Canon 1Ds Mark II vs. Canon 5D Mark II.. Opinions needed

[k_kujo]

I currently shoot a Canon 1D Mark II body but am in the market for a second/full frame body. I do a lot of wildlife and people portraits so the full frame will be useful for both of those situations. I have been leaning towards the 1Ds Mark II because of its autofocus and better price...I do have a limited budget. Reviews of this camera are very favorable and image quality appears to be excellent. However, the 5D Mark II is newer technology so I wonder if the image quality of this camera far exceeds that of the 1Ds Mark II. I know it's autofocus would not compare but is it worth the extra $700 I would end up paying for the 5D Mark II (I'd be adding the vertical grip)? Thanks,

[Axel Hildebrandt]

I don't know the 1Ds II well enough but the images that I have seen made with the 5D2 look very good. You mentioned wildlife, do you mean static objects? The frame rate of the 5D2 does not make it a good choice for birds in flight, but neither the 1Ds II.

[Garry Gibson]

I have a DSII and I love it. Many people contend it is the best
camera Canon ever made.
However there are a couple of things you need to be aware of
when you are comparing it to the 5d MarkII.
The negatives
No video
No Live View
Very Small LCD Screen
More confusing menu system
Heavier
No Auto Sensor clean

The positives
Better Focus
Weather sealed
Tough as nails
Menu offers many custom options
You have the capability to use two cards
at the same time which gives you some back up system
in case of failure.

I thought about selling mine and buying a 5d MarkII and decided
to wait for a while. Right now it is my favorite camera.

no easy decision and as Patrick Swayze so wisely said in
the epic move Road House "Opinions vary"

GG

[D. Robert Franz]

IMHO... The 5D2 is an outstanding camera. The AF when using center point, which I do most of the time, is excellent. Plenty fast enough even for BIF and very accurate, it hardly ever misses. Body seems well built and plenty tough. Not a 1 series but very good none the less. I would love a bit faster frame rate but it's not much behind the 1DS2. The LCD and sensor cleaning are huge advantages for the 5D2.