... 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 :)
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