
Originally Posted by
Joerg Rockenberger
Pete, I much agree with what have been said before in this thread namely that human factors can dominate the quality of the images we take compared to equipment shortcomings. Especially with regard to tracking ability at long focal lengths...
That being said I found myself in a similar situation like you - soft images with the 40D/500F4IS combo let alone adding a 1.4 TC and/or a subject distance of beyond 30 - 40 ft - which lead me to to explore other options. Last year, I've rented a 7D for first an extended weekend and then a whole week at Bosque. Let's just say I was underwhelmed as indicated by the fact that the majority of keepers from both rentals were from the 40D. And I was alternating the cameras on a daily basis with similar environmental conditions to make sure that I was using them in comparable situations. Nonetheless, the 7D has a LOT of features I am longing for being stuck with the 40D at the moment...
With the 7D not being a significant improvements re AF in my(!) hands I decided to explore the 1DmkIV this year. The short answer is that you get what you pay for. I can't pretend that my tracking ability - both handheld and gimbal mounted - significantly improved in the last year but there is ZERO doubt in my mind that the images I took this year with two rented 1DMkIV are mostly superior to any 40D images I've ever taken. And it's not even close if it involves subjects moving in front of busy backgrounds...
Is the price difference of several $1000s worth the better experience of the MkIV? Based on my experience I'd say **** yes - if you are a professional, or even an aspiring professional. If you're an hobbyist - like me - it becomes more difficult and it is mostly a question of how much do you value your time in the field and in front of the computer. I personally hate being limited by my equipment and being stuck in front of the computer. Hence I most likely - particularly if Turbotax agrees with my estimate of my tax return next year :) - will go for the 1DMkIV next year.
Renting pro camera equipment is a great way of figuring out what you want/need before making the plunge... And it helps setting realistic expectations. Because even the 1DMkIV is not perfect...:)
JR