Canon EOS-1Ds Mark II, 16.7 MP

http://www.dpreview.com/news/0409/04092104...neos1dsmkii.asp

seems to have the same body in terms of housing the camera?

nice machine :-)

Julian

Not entirely shocking. Looks like they did exactly what everyone was predicting and updated the 1Ds with the improved features of the 1D MkII. Nice that it seems to have the same body as the 1D MkII so it should work in existing housings (even if they are extremely expensive).

Very nice machine...

Yes. This is the new king with the price to match.

I found the timing of the announcements interesting. The development/production schedule of the 1DsMkII seem to be ahead of the Nikon D2x. Canon has sample images and set to begin shipping in November while Nikon has shown no images and has not committed to a ship date. It looks to me like Canon waited for Nikon to show their hand before their own announcement so they can use that info to set their price.

I guess Canon's opinion is that this is $3000 better than the D2x

Timing is definitely interesting, isn't it? Deflate the Nikon announcement a bit, plus make the product available sooner so that you don't see many people jump to nikon. The price is a bit crazy, but then again I doubt that Canon will lack for sales even at $8k. I do wonder if it's $3k better though...

I find the "MkII" designation very interesting as well, at least if I read into it. Seems like both the 1D and 1Ds MkII versions might be thought of at Canon as "evolutionary" upgrades. What I mean is, these might be models that are "interim upgrades" that bring the 1D/s up to date while Canon prepares for a "revolutionary" upgrade next year or the year after. I'd guess that Canon will do something with the body, batteries, and sensor technology next time around, all of which would be major departures from the existing 1D series.

The more I think about it, the more I appreciate that they keep using the same body too, because housings should be available now for anyone who ends up with the 1Ds MkII.

In any case, looks like the 1Ds MkII is the king of the hill again as Herb said.

Looks like an awesome piece of kit. When a system is mainly offering new sensor and image handling upgrades (rather than traditional photographic upgrades e.g. new AF, metering etc) it might be nice to consider offering existing owners to take their 1-2 year old cameras in for a 1000-1500 dollar upgrade?

If a manufacturer designed a camera that they could relatively easily replace the sensor and CPU for an upgrade it would make that brand really attractive to go for - without the fear that everyone will be shooting a Mk III, IV or V within 12 months of buying into the system.

Alex

As a prospective D2X owner I am hoping that this announcement might force the TBC price of the Nikon down a bit! Maybe that should read "wishing"!

Looks like an awesome piece of kit. When a system is mainly offering new sensor and image handling upgrades (rather than traditional photographic upgrades e.g. new AF, metering etc) it might be nice to consider offering existing owners to take their 1-2 year old cameras in for a 1000-1500 dollar upgrade?  

 

If a manufacturer designed a camera that they could relatively easily replace the sensor and CPU for an upgrade it would make that brand really attractive to go for - without the fear that everyone will be shooting a Mk III, IV or V within 12 months of buying into the system.

 

Alex

 

As a prospective D2X owner I am hoping that this announcement might force the TBC price of the Nikon down a bit! Maybe that should read "wishing"!

I suspect that the old and out-of-date 1Ds will still fetch $5k to $6k on ebay, so the upgrade is only $2k-$3k.The full frame sensor and the associated electronics probably has production cost greater than $1k.

I am hoping they will wrap that in a cheap gray plastic body and sell it for $2k. Not likely.

Kodak offered sensor and processor upgrades for the 14n when the SLR/n was introduced and appear committed to that program in the future. The bad news is that the N80-derived body will not change (assuming you don't like it). Housing manufacturers can be confident in the longevity of a 14n housing, though.

Canon will ship this camera before Nikon ships the D2x if all the dates hold true. There are retailers listing the 1DsMk2 for sale now. $8000 and one is yours (but remember to bring a backup).

I wonder if the sale of used 1Ds from people upgrading will kill off the Kodak SLR/c, if that's actually selling in significant numbers in the first place. If you can get a used 1Ds in good condition for $5k would you do that rather than spend a comparable amount on a Kodak?

If you can get a used 1Ds in good condition for $5k would you do that rather than spend a comparable amount on a Kodak?

I probably would, depending on the number of cycles on the shutter. But then again, I'd probably buy a 1D MkII before I bought a used 1Ds.

There's so many things about a 1Ds that are desirable compared to the SLR/c. On the other hand, there are very few things in favor of the Kodak, namely slightly better resolution and noise (at the lowest ISO's and ideal conditions) and lighter weight. I can imagine very few people that would prefer the SLR/c at the same price. I certainly wouldn't. I'm kind of with Tom, though. The 1DMk2 new is more appealing than a used 1Ds especially if it was owned by a pro!

I suspect Kodak will have to introduce another upgrade at PMA next year or times will be tough for them. With Nikon mount many will view the D2x as a viable or superior option. Canon obviously competes well and both offer a true pro body.