have to focus and recompose. Of course, it's great that such a minor thing is what we have left to worry about!

Regards,
Fergus

Peter_White · #19 11-24-2005, 06:34 PM

Fergus,

Perhaps I don't understand what you've written. But I do know that you can use custom function 13 on the 5D to choose either the quick control wheel on the back or the joy stick to control which focus points are active.

ron_purdy · #20 11-24-2005, 10:14 PM

Fergus, I think selecting focus points on the 5D is far easier and faster on the 5D. And it only requires one hand.
Also, you can push the joy stick in to select the center focus point as a default, same as on the 1 series.

Fergus_Hammond · #21 11-25-2005, 01:13 AM

Hi Peter,

I checked the 5D manual again and I think what I found a didn't like as much was the fact that the 5D control wheel selects each of the outer points, then the inner point, then auto focus point selection (which I think is the same as on my 20D). I prefered being able to exclude the auto option from the selection choices and also be able to immediately go to the center point by using another button (rather than having to scroll with the wheel).

Of course, as Ron pointed out, I could do what I want with the joy stick. I'll have to go back and try that again. I think I prefered the wheel but perhaps even more, preferred the larger area that the 1-series focus points cover. Ron, since you're also a 1-series owner (I think) have you found that the smaller focus point area is an issue?

regards,
fh

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