Either body is going to be a significant upgrade from your current one. The 1D MkIV has been around for a while and generally has a pretty good reputation for reliability and performance. The build quality is, as with all Canon's 1 Series cameras, very good and there is something about holding a 1 Series camera that just feels right. Bodies fitted with a grip don't seem to quite have the same feel. This is just my opinion however.
The 1DMkIV ISO limit pretty much runs out at around 2000-2500 from my usage with it. I should stress here that my opinions on these cameras are from my use of them for my personal photography and the expectations that I have for it. I’m sure that the camera will perform at higher ISO but I always felt that above 2500 there was too much loss of detail for my needs.
The 7D MkII divides opinion somewhat. Some people think its great, others think its good in parts but not in others. There were quite a few unhappy photographers when the camera first came out when some seemed to have focus issues. To a certain extent that seems to have gone away a bit.
From my use of the MkII the upper limit for wildlife is around ISO 1600, maybe 2000 at a push. Again this is my view on what I find acceptable. The camera has a great deal going for it in terms of its AF system and the ability to configure the camera to your own requirements. Much more than the 1D MkIV had available, and in some aspects more that the 1DX.
I feel the camera balances better with a grip on it and makes vertical shooting much easier, with the added bonus of holding 2 batteries which the camera uses together when fitted.
I find the MkII quite heavy on battery use, but will depend on how much you 'chimp' for example as to how many shots you get from a battery. The battery in the 1D MkIV gave a lot more images for a charge.
I bought a MkII as a back up to my 1DX, trading in a 5D3 for it, and, after a few months of using it I still am not sure that I did the right thing.
I have found the MkII to be more difficult to get the best out of than either my 5D3 or my 1DX. I’ve had images that I have been really happy with but I have also used it in certain circumstances and been underwhelmed by it. That may be down to the way I am setting it up and that’s still an ongoing process for me.
If you read the 7D MkII thread you will see plenty of comments, mainly praising the camera but not always.
I use the MkII in good light only. When the ISO start to head towards 1600+ then I use my 1DX. I’m fortunate that I have that option.
I very much doubt that you would regret buying the MkII, and if I had to choose between the 1D MkIV and the 7D MkII I still think that I would take the MkII. Be prepared however to put some effort into getting the best out of the camera. If you just switch it on and expect brilliant images in all circumstances you might be slightly disappointed.
Hope that helps
Thanks for the kindness again Gaz(replying to the second post ,ahh mate you really do take some wonderful images. I simply couldn't not apologise Gaz,I guess i'm old and still believe in being polite to folks web or no stranger or no,it matters not,plus there is genuine appreciation for the help given mate).
Here's what I was writing to you last night
:
Ruddy 'eck Gaz,you really can't qualify that post and the time taken to a humble sod like me with "hope that helps".Ahh buddy so kind just So So kind.
Gaz let me a bit straight with you and by god I hope this isn't too off putting
. You are one of those guys referred to in my opening post,I did say i've been lurking a while and yes I know what you sold for the 7Dii I believe humbly I got why you made the choice and also why you are still unsure.,Yes I'm also aware of you still questing and your and Joe Turners conversations re his recent review. While I qualify myself as simply in no mans land regarding the quality of image i produce,(ha the joy i nearly got a swallow inflight today,but hey I didn't and damn well know it but I got closer to what i want...all good),I would hope after all this time of reading and study i'm able to be influenced by a guy whose opinion I value. the simple reason I value that opinion ie yours is because i've seen the images you produce mate,Simply put ,I like what you do dude,your images have inspired me a goodly while now,plus the nature of your posts:,you have taken a very balanced approach to the 7Dii in my eyes and even though you are not completely happy are still questing,again the attitude is inspiring,.so before I go much further
a monster thanks for the above.
Gaz I guess the biggest facet of why this isn't a straight 7Dii choice,(it almost should be if I rule out the 1DX) is because of these niggles you speak of. plus in particular where the cut off point is regarding higher iso and image quality,cheers for including your thoughts on this. I have read 7Dii threads from when the camera was released,on various fora,pages and pages of it.I'm aware that a few folks seem to have genuine problem body's and that also many more would fall into a category where I would class myself.That is basically this is a far more complex camera and one needs to study a bit to get really in touch with what it's capabilities are,hence some of the focus issues might be simple user error. Gaz it's a big step up (either camera ) for someone like me with little experience of higher end bodies.I'm full of self doubt and I've noted that across the fora there are folks like you and Bob,skillfull experienced togs whom are still not completely happy,but are still perservering. I can see why too, as you have so graphically illustrated with the set of pictures starting with the chough. the camera is no slough and is very capable of taking some cracking shots.
Digressing slightly Bob (canon Bob) thank you , in your earlier post could seem to have echoed Gaz's thoughts,would you be so kind as to elucidate on what you mean by coaxing please,could I also ask you where you feel happy shooting iso wise,ie what is the highest iso you would use and feel happy with,actually for both cameras would be wonderful,if you don't mind.thanks so much for your help in this aswell!
Gaz the opinions of you guys with more experience, and that I have some familiarity with your work/pictures, is exactly why i posted,I know you have been at pains to point out this is your personal opinion but that is exactly what I'm after. For sure I don't have the experience you do,so being able to feed off someone with that knowledge is incredibly helpful,especially where I can almost qualify it from your images
I find myself consistently pushing the iso when i'm out, say a dull day or late in the day when many animals here start to appear,again lack of experience means I can't really know whether I'm just being unrealistic in my expectations of what to expect from my 550 or for the new body persay. But as a practical guy I'm starting to become aware that either the light is simply too poor for a given shot,ie shutter speed to low to freeze movement or i'm questing for better performance in the "new "body iso wise.Sure, in an ideal world blighty would be a bright sunny place,but it isn't so i'm trying to evaluate,doing so without experience is no easy thing.
My second biggest problem is speed of focus,but I'm fairly confident either of my choices will rock my world here. Gaz have you used extenders at all with these above bodies,do you have an opinion to share with how they compare speed wise?
Finally,no I don't expect any new camera to suddenly make me take brilliant images,there are many facets I need to address in my own skill set and there will be a learning curve to address with the camera. I suppose I've just got to that stage where I feel for certain tasks i'm starting to ask too much from my little 550D. I'll always hold my hand up that I have failings no worries there,that said I think there is more to be had and a slightly more high end/ powerful camera will give me something I can't obtain at the moment. I suppose,I'm convinced just a more advanced focus system will be huge,but hey I may as well dig into the other facets aswell before spending my pennies. I suspect if I get this purchase right i'll be carrying it for a good while
Thanks so much Gaz,it's a big deal to me this,hence me labouring to show you why your time and wisdom is appeciated
take care
Stu.