Moved this to equipment section :)

I've never used the original 1D, but I know it's high ISO performance is not the best... Not quite sure how it works out if you add noise removal software to "tweak" the noise (removing chroma noise would probably be useful). I hope you have the option to try it before you finalize the deal.

Noise on the 1Dino is quite do-able: Here is a jpg straight out of the camera. (nevermind the image, just look at the noise) ISO 3200.
To compare, here the 1D2 at ISO 1600, and here's one at 3200. (Both Raw, with some NR as can be seen. Same settings for both.)

The noise on a 1D is coarser, and there's more of it. I don't think it's too bad though. (Unless you underexpose)

If you compare it to a pushed slide, you'll be fine. If you compare it to the XTi, the noise will seem much.

Cool.

By the way, one thing I recently learned (or rather: explicitly read/thought of) is that warm light is poison to digital cameras if you want to go for a bit cooler temperature than choosing "daylight" would give you. This is because the blue channel needs to be amplified, and apparently it is the most prone to noise. Sure enough, I remember seeing some of the nastiest looking noise formed from "blue pixels". I read about it here:
http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/E1DMK3/E1DMK3EXPOSURE_INCANDESCENT...
... just to point out that color temperature is also relevant when comparing noise levels of different cameras.

I actually thought about getting a color conversion filter, and giving that a go... Would loose you 1 to 2 stops however, so it kinda defeats the purpose ;)

Thanks guys, from that image Rene 1600 is acceptable on the 1D for me
The comparisons between the 400 and the 8-9 yr old 1n for me was all about the Auto focus, and i cant understand how (in low light) my 8 yr old eos 1n gives me perfect focus nearly every time and the 400 locks on when it feels like it(usually after a fantastic jump or pose) so i have missed another shot. So if u were in my shoes what would u guys do,
buy a second hand 1D and have cash left over or
buy a new 30d ( from what i have been reading the 1d is still better than the 30d with focusing but the newer 30d obviously has better dpi and noise)

Ricky

Well, the way I look at it, we changed as well: In the film days, I looked whether a *face* was in focus. Because of the coarse film grain, the entire image appeared a bit less sharp. Nowadays you can easily see the difference between focus on the eye, and focus on the nose when 'pixel peeping'. You couldn't with film.... Digital also as an abrupter transition in focus - out of focus IMO.

I have seen a lot of great results with the 30D and as someone who has used a 20D with great effect I'd be looking at the 20D before the 1D. See if you can get your hands on one to try out before parting with your hard earned cash.

Thanks guys,
I decided to dig a little deeper into the empty pocket, test drove and purchased a low milage 1DmkII. I think i have made the right choice...

1DmkII is the best choice you could have over anything but a mkIII, so awesome choice!

I am currently digging in my pockets... can't seem to find where that cash went though :D

Rob

man, the newly announced 40D is looking better and better...i was on the fence between a 5D or used 1D mk IIN for a 2nd body, but i could get a killer body for ~1K cheaper. tempting to say the least, if the autofocus works as advertised.

I agree. Which is why I will keep an eye on 2nd hand 30D on ebay from now on.

I upgraded to a 40D recently after using the old Digital Rebel for four years (and three shutters). I had extensive experience with all Canon film cameras before making the jump to digital and knew with the five EOS lenses I already owned that I'd be staying in the Canon family.

The 40D flat out rocks in the limited testing I've given it. I really need faster glass to take full advantage of it's capabilities, but it will go up to ISO 3200 supposedly with a lot better results than 1600 in the Rebel. For my day-to-day newspaper work and sports I couldn't be happier with it. I DID do a test shoot with a local band at a club in town the night I got the rig and the 6.5 FPS makes this a killer rig for drum solos.

If the price for a 40D is out of your budget there are plenty of 30Ds out there at bargain prices now.

Jamie Taylor
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