Canon 1D mkII and it's difficulty level

[jacu333]

HI!

I OWN 10D AND COUPLE OF REALY GOOD LESNES. I AM ABOUT TO UPGRADE FOR 1D MKII, HOWEVER I HAVE A QUESTION. I LOVE PHOTOGRAPHY AND I AM SHOOTING AS MUCH AS I CAN, BUT I AM NOT SURE IF I WILL HANDLE THE 1D. IS IT DIFFICULT TO SHOOT? DOES IT HAVE A AUTOMATIC MODE TO SHOOT WHEN THERE IS NO TIME TO PRESELECT OTHER FEATURES (APERTURE, EV,WB ETC.)?

PLEASE HELP ME
--
Jack L.

 

[Paul D Morgan]

The camera has a program mode. Since you have been working with the 10D, you will just need to set the camera up with the features you like and start shooting. The other features you can learn over time. To set the different settings is a lot different than the 10D or 20D, so read the manual.

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[fastlane65]

I just got a 1D Mark II to replace my 10D. Not that big a curve if you are good with the 10D. Main dials and buttons are similar. No dial on the left for mode, uses a button/wheel combo. The 1D does not have all the point & shoot modes of the 10D, but I never used them so I haven't missed them. I tried to use the green box mode once, but it wouldn't let me choose my meter mode, so I never went back to it.

You have made a good choice you won't regret.

--
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Not one shred of evidence supports the notion that life is
serious.

 

[Bill Gilbertson]

The 1DII rocks. I've had mine a few months and given the choice, almost always select it over the 10D. Even my wife has no qualms about using it. My 10D is becoming a rear lense cap:> ) BTW - I am not a pro. If you can afford it, it's a great machine.
--
BillG

 

[Chris Stutz]

Alot of people ditch the 10D or 20D and go to a "1" series expecting they will love it. Alot of people do but the big complaint is always the weight of the camera.

I did exactly that but i have owned old "1" series film cameras with motor drives on them and remember how heavy those were.

But man.. once you bring that "1" up to your eye and snap it... something just says wow.. this is a great piece of equipment and you never want to go to another body again.

If your willing to go with the weight.. invest in a nice wide sholder strap.. its probably one of the best upgrades to make it more enjoyable to use.

Have fun!

 

[pchaplo]

Go to a pro shop and try the 1D2 and the 20D at the counter. Sometimes people buy a Hummer when they really need a Honda CR-V

Wishing You Great Light!
Paul
--

No relation with any products noted, except spending my hard earned money on them. I am not an undercover marketer like some carpet-baggers.

 

[tnle2]

There's nothing difficult about a 1DmkII. It's a camera just like any other camera but it just happens to have some extra features.

The only thing to keep in mind is that it is big, it is heavy and it looks professional (because it is). So be prepared for the weight and for higher expectations by people around you. With a camera like that, people will expect great photographs from you. If you're up to that level yet then you might feel self-conscious and silly for carrying around such an advance camera.

 

[anyu]

Hi Jack, the 1D2 is not difficult to use, it's actually easier to get good pictures from it compared to the 10D (only my own experience). Takes a little while to get used to the extra weight but the long battery life is worth every extra gram.
Good luck with your decision!
-Anna

--
http://www.annayuphoto.com
-Bless those that smile upon us, and allow us to take their picture.

 

[GagBagger]

You'll LOVE the 1D/2.

Don't hesitate.

Brendan
--
Things that make you go, hmmmm...

 

[Tony Chiu]

Yep .. You will love it! I had a 20D and I just switched to 1DMKII.

Weight wise .. it is a bit different 1DMKII is a bit heavier than 20D with vertical grip and 2 batteries.

What you will miss:

1) The extra length (Different 1.6 and 1.3) (I used a Canon 1.4TC to recover my distance!)

2) The Ultra wide angle. (Canon EF-S 10-22 in my case, but you can always use Sigma 12-24 as a replacement for outdoor wide angle shots.)

I hope this help!

 

[DD2.1]

I guess amateurs who don't need a big pro camera but wasted the money on one anyway want others to join their ranks. "You'll love it" "Amazing" "use it in program mode" etc. etc.

Face it, if you've been doing well with the 10D and want a camera with similar handling but more resolution and a higher frame rate, that's why Canon made the 20D. It's such a good camera, many pros use it as a second camera, backup, or even primary camera. (I use it when I need to carry a second camera.) It's really that good.

Do yourself a favor and put your extra money where it will do the most good- In a good "L-series" lens or two, and not waste money on features you don't need and won't use.

 

[Ken Phillips]

... you should be able to operate the EOS-1 series and exploit some of its more elementary features, learning as you go.
Ken

--



http://www.ahomls.com/gallery.htm
Voted Best of the City 2004 by Cincinnati Magazine
I don't believe in fate, but I do believe in f/8!

 

[John-G]

I don't understand why everyone always says how the 1-Series cameras require so much more expertise. That's ridiculous.

I've owned a lot of recent bodies... Elan II, EOS-1V, D30, 1D, 1DMkII and on all of them you can (if you want) simply take them out of the box, set the mode switch to "P" and start shooting... and get excellent results.

There is absolutely nothing wrong with someone buying a 1-anything, putting it in "P" mode and getting excellent performance from the camera. You don't have to be a rocket scientist to benefit from faster AF, brighter viewfinder, quick shutter response, etc.

And all those other modes... M, Av, Tv, etc. They are no different than any other camera or film camera for that matter.

Sure, the 1-Series bodies are a bit heavier due to their build quality but if you really think you would like a 1-series camera I say go for it. If you're a beginner, stick it on "P" and "AWB" and start blasting away. All that other "stuff" will still be there waiting for you if and when you ever have the need to use it.

... you should be able to operate the EOS-1 series and exploit some
of its more elementary features, learning as you go.
Ken

--



http://www.ahomls.com/gallery.htm
Voted Best of the City 2004 by Cincinnati Magazine
I don't believe in fate, but I do believe in f/8!

 

[NVWSSV]

--
Grant

 

[Pamela Doby]

I do agree that it is a camera that I can grow with. I wanted a camera that had a lot more features than the d100 I was using and the canon mkII seemed to fit the bill. I've never regretted buying it. I've even gotten used to the weight and prefer it over my 20d for just about any situation.

Pam

 

[John-G]

--
Grant

.

 

[NVWSSV]

--
Grant

 

[Seaclam]

I went from a 10d to a 1dmk2 and never looked back. Personally for me build quality is a must and although the 20d is well built, it's not in the same league as a 1d series body. Another problem the 20d has, is it's viewfinder is also not in the same league, which is another major must for me. I thought the 10d viewfinder was fine, and the 20d's, but the mk2 is better/brighter. If your looking to upgrade and can afford one, amateur or not, get one. It won't make you better photograpgher at the start, although it's lack of program modes will force you to learn and become better.

 

[Rends]

--
Click!

 

[Gert S]

I switched from the 10D to the 1D Mark II and haven't used my 10D after receiving my 1D Mark II. Just keeping it as a backup camera.

Do you really need the features of the 1D Mark II?

• speed, ability of focusing in low light conditions, weather sealing, bright big viewer showing 100%, and many other things the 10D or 20D can't reach this camera.

If not, go for the 20D, which is quite good too, has the same resolution and you save money too.
For someone used to the green auto mode, the 1D Mark II is an overkill.

If you're used to get JPeg straight out the camera, go for the 20D, as many complain that JPeg from the 1D Mark II is to soft, even if sharpening is set to the maximum. Myself, I'm shooting raw only and adjust everything later.

As already mentioned, it's heavy, especially with some great lenses like the 24-70L, 28-300LIS.

There are differences in menu structure compared with the 10D, some complain about it, others like it, but you get used to this. Reading the manual and trying the possibilities is a MUST.

Expect to get a larger camera bag, as it doesn't fit in most ones.

Good luck with your decision
Gert