PPI Calculator and DPReview of Canon EOS 1d
Source: Matt Spinelli Photography (http://www.MattSpinelli.com)
Instructions: To use the PPI (pixels per inch) calculator you will need to know one of two things. You must know either the length and width of the image file, or the number of megapixels and the aspect ratio of your camera. Enter this information and press calculate. The PPI calculator will then display the PPI of popular print sizes, or if you like you can specify a print size and it will also make the calculations for it. Need a better understanding of PPI?
Access the PPI Calculator Here:
http://www.mattspinelli.com/ppicalc.html
You will need to know your Aspect Ratio of your camera to use the above PPI Calculator, as an example of the older Canon 1d pro camera with a 4mp resolution would have a Aspect Ratio of 2:3 (Number Conversion would be: 1.25)
http://www.newschoolofphotography.com/wp-content/gallery/cameras/778282072.jpg We’re talking about the original 1D. None of those fancy pants newer models here… This beast is good for 4.1mp and a blazing 8fps. Sure the newer models offer more MP (double with 8.5fps, then 2.5 times the resolution with 10fps!!!) and more FPS, but this guy was released in September 2001! This is canon’s second DSLR (the D30 was first) and canon’s first “professional” 1 series DSLR. It originally sold for $7,000! When this camera came out, it was ground breaking… He’s a blurb from the original press release:
Canon’s new flagship EOS-1D claims the position of the world’s leading all around professional digital camera. The EOS-1D is a staggering 50% faster than its nearest competitor. This unique camera has a continuous shooting speed of 8 frames per second in either Single Shot or AI Servo mode and can sustain this for 21 frame bursts. The high resolution XL (eXtra Large) CCD uses 4.15 Megapixels to create a true 11.7 MB file in a photographic 2:3 aspect ratio.
The combination of both speed and image quality makes the EOS-1D the most well balanced professional camera available today. Professionals no longer need to sacrifice either the speed demanded by the F1 sports photographer, or the high resolution required for studio shoots, for the EOS-1D offers both.
Today, it’s still a damn fine camera. While it’s only 4mp, that 4mp is an awesome sensor with great IQ coming right out of the camera. This was built back in the day when you either put in a strong AA filter and got crap images, or you dialed it way back and risked moire. Well Canon wanted razor sharp images out of the camera, so the took the AA filter and toned it down to the lowest acceptable level producing amazing results provided moire wasn’t an issue… Here’s a sample, straight out of the camera with zero PP added to it:
http://www.benjacobsen.com/wp-content/gallery/for-sale/B5DA0590.jpg
I just can’t believe how sharp the images are out of the camera.
I’ve owned a 10D, then a 1DmII, then I sold that for the 5D, but knew I’d miss the fps of the old 1DmII. But I realized what I use that for doesn’t need to be blown up much, if at all, and it usually ends up online. I generally shoot skiing/snowboarding with it, and this is on a fun for me basis. I have used it for a few other things where the AF was been nice. Originally I didn’t think I’d ever print larger than 8×12 with it, but I managed to get an amazing shot at an airshow with this body this summer:
http://www.benjacobsenphoto.com/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=47&g2_serialNumber=2
I was getting a few images printed at 12 x 18 for the house and figured I’d get this printed while I was having a batch run. I figured I’d give 12 x 18 a try, but assumed it would look like crap… Well surprise surprise, it held up quite well. Yes it is a bit soft on close inspection, but I’m talking within a foot. With a print this size you should view it at least 3′ away if not more. At those distances it looks incredible. I was very impressed at how well it took to a print of that size.
There are a few issues with it though. It’s a very old digital camera. LCDs have come a long way since then. It has a 2″ LCD that’s horrible. No zooming either. You can check your histograms, and composition, but no looking at fine details. Also it’s base ISO is 200. It can extend down to 100, but it loses some DR when you do it. Being a sports camera, the extra shutter speeds you gain are usually a plus, but sometimes it can be hard if you want some blur. Also the noise at high ISOs is pretty bad. 800 is usable, but can have banding in the original versions. You’ll notice banding on shots around 800 iso. It won’t ruin a shot, but you can see it. Generally what I shoot with this camera is well lit, so this hasn’t been an issue for me.
Quick Pros/Cons
+ Awesome AF, as good as the 1DmII if not better
+ 8fps in it’s full glory
+ wickedly sharp
+ awesome colors/contrast/saturation out of the camera, better than my 1DmII
+ $700~$900 for a pro series body (price depends on serial number, usage, and included extras)
- hard menu system to learn (same as all 1 series though)
- sucks batteries down FAST. Expect to have 2 batteries with you at all times. 200~500 shots each depending on the temp
- Horrible LCD by todays standards. 2″ and very dim. Good enough to check histogram and comp, nothing more (no zoom).
- banding issue with <20,000 serial number cameras
Check out the original Dpreview review:
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/CanonEOS1D/
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.