I went to the 1Dx product launch yesterday in KL Convention Centre. The special thing about this launch is that the 1Dx was launched simultaneously with Japan and most of the rest of the world. The camera’s specs is amazing. I’m sure you can glean all the pictures and details online, so you don’t need me to repeat them here. But what I would like to highlight are two very important points:

1. The 1Dx trumphs the 1D Mark IV in terms of sensor size (APC-H vs full frame), speed (10 fps vs 12/14 fps), resolution (16 vs 18 MP) and maximum ISO (102400 vs 204800).
2. The 1Dx replaces the 1Ds Mark III directly, but the 1D Mark IV line will still continue (!!)

Which begs the question, WHY? Wouldn’t that cannibalize the sale of the 1D Mark IV? I asked Canon Malaysia’s Director of Imaging Communication Products Division Mr Simon Wong exactly this, and he replied that the price of the 1D will be marked down. Logical move, but in every sense, the 1Dx can already replace the 1D, so why confuse the users?

I have a confession to make. I have been bitten by the full frame (FF) bug. But that is hardly news to you huh? So what makes a full frame different from my own 40D? The most enticing reward of going FF is the amazing bokeh that you get. Some purist are against bokeh, but bokeh is a great way of producing very pleasing portraits, a very good way to isolate your subject from the background.

I had a chance to play with a Canon EOS 5D before, the original version, not the Mark II version. You might have noticed this in my previous post; the picture was taken with a 5D. The first thing I immediately notice is the built of the buttons and dials. It’s kinda hard to explain, but the sound of the shutter press is very soft, yet very solid and assuring. And the sound of the shutter flapping against the camera body exudes class and confidence. Sure, it’s not exactly fast. At only about 3 fps, it is the same as my previous 350D. A machine gun shooter will likely avoid this camera. But a 5D is designed for a different class of photographer. The slow thinking photographer, the landscape artist, or the macro freak. It will have a slight disadvantage when shooting weddings and sports.

Canon EOS 5D, with the EF 50 mm f1.8 II attached

The screen is a reminiscence of the 350D; small and uninspiring. Even the menus are similar. That is to be expected, both the camera uses DIGIC II.

Small screen eh? Reminds me of the 350D

Other than that, the other controls are similar to the 40D. The spinning dial at the back, the (still awkward) power-on dial, the multi-directional panning button, and the top panel.

Top panel like the xxD EOS series. Looks more pro compared to on-screen menu!

It shares so many similarities with the 40D, even their batteries are interchangeable!

So how does the image look like? I only have one measly EF lens to mount on this baby, the indispensable (and cheap) EF 50 mm f1.8II. But that lens is enough to bring out the best bokeh for the buck you would care to drool over. Check this out:

Hui Yan as my 5D model

If you check the EXIF, the aperture was only at f/2! PHEW!!

I did not do further testings, but it is a well known fact that this camera also handles noise extremely well!

*sigh* ….. have to wait 20 years for prices of FF cameras to drop to affordable level then only can buy ….

Whoaaa…. talk about efficiency! In less than 24 hour since I have spread the news of my intention to sell the camera, the camera is sold!

Sold the entire thing for RM1100 to a nice gentleman who came all the way from Shah Alam. I hope the camera finds a good place to stay now.

I am now officially camera-less. Except for the camera phone, I don’t have any cameras at home, not even a decent point-and-shooter!

Well at least now I have money to buy milk powder for the kids. That can last me for, oh, 3 months!

Yes it’s true, I am planning to sell off my trusty old 350D. It’s been with me through thick and thin, through a lot of adventure to a lot of trips. I blame it on “technological refresh” that forces me to upgrade my camera to catch up with my skill. I hate to admit it, but I have outgrown my camera. This is a good thing really. It means that I have learnt a lot from this camera, and I need to move on.

Yes, that also means that I want to upgrade my camera. I have not got my hands on any cameras yet, but the 40D looks very possible. Again, nothing is solid yet. I am just throwing news out, just to test the water. Anyway here is what the spec of my camera looks like:

Canon 350D with EF-S 18-55 kit lens with box, charger, original softwares, cables, manual, neck-strip, 2 original NB-2LH batteries and original Canon battery grip BG-E3. Perfect working condition 8/10. No more warranty. Would like to sell it as a set for RM1350. Free camera bag, 8 GB card and UV filter for kitlens. Price is negotiable. COD in Seri Kembangan.

I attach in here a very rough picture of the camera, for lack of a proper camera to take its own picture:

My old camera

Selling off with the grip

It's in perfect working condition

Please excuse the lousy photos. It was taken with my camera phone.

*Sigh …* what to do? Need the money for my kid’s milk powder and diapers….

Update: The camera has been sold barely 24 hours after I have posted it online.