Canon 1D Mark IV to Canon 5D Mark III upgrade?

Canon EF 24-105mm f/4.0L IS

08/27/2013 10:22:59 PM · #1

For those of you using the Canon lineup of cameras, would you think this is an upgrade or a downgrade? The bridal photographers around me are tossing in their 1D Mark IV bodies (And 5D Mark II) to get their hands on 5D Mark III's and 6D's as backups. I haven't really taken that close a look at the 5D3 yet, just the 1Dx...now that's an upgrade...but way out of my price range and apparently the professionals as well (The ones I know here).

gomanugo

Canon EOS-1D X

08/27/2013 11:10:12 PM · #2

If you need frame rate then it's a downgrade to the III. For everything else it's an upgrade. I've upgraded from a 5DII (and I've used a 1D IV quite extensively)and would not look back. I use it for portrait, landscapes and sport and it performs well in each genre.
Only problem is if I'm standing alongside somebody at a sports venue who has a Mk IV or 1DX - they will have twice the choice on which frame to choose from the fast action sports and they may get a slightly higher hit rate on predictive autofocus shots (but only slight).
I can live with that at half the price of a 1DX!

Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS II USM Lens

08/28/2013 04:35:46 AM · #3

So you take a hit on the frame rate, but what is 'everything else'? Going full-frame has it's advantages, but what else is there in the 5D3 that outshines the 1Dm4?

mikeb49

08/28/2013 04:51:48 AM · #4

I have the 5D3 and see little benefit for someone to trade up from a 5D2. Unless you absolutely must have the improved AF points. The 6D is now the entry-level full-frame and would be an upgrade only from an APS-C format. It's resolution, I believe, is no better than the 5D3 though it provides slightly better images - probably due to not having a moire filter, which may introduce additional headaches. With the 6D the main advantage is the center AF point and its ability to focus in low light. The advantages these cameras offer over the 5D2 fall within a very narrow range of photographic situations, however if a photographer happens to be shooting within that range often I do see the benefit. No matter how you look at it, I see going from a 1D4 to the 5D3 or 6D as a downgrade.

mikeb49

08/28/2013 05:12:59 AM · #5

The 5D3 provides a full frame, quieter shutter, better ISO, is lighter, has slightly less DOF, and a better menu user interface. The 1Dm4 has a better frame rate, has slightly more DOF, better battery life, and better weather sealing. The full frame means more vignetting at larger apertures - a good thing or a bad thing. The spot metering flexibility is the same for 1Dm4 and 5D3 but you give up that flexibility with the 6D. However, the advantages the 5D3 has over the 1Dm4 seem marginal to me and hardly worth considering in normal circumstances. I do understand that should any of those marginal advantages solve what you believe to be a significant problem, then the 5D3 is a good solution.

kirbic

Canon EOS R5

Canon RF 24-70 f2.8 L IS

08/28/2013 06:14:28 AM · #6

The difference in noise cannot be understated if high-ISO performance is important to your work. This page is useful. Scroll down to the RAW comparison, select the 5D Mk II and 6D as comparison to the 5D Mk III (unfortunately the 1D Mk IV is not available). Look at ISOs from 1600 to 6400. Dramatic difference there.
The 5D MkIII and 6D also have none of the low-ISO banding that plagued the 5D Mk II and some other cameras. I don't recall if the 1D Mk IV had much or any of that.
My experience is limited to the 6D, but the 5D Mk III high-ISO performance is similar (just slightly noisier). I have been absolutely stunned by the high-ISO performance of the 6D. But then my comparison is the original 5D, and, well, there is no comparison. Weird to think that in 2005 the 5D represented the state of the art in low-light capability. It was the gold standard.

hahn23

Canon EOS-5D Mark IV

08/28/2013 06:32:43 AM · #7

I have had my new 5DMiii for about a month. In every respect, this camera has exceeded my expectations. There has been a big jump in the quality of my photography (in my opinion, of course). I had expected a new camera slump, but I can do more than ever before... better and faster. Excellent electronic noise management. I can shoot all day at ISO 3200 without a problem. Improved dynamic range captured. I did buy the Lexar Professional 1000x 32GB CompactFlash Card. Impressive performance and important r/w speed for this camera.

I"ll stop commenting now. I sure recommend reading the reviews online. I'll let my photos do my talking from here on.

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM

08/28/2013 03:05:03 PM · #8

Interesting find Fritz...wish they had a 1Dm4 and 1Dx in there.

I think the point of getting the 1Dm4 when it came out was the ISO performance and the burst mode (10 fps). Working in darker chapels made capturing a little more difficult since lights couldn't be setup. I was really into street photography at night when I plunked down my cash for a 1Dm4. Traded in all my Nikon gear and made the switch to Canon because I was and still am very interested in cinema as well. There are plenty of advantages on the cinema end for an upgrade but I don't do enough...I'd rather get a new lens. I know the bridal/wedding photographers are going to be sharing their low light photos and I'm going to be drooling over the ISO performance...must...resist...urge...

Devinder

Canon EOS-5D Mark III

08/28/2013 03:15:49 PM · #9

i use the 5d mkiii, i have no real experience with the mkiv. The camera is just so good at so many things. I did go from a 60d to this one though. The improved AF, controls, leeway in terms of raw files (improvement in shadows), overall low light capability etc. all combine to make a rock solid piece of equipment.

kirbic

Canon EOS R5

Canon RF 24-70 f2.8 L IS

08/29/2013 03:29:35 AM · #10

Originally posted by heavyj:

...must...resist...urge...

Ha, Jason, I know just how you feel. I'm currently in a "photography lull" and there really is no way to justify a 5D Mk III, so I am telling myself to wait for the Mk IV. Meantime, I will occasionally liberate the 6D from work for a weekend now and again. Even though it is the entry level of full frame, it is a frighteningly good machine.