Good you are back. You stayed out of the fray for a while.

First, in my post where did I mention Pentax?

Second, where did I say it was useless?

DSLRs with single CCD/CMOS has tons of issues that multi CCD cameras don't.

That is a fact. (hint, rolling shutter/jello effect, form factor of camera, etc)

Now argue with a fact without getting upset about Canon...

As far as 500 word post, well at least I can put into quantifiable terms why I like my gear. Not just that the adds said it's best, or that is what XXXX shoots. My favorite threads are the "What Camera Should I Get?"and some idiot writes a reply "Canon" without any explanation nor any additional questions as to what the OP needs in a camera system.

Like I said, glad to have you back, you've been quiet despite me baiting you many times, and I'm glad you at least have learned about the Limited pancakes. I remember a while back you were calling the Pentax a Pentex, so we have come a long way.

It used to be the still people were worried about videographers pulling stills and putting them out of biz. But, I think it is the video people that should be more worried about still photographers shooting video and putting them out of biz. Seriously, if you haven't checked out all the links in the 5dII thread, you should.

Little bit of video:

http://blog.vincentlaforet.com/

Wes, so I see the specs and on paper they sound really impressive. However, in my novice eyes I find it hard to see the 2x price difference between the 1DS MKIV and the 5D MKII or the 3x price difference between it and the 7D.

It looks like the major differences are the new 1DS MKIV has 10 FPS instead of 8 fps(7D) or 3.9 FPS(5D MKII). The 5D is a full frame sensor and the new 1DS has a 1.3 crop factor. It looks like the 7D sensor is even smaller than the 1Ds. The iso 102400 sounds really cool and its low light capabilities are without question after seeing that Nocturne film. However, does that really justify the cost difference?

I have never shot with any of those cameras so I don’t really know how significant those differences are. To me it sounds like the 7D or the 5D MKII with the new video software update(Enables 24p) would be the way to go.

Can you help shed some light on what the benefits of the MKIV would be over the existing models?

You pay big bucks to get the last few % of performance gains with just about any technology. The 7d is pretty close to mark4, and would probably work just fine for 95% of people. Same with 5dII. For me, the one big thing with the 1d series is dual slots - I use them all the time, either to write two copies of important shots, or to automatically switch cards when one is full. Also, when I shoot ballet or shows, I can tie spot metering to the active focus point with the 1d3, but not with the 5dII (not sure about 7d).

There is also a *feel* to the 1d bodies that doesn't show on a spec sheet. With 1d I just sorta think shoot and it happens. Very. Quickly. And, the custom options are usually much better, though the 7d has really caught up. Built in grip feels better then the add on one and is up for a bit more abuse. I shot an all day show in the rain last summer, and had no issues or worries, where others were either not shooting, or trying to cover their gear and shoot at the same time, etc.

So, in summery, odds are good that for most people, esp. non pros, the extra money for a 1d4 is better spent on glass, booze and/or chicks. But, for some, the extra is just a part of the cost of doing biz. at a higher level. We try to but one new body a year, then sell the oldest/least used. This year was 5dII, next year will be 1d4, and will give 40d to wife for second body to go with her 5dII. Year after the 1d3 or the 5dII will go and we will add another ect. So, most of our cameras get two full years of use, maybe three. New bodies are just built into the budget as much as we can.