MY GEAR - DSLR

My digital age started out with the Canon 10D as a means to “test the strobes” instead of using Polaroid film. Whether this was an ‘approved technique’ or a ‘sweet shortcut’ it was also an introduction into Digital Single Lens Reflex cameras (DSLR). You could also say this was the beginning of the end for my film processing days (it took another three or four years to go completely digital).

The 10D was funky to say the least…lens conversion, tiny viewfinder, minimal megapixels (compared to today’s standards) and batteries that didn’t last very long. I say ‘funky’ because I had a camera in my hand that couldn’t utilize the full range of my lenses, the view finder reminded me of those old 16mm Arri film cameras and batteries that wouldn’t make it through a whole day of shooting. I thought to myself: why the hype ?

What I did like about this camera was the ability to check flashes before shooting the image to film, the compactness and relatively inexpensive purchase price. Another great feature of this camera was all my existing lenses, flashes, transmitters and cables were good to go, the 10D accepted all of my previous investments.

The 10D deserved the hype because it was a good addition to my arsenal, even with its shortcomings. What I knew from my prior experiences with Canon products is they would evolve their DSLR line quickly and they would soon be outperforming my best 35mm film bodies.

Over the years I utilized five other Canon DSLR models…20D, 5D, 1D Mark II, 1D Mark II N, 1D Mark III. These were all great cameras, but I knew something would suit me better and that was answered with the 1Ds Mark III.

Finally I had a full frame sensor camera body that was rugged (like the 1V), huge file size (21 megapixels), powerful/light batteries, much needed menu improvements plus a boatload of other features sure to please. 

I spent the winter season of 2009 testing the camera, utilizing the features and finally having a digital camera body I can always count on to capture the image I envision.

The purchase price isn’t exactly cheap, but every penny you work up saving for this machine will benefit you every time the shutter clicks.

Blotto

The 1Ds sits next to the 1D. They look exactly the same sitting side by side, but the outstanding differences are resolution (21.1 - 10.1) and max shutter rate (5 FPS - 10 FPS).

When Canon released the Mark III series of cameras, a major upgrade was the battery system. The batteries themselves were 30% smaller and 40% lighter, along with a new charger that didn't require you to 'drain' the battery of any existing charge before rejuicing. Another improvement was the menu option on the camera that tells you exactly how much life is remaning in the battery...so important when you're shooting snowboarding. 

The 1Ds with the Canon EF 24-70 2.8L Lens

© Dean Blotto Gray / Blotto Photto 2009