| |
Canon EOS 1Ds Mark II 16.7MP Digital SLR Camera (Body Only) | List Price: $12,000.00
Discount Price: $6,949.99
|
Brand: Canon
Binding: Electronics
Features: - 16.7-megapixel sensor provides sufficient resolution to produce files that convert to 50MB uncompressed TIFF at 24-bit colour depth
- Powered by Canon's second-generation DIGIC II image processor; capable of firing at 4 frames per second for bursts of up to 32 frames in JPEG or 11 frames in RAW
- Features 2.0-inch LCD screen with 230,000 pixels and 1.5 to 10x playback zoom
- Battery lasts for approximately 1200 shots at 20 degrees C, 800 at 0 degrees C
- High-speed FireWire and video out interface offer complete connectivity; optional wireless adaptor delivers high-speed image transfer
The camera to have... [Posted on 2006-11-26]
As a photo gear junkie, I seem to go through cameras quickly. I buy - use - sell - upgrade... over and over and over. I have used the original digital rebel, the 20D, the 1DMarkIIN, and now the 1dsMKII.
I was originally hesitant to drop the significant chunk of change required to own this product. Especially in the middle of a period of rumors circulating that the next evolution of the 1ds was coming soon. However - it was well worth the money.
I shoot model based images primarly... so I need something that is portable, rugged, and wont die on me - on location.
The battery lasts 8+ hours per charge - and charges incredibly quickly. I bought a spare... but I have only used it on travel weekends when I am away from a power supply for 2-3 days.
Its rugged. There is nothing like the pro-series bodied by Canon. I have taken this camera out in the cold and snow - and in pretty heavy rain - and because of its weather sealing - it worked like a charm.
Noise... this camera can shoot at H - which is the equivalent of ISO 3200. If you need to get the shot - and are in almost pitch black conditions - this baby can handle it. It will be grainy - but its a lot better than almost all of the other cameras out there. (I hear rumors that the 5D is better with LESS grain than this camera)... but then again - this is 16.7 megapixels.
The amount of megapixels is phenominal... 16.7 - allows you to shoot a person and see all of their nosehair. While that may not sound flattering (and its not) - it means that with good glass this baby can capture even the subtlest of details.
Last cool point... the dynamic range.
You figure more digital cameras have a dynamic range of 5-7 stops. Film - 7-9 stops... This has got to have closer to 9 stops and is the BEST I have seen in a digital camera. I just recently got a medium format digital back - and that has 13 stops of dynamic range... but the 1dsmkii comes a heck of a lot closer to that without having to shell out 30k.
Canon is OK [Posted on 2007-02-19]
I have one, and I'm very happy while using it. I gave 4 stars ,cause of the price. I waited so long to get it.
Mehmet Fatih KÜÇÜK
turkey
The only camera you will ever need [Posted on 2007-03-07]
I purchased this when it first became available a few years ago and loved it. I sold it a few months ago because I had convinced myself that it was more then I needed. After trying a 30D and a 5D, I sold them both and purchased another 1DS MARK II. When you own the best, you just can't settle for anything else. The absolute only feature I wish this had is the sensor shake to remove dust like the new models have. Other then that, this is the perfect digital camera. Do yourself a favor and use a high quality lens with it. The best deserves the best.
BATTERY LASTS FOREVER / BUFFER IS BIG / IMAGES LOOK GREAT [Posted on 2007-12-20]
I traded up from a nikon d100 and its been great. a little trouble at first. a very expensive long lens i bought was out of adjustment and vinnetting. it took me a little while to figure out and i sent it back. they broke it down and re-installed the elements and its been fine ever since. news photography - aerial photography - artwork. no problems with extreme cold (15F soaked) , moisture, heat or heavy use. with a 1.4 lens its almost like night vision. stuff that i can barely see well enough to focus comes out well lit and not blurred while handheld. BTW i don't recommend a nikon.
Simply beautiful [Posted on 2008-03-03]
I started out in 2005 with a 20D, at about the same time the 1ds MK II was released.
Because this was a hobby of mine at the time, the 1ds mk II was way out of reach, both in terms of price, and due to the demand for good glass to go with it.
I am used to the 20D's AA filter, for me it is a normal part of the work flow to apply default sharpening at the end of the job in PS.
For the dissapointed Kodak guy, I have to ask and point out two things;
- What glass did you use? The 1ds MK II (and the MK III even more so) demand expensive, excellent glass. The large sensor and the resolution will put even the most expensive lenses to the test.
- Did you apply default sharpening after post processing? Canon state that a unsharp mask / smart sharpen of about 300% 0.3px (tweak when needed) is necessary to combat the AA filter. If you do that, detail will jump out at you and make your jaw drop, seriously.
For me the 1ds MK II experience has been a real treat. I bought mine summer 2007, well aware that the MK III was due to be announced.
For me, the small percentages in resolution didn't matter (though the MKIII, as a total package, is a step up from the MK II). The MK II creates wonderful photos. I have used mine for landscape, macro, studio, product and animals so far and I love every pixel i get. Prints looks great, my 70-200 f 2.8 finally saw use as a portrait lens again and my 17-40 really goes super wide for landscape.
The menu system's "idiot proofing" can be somewhat confusing at first and I miss my 20D control stick for the focus point selection, how ever; When you have used it for a while, the handling become second nature.
I don't need a "live view 42" flat screen TV" on the back of my camera as the new DSLR's have these days, draining the battery, so I am perfectly happy with the smallish one on the MK II. I use my screen for quick reviews/controls and to check the RGB histogram for exposure, the rest is done on the computer.
I don't complain about size or weight and I don't see why one should when one is buying a camera one may use in a desert war -or to club down a potential mugger and take his photo afterwards. :)
Seriously though; If you don't want a heavy full frame camera, go for the 5D (or the coming 5D mk II). I use my 1ds mk II with the 70-200 F2.8L, the 135 f2 L, 24-105 F4 L and the 400 5.6L and even though I get tired some times, I know that these various combos will produce pictures that will "aw" my clients.
- Besides, a little work out is good for everyone in a time when people are getting more obese by the minute.
I give it 4 out of 5 stars (would give 4.5 if possible), deducting some of the points for the over complicated menu-control system as well as the missing control stick for the focus points. (The 20D had it, and was released at the same time, so IMO the 1ds MK II should have had it).
At the time I am writing this review, a used 1ds MK II can be had for about 50% of it's introduction price.
If you are planning to step up from the 1D, 5D or the xxD/xxxD series, I would recommend this camera with no hesitation.
- Prepare to spend the money, saved on buying a used camera, on glass :)
Click here for more details and discount information...
|
|
){kind=link}