Canon EOS-1D Mark II N

Opinion: I just purchased this camera last week after switching from Nikon. It was a big switch, as I had to get rid of all my film and digital Nikon gear in order to afford this baby. Why did I switch?.. I had simply too many problems with Nikon: whether it was the grip/rubber comming undone/bubbling, shutter jamming, focus selector jamming, sharpness of photos etc - I had enough. What can I say about the MKIIn? Wow. That should sum it up. This camera is truly magnificent. Rapid fast focus (I got nice IS lenses too.. so I'm sure it doesn't hurt), 8.5fps is way more than enough. Construction is super solid. Nice big 2.5" LCD. Custom whitebalance and picture modes is nice. The ability to clean the CCD without purchasing extra hardware is a plus. Sharpness is very nice in JPEG 10 quality (I expected it to be a little better, but ever so slight use of PS CS2 unsharp mask solves the problem), much better sharpness in RAW though:)

It's a great camera for any photojournalist, as the shutter should last for atleast 200,000 (according to Canon) shots . It's solid and quick with a very nice picture quality. Happy I switched and worth every penny.

**I tested it out in the field and it's awesome. Picture quality better then from D100 and D2Hs - comparing RAW files. Sports - fast focus - nice sharpness in JPEG. General news photos - no complaints.
**Took it on vacation hiking, canoeing, mountain climbing - little bulky, but pictures are stunning. Metering is superb.

Opinion: Just recently got the camera in replacement for a EOS D1 Mark II. I was really excited to try out the new features and especially the larger and better screen. Upon the arrival of the camera, the very first thing that grabs your attention is how BIG that new screen really is. The font to go thru the options is A LOT bigger and much easier to see, and the color of the photos is flawless. I couldnt be happier with the purchase. I bought the camera from Berger Bros. out of New York. They were awesome, treated me well and got the camera to me on time. I also bought a 70-200 f/2.8L IS and 70-300 DO lens. Here are some examples of shots I did with the camera and the L Series lens

Opinion: Out of the box the camera is a wonder to the eyes and has the feel of an M-1 Tank. Construction and design is awesome and the weight is appropriate for such a tool as this. Photographs are crisp and clear and the speed is magnificent. I am very pleased I decided on the N over the 5D. Large 2.5" LCD screen is great too. I cant find anything I dislike about this camera. Its like buying a Ferrari. Right out of the box its tuned and ready to get down to business.

Opinion: I too decided on the mkIIn over the 5D (currently own a 20D) for all the ruggedness reasons, etc. So far it performs flawlessly but I have two observations to pass on:
1) I feel it was more fun "back in the good ole' days" when when a camera was more intuative... yes I still own my F-1 thank you very much !!
2) although most of the "amatuer" features have been taken off the EOS-1D mkIIn one I whish would have remained was the AI FOCUS mode for it was the best of both One Shot and AI SERVO.