Harsh environment equipment decision.

[Jonathan Nissanov]

I am planning a Grand Canyon dory trip in a few months and am debating between equipment options and would appreciate advise from those of you that have shot in those conditions.

I normally shoot w a 5D, but am concerned about robustness. I am considering two options: a 40D backup w the 5D, or instead of either taking a 1dsmk2. I realize that IQ wise, its a quibble btwn 1dsmk2 and 5d (I sell my fine art prints in sizes up to 16x24). 40D option advantage is sensor cleaning, less expensive, and second complete body. Disadvantage is that should I need to resort to using it I'll have fewer images that acceptably scale to 16x24). Weight wise combination not that different than 1dsmk2. Advantage of 1dsmk2 is a robust build with high resolution (I have owned a 1Dmkii and am comfortable with the body of the 1 series). I guess the questions boils down to risk management: failure rates on 1dsmk2 in sandy wet environment (with dryzone200 protection but lots of lens changes and lots of shooting even from the dory in calm waters) versus failure rates on the 2 less robust bodies. I would appreciate any insights.


-yoni

[ChrisPerry]

1D3 or Mk2n. Buy it used, shoot, sell it.

I've talked to photogs that have abused the Mk2n and it keeps on kickin. Like shooting in the rain to the point that water is poured out of the body when teh battery is changed. And it keeps on ticking. The 3 is a bit tougher yet, and used sealed lenses and the 580EX2 flash is sealed too.

A canon regional rep says that while he doesn't recomend it, you can shoot the 1D3 underwater (with a sealed lens) without injury to the camera.

As for size of print..depends I suppose on your standards. I have a 24x36 print from my 30D and a non-canon lens even, that is nice - no issues of anykind (no cropping either). I'd have no problem using any of the modern canon's for large prints.

[Jonathan Nissanov]

I actually had a 1dmiiN. I was not satisfied with larger prints on it. As it is, only well executed capture on the 5D gives me files that I can print for sale at this size. However, I am now starting to test super-resolution methods (PhotoAcute). Perhaps combining that w 1D3 will give me what I want maybe even beyond this trip. For landscape work this promises to be a great approach. With the airline restrictions on batteries that go into effect next week, 1D3 offers another advantage of long battery life (though I guess the 1ds mk2 is unaffected by the ban since not a Li battery).

[Ron Metz]

Jonathan,

I obviously missed something regarding new airline restrictions for batteries. Would you mind giving a brief synopsis of the new rules? Thanks.

Ron

[Jonathan Nissanov]

Sure Ron,

Essentially due to fire risk the number of spare batteries will be restricted. See New security rules for batteries on planes | Tech news blog - CNET News.com for details. Its not clear in my mind whether TSA agents will distinguish between Li ion and nonrechargable Li and between Ni and Li. Potentially very problematic.

Yoni

[Buddy Thomason]

My experience shooting in the type of conditions you are contemplating is extensive but my camera experience in those conditions is limited to the Canon 10D, the 1D MKII and the 1Ds MKII. Hands down the Canon 1 series bodies are the way to go. Dust management is an issue and I doubt any camera, including the 40D, will be immune to dust risks resulting from frequent lens changes in unprotected windy locations, dust on your hands and clothes, in your camera bag etc. The 1 series sealed bodies and body/lens interface (assuming L series lenses of course - all bets are off if you're using non-L lenses!) inspire confidence in poor conditions. Generally I leave the 1Ds in my studio and take the 1D on the road without a back-up body - weight and space issues being foremost but I also have developed tremendous confidence in my 1 series bodies. I think of my 1D MKII as a "No Fear" camera. Admittedly I don't expect to produce large art prints with it - good magazine quality is all I need.

If IQ and print size are of equal or greater concern to you than robustness and risk of failure in the field, you choice might differ from mine... but I can't say enough good about Canon's 1D series bodies.

[Richard_Coyle]

Even though this is an old thread revisited, just in case someone who reads it missed the new TSA battery regs, please be aware that it's highly unlikely any DSLR batteries you take in carry-on luggage will exceed the minimum 8 grams limitation where the two battery limit takes effect. See the following article regarding this:

Rules clarified on flying with lithium batteries - USATODAY.com

Note that they state:

"One exception: Passengers toting lithium batteries that have 8 to 25 grams of equivalent lithium content are limited to two uninstalled batteries in each carry-on. Most consumer electronic goods such as laptops, digital cameras and cellphones use batteries that fall far short of that content."

They also say:

"However, unlimited loose batteries are allowed in carry-on bags, though the agency "strongly recommends" separating them in individual zippered bags or compartments if they aren't in their original packaging."

What you CAN NOT do is carry spare Li-ion batteries in your "CHECKED" luggage! But you CAN carry unlimited ones that meet the above standards in your "CARRY-ON" luggage.

This is in agreement with a variety of other articles and posts I read during the initial flurry of interest in this. One post that I can't find even calculated the amount of Lithium in pro DSLR batteries, showing how little it was compared to the TSA standard. Where this comes into effect is with film crews, etc., with high capacity video and other equipment batteries that are huge by comparison to DSLR batteries.

Here's one more thread that says it quite well:

GottaBeMobile - New Battery Rules For Air Travel Effective January 1 : Tablet PC & Mobile PC News & Video Reviews, and Tablet PC Forums

If almost all laptop computer batteries fall under the 8 grams limit, the DSLR batteries must also!