Well if you are looking at this fine piece of Photographic equipment odds are you have been to the Canon website and read the specs. I will touch on a few of the items I have noticed since I purchased mine and have been using it.
1st. The feel, just like the 1D M3, this beast is solid. Not too heavy, but solid in the hand. And here in Alaska, I do put the weather sealing to a test, and just like my trusty 1D M3, the 1Ds passes with flying colors.
2nd. Yes its 21.1 MP, but that should not be your main consideration to buy it. Yah 18x12 @ 300Dpi out of the Camera is nice, but nost people dont print over 16x20, and I have sold a lot of prints from my old 20D at that size or even upto 20x30, as long as you shoot it right in the first place. But this is also a drawback as well. Because of the large file size, esp in Raw, and most, if not all, buyers of this body will/should be shooting in raw, be aware that you will need larger CF cards for it. At least 8gig, I use 12Gig for mine, extreme 3's and they work great! Also be aware if you use the internal high iso noise processing, it slows down the buffering a lot!!!
3rd. Full Frame, just like the earlier 1Ds models its a ful frame sensor. That means 2 things, not only does a 17mm or 14mm lens again be a true wide angle lens, but also with the larger sensor the pixels are more refined and this gives better color and less grain.
4th. The colors of the images in the files. WOW Again the 14bit processors are great!!! Esp for raw, where you can import it in as 16bit for the finer details. One draw back is if you use Photoshop, you will need CS3 to do the raw Conversions, unless you use the Canon program.
5th. You are approaching the image quality of a Dig MF camera, with the portability of a Dslr! Not to mention you can use all the Canon EF lenses, and this camera really should only be used with L series lenses when possible, except for the fisheye as its not made in an L series but the quality is very good anyways. As the Quality of the optics is what affects the quality of the image the most, other than settings in the camera, ie shutterspeed and AV, ISO, etc...
6th. Wonderful Accesories for the camera. I love my wft-e2a. I use it on my 1D M3 a lot and it works great on the 1ds as well. Its a great way to control your camera remotely or to send your files to a remote computer for processing and such while you are still shooting.
This Camera is great. I have used the new nikon d3, and its a much improved camera over the past models, but it does not compare to the top of the line Canon!!!! This camera will not let you down. The noise if shot right is not even noticed until iso 1600 and then you still got to look. ISO 3200 is still great (about the same noise/grain my buddy had on his d200 at iso 400!!!!!)! If you are a Pro and need a camera that can perform the best and give wonderful results, this is it. It kicks butt compared to anything else in the DSLR market!!!
I owned this camera since spring of 2008,
So at the point of writing this review, I used it for nearly a year.
Now, if you are earlier owner, you might have experienced a problem or two.
I was unfortunately one of the owner experienced problem, and had to ship it back to Canon for the warranty repair. So, I was not exactly happy about paying expensive FEDEX freight.
But, rest assured, no other nasty problem occurred after warranty repair, and this camera has been workhorse of my photography.
Now, let get on the review.
This is really wonderful 21.1MP camera, and it is well worth the money.
But, you have to determine if you need to use one.
At the time of release, there were no other full size sensor camera with this resolutions.
Of course, it has been since passed by other manufacture... but I will not going to that comparison.
For Professional User.
Important thing about this camera is economics.
I own EOS 5D as well, and when non-commissioned or low paid project, I tend to bring 5D instead of 1DS MK3.
It is due to the fact, overall operational cost tend to be higher on the 1DS MK3 so if does not paid well, there will be no point to bring it out.
But, if it does paid well. there are enough justification to own this system, and you should used it as much as you can.
And this system is really reliable, once you get past some getting used to.
One more note,
Now I do own several different system including Hasselblad Medium format.
Medium Format Digital System is superior system when you are working in the control lighting environment. However, it is rather difficult to work with in the outside activity.
If you are studio photographer with magazine or commercial client, and do occasional out side shoot, you should own both medium format and this camera.
If you are professional just wondering about medium format and full size sensor camera,but without pressing need, then do not bother with medium format.
People who uses medium format digital normally has pressing reason such as satisfying client's specifications to own such system.
And it is not really versatile system no matter how medium format camera maker and digital back manufacture portray.
Canon 1DS MK3 is really versatile system, and it will satisfy most of design agency, publisher or stock photo agency's requirement, and L lens system are reasonably priced for the performance when looking at the economics.
For Semi Pro or High Amateurs User
For semi professional. 1DS MK3 is not going to make best economic argument, if you do not shoot studio.
If you are part time photographer who shoots mainly events or doing photo journalism.
I will recommend 1DMK3 over 1DSMK3.
Also, for photo journalist purpose, nowadays 5D MK2 actually makes a lot more sense than getting 1DS MK3 due to the their HD capability.
And for the photo journalist, it is not that good idea to carry bulky system.
But, for an amateur user with a lot of spending money,
It is one of the best system to get taste of what real pro are using.
And it does not cost like price of new BMW, and for the financially resourceful amateur, 7 to 8 grand may not be much of money.
When I got 1DS MK3 there were several amateur photographer I taught how to use this camera...
Surprising thing is, there are quiet many of amateur owner, and with very limited instruction to them,
They were able to create very good quality images.
So, kudos to the Canon for new 1DS MK3 interface.
It is actually easier for 1DS first timer than older 1DS MK2 for instance.
Of course, people who were used to with 1DS MK2 or older tend to disagree on this.
Now here are list of main advantage.
1. It is 21.1MP, more than most of commercial assignment requires.
2. Color depth of 14bit per channel is really useful for RAW work flow process.
3. Economical compared to the expensive medium format system, and still get comparable or sometimes superior result if conditions are right.
4. Build like tank, and it can take a quiet bit of abuse.
5. For user who are used to with 20D~50D, 5D MK1~MK2, it is really easy to learn interface.
6. Dust cleaning is really useful.
7. AF + Canon L Lens combinations is superior to the other known system in the market as of 2008-9
8. Liveview is useful to shoot architecture, land scape, and products.
9. RAW file format is supported well by the major commercial software.
10.CF slot and SDHC slot actually helps. It did not occurred to me until I run out of memory card on the locations, and had to run to the nearby local drug store. At least they carry cheap SD/SDHC at any large drug store chains, and it is a lot easier to find those store than locating nearby large electronic store...
11. Battery Life is excellent, it will easily cover half day events with nearly a thousand of picture even with taxing RAW + JPEG shoot.
12. Due to its weight and form factor, it is a lot easier to balance with long heavy lens.
13. When used with L lens, it is somewhat comparable with expensive medium format digital back.
14. Silent shutter mode is somewhat useful.
Now here are list of disadvantage.
1. It is slightly new form factor for Canon, and there are chance you had to send it to the warranty repair if you got the earlier production model.
2.There are something wrong with design of wireless port cap. It is relatively easy to lose one since it sometimes fell off with limited torque applied. I lost several of them already... though I stocked half dozen cap after I lost my first cap.
3. It is heavy and bulky. Thus some times not a ideal for certain situations.
4. Compared to Nikon D3X, it has slightly poor SNR on the third party software RAW processing software, so certain journalistic style shoot might suffer. If you shoot in the studio controlled lighting environment, that should not be a much of issue.
5. Many of RAW development software is actually more well tuned for Nikon, This might to be due to the amount of info Canon release to the third party software developer.
6. It is hard to justify its price for the many of users.
7. However everyone else claimed, it still can not replace medium format digital camera. Lens resolution and clarity of images is not there yet. Of course, that is when looking at 1:1 images side by side.
8. Silent shutter mode is not that quiet compared to some of the most quiet camera in the market. So, application such as close quarter Jazz or Classical music shot are still off the table.
Overall, I will recommend this camera to who,
If you are photographer that shoot tons of weddings at high fee structure, you should get one. Otherwise, EOS 5D nowadays makes very attractive choice.
If you are commercial photographer with clients and sufficient invest in Canon system, why are you waiting?
If you are amateur with deep pockets, this is a camera to get, and impress your photography teacher!
I will not recommend to someone,
Trek photographer who need lighter weight gear or those wild life photographer needs of faster fps should consider other offering from Canon.
Any journalistic style should consider 1D MK3 first unless you shoot tons of interview photo.
Shooting for hobby or fine arts purpose should really consider 5D mk2 before taking financial plunge of 1DS MK3
If you think it is heavy for you, do not get it. It will be too heavy for you after few hours of holding camera.
Buy Canon EOS 1Ds Mark III 21.1MP Digital SLR Camera (Body Only) Now
In every way Canon has done it again. This camera is lighter, faster, and produces bigger, better files than the mk2. If you make a living shooting pictures, buy it, you may never have to upgrade again. If Photography is your hobby or passion and you can afford it this should be your last camera.
My five favorite improvements in no particular order.
Faster and more accurate autofocus
Less noise at high ISO making 3200 a viable choice.
File quality that beats many 22MP medium format digital backs.
Live preview, it's cool, fun, and useful.
Improved handling due to lighter more balanced feel
Yes I know number three will get me in trouble but the price, faster handling, and much broader lens selection make it great choice in the 22 to 30MP range. The 39MP backs are clearly more detailed and smoother but this Canon will push many a P25 and H3D-22 onto ebay in the next year.
Canon has set the standard again the mk3 is truly brilliant. The only better deal may be the well cared for used mk2's easily found on ebay.
I just wanted to add a comment regarding cost. Now that my second mk2 has found a new home I can evaluate the true cost of an $8000.00 dslr. I paid $7300.00 each for my mk2s. Sold them for an average of $3620.00 making the cost if you add in an extra battery and firewire cables for three years around $4000.00 each. I anticipate this kind of return for the mk3s and considering they will work in a high demand professional environment for three years or so I'd say the mk3 is a ridiculous bargain.
By the way both of my mk3s have performed flawlessly and were spot on with regards to viewfinder alignment.
Read Best Reviews of Canon EOS 1Ds Mark III 21.1MP Digital SLR Camera (Body Only) Here
I've had the 1Ds Mark III for over a month now and have shot in churches, outdoors and in the studio. It excels in every environment. The first thing you'll notice is the immensely big, bright viewfinder. It barely feels like looking through something! The LCD display is very good as well. Build is very solid. I've used it with the Canon 85mm 1.2 II L and the Canon 70-200mm 2.8 IS L. Both deliver outstanding results and are hand-holdable. The new automatic dust-removal system is very good, leaving only a couple of spots against the blue sky when shot at small apertures, when there used to be countless on the 5D. Image quality is fantastic, and the images are huge, making cropping while retaining a big image easy. The menu system is very easy to operate, custom functions offer a plethora of options. Shutter sound is wonderful, and at 5fps very fast for 21MP. It's expensive for sure, but definitely worth it.
Want Canon EOS 1Ds Mark III 21.1MP Digital SLR Camera (Body Only) Discount?
Canon EOS 1Ds Mark III 21.1MP Digital SLR Camera (Body Only)
I am an advanced amateur and was using the 5D Mark I for the past 2.5 years. I loved the images but hated the focusing. In any kind of shot that involved focusing on a subject moving at walking speed, (or less) the 5D would fail to snap into focus. The second shot would never be in focus. In lower light situations (typical interior lighting, not candles), the 5D was even worse. Sometimes the focusing would force the lens to go to maximum close/distance as the 5D hunted for focus even when the lens was basically in focus to start this was guaranteed to miss the shot.
The 1Ds, on the other hand, is great at focusing. Super fast, subjects snap into focus quickly, and focusing continues onto 2nd shots and more. And it will focus on lenses that are 5.6 and above something the 5D did not do (try a telephoto with a filter or extender). From what I can read, the new 5D Mark II has basically the same focusing system so it is not improved in this area.
What kind of shots am I talking about? Shots of people,kids, basketball, soccer, bands, parades, candids on the street, street life, travel, animals in the wild or at home I would include most everything except still life/landscape photos. Generally any shot you would not be making with a tripod is a situation where the 1Ds' focusing is vastly superior to the 5D.
High resolution is great. But out of focus shots are not keepers.
Finally, the 1Ds Mark III is much more solid than the 5D everything from the controls to the shutter sound. I love this camera. My only wish is that it were the same size as the 5D since most shoulde camera bags don't account for its height. I don't mind the weight since the the weight of the lenses I am carrying is much heavier than the camera.
After receiving the DVR and cameras I decided to set the system up temporarily so I could configure and test locally and remotely before installing on my third floor. Boy am I glad I did that!!! After 2 days, a new router, and 6 hours of reading all I could get to work was the local viewing on my LAN. 1st problem was that I have Verizon FIOS and the router they provide is trash. It would not let me forward my ports so I could gain access to the DVR from a remote internet connection. So I purchased a new ASUS router. After the new router was installed I was able to get connected on my mobile device, I phone 5, as well as on my local network. Still no remote internet connection. I searched Q-see.com and read everything I could find even searching Google. Nothing helped, I followed everything in could find to get a domain set up and still couldn't get remote access. Now to the 2nd problem, DVR set up instructions. What a disaster and how confusing. Once I called Q-see and talked with a wonderful technical support person, her name was Faith by the way, she had me up and running in minutes. Come to find out, everything sent with the system including the manuals are wrong. Even the software they send you to monitor the DVR has misleading information in it. All in all the system is wonderful. The customer support is wonderful, if you don't mind waiting to get through. But I must warn anyone looking to get this system on the internet to monitor remotely. Don't waste your time with the instructions, once you get the dvr and cameras plugged in, plug the network in and then call them. Hopefully you get someone as knowledgeable as Faith. The technical support will have you running in no time. Hope this helps anyone else from having the same issues I had.
