Yes, I do agree that the ID-Mark II absolutely matches the needs of a sports photographer. It's hell of a fast. But that's it. And, by the way, do you make a living out of it? If not and you are just a keen photographer that knows how to use (very well) all the post-processing software available and you do really want the best possible image quality, then the 1Ds-Mark II is what you have to go for. I completely agree that the 20D delivers just a good image as the 1D-Mark II, but there's no way that you'll ever be able to get an image with the quality (resolution, colour depth, contrast, balance) that you obtain with the 1Ds-Mark II. It's another world that comes with a price. I carry around my 1Ds-Mark II just as I carry around its little sister the 1D-Mark II, but hey, the difference gap is so big that I am going to sell the 1D-Mark II and replace it with the 20D. At least it'll give me the advantage of the 1.6 crop factor that shall give more reach to my super telephoto lenses.
I frankly don't understand all the crap about the 1Ds-Mark II being a studio camera......just try it out on the field and you'll be simply amazed of what it delivers. Portrait, landscapes, wild life, macros....no limits, on the contrary...it expands your limits. After 40,000 selected images from all over the world and after going through all the various models of Leicas, Contax and Nikons, the 1Ds-Mark II delivers what I've been dreaming of for 30 years. We can go on talking and talking....but then what you have to really look at is the final image and print you obtain from your hardware and software. Canon EOS 1Ds-Mark II and you're light years ahead.
I frankly don't understand all the crap about the 1Ds-Mark II being a studio camera......just try it out on the field and you'll be simply amazed of what it delivers. Portrait, landscapes, wild life, macros....no limits, on the contrary...it expands your limits. After 40,000 selected images from all over the world and after going through all the various models of Leicas, Contax and Nikons, the 1Ds-Mark II delivers what I've been dreaming of for 30 years. We can go on talking and talking....but then what you have to really look at is the final image and print you obtain from your hardware and software. Canon EOS 1Ds-Mark II and you're light years ahead.