Canon EOS-1D C vs Canon EOS-1D X

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      Overview

      In this comparison, we will evaluate the Canon EOS-1D C and the Canon EOS-1D X, highlighting the advantages of each over the other, discussing their pros and cons, shared strengths and weaknesses, and providing a rating based on their available features and specifications to assist you in choosing the one that best suits your needs.

      Canon EOS-1D C was introduced in April 2012 and Canon EOS-1D X was introduced in October 2011. Let us first list highlights of the models.

      Canon EOS-1D C Highlights

      • 18.1 MP Full Frame CMOS Sensor
      • 100 - 51,200 Native ISO
      • 61 Focus Points (61 Cross-type)
      • 3.2" 1,040k dot Fixed Screen
      • Optical (pentaprism) Viewfinder
      • 14.0 fps Continuous Shooting
      • 4096 x 2160 Video Shooting
      • 30 min Video Recording Limit
      • Wheather Sealed Body

      Canon EOS-1D X Highlights

      • 18.1 MP Full Frame CMOS Sensor
      • 100 - 51,200 Native ISO
      • 61 Focus Points (61 Cross-type)
      • 3.2" 1,040k dot Fixed Screen
      • Optical (pentaprism) Viewfinder
      • 14.0 fps Continuous Shooting
      • 1920 x 1080 Video Shooting
      • 30 min Video Recording Limit
      • Wheather Sealed Body

      Now that we've looked at the most essential specifications and gained a basic understanding of these cameras, we can delve into more details and see the differences between them.

      Pros and Cons

      In this section we present pros and cons of Canon EOS-1D C and Canon EOS-1D X.

      PROS

      Canon EOS-1D C

      Canon EOS-1D X

      •   Video Capture
      •   Large Sensor
      •   51,200 Highest Native ISO
      •   61 Focus Points
      •   41 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus
      •   Large Screen - 3.2"
      •   High Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/8000 sec
      •   High Video Resolution - 4096 x 2160
      •   HDMI Output
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   2 Storage Slots
      •   Orientation Sensor
      •   Video Capture
      •   Large Sensor
      •   51,200 Highest Native ISO
      •   61 Focus Points
      •   41 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus
      •   Large Screen - 3.2"
      •   High Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/8000 sec
      •   HDMI Output
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Long Battery Life - 1120 shots
      •   2 Storage Slots
      •   Orientation Sensor

      CONS

      Canon EOS-1D C

      Canon EOS-1D X

      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Video Recording Limit
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      •   Heavy - 1500 g (3.3 lb / 52.9 oz)
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      •   Low Video Recording Limit
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      •   Heavy - 1530 g (3.37 lb / 54.0 oz)


      And here are some specifications which fall into average criteria and are neither in PROs nor in CONs category:

      AVERAGE

      Canon EOS-1D C

      Canon EOS-1D X

      •   Sensor Resolution - 18.1 Megapixel
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,040k dot
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 14.0 fps
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/250 sec
      •   Sensor Resolution - 18.1 Megapixel
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   -2 EV Min AF Detection
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,040k dot
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 14.0 fps
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/250 sec
      •   DxO Overall Score - 82

      Advantage of Canon EOS-1D C

      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Canon EOS-1D C over Canon EOS-1D X.

      Canon EOS-1D C vs Canon EOS-1D X
      Timelapse Recording vs
      Higher Video Resolution 4096 x 2160 vs 1920 x 1080
      Speaker Mono vs
      Headphone Output vs
      Lighter 1500 g (3.3 lb / 52.9 oz) vs 1530 g (3.37 lb / 54.0 oz)

      Check out other cameras which are frequently compared to Canon EOS-1D C.

      Advantage of Canon EOS-1D X

      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Canon EOS-1D X over Canon EOS-1D C.

      Canon EOS-1D C vs Canon EOS-1D X
      Center Autofocus vs

      Check out other cameras which are frequently compared to Canon EOS-1D X.

      Common Strengths and Weaknesses

      We already listed pros and cons of each model. However, you may also find useful to look at their common strengths and weaknesses shown side-by-side.

      STRENGTHS Canon EOS-1D C Canon EOS-1D X
        Video Capture
        Large SensorFull FrameFull Frame
        High Native ISO51,20051,200
        Many Focus Points6161
        Many Cross-type Focus Points4141
        Face Detection
        Live View Autofocus
        Large Screen3.2"3.2"
        High Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain)1/8000 sec1/8000 sec
        HDMI Output Mini Mini
        Environmental Sealing
        Many Storage Slots22
        Orientation Sensor
      WEAKNESSES Canon EOS-1D C Canon EOS-1D X
        No Image Stabilization
        Screen TypeFixedFixed
        Low Video Recording Limit30 min30 min
        No Built-in GPS
        No Built-In Wi-Fi via optional LC-5 transmitter via optional LC-5 transmitter
        No Built-In Bluetooth
        Heavy1500 g (3.3 lb / 52.9 oz)1530 g (3.37 lb / 54.0 oz)

      Screen and Viewfinder

      Screen

      Canon EOS-1D C and Canon EOS-1D X have 3.2" Fixed screens with 1,040k dot resolution.


      Viewfinder

      Cameras have built-in Optical (pentaprism) viewfinders. They both have 100% coverage and 0.76x magnification.

      Sensor

      Both models feature a 18.1 megapixel Full Frame CMOS sensor with dimensions of 36 x 24 mm and a total area of 864 mm2. Their native ISO range is 100 - 51,200


      Here is a sensor size comparison chart where you can see how different sensors compare with each other:

      Sensor size chart
      Sensor Dimensions Area Aspect Ratio Crop Factor
      Image cannot be displayedMedium Format44 x 33 mm1452 mm24:30.79x
      Image cannot be displayedFull Frame36 x 24 mm864 mm23:21x
      Image cannot be displayedAPS-H27 x 18 mm486 mm23:21.3x
      Image cannot be displayedAPS-C23.6 x 15.6 mm368.2 mm23:21.5x
      Image cannot be displayedAPS-C (Canon)22.3 x 14.9 mm332.3 mm23:21.6x
      Image cannot be displayedMicro Four Thirds17.4 x 13 mm226.2 mm24:32x
      Image cannot be displayed1-inch13.2 x 8.8 mm116.2 mm23:22.7x
      Image cannot be displayed1/1.7-inch7.44 x 5.58 mm41.5 mm24:34.7x
      Image cannot be displayed1/2.3-inch6.17 x 4.55 mm28.1 mm24:35.6x

      Photography Features

      Cameras are equipped with Dual DIGIC 5+ processor and can take pictures up to 5184 x 3456 resolution. They can also take pictures with lower resolutions like 4608 x 3072, 3456 x 2304, 2592 x 1728 with 3:2 aspect ratios.


      Lens Mount

      Cameras have Canon EF lens mount. Due to their Full Frame sensor their crop factor (also called lens multiplier) is equal to 1x. This means that a 35mm equivalent focal length of the mounted lens will be equal to its actual focal length.


      No Image Stabilization

      The cameras do not have image stabilization. On Canon EOS-1D C it means that you need lenses with optical image stabilization for vibration reduction. As for Canon EOS-1D X nothing can be done. On Canon EOS-1D X it means that you need lenses with optical image stabilization for vibration reduction. As for Canon EOS-1D C nothing can be done.

      Connectivity, Battery and Storage

      HDMI Outputs

      Canon EOS-1D C has a Mini HDMI and Canon EOS-1D X has a Mini HDMI connector for video signal output.


      Battery

      Canon EOS-1D C and Canon EOS-1D X come with LP-E4N battery pack with battery life of 1120 shots on Canon EOS-1D X.


      External Storage Slots

      Cameras have Dual CompactFlash (Type I/II, UDMA 7) card slots.

      Other Features

      Shutter

      Shutter speed can go up to 1/8000 sec on Canon EOS-1D C, and up to 1/8000 sec on Canon EOS-1D X. Cameras can shoot continuously up to 14.0 fps.


      Focusing

      Canon EOS-1D C has 61 (41 cross-type) focusing points and Canon EOS-1D X has Dual Pixel CMOS AF system with 61 (41 cross-type) focusing points. Canon EOS-1D X has detection range from -2 to +18 EV.


      Exposure

      Both cameras' exposure metering ranges from 0 to +20 EV and you can set the exposure compensation within the ±5 EV range. You can also do exposure lock, exposure bracketing and manual exposure adjustment on Canon EOS-1D C and exposure bracketing and manual exposure adjustment on Canon EOS-1D X.


      Flash

      Cameras have no built-in flash but an external flash may be connected to both of them via Hot Shoe or PC Terminal or Wireless connection to Canon EOS-1D X. The fastest flash synchronization speed is 1/250 sec on both cameras.

      Physical Parameters

      Canon EOS-1D C and Canon EOS-1D X bodies have the same dimensions of 158 x 164 x 83 mm (6.22 x 6.46 x 3.27"). Canon EOS-1D C weighs 1500 g (3.3 lb / 52.9 oz) and Canon EOS-1D X weighs 1530 g (3.37 lb / 54.0 oz).

      Canon EOS-1D C

      Canon EOS-1D X

      158 mm

      164 mm

      Image cannot be displayed

      158 mm

      164 mm

      Image cannot be displayed


      164 mm

      Image cannot be displayed

      164 mm

      Image cannot be displayed


      83 mm

      Image cannot be displayed

      83 mm

      Image cannot be displayed

      Size comparisons of Canon EOS-1D C and Canon EOS-1D X

      Canon EOS-1D C and Canon EOS-1D X for Different Types of Photography

      We give scores to the cameras for six types of photography based on their features and specifications. Let us see how suitable they are for each type of photography.

      Landscape Photography

      Canon EOS-1D C

      Canon EOS-1D X

      GOOD
      82
      •   Large Sensor
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,040k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   Environmental Sealing
      GOOD
      84
      •   Large Sensor
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,040k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   Environmental Sealing

      Sports Photography

      Canon EOS-1D C

      Canon EOS-1D X

      GOOD
      71
      •   51,200 Highest Native ISO
      •   61 Focus Points
      •   41 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,040k dot
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 14.0 fps
      •   2 Storage Slots
      •   Orientation Sensor
      GOOD
      74
      •   51,200 Highest Native ISO
      •   61 Focus Points
      •   41 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,040k dot
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 14.0 fps
      •   Long Battery Life - 1120 shots
      •   2 Storage Slots
      •   Orientation Sensor

      Wildlife Photography

      Canon EOS-1D C

      Canon EOS-1D X

      AVERAGE
      66
      •   51,200 Highest Native ISO
      •   61 Focus Points
      •   41 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,040k dot
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 14.0 fps
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   2 Storage Slots
      •   Orientation Sensor
      GOOD
      70
      •   51,200 Highest Native ISO
      •   61 Focus Points
      •   41 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,040k dot
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 14.0 fps
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Long Battery Life - 1120 shots
      •   2 Storage Slots
      •   Orientation Sensor

      Portrait Photography

      Canon EOS-1D C

      Canon EOS-1D X

      GOOD
      79
      •   Large Sensor
      •   61 Focus Points
      •   41 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Large Screen - 3.2"
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,040k dot
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/250 sec
      •   Orientation Sensor
      GOOD
      80
      •   Large Sensor
      •   61 Focus Points
      •   41 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Large Screen - 3.2"
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,040k dot
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/250 sec
      •   Orientation Sensor

      Street Photography

      Canon EOS-1D C

      Canon EOS-1D X

      AVERAGE
      65
      •   Large Sensor
      •   61 Focus Points
      •   41 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,040k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Heavy - 1500 g (3.3 lb / 52.9 oz)
      AVERAGE
      69
      •   Large Sensor
      •   61 Focus Points
      •   41 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,040k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Heavy - 1530 g (3.37 lb / 54.0 oz)

      Travel Photography

      Canon EOS-1D C

      Canon EOS-1D X

      AVERAGE
      57
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,040k dot
      •   High Video Resolution - 4096 x 2160
      •   Low Video Recording Limit
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Heavy - 1500 g (3.3 lb / 52.9 oz)
      AVERAGE
      55
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,040k dot
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      •   Low Video Recording Limit
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Heavy - 1530 g (3.37 lb / 54.0 oz)
      •   Long Battery Life - 1120 shots

      Evaluations

      We evaluate Canon EOS-1D C and Canon EOS-1D X and give both of them the score of 70 out of 100. We also give separate scores for 7 different categories according to the available features and specifications some of which are listed below. These evaluations are relative and may change each time a new camera is added to the database.


      Canon EOS-1D C

      Canon EOS-1D X

      OVERALL
      70
      OVERALL
      70

      Sensor

      Canon EOS-1D C

      Canon EOS-1D X

      AVERAGE
      65
      •   Large Sensor
      •   Sensor Resolution - 18.1 Megapixel
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   51,200 Highest Native ISO
      GOOD
      74
      •   Large Sensor
      •   Sensor Resolution - 18.1 Megapixel
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   51,200 Highest Native ISO
      •   DxO Overall Score - 82

      Photo

      Canon EOS-1D C

      Canon EOS-1D X

      AVERAGE
      68
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   High Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/8000 sec
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 14.0 fps
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/250 sec
      AVERAGE
      69
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   High Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/8000 sec
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 14.0 fps
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/250 sec

      Video

      Canon EOS-1D C

      Canon EOS-1D X

      POOR
      40
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   High Video Resolution - 4096 x 2160
      •   Low Video Recording Limit
      BAD
      16
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      •   Low Video Recording Limit

      Focusing

      Canon EOS-1D C

      Canon EOS-1D X

      GOOD
      79
      •   61 Focus Points
      •   41 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus
      GOOD
      83
      •   -2 EV Min AF Detection
      •   61 Focus Points
      •   41 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus

      Screen and Viewfinder

      Canon EOS-1D C

      Canon EOS-1D X

      GOOD
      74
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Large Screen - 3.2"
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,040k dot
      GOOD
      74
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Large Screen - 3.2"
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,040k dot

      Connectivity

      Canon EOS-1D C

      Canon EOS-1D X

      GOOD
      78
      •   HDMI Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      GOOD
      73
      •   HDMI Output
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth

      Battery, Storage and Physical

      Canon EOS-1D C

      Canon EOS-1D X

      GOOD
      78
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Heavy - 1500 g (3.3 lb / 52.9 oz)
      •   2 Storage Slots
      GOOD
      71
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Heavy - 1530 g (3.37 lb / 54.0 oz)
      •   Long Battery Life - 1120 shots
      •   2 Storage Slots


      For a full specification list please go to the specifications page:

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