For prints up to 11x14, is there much difference between the quality of the 1DS MKII and the 1D MKII?
A while ago, we had the chance to try a 1Ds MkII, a 1Ds, a 1D MkII and a 20D. A 28-75 Tamron was used, as the two 24-70 Canons weren't quite as good. The lens was zoomed between 35 and 55 to give the same field of view with all the cameras.
The 1DsMkII was noticeably the best, and definitely produced higher resolution prints than the 1Ds (on 11x17 prints from an Epson 4000). The 1D MkII wasn't a whole lot behind the 1Ds, but the difference was only slightly less than that between the 1Ds and the 1Ds MkII. The 20D shot was essentially indistinguishable from the 1D MII shot. Resolution was judged, but also tonal quality, etc.
We took the shots (studio) and then asked 2 people who had not taken part in the shooting to judge the prints, after looking at them ourselves. They ranked the prints the same.
We also took some shots with a 70-200/2.8 to confirm the results, to counter the possibility that the quality of the 28-75 Tamron varied enough over the 35-55 range to influence the results.
On the basis of this comparison I decided to not get the 1Ds MkII as I had planned, but to maybe get a Betterlight back for my 4x5 for my higher quality requirements. I also found myself liking the ID MkII a whole lot more than I had anticipated, even though the image quality under these circumstances was no different than that of my 20D.
This test had many flaws, but was done purely to satisfy ourselves about the capability of the cameras under those circumstances, for those types of prints etc. In the end, all four of us were satisfied that we had made the right choices for our individual requirements, different as they were.
If someone is trying to compare these cameras, be aware that the image quality under these circumstances is but one facet. Handling, lens quality and availability, responsiveness, size and weight, durability and low light capability are all significant, and in many cases overshadow the differences in image quality.
-- * Henning J. Wulff /|\ Wulff Photography & Design /###\ mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] |[ ]| http://www.archiphoto.com * **** ******* *********************************************************** * For list instructions, including unsubscribe, see: * http://www.a1.nl/phomepag/markerink/eos_list.htm ***********************************************************
