so im trying to decide what to get for a new body. It's between a 1d and 20d, and I've been told to get the 20d. But the 1d's 8 fps is SO appealing. So I'm wondering, what does the 1d's noise levels look like, on say ISO 1600 or 3200? I'm shooting with the drebel now, so I'd be happy with anything thats an improvement over that. I've been told that i should look at a 1d if I shoot a lot of outdoors, but a 20d if i shoot indoors. I like shooting outdoors much better and do more of it, but at the same time I want something that can handle the higher ISOs for when I do have to shoot at them.

You'll get less noise on a 1D than the 20D from what I have seen and read. My shots the other night were the 3200 ISO and were not cleaned up (as you noticed).
Which 1D were you thinking of? I know my old 1D has a tad bit more noise at 1600 & 3200 than the MKII N. The MKII N is a lot cleaner at 800, 1000 and 1250 than the old 1D although at 800 you really need to zoom in to see it on either version.
According to one test I saw recently there is no more noise in the 1D than film. In film it's called grain.

The MKII N is really a much better camera for the type of shooting you do, specifically the sports, and is sealed whereas the 20D is not sealed at all. In adition it not only has higher FPS but the buffer for contious shots is gigantic allowing from 20 frames RAW to 48 Large JPG to 97 small JPG.

JS

mk II N...riiiiiiiight. Maybe if I won the lottery. I was thinkin original 1d. if anyone wants to buy me a mark II N though, i'll GLADLY take it. :-D

Ok.... well I tried :) .... you can find some great deals on the 1D original. And heck, at 20 frames it aint bad! I'd sell you mine but it's my backup!

JS

I'm pretty sure the 20D's noise levels are much better than the 1D. And battery life is also better. That said, when it comes to high speed the 20D doesn't even come close to the 1D. I also really like the 45 tiny focus points on the 1D. They are much better for my style of shooting. I haven't had the budget for a new camera so I've happily held onto my 1D. I only use it when high speed and accuracy are critical. But it doesn't let me down - except where battery life is concerned. And even though it's only a 4-megapixel camera, I'm still selling photos I shoot with it.

I'll see if I can shoot some studio samples for you today. If you check the gallery and the pro 20D review you'll find studio samples for the 20D at all ISO settings.

Canon EOS 20D Studio Samples: http://gallery.photographyreview.com/showgallery.php?si=eos+20d+studio+test&x=17&y=5

so im trying to decide what to get for a new body. It's between a 1d and 20d, and I've been told to get the 20d. But the 1d's 8 fps is SO appealing. So I'm wondering, what does the 1d's noise levels look like, on say ISO 1600 or 3200? I'm shooting with the drebel now, so I'd be happy with anything thats an improvement over that. I've been told that i should look at a 1d if I shoot a lot of outdoors, but a 20d if i shoot indoors. I like shooting outdoors much better and do more of it, but at the same time I want something that can handle the higher ISOs for when I do have to shoot at them.
This isn't even a close contest if you're talking about the original 1D. Lotsof noise from iso 800 and up-at least compared to the 10D and forward. It's a great camera, but it's only advantage over the 20D is framerate and build. The 20D's 5 fps is plenty fast and it's plenty sturdy as long as you don't drown it or drop it on pavement. However...since this is the sports photography section...the 1D/1DII/1DIIN is pretty hard to beat for outright speed and capture with its 45 AF points. If capturing the moment is critical, get the 1D.

If noise is the main consideration, forget the 1D, the 20D blows it away.

Lionheart makes some good points on the build and John makes some good points about speed. Choose accordingly.

This isn't even a close contest if you're talking about the original 1D. Lotsof noise from iso 800 and up-at least compared to the 10D and forward. It's a great camera, but it's only advantage over the 20D is framerate and build. The 20D's 5 fps is plenty fast and it's plenty sturdy as long as you don't drown it or drop it on pavement. However...since this is the sports photography section...the 1D/1DII/1DIIN is pretty hard to beat for outright speed and capture with its 45 AF points. If capturing the moment is critical, get the 1D.

thanks for the tips. I have actually decided to go with the 1d, as it will probably be spring again by the time I get it. I can always shoot with my rebel in low light, and I'll probably have a strobe setup by next winter. the 8 fps is the most appealing factor, and it's sheer speed seems much better than the 20d, at least for sports.

Interesting note on shutter speed. the original 1D went up to 1/16000, while the new MKII N only goes 1/8000. There were times I really liked having that super fast shutter speed and I miss it on the MKII N....just another reason to keep the old 1D.


JS

wow... that's FOUR times the speed of my rebel. 1/4000 baby.

wow... that's FOUR times the speed of my rebel. 1/4000 baby.


I thought you would like that. I like it for certian things, and it's one reason I am keeping my old 1D....you can stop about anything at 1/16000!

JS

but you don't like stopping action, remember? you like that motion blur. And there's one reason to sell me that 1d. :D

but you don't like stopping action, remember? you like that motion blur. And there's one reason to sell me that 1d. :D


lol. nice try...but there are times I do want to stop it :) and there are some things I'd like to try and stop, and only that speed shutter could do it.....thats a secret project for this summer though :D

JS

could someone tell me when you need 1/1600 shutter speed? sounds a little crazy. maybe if ur staring directly at the sun on the brightest day of the year.

1/16000 sorry

could someone tell me when you need 1/1600 shutter speed? sounds a little crazy. maybe if ur staring directly at the sun on the brightest day of the year.

Well, you could try and stop a bullet at that speed....just don't catch it! :eek:

JS