1Ds Field Notes

Because of the high level of interest in the new Canon 1Ds I will be keeping an online diary of sorts where I can chronicle my experiences, problems and discoveries. I believe that with this new camera we are in uncharted waters in terms of what digital imaging technology can do for us, and I intend on exploring it fully here in the weeks and months ahead.
Delivery
On September 25, 2002 — the day that the Canon 1Ds was announced atPhotokina— I began an intensive 5 day test of a pre-production camera loaned to me by Canon. Based on this evaluation I placed my order and waited not-so-patiently for deliveries to start. Canon had indicated that this would happen before the end of November. (If you have not already read this comprehensive 5-part report in the 1Ds I user you to do so before continuing.)
Almost exactly 2 months to the day, on November 26th, I took delivery of my 1Ds. Shipments had started that week in most countries on a coordinated basis. As promised (or threatened), supply...