Canon EOS-1DS Mark II, 16.7 Megapixel, SLR, Digital Camera (Camera Body)

Comments about Canon EOS-1DS Mark II Digital Camera (Camera Body):

After years of shooting with a 60D, Mark II and then a 5D I found myself about to return to Iraq. I bought the 1DS Mark II because of its' reputation for durability and dependability, both of which have been tested here. I have used it to document the history of our unit here, while also using it on patrols in low light and high contrast situation. The auto-focus is quick and reliable, the color exceptional and quick to write images to card. Of course power is a concern and I get two good days of shooting out of each battery. Due to being sealed, the camera has survived one drop, several dust storms and other hazards that would have destroyed lessor cameras. Weight is not an issue, it is something you get use to carrying. Control are intuitive with repetition, especially in the dark ... needless to say in these conditions you don't want to take your eyes off the subject to fumble with controls. Without reservation I would recommend this camera.

Expertise: Semi-Professional

Previous Equivalent Item Owned: 60D, Mark II and 5D

Items I Recommend: 4 GIG cards minimum

Comments about Canon EOS-1DS Mark II Digital Camera (Camera Body):

This camera is a photographers' dream. It can meet the demands of any photographer. Whether you are a weddingsphotographer, or simply use it for your summer vacation. Either way, it's still a great camera!

Problems Encountered: None!!

Comments about Canon EOS-1DS Mark II Digital Camera (Camera Body):

I'm a professional advertising photographer from London UK. Have been practising for 39 years. I'm a still life specialist and have always concentrated on technically demanding work. 90% of my work has been on 5x4. I'm knocked out by the 1ds2. With suitable sharpening of RAW images, my view is that it can compete with 5x4 let alone 6x6. My clients agree. Have a look at my work for Lanson Champagne in the Lanson bar in London's Albert Hall!I've been using it for two years and it hasn't missed a beat.

Problems Encountered: Now two gripes! The plug and socket combination for the Firewire connection is hopeless and is never secure when I'm shooting tethered. (Lemo make brilliant range of high precision plugs and sockets) Secondly my ex-assistant Paul Cox who works in Dubai, had his shutter fail at 25000 shots. Its stated life is 200,000 shots as I understand it. Canon did replace it free.

Previous Equivalent Items Owned: Sinar P !!

Items I Recommend: 24-105 IS.

Comments about Canon EOS-1DS Mark II Digital Camera (Camera Body):

My 1Ds arrived 2 days ago!this camera far exceeds any dreams or expectations that i had.from the way the camera feels in my hands (powerful),to the joy of a 100% viewfinder,the feel and sound of the shutter button,the quickness of the focus,the amazing resolution.and surprisingly,this camera is not that difficult to use.i keep the camera in manual mode and adjusting the shutter speed,f stop,and ISO is intuitive,it makes sense,and is logical.this camera was worth the struggle to raise the purchase price.and i do not care if Canon comes out with a Mark III 1Ds this fall,i have this camera now,and am learning and taking pictures everday.now if only my technique can match this cameras quality.

Problems Encountered: None

Comments about Canon EOS-1DS Mark II Digital Camera (Camera Body):

I am a pro photographer in Atlanta and have been a fierce NIKON loyalist who recently switched to CANON. I still lament not being able to use my F5, the best SLR there ever was or ever will be. The necessary switch to digital took me briefly to a D100 and then to a D2x, although I had set out to purchase the 1Ds Mark II. I shoot a lot of jewelry for publication and resolution is everything to me as many of these images must be enlarged significantly. I loved working with the D2x (I did not care for the SB-800). I bought a 5D and a 16-35mm f/2.8L lens so that I could have true wide angle capability, as good as the NIKKOR AF-17-55mm DX is, on the D2x, you are still imited by the conversion factor and this was often a problem for me. I was simply amazed with the 5D, although I think far less of the EF 16-35L f/2.8, it simply does not measure up to comporable NIKKOR optics. I finally sold off the D2x and got into the 1Ds Mark II and this was an extreme learning curve for me. The controls ARE NOT intuitive (Nikon has 'em beat by miles and miles with the D2x), but the D2x is limiting and quite frankly, I found Nikon's software EXTREMELY difficult to work with; slow & sporadic. The Canon software is user-friendly and works better with ADOBE interface. I'd go back to NIKON in a minute if they had a full frame sensor SLR to offer up and use the D2x as the back-up, I'd also keep my 5D. Mixed feelings about the Mark II; it's not easy to use, I cannot just grab and intinctively know how I'm going to shoot with it as I did the D2x, yet the photos are positively gorgeous and and software is wonderful. The MARK II is still WAY over priced in my opinion. The images from the Mark II and the 5D remind me more of film and the D2x still looks digital to me, that's very important. Still, overall I liked using the D2x more than the Mark II, but like the photos better from the Mark II and for some reason, I do not have the same issues with the 580EX as I did with the SB-800. The 580EX works beautifully.

Problems Encountered: I have not encountered any specific problems with the Mark II. The camera works great and up to manufacturer's specs.

Previous Equivalent Items Owned: NIKON F5, F100, D100

Items I Recommend: 580EX Speedlight

Comments about Canon EOS-1DS Mark II Digital Camera (Camera Body):

I have been a loyal Nikon user since the early 80's, and had not really planned on a change. I had thousands of dollars of Nikon lenses and equipment. My most recent Nikon bodies are the D2X's and the D200 as my back up. I was happy with both until on a trip with my brother a Canon user he let me use his 1Ds Mark II for the day. I shot with both the D2x's and the 1Ds Mark II with 70-200 f/2.8 IS lenses from Nikon and Canon to make the comparison fair. The first thing I noticed was the viewfinder. It was like coming home. It was bright and big, and much easier for my older eyes to frame. I have the magnifying eyepiece on my Nikon, but there is still no comparison.The second thing for me was the controls, once I got used to the Canon I found it just as easy and in the case of choosing a focusing or metering point much easier and faster than the Nikon.The dual card slot, and the ability to have double the memory was a nice convenience, but Canon should find an easier way to switch between cards, just a minor irritant.Not having to think about the 1.5 - 2.0 conversion factors was huge, and brought back memories of the good old days.The image quality and the ability to make huge prints was the final straw. There is no comparison. Yes with full frame, I did get a bit of light fall off, but that was only wide open when I was using a 24-105 lens and was easily fixed with a crop. Basically if you use the Nikon you are just cropping at a factor of 1.5 in the camera.Sadly to say I am selling all of my Nikon gear and changing to Canon, and I have ordered my 1D's MarkII.

Problems Encountered: I have had no real or unexpected problems with the camera. It is a bit expensive, a $5000 price tag would have been nice, but you pay for quality.

Previous Equivalent Items Owned: D100 D2H D2X D200 D2X'S

Items I Recommend: Lots of memory the bigger the card the better.

Comments about Canon EOS-1DS Mark II Digital Camera (Camera Body):

The 1dsmk2 is for sure, the king of the hill. It has easilyreplacedall of my medium format equipment and for that matter surpassedit. For anyone serious about large sharp images, this camera isfor you. Until you experience it, you will never know whatyou aremissing

Problems Encountered: None!!

Previous Equivalent Items Owned: canon 1ds

Items I Recommend: 20-200 2.8 is zoom, 24-70 zoom

Comments about Canon EOS-1DS Mark II Digital Camera (Camera Body):

I shoot thousands of pictures annually. I have the Nikon D2x and found it an excellent piece of equipment. The Canon however, with its full size optical sensor was to much to pass up on. I'd read the Canon was heavy well having had both the D2X and the 1DS Mark II side by side they weigh about the same so that is nonsense. Heard the controls were not intuitive well that too is bologne in 30 minutes with some consultation with the manual I'd mastered control of the camera. Infact in many ways its easier to use than the Nikon D2X. The picture resolution is however, the big standout here. If you are interested in jumbo prints as am I, then the Canon 1DS Mark II is the superior choice. I must say without reservation that 20 by 40 prints are on par with my medium format equipment perhaps better. I am comparing it to my Mamiya RZ II Pro. Finally the battery have no idea what people mean by 90's technology. Hey the idea is for it to charge up and last a LONG time and it certainly does that. The Flash I use is the 580ex and that is on super unit.

Problems Encountered: The only problem I had was with the software not talking to the camera properly. I just use the card reader I already have and moved on. Remote control of the camera though was a big help!

Previous Equivalent Items Owned: Nikon D1, D1X and D2X

Items I Recommend: 580 EX and a BIG CF card

Comments about Canon EOS-1DS Mark II Digital Camera (Camera Body):

CAMERA BODY:This camera body is an excellent choice for the seriousphotographer. Although there are many great digital camerasout there, if you're concerned at all with the scale-factorthat many digital cams require you to think about (or at aminimum, to understand so you can avoid compositionalerrors), you can switch between your 35mm SLR and thiscamera without the worry of the scale-factor because of thefull frame CMOS. This is the major feature that sold me onthe camera, just to name one.DIALS AND CONTROLSThe dials and controls become intuitive with some practice. For you techno-weenies out there like me, you'll enjoy thequantity of technical settings you can tweak thru the menusystem and custom functions.DON'T WAIT, BUY NOW!I've never taken a class on photography, I've learned theold fashioned way. My only regret regarding this camerabody was self imposed - that I didn't buy this camerasooner! If you have the budget and can spring for a camerawith loads of features that'll keep you occupied for hours,this is the one to get! If you don't like fiddling aroundwith menus and tend to lean toward simplicity, there areless expensive choices available for your use but you'llhave to give up the full frame CMOS and go with somethinglike a 20D.COMPACT FLASH CARD (VERY IMPORTANT)This camera works flawlessly with other Canon equipment. Becautious when you purchase the CF or SD card. Don't skimpon memory due to low cost. I recommend the Extreme III CFCard by San Disk. At the time I bought the 4MB card, it wasthe fastest on the market and in my opinion, helps preventyou from being memory card limited (where your camera hasmore capability than your memory card will allow you touse). I tried a cheaper non San Disk brand and the cameralocked up on me on several occasions. The problem went awaycompletely when I yanked the problematic card from the SD slot.RAW IMAGE MODEGet a large memory card and plan to shoot in RAW image mode,or plan to spend a while figuring out how to compensate forthe digital metering quirks. When I switched to Digital, itwas with this camera body. Many of my pics tend to turn outunderexposed, despite using the same settings and samelenses I used with film. My f/stop often needs to becompensated by about 0.3-0.7 stops so I use the CanonSoftware that comes with the camera body. A large memorycard is essential to being able to spend several hours at asporting event and not run out of card space but still givesyourself a great selection to choose from with the highestresolution setting available on this camera.

Problems Encountered: My camera body locked up with cheap SD memory card - thecamera worked great with the San Disk Extreme III 4GB CFcard. Go with the good stuff!

Previous Equivalent Items Owned: Canon EOS 1vHS

Items I Recommend: Any L lens, Speedlite Flash with wireless transmitter

Comments about Canon EOS-1DS Mark II Digital Camera (Camera Body):

I have been shooting pro for 12 yrs and I recently switched to digital. I have had to work with both Nikon and Canon equipment and I can safely say that Canon is and always will be superior to Nikon. Nikkor glass isn't all that. Canon always comes out with the better designs and technology. I hope whoever read that first review reads this one too. I hate having to use Nikon equipment on a shoot. Oh, and lets not forget to mention that Nikon STILL doesn't have a full frame SLR. And...I love the EOS 1-Ds. The menus are intuitive for anyone who has handled a Pro EOS body and the images it produces are too good to be true. Pay the money for the 2.8's and you wont be disappointed.

Previous Equivalent Items Owned: EOS-1VHS, EOS-3, EOS 1Ds

Items I Recommend: 2.8 !!!!

Comments about Canon EOS-1DS Mark II Digital Camera (Camera Body):

Let me start by stating that I am a long time working pro who never thought I'd leave Nikon. I'm a bit blown away by the superstar who could find fault with this camera.First of all, he mentioned that the battery needs updating. HUH? I've used one battery for continuous shooting over 2 days. Should they update to Nikon's technology where you get a solid hour off their battery? Then, the (guy) mentioned that the camera is too heavy. Maybe it is not a guy. For a woman, this might be a bit heavy - I don't know (not being a woman).Then they said you need 3 hands to operate it... I have 2 hands and operate it without issue. That said, it does take some getting use to when you have used Nikons for many years.The Canon 1Ds Mark ll is simply the finest, most advanced piece of digital photographic equipment produced to this day. Look at Canon's last effort - the 11 megapixel 1Ds camera. Still selling for 4 grand. I think I can now get $600.00 for my mint condition Nikon D1X - that I paid $5,000.00 for before I got wise and went to Canon.

Previous Equivalent Items Owned: D2X

Items I Recommend: Every Canon made lens available with their dedicated strobes.

Comments about Canon EOS-1DS Mark II Digital Camera (Camera Body):

Having shot mostly large-format film for the past 10 years, my experiences with digital photography has always been non-commital, despite having used the first slew of commercial DSLRS (up to the present), the technology, at least in the context of my professional life, has always been relegated to projects of commercial value. Simply put, I just couldn't see myself using digital for my personal work wherein I am so used to producing 30x40 (and at times, 40x50) prints with the quality inherent with having shot originals on large format film.Enter the Canon EOS 1Ds Mark II.This is the first camera I sincerely felt was viable for me to use in my personal work. 30x40 prints come out still sparkling and without the usual softness that usually arises from a straight resample (without unsharp masking). Though I would never replace my large-format rig, this camera gives the best balance of quality, cost, and convenience of any (DSLR) system I ever used (film costs and processing factored in).I have to say, this camera is arguably the best 35mm based DSLR in the market today, hands down.

Problems Encountered: Not really a problem but it would have been a nice thing to be able to write RAW on CF and its corresponding JPEG on SD, effectively having a JPEG backup of the entire take(s) on a separate media.Another thing is the software. I'm wondering why Canon hasn't been too pro-active in improving Digital Photo Professional or developing a more intuitive and efficient RAW file software. In this regard, even Adobe Camera Raw blows it away.

Previous Equivalent Items Owned: Nikon Coolpix 5000, Nikon D100, Fujifilm Finepix S2, Canon EOS 1D, Canon EOS 10D, Canon EOS 20D, Canon EOS 5D

Items I Recommend: Canon EF 85mm /1.2 L USM, Canon EF 50mm /1.2 L USM, Canon EF 35mm /1.4 L USM, Canon TS-E 24mm /3.5 L, Canon TS-E 45mm /2.8

Comments about Canon EOS-1DS Mark II Digital Camera (Camera Body):

Been shooting digital for eight years and Canon DSLRS for about four; have had the 1DS Mark II about four months.Here's what I've found good and not so good:Good low light picture quality. Covered the Jr Olympic Volleyball playoffs at an indoor venue where flash was prohibited. ISO 3200 shots permitted shutter speeds up to 200th second with a 50mm 1.4 lens, which was sufficient for (almost) stopping players arms & the ball. In-air jumps were very good. Don't believe a Nikon D2X would compete in this scenario.The tradeoff with those big photosensors is clarity. Pics are good, don't get me wrong, but lack the crispness of a D2X at 100% when there's lots of light. If memory serves me right, a D2X has almost twice the photosensor density as a 1-Ds Mark II.AF has been good, but I use single point focus most of the time and I don't see much (any?) difference in that mode when compared to the 20D.Battery is big, heavy, and lasts me about 500-600 shots (I use the LCD, USM &AF lenses a lot). Quite capable, but not state of the art by any means.LCD screen is certainly acceptable, but is competing with 2.5 screens nowadays.Ergonomics haven't been a problem; needed some practice to learn the controls, of course, but they haven't been a problem for me.FF sensor is good for wide angles, of course, at the expense of telephoto shots. I think the high-speed crop mode on the D2X & D2Xs makes a lot of sense. Hope Canon follows suit.File sizes are large (unless you shoot in a reduced JPEG mode), so assess your computer processor and storage capacities. I spend more time than I'd like watching Aperture's Loading... message (Mac Powerbook w/ 1.6GHz processor 2GB of RAM in a 17) .Lots of flexibility with options for color balancing, simultaneous writing to two cards, AF modes, etc. However, the options I use the most are available on other higher end DSLRS too.Am debating whether I overbought. Maybe should have purchased a EOS-1 Mark IIN and a 5D for the same money.

Problems Encountered: None really; it performs as advertised. Just be aware of its physical & operational characteristics you're buying.

Previous Equivalent Items Owned: Canon 20D

Items I Recommend: Good glass, solid tripod

Comments about Canon EOS-1DS Mark II Digital Camera (Camera Body):

I bought this camera in March along with a very nice complement of lenses from 20mm to the 70-200 2.8L - IS, the 24-TS, 100 Macro and a 580EX flash.The image quality is as good as anything I have seen short of the medium format digital backs, better than film, and it handles higher ISOs, long exposures, and mixed lighting without issue. I use it in catalog work, advertising, architectural, industrial, aerial and copy work. It excels in every area.I also get around 800 - 1000 shots on a battery charge, much better than any camera I have other than my Hasselblads 500s ELM with AA battery conversion, and that is post capture viewing on the LCD screen after almost every shot to check levels and details.I have two Kodak 14 mp cameras and this is leaps and bounds ahead in all areas.I don't find the weight a problem as it is very well balanced, unlike the Kodak's which are much lighter and aren't comfortable to shoot for long periods of time.I say this with a studio full of Nikon F3, F4, and similar lenses. I would trade all the Nikon/Kodak gear for another Canon outfit like the one I have. It's that good.30x40 and larger prints are outstanding printed on the Epson 9800 Pro printer. The finest details are there with good color accuracy and saturation.

Problems Encountered: The only complaint is the LCD Screen is a bit small and the maximum zoom doesn't show the image as sharp as it is on the computer screen or in print. It always looks like the image isn't sharp, so that takes a little getting used to.

Previous Equivalent Items Owned: Hasselblad, Sinar, Nikon/Kodak

Items I Recommend: 4 Gb flash cards, 580 EX flash, extra battery.

Comments about Canon EOS-1DS Mark II Digital Camera (Camera Body):

I have used this camera since it came out. I shoot RAW &use Adobe's raw converter. Fantastic results.Build quality: I took this camera with the 28~300 IS lenson a 1,500 mile backroads motorcycle trip in westernColorado with it in a bag on the dirt bike's gas tank. Jumps & landings, crashes, pounding rock trails--NOTHINGupset this combo. I think you could use this camera as aweapon and it would still work.Image quality: Even under difficult light you can, in RAW,pull outstanding color and detail out even at 1600 ISO. This sensor is challenged by mixed light with a lot ofincandescent light. Shooting AWB helps and then adjust theWB in Camera Raw. I still get it but it takes work.Lenses: Use only the L lenses. The Tamron 28-105/2.8hunted badly in low light. The L 2.8 lenses nail shots inlow light. They can capture enough detail to make the 16.7sensor work. Other lenses I have used resulted in soft images.Size/Weight: I do not think this camera and the big 28-300are bulky or heavy. It is certainly less so than my mediumformat combos. With the 24-70 or 16-35 2.8s it is reallylight for fast work.Weddings, studio, commercial, sports--the 1DsMkII does itall. I do not see how you would go wrong with one of these.

Problems Encountered: None. Nada.I would like to see a 2.5 screen, writing JPEGs to the SDcard, cleaner WB in mixed light (probably not possible...)and more consistent flash control at distances less than 4'and greater than 15' with the 580EX units.

Previous Equivalent Items Owned: 1Ds, Mamiya AFDII

Items I Recommend: 16-35/2.8, 24-105/4, 70-200/2.8 L lenses at a minimum

Comments about Canon EOS-1DS Mark II Digital Camera (Camera Body):

I owned the original 1Ds and was very happy with it. I purchase the 1DS mark II camera 8 months ago and really enjoy the results! The speed, LCD screen, and files are greatly improved over the Mark I. Very well built, in fact I was on a shoot last month and dropped the camera from 4 feet on tile. I guess I was lucky but the camera worked fine.

Problems Encountered: I had lost images when used with the Lexar 80x cards, It was a serious problem! 100 key images that just didn't record. I switched to the Sandisk pro cards and haven't lost an image.

Previous Equivalent Items Owned: Canon 1ds mark I, 1D, 1D mark II, DCS 1c.

Items I Recommend: Extra battery, Sandisk cards.

Comments about Canon EOS-1DS Mark II Digital Camera (Camera Body):

I've owned the 1DS MkII for just over a year now and am totally delighted by it!I've been a Nikon user since the mid 1980's I've owned the F3 (a real workhorse), F4 (functional but not great) and the F5 (just loved that camera). I then moved on to a Kodak DCS Pro 14n, my first taste of digital. I always thought it was a great digital sensor coupled to a fairly basic Nikon chasis, and was frankly not much use outside of a studio! When Nikon announced the D2x I paid my deposit at once, only for Canon to announce the 1DS MkII a few days later. A lot of soul searching followed; did I really want to go back to the Nikon's small sensor? But did I really want to sell all my Nikon gear and go over to the dark side? Once I looked at the specification and really thought about what the Canon could give me, the decision really made itself. My Nikon kit went on eBay. So did my Mamiya kit. So did my Minolta slide scanner. I ordered the Canon!I fell in Love with it as soon as I opened the box! Once I used it I was absolutely convinced I'd made the right choice. It struck me at once as a fully functional, state of the art camera, capable of a broard range of work, which just happened to capture images digitally. Please understand this is a huge compliment as Canon are unique in offering a DSLR that is first and foremost a professional camera rather than simply a platform for their digital expertise.The RAW images are awesome and the JPEG's are almost as good. The 50MB TIFF provides all the image quality my clients want, and often more!I know this camera is expensive, but in my view it gives you medium format digital quality in a body that is at home in the studio, as on location or on the touchline. For this reason It gets high marks for value. Since buying the Canon, I've had the chance to use the Nikon D2x and I now even more sure I made the right choice. In my view the difference in price is reflected in the specification, handling and build quality, and image quality.So, if you want the best image quality and functionality, and you can't justify a medium format digital back, buy this camera. You won't be disappointed!

Problems Encountered: These are not problems, just a couple of observations. I found Canon's RAW converter DPP software (included) to be just awful. The workflow was not great and the processed images looked muddy. I'm sure with some effort it can produce good result but I always use Capture One. This software produced images that look like they were taken with the best DSLR in the world.The images are a little soft, due to the filter over the sensor. A little unsharp mask, or smart sharpen, and the images are so sharp your fingers will bleed when you pick up a print!To get the best out of the camera I'd recommend L series lenses. The sensor tends to show up any problems in cheaper glass.

Previous Equivalent Items Owned: Nikon F5, Kodak DCS Pro 14n, Mamiya RZ67

Items I Recommend: 24mm - 70mm f2.8 L USM, 70mm - 200mm f2.8 LUSM

Comments about Canon EOS-1DS Mark II Digital Camera (Camera Body):

I have owned and used many of the top digital SLRS such as Nikon D2x, Nikon D1x, Canon 1D Mark II, Canon 20D, etc. I just received my Canon 1Ds Mark II and I can honestly say with no reservation that this is BY FAR the best digital SLR I have ever owned and used. The images are nothing short of stunning right out of the camera!!!! The color rendition in this camera is dead on and requires very little white balance correction. WOW!! WOW!! I am not sorry one bit that I spent this kind of money. WORTH EVERY PENNY! - , thank you to B&H for buying my used equipment so that I could buy this INCREDIBLE camera. B&H simply is the BEST!

Problems Encountered: NONE - I've only had it for about two hours.

Previous Equivalent Items Owned: Nikon D1x,D2x, Canon 1D Mark II, Canon 20D.

Comments about Canon EOS-1DS Mark II Digital Camera (Camera Body):

I SHOOT EXCLUSIVLEY AERIALS. IT IS WORTH EVERY DIME. ANYBODY NOT WILLING TO SPEND THE $ FOR THIS CAMERA IS TRULY NOT A PROFESSIONAL. MY CLIENTS ARE QUALITY FOCUSED AND EXPECT THE BEST AND THEY GET THE BEST. I HAD THE 11.1 CANON PRIOR TO THIS CAMERA AND STILL HAVE IT AS A BACK UP. I WAS ON THE WAITING LIST FOR THE 1DS MARK2 WHEN IT FIRST WAS FIRST DEBUTED. DETAIL IS A GREAT FACTOR IN MY WORK AND THIS CAMERA PROVIDES A VERY NICE FILE FOR MY CLIENTS. I HAVE NOT SHOT FILM FOR 4 YEARS AND THERE IS NOT A THING I MISS ABOUT MY DARKROOM DAYS. I SHOOT ON INFINITY ALL TIMES SO I FIRST STARTED WITH ALL L LENSES WICH ARE A MUST FOR THIS CAMERA. I HAVE NOW STARTED USING SOME LEICA LENSES WITH INCREDIBLE RESULTS AT A FRACTION OF THE COST OF LENSES. I STILL USE A 24-70 L LENS & 35-350L LENS. I WOULD LIKE TO SEE A SENSOR FOR MEDIUM FORMAT, FOR MY NEEDS. BUT FOR NOW THIS IS DEFINETLY WORKING FOR ME AND MY CLIENTS. I JOINED CPS FOR QUICKER SERVICE AND SUPPORT. I THINK WHEN YOU SPEND $12,000-$15,000 FOR CAMERAS AND LENSES ETC. YOU SHOULD HAVE SEPERATE TECH SUPPORT RATHER THEN TRYING TO WORK THROUGH A PROBLEM WITH A TECH THAT IS ALSO SUPPORTING THE AMATURE POINT AND SHOOT WORLD. THAT IS WHERE CPS IS A BIG HELP.

Problems Encountered: NO PROBLEMS WITH CAMERA. MY 24-70 HAD A LOOSE ELEMENT THAT WAS QUICKLY REPAIRED. OVERALL IT IS A WORKHORSE.

Previous Equivalent Items Owned: PENTAX 6X7,CONTAX 645 KODAK DIGITAL BACK, CANON 11.1

Items I Recommend: 2&4 GIG CARDS UV FILTERS TO PROTECT LENS

Comments about Canon EOS-1DS Mark II Digital Camera (Camera Body):

I sold all of my Leica equipment to get this, and I had two MPs! No regrets at all. It's great to be able to get superb quality without having the hassle of film developing and then scanning. Sensational quality, and not just by virtue of the sensor size. Taking pictures at ISO 1000 at a boarding school Christmas party, the detail is STAGGERING when cropping only about 10% of the image. Even the individual eyelashes can be seen.

Problems Encountered: The only criticisms I would make are that it is heavy, and you do need to spend time with the instruction book, and practising. Good lenses are important, though the first stages of the party were pictured using a modern, good, Tamron, and I was delighted with the results. Only issue was that I missed some shots as focusing was slow.

Previous Equivalent Items Owned: EOS 20D

Items I Recommend: GOOD lenses