5D Mark II vs 1Ds Mark III

[Jerry Skrocki]

I'm ready to upgrade and was set on purchasing the new 5D Mark II.

I currently own the original 1Ds (11.1) Megapixel camera that I have been using since 2003. I am used to the construction and superior focusing capability of the 1Ds series. Will I be disappointed with the performance of the focusing and metering systems in the 5D Mark II?

I have read Drew's thread on the video capability of the 5D Mark II and while I hoped for more, it appears to be occasionally usable.

Has anyone done an analytical comparison of image quality and ISO performance of these two models?

Jerry

[Richard Dickins]

Originally Posted by Jerry Skrocki

Will I be disappointed with the performance of the focusing and metering systems in the 5D Mark II?

In short... yes!

I have a 1D3 (not 1Ds3) and a 1D2. Both are so much snappier than the 5D or the 5D2. The 5D2 does seem to be better than the 5D in focussing, but nowhere near as good as the 1D3.

Hopefully tomorrow, if it's a nice day outside, I will get some comparative shots with all 4 cameras. I still have to do the AF Microadjustment on the 5D2, so lots of work still to do before I get the best out of it.

However, as for a comparison between the 1Ds3 and the 5D2, if it's in low light (see other thread), the 5D2 will be far better at the higher ISO's in terms of image noise.

[Jerry Skrocki]

Originally Posted by Richard Dickins

In short... yes!
However, as for a comparison between the 1Ds3 and the 5D2, if it's in low light (see other thread), the 5D2 will be far better at the higher ISO's in terms of image noise.

Thanks for your answers Richard. I am interested in the ISO comparison. Both cameras use the same sensor but different metering. Is the difference in high ISO due to in camera processing? I shoot mainly RAW, so if it is the in camera processing thats makes a difference, it would only apply to JPEG images virtually eliminating any benefit for me.

With the information presented, I am inclined to go with the 1Ds Mark III despite the price difference.

Jerry

[DougAxford]

Jerry, from what I understand (just my opinion) Canon seems to want to categorize the 5D and 5DM2 for portrait & weddings & general use. That's why they're keeping the focus better, but not up to the top of the line models that are designed more for pro sports where focus is paramount. Sorts makes sense. IMHO from other pro comments, I think Nikon still beats Canon on speed and accuracy of focus in mid-range models. In reality, we all want better everything but at a lower price.

I have yet to see a decent review of the new Nikon but since I'm committed to Canon glass, I may be better off not looking.

[Richard Dickins]

Jerry - do they use the same sensor or have they re-vamped it for the 5D2 ?

[Jerry Skrocki]

The sensors are listed on dpreview.com as "very similar".

1Ds Mark III:
• 36 x 24 mm CMOS sensor
• Full 35 mm size frame
• RGB Color Filter Array
• Built-in fixed low-pass filter (with self-cleaning unit)
• 21.9 million total pixels
• 21.1 million effective pixels
• 6.4 µm pixel pitch
• 3:2 aspect ratio

5D Mark II:
• 36 x 24 mm CMOS sensor
• Full 35 mm size frame
• RGB Color Filter Array
• Built-in fixed low-pass filter (with self-cleaning unit)
• 22.0 million total pixels
• 21.1 million effective pixels
• 3:2 aspect ratio

Another big factor for me is autofocus and metering:

1Ds Mark III:
• 45-point TTL
• 19 cross-type points, require F2.8 or faster lens
• Center cross-type point requires F4.0 or faster lens
• 26 assist points, require F5.6 or faster lens
• TTL-AREA-SIR with a CMOS sensor
• AF working range: -1.0 to 18 EV (at 23°C, ISO 100)

• 63 zone metering linked to 19 AF points
• Metering range: 0 - 20 EV
• Modes: Center, Linked to AF point, Multi-spot (up to 8 readings)

Metering modes
• Evaluative (63 zone linked to active AF point)
• Center-weighted average
• Partial (8.5% of picture area)
• Spot metering (2.4% of picture area)

5D Mark II:
• 9-point TTL CMOS sensor
• 6 "Invisible Assist AF points"
• Centre point cross type F5.6 or faster
• Center point additionally sensitive with lenses of F2.8 or faster
• AF working range: -0.5 - 18 EV (at 23°C, ISO 100)
• One shot AF
• AI Servo AF
• AI Focus AF
• Manual focus

• TTL full aperture metering 35 zone SPC
• Metering range: 1.0 - 20 EV
Metering modes
• Evaluative 35 zone (linked to any AF point)
• Partial (8% at center)
• Spot metering (approx. 3.5% at center)
• Center-weighted average

[perrycho]

Hi Jerry,

I own the 1dmkIII, 1dsmkIII and now the 5dmkII.

5dmkII is a great camera for the price especially here when the price is almost 1/3 that of 1dsmkIII here in Australia. I have no problems in shooting a 21st birthday party in low light with the 5dmkII over the weekend. I shot at ISO 3200 all night and it works well. It definitely does not feel as snappy and reactive as the 1 series. What I don't like is the 9 focus points on the 5dmkII as I have to recompose frequently and hence missing a lot of candid shots. I think that's where Nikon has marketed their cameras a lot better as their prosumer cameras have 51 focusing points. Pity I have so many canon lens

As to high ISO, I did comparisons between the 5dmkII and the 1dsmkIII with raw shots. To be honest I cannot find much difference between the 5dmkII and 1dsmkIII at ISO 3200. I did numerous shoots and I cannot see much difference. Wonder why canon did not put iso 6400 in the 1dsmkIII.

The 1dmkIII focus debacle has taken a lot of shine from the 1dsmkIII. I always find the the high ISO of the 1dsmkIII to be excellent and I have confirmed it when I received my 5dmkII and doing the comparisons

So my conclusion is, you will be disappointed as the feel and sureness of the 1 series camera is so much better and the 9 focus points is a let down. I actually find the constant recomposing after I focus a real nuisance. The fact is the shutter of the 5dmkII is not as responsive makes me feel like the camera is moving downwards as I press it. Maybe I am imagining here

Just go and play with a 5d or 5 dmkIII and see what you think of the 9 focus points before you purchase the 5dmkII

Thats my 2 cts worth but someone else might have a different opinion.

Perry