Excellent review Tony. Thanks for doing it. On the ISO set button issue, is there a reason you prefer using the “set” button instead of the dedicated ISO button on the top right? Personally, I’m thrilled about having this new button instead of the the two button push needed on the top left side of my old MarkIIn.
UPDATE: Just looked at an image of the Mark III and see that it also has the single button ISO. I never used the Mark III so was unaware. Cheers!
Excellent review. I’ve been seriously thinking of getting a 1D4 so I can really use outer focus points, but the crop factor is a killer for me. I also love the 35L on full-frame, so I’m thinking I might be happy with 24/50 on crop rather than the 35/85 on FF I’ve been used to.
Tom Melanson:
Well it’s obvious! I’m seeing a 1DsMkIV in your future :-)
Nice review. Thanks.
Thanks Tony for taking the time to share your feelings. I feel exactly the same way about the original 5d (we still have 7 of them) and the 5d II…. Same about the Mark III…. yuck, they want how much for that and the image quality of the 5d trumps it every day!
I’ve been on the fence about a D-series body and like you, we use the identical lens setup. I FEAR what will happen to the 35L. Have you used the 24? I’ve been trying to figure out what we would use as my normal setup is 35L and the 85L with some use of the 135. With the Mark IV, perhaps the 24 and the 50? Dunno for now. I think the 5d II wins for us still until the next go around with a new body release in that series.
Thanks again for your thoughts, great to hear everything you said for a nice piece of mind!
thanks for taking the time to share…your opinions about the Mk4 means alot because you are so much in the “trenches”, spending 5k to upgrade is a major decision, and so I think for now I will continue to “hover” and use what I have for 2010…
I’m a Sony girl, and I have to say SOOC shots at low ISOs are superb with my Sony, but when you’re talking about shooting 12,800 ISO, I can’t even comprehend! These are things that are pushing me closer to investing in a Canon or Nikon setup. All ready used to the crop factor, I’ve been lusting over this camera for awhile now…sigh…Thanks for sharing the review!
Thanks for the pragmatic review. I have two 5Ds and was thinking of trading one in for the 1D4. I shoot primes and never thought of the crop as a way of doubling my lenses. … and doing predominantly baby photography, the silent shutter would be handy.
Thanks for this… I was considering getting a MKIV but I’m not sure myself if i want to go crop. I really love the full frame and I’m used to the reach my lenses give me. I might wait and see the 1ds MKIV reaction but not sure if it’ll be overkill for weddings..!
great review from a wedding perspective..!
Am I the only one who loves her EOS Mark II 1d? I am addicted to that camera’s monitor– so accurate. I need to find a quiet evening to read this whole post.
just the review I’ve been looking for. I bought the 1D Mk 4 after
owning every 1.6 crop camera from the 20D to the 7D, so it seems wide and spacious to me. I am very pleased with the camera, but I
wondered if I overpaid for the camera. In other words, since I’m
not shooting 10 fps, would I have been better with the 5D 2 at one
half the price? SO, it’s interesting to me that you use both.
Also, I have just sworn off zooms, and added the 35 L, and I
love it.
Wonder what the 1Ds Mk4 will be like?
I look forward to studying your shooting!
Detailed hands on review – love it! Thanks for taking the time to write about your experience. But please correct your post RE: why doesn’t Canon make the 1D full frame? Canon always produces two models – the 1D (for sports shooters, wildlife, etc) and followed by the 1Ds for those of us who prefer a full frame sensor (‘s’ for studio.)
Excellent review with great examples of the capability. thanks for taking the time to do this.
Rolo:
Thanks for the encouragement. Nice balanced read.
I bought a IV last Tuesday and use it tomorrow for a wedding.
Until now, I’ve been satisfied with a 1D MkII N with a mix of zooms and primes, plus a Leica M9 with primes. The donkey work has fallen to the 24-70mm, but maybe now, with the bigger files, the 16-35mm will take some more of the load.
Not sure what to do with the 1D MkII N just yet, but with my 135 f2 it punches way above album requirements. Seems a shame to list such a fine example on ebay. Maybe leave the M9 at home for security. :-)
I saw your comment and I just felt the need to let you know my experience with the 5d Mark II which I later sold to get the 1D Mark IV.
I bought the 5D Mark II on January upgrading from a 50D. I am a sports photographer and therefore was not sure about the 5D Mark II’s 3.9fps but was eager to try it because of the raving reviews and since I did not want to drop $5K on a body. I have taken about 6k shots with it from indoor basketball and gymnastics to track and field and baseball events. My only complaint thus far is the 3.9fps but only because I shoot sports. With the Canon 200mm L f/2.8 lens indoors I was able to catch amazing pictures at 3500 ISO, something I could have never done with the 50D but found myself missing “the shot” because the camera was too slow. Aside from the 3.9fps I was inlove with the camera but it wasn’t for me and had to sell it to get the 1D Mark IV.
After testing indoor shots with the 1D mark IV, I have to say the results are very similar when I comparing ISO shots and noise. The only thing I noticed was that the 1D mark IV focuses better but only when shooting moving subjects, which in my case are athletes running and jumping around.
If you asked me, I think you overpaid if you are not in need of 10fps. The 5D mark II is an amazing camera but lacked the fps I needed. I only wished the 5D Mark II’s grip would add an extra 3fps to the camera like Nikon does with its grip and the D700. If Canon ever adds that feature to its grip line, I would not hesitate to go back to the 5D mark II.
Thanks for your detailed review. It just confirmed the main fear I had (poor focusing with the AF assist beam). My Mark II N is the same way and I hate it!
Jim:
I have two of these bodies and both are terrible in low light. In low light, if you try to focus on a dark subject in low light, it doesn’t lock the AF. 5DMKII, 7D, same conditions, same lens, etc., no problem.
Leo Doucet:
I bought the iD MK IV in March (I’ve every EOS since the D60) and I am not that happy with the ISO above 500 in daylight but for low light levels and and night shots it’s excellent.
Basically however I am a Wildlife and Landscape Photographers and at the moment am on my way to the High Arctic, but just to make sure I’ll have my MK 11 with me
Thanks for the practical and informative “hands-on” review. I shoot High School sports and have used quite a few Canon bodies, i.e., Rebels, 40D, 50D, and my previous body, the 7D.
I just received my Mark IV last week and can’t wait to try it at the upcoming football games. I shoot in three different stadiums, all at night. I’m really looking forward to the fast focusing in the Servo mode and high ISO settings.
I have always had to post process my Raw pics with noise reduction programs and it will be interesting to see what I need to do (or not do) with the Mark IV.
Perfect write-up. This mirrors EVERYTHING that I feel about the 1DIV: the low-light AF, the iso usability vs the 5DII…even how I feel about the crop. I’m glad you took the time to write about it. Cheers.
David Jewels:
I have owned both cameras and sold them both because I needed to purchase something else, non camera related. But I’m once again getting back into photography and, even after your tremendous article, for the life of me, cannot decide which camera to buy, the 5d Mark II or the 1D mark IV. I used to shoot mostly video, and almost never used the 1D Mark IV because the clips from the 5D Mark II always seemed to look that much better with my EF85mm f12L II lens. There was always something different and magical about the photos even, when using the 5D Mark II with the same lens as opposed to the 1D mark IV.
I loved the build quality of the 1D Mark IV, and it was a better camera in terms of fast autofocus, that’s for sure.
Your photos are really amazing, by the way, especially that one at the top wit the glass raised. That one is a masterpiece !!!
jhill:
im a 5D owner. didnt upgrade to the m2 because it didnt seem like a drastic change.
i originally was hoping for iso performance. but what im dinding is i really like the images taken in iso 50. finding it quite ironic.
also got the mark iv because i was missing shots. downside is it is very easy to fill up endless cards and hard drives as a result.
i do like the camera a lot. overall im pleased. it is a really big change over my 5d and it has had a big effect on my style.
im still a bit confused by the ai servo and still learning
hope to run into someone who has a mark iv to compare notes someday
Evert Doorn:
Thanks Tony, great review for us wedding photogs! Looks like I’ll have to sell my 1d mk III now ;)
Jonathan Fletcher:
Great review. When you use the “set” button for ISO control, do you use one of the dials to adjust the ISO after pressing “set”?
jf
Kevin Lam:
Thanks for the detailed and thoughtful write-up. It’s great to get your perspective on the 1D.
Alan Miller:
Outstanding review. Thanks for taking the time. It’s exactly what I’ve wanted to read about this camera.
Alan B:
Excellent review Tony. Thanks for doing it. On the ISO set button issue, is there a reason you prefer using the “set” button instead of the dedicated ISO button on the top right? Personally, I’m thrilled about having this new button instead of the the two button push needed on the top left side of my old MarkIIn.
UPDATE: Just looked at an image of the Mark III and see that it also has the single button ISO. I never used the Mark III so was unaware. Cheers!
Rich:
Great review Tony… now i just have to dig up the money to buy one.
brett maxwell:
Excellent review. I’ve been seriously thinking of getting a 1D4 so I can really use outer focus points, but the crop factor is a killer for me. I also love the 35L on full-frame, so I’m thinking I might be happy with 24/50 on crop rather than the 35/85 on FF I’ve been used to.
Tom Melanson:
Well it’s obvious! I’m seeing a 1DsMkIV in your future :-)
Nice review. Thanks.
matt adcock:
Thanks Tony for taking the time to share your feelings. I feel exactly the same way about the original 5d (we still have 7 of them) and the 5d II…. Same about the Mark III…. yuck, they want how much for that and the image quality of the 5d trumps it every day!
I’ve been on the fence about a D-series body and like you, we use the identical lens setup. I FEAR what will happen to the 35L. Have you used the 24? I’ve been trying to figure out what we would use as my normal setup is 35L and the 85L with some use of the 135. With the Mark IV, perhaps the 24 and the 50? Dunno for now. I think the 5d II wins for us still until the next go around with a new body release in that series.
Thanks again for your thoughts, great to hear everything you said for a nice piece of mind!
Matt
Paul Freeman:
thanks for taking the time to share…your opinions about the Mk4 means alot because you are so much in the “trenches”, spending 5k to upgrade is a major decision, and so I think for now I will continue to “hover” and use what I have for 2010…
Elaine:
I’m a Sony girl, and I have to say SOOC shots at low ISOs are superb with my Sony, but when you’re talking about shooting 12,800 ISO, I can’t even comprehend! These are things that are pushing me closer to investing in a Canon or Nikon setup. All ready used to the crop factor, I’ve been lusting over this camera for awhile now…sigh…Thanks for sharing the review!
Phat Photographer:
Thanks for the pragmatic review. I have two 5Ds and was thinking of trading one in for the 1D4. I shoot primes and never thought of the crop as a way of doubling my lenses. … and doing predominantly baby photography, the silent shutter would be handy.
Thanks again.
Paul:
Thanks for this… I was considering getting a MKIV but I’m not sure myself if i want to go crop. I really love the full frame and I’m used to the reach my lenses give me. I might wait and see the 1ds MKIV reaction but not sure if it’ll be overkill for weddings..!
great review from a wedding perspective..!
cameron clark| cameron + kelly studio:
Am I the only one who loves her EOS Mark II 1d? I am addicted to that camera’s monitor– so accurate. I need to find a quiet evening to read this whole post.
JG Photography:
A great practical honest review Tony. cheers!
Jack Bentley:
just the review I’ve been looking for. I bought the 1D Mk 4 after
owning every 1.6 crop camera from the 20D to the 7D, so it seems wide and spacious to me. I am very pleased with the camera, but I
wondered if I overpaid for the camera. In other words, since I’m
not shooting 10 fps, would I have been better with the 5D 2 at one
half the price? SO, it’s interesting to me that you use both.
Also, I have just sworn off zooms, and added the 35 L, and I
love it.
Wonder what the 1Ds Mk4 will be like?
I look forward to studying your shooting!
Chris Boyd:
Detailed hands on review – love it! Thanks for taking the time to write about your experience. But please correct your post RE: why doesn’t Canon make the 1D full frame? Canon always produces two models – the 1D (for sports shooters, wildlife, etc) and followed by the 1Ds for those of us who prefer a full frame sensor (‘s’ for studio.)
CT Photographer:
Excellent review with great examples of the capability. thanks for taking the time to do this.
Rolo:
Thanks for the encouragement. Nice balanced read.
I bought a IV last Tuesday and use it tomorrow for a wedding.
Until now, I’ve been satisfied with a 1D MkII N with a mix of zooms and primes, plus a Leica M9 with primes. The donkey work has fallen to the 24-70mm, but maybe now, with the bigger files, the 16-35mm will take some more of the load.
Not sure what to do with the 1D MkII N just yet, but with my 135 f2 it punches way above album requirements. Seems a shame to list such a fine example on ebay. Maybe leave the M9 at home for security. :-)
Thanks
Ole:
Great post. Very detailed. Awesome work.
Eddie:
Jack Bentley,
I saw your comment and I just felt the need to let you know my experience with the 5d Mark II which I later sold to get the 1D Mark IV.
I bought the 5D Mark II on January upgrading from a 50D. I am a sports photographer and therefore was not sure about the 5D Mark II’s 3.9fps but was eager to try it because of the raving reviews and since I did not want to drop $5K on a body. I have taken about 6k shots with it from indoor basketball and gymnastics to track and field and baseball events. My only complaint thus far is the 3.9fps but only because I shoot sports. With the Canon 200mm L f/2.8 lens indoors I was able to catch amazing pictures at 3500 ISO, something I could have never done with the 50D but found myself missing “the shot” because the camera was too slow. Aside from the 3.9fps I was inlove with the camera but it wasn’t for me and had to sell it to get the 1D Mark IV.
After testing indoor shots with the 1D mark IV, I have to say the results are very similar when I comparing ISO shots and noise. The only thing I noticed was that the 1D mark IV focuses better but only when shooting moving subjects, which in my case are athletes running and jumping around.
If you asked me, I think you overpaid if you are not in need of 10fps. The 5D mark II is an amazing camera but lacked the fps I needed. I only wished the 5D Mark II’s grip would add an extra 3fps to the camera like Nikon does with its grip and the D700. If Canon ever adds that feature to its grip line, I would not hesitate to go back to the 5D mark II.
Dave McLaughln:
Thanks for your detailed review. It just confirmed the main fear I had (poor focusing with the AF assist beam). My Mark II N is the same way and I hate it!
Jim:
I have two of these bodies and both are terrible in low light. In low light, if you try to focus on a dark subject in low light, it doesn’t lock the AF. 5DMKII, 7D, same conditions, same lens, etc., no problem.
Leo Doucet:
I bought the iD MK IV in March (I’ve every EOS since the D60) and I am not that happy with the ISO above 500 in daylight but for low light levels and and night shots it’s excellent.
Basically however I am a Wildlife and Landscape Photographers and at the moment am on my way to the High Arctic, but just to make sure I’ll have my MK 11 with me
Tim Cumberland:
Thanks for the practical and informative “hands-on” review. I shoot High School sports and have used quite a few Canon bodies, i.e., Rebels, 40D, 50D, and my previous body, the 7D.
I just received my Mark IV last week and can’t wait to try it at the upcoming football games. I shoot in three different stadiums, all at night. I’m really looking forward to the fast focusing in the Servo mode and high ISO settings.
I have always had to post process my Raw pics with noise reduction programs and it will be interesting to see what I need to do (or not do) with the Mark IV.
I’ll soon be having some real world sports photos taken with the Mark IV on my website at http://photoexperts.zenfolio.com/
In the meantime though, you can go there and see what I’ve done with the 7D.
Tom Batinich:
Thanks for the real world review, this is what I needed to know.
Jamieson Dean:
Perfect write-up. This mirrors EVERYTHING that I feel about the 1DIV: the low-light AF, the iso usability vs the 5DII…even how I feel about the crop. I’m glad you took the time to write about it. Cheers.
David Jewels:
I have owned both cameras and sold them both because I needed to purchase something else, non camera related. But I’m once again getting back into photography and, even after your tremendous article, for the life of me, cannot decide which camera to buy, the 5d Mark II or the 1D mark IV. I used to shoot mostly video, and almost never used the 1D Mark IV because the clips from the 5D Mark II always seemed to look that much better with my EF85mm f12L II lens. There was always something different and magical about the photos even, when using the 5D Mark II with the same lens as opposed to the 1D mark IV.
I loved the build quality of the 1D Mark IV, and it was a better camera in terms of fast autofocus, that’s for sure.
Your photos are really amazing, by the way, especially that one at the top wit the glass raised. That one is a masterpiece !!!
jhill:
im a 5D owner. didnt upgrade to the m2 because it didnt seem like a drastic change.
i originally was hoping for iso performance. but what im dinding is i really like the images taken in iso 50. finding it quite ironic.
also got the mark iv because i was missing shots. downside is it is very easy to fill up endless cards and hard drives as a result.
i do like the camera a lot. overall im pleased. it is a really big change over my 5d and it has had a big effect on my style.
im still a bit confused by the ai servo and still learning
hope to run into someone who has a mark iv to compare notes someday