Why was/is the 1Ds MK II so good?

[Murph]

Nikon guy here, I read the Canon forums and other places on the net, and have come to a seeming conclusion in regards to the 1Ds MK II. And that conclusion is: It works. I cannot recall the last time I saw anything negative posted about that camera. I see lots of scorn, dislike, dismay, derision, and outright hatred for other Canon models, especially the 1D MK III in early days, or the 5D/5D II or 60D, etc.

But nobody speaks ill of the 1Ds MK II camera. Up front here: I don't use Canon because the ergonomics do not fit me at all, Nikon does. But if I had to have a Canon, I would chose the 1Ds MK II, just because it seemed to get it all right in one package. Yeah, you cannot shoot 102,000 ISO with it, nor 10 fps, but that was not what it was designed for.

With firmware updates, the sensor in that camera coupled with good optics produces fine, fine files that look great. Once you understand the camera, it works. A good friend has a 1D MKII N, 1Ds MK II, and 1D MK III, and he and I both agree that the 1Ds MK II is one of his workhorse cameras. I am one of the few Nikon shooters in my little photo group, most are Canon shooters, so I get to see their gear a lot. One told me that even though he had a "fixed" 1D MK III, he has never really trusted the camera, and it has missed shots for him that should have been "gimmes". Another wants a 1Ds MK II and is eagerly awaiting the MK IV version to see if it is another winner.

The 1Ds MK II, like my Nkon D2X is a great camera. You MUST learn the camera to get the best out of it in both cases. Yeah the D3s goes to ISO insanity, but I have a D700 for that, and the files at base ISO from my D2X are superb.

So, that all being said, I am genuinely interested in your opinions on the 1Ds MK II and what makes it just such a great camera.

Could it be like the Star Trek movies, that Canon only produces superb work on even numbers?

[venchka]

...or odd numbered Autodesk products are dogs. Grinning.
Don't know. I do know of one working pro who gave up her Canon 5D for Leica digital. Including an R9 + DMR module. She claimed that the CA of the Canon system drove her crazy. Go figure.
How's that for a nice Monday morning Troll?

[ronocnikral]

Originally Posted by Murph

With firmware updates, the sensor in that camera coupled with good optics produces fine, fine files that look great.

we had a discussion a few months back, that the 1dsmkii and 5d classic have the similar processors and sensors save a slight areal advantage to the 1dsmkii (less than 1%). while i was deemed unqualified to comment because i don't own both cameras, we never did see the comparison in either print or digital form. it would still be interesting to see.

the 5d is a fine camera. and a greater value imo. 5d classic is my workhorse. i view the 1dsmkii as a 5d packaged for more "pro" duty. one could use the antithesis and that works for me as well.

[ngoduyviet]

5D & 1Ds II are the same, except the 1Ds II focuses better in low light, and has a better focus lock for the chubby chasers (aka 85mm I/II F1.2 users). But I still prefer the 5D for its light weight.

[tml]

I have had mine since it first came out. It has never missed a beat. I use it everyday at work with my macro lens, extension tubes and ringflash for photos of teeth and surgeries for documentation and scientific articles. It is built like a tank!

Tri

[Tom]

Only negatives with my 1Ds2:
No sensor cleaning
crappy LCD
Second slot is SD not CF.

Excellent camera.

[Murph]

OMG AutoCad, Murph runs screaming into the distance.

Originally Posted by venchka

...or odd numbered Autodesk products are dogs. Grinning.
Don't know. I do know of one working pro who gave up her Canon 5D for Leica digital. Including an R9 + DMR module. She claimed that the CA of the Canon system drove her crazy. Go figure.
How's that for a nice Monday morning Troll?

[venchka]

Originally Posted by Murph

OMG AutoCad, Murph runs screaming into the distance.

Add AutoCad to the list.
Leica
Mountain cedar
AutoCad.
I could be charged with assault and battery.

Just funnin with you, Murph. Hope you feel better soon.