Canon 1D X - Photographers Only

A warning, today’s post is strictly for photographers.

We all know my love of Nikon and all things … well … Nikon.  But I don’t want this to ever jade me from appreciated true quality in a product.  Read linear, if it’s a god product, I will say it’s a good product… otherwise I’m a fanboy that you’ll never get a non-biased answer out of.  With that said, I have spent a lot of time with my assistants talking about Canon’s new offering, the 1D X.

-Now as a background to this subject, I actually started out shooting Canon (D30) and have shot them longer than I have shot Nikon bodies.  Over the years I have shot no less than 15 Canon bodies, and 3 Nikons-

So when the 1D X was announced I, being the techie that I am, spent most of the day pouring over the specs and the pictures of it.  Being as it won’t be out soon, I figured I have some time to think about whether or not to pick one up.  I think the general direction that Canon is going with the camera is a strong one.  The underlining thought of the new system seems to be quality over quantity (when it comes to the sensor).

One thing that I think will be interesting is how long the standard ISO measurements are used to describe cameras.  Ever since the Nikon D3 brought us ISO 25,600 I found myself wondering when they would adjust the scale and/or change the name.  Now with the Canon 1D X’s ISO 200 something thousand, I think that we need to find a new descriptor in this department.

The next thing that always woos me with Canon is that every chassis they produce is a gateway to shoot their primes.  I have to admit that I have been spoiled by just how sharp Nikon’s zooms are and how well they handle flare.  However, sometimes I long to shoot with the 85 f/1.2 again or the 35 f/1.4 (not that Nikon doesn’t offer this, but I haven’t tried it).  I remember having the whole collection of lenses from Canon out of necessity because the mid-range zooms were just, well, not good.

For time’s sake, and the fact that Starbucks is calling my name, let me offer my verdict on what I believe this camera will be…

It will be great.  It will be good for the people that have a solid stable of Canon lenses, and those that know the system and its menus intimately.  The files should be clean (although I worry it my have Canon’s good ‘ole mosaic like pattern in the noise), and the high ISO should be impressive.  But will I switch from Nikon?  No.  At the end of the day, I have a system that I know all the ins and outs of.  I have learned how to shoot for my sensor, which is a lot easier said than done.  Now don’t get me wrong, I will gladly try out the new Canon system, but I will look to what offering it inspires by Nikon.

As photographer who stands in front of a great sunset.  You don’t shoot the sunset, you shoot its light hitting the person next to you.