Canon EOS-1D vs Canon EOS-1D Mark II

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      Overview

      In this comparison, we will evaluate the Canon EOS-1D and the Canon EOS-1D Mark II, 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 was introduced in December 2001 and Canon EOS-1D Mark II was introduced in June 2004. Let us first list highlights of the models.

      Canon EOS-1D Highlights

      • 4 MP APS-H CCD Sensor
      • 100 - 3,200 Native ISO
      • 45 Focus Points
      • 2.0" 120k dot Fixed Screen
      • Optical (pentaprism) Viewfinder
      • 8.0 fps Continuous Shooting
      • Wheather Sealed Body

      Canon EOS-1D Mark II Highlights

      • 8.2 MP APS-H CMOS Sensor
      • 100 - 3,200 Native ISO
      • 45 Focus Points
      • 2.0" 230k dot Fixed Screen
      • Optical (pentaprism) Viewfinder
      • 8.5 fps Continuous Shooting
      • 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 and Canon EOS-1D Mark II.

      PROS

      Canon EOS-1D

      Canon EOS-1D Mark II

      •   High Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/16000 sec
      •   High Flash Sync Speed - 1/500 sec
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   High Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/8000 sec
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   2 Storage Slots
      •   Orientation Sensor

      CONS

      Canon EOS-1D

      Canon EOS-1D Mark II

      •   No Video Capture
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 4 Megapixel
      •   3,200 Highest Native ISO
      •   No Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Small Screen - 2.0"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 120k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   No HDMI Output
      •   No Built-in Microphone
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      •   Heavy - 1585 g (3.49 lb / 55.91 oz)
      •   No Video Capture
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 8.2 Megapixel
      •   3,200 Highest Native ISO
      •   No Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Small Screen - 2.0"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   Low USB Speed
      •   No HDMI Output
      •   No Built-in Microphone
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      •   Heavy - 1565 g (3.45 lb / 55.20 oz)


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

      AVERAGE

      Canon EOS-1D

      Canon EOS-1D Mark II

      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   45 Focus Points
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 8.0 fps
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   45 Focus Points
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 8.5 fps
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/250 sec
      •   DxO Overall Score - 66

      Advantage of Canon EOS-1D

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

      Canon EOS-1D vs Canon EOS-1D Mark II
      Higher Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) 1/16000 sec vs 1/8000 sec
      Higher Flash Sync Speed 1/500 sec vs 1/250 sec

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

      Advantage of Canon EOS-1D Mark II

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

      Canon EOS-1D vs Canon EOS-1D Mark II
      Higher Sensor Resolution 4 Megapixel vs 8.2 Megapixel
      Max Image Resolution 2464 x 1648 vs 3504 x 2336
      Higher Resolution Screen 120k dot vs 230k dot
      Higher Max Continuous Shooting 8.0 fps vs 8.5 fps
      Lighter 1585 g (3.49 lb / 55.91 oz) vs 1565 g (3.45 lb / 55.20 oz)
      More Storage Slots 1 vs 2
      Orientation Sensor vs

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

      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 Canon EOS-1D Mark II
        High Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain)1/16000 sec1/8000 sec
        Environmental Sealing
      WEAKNESSES Canon EOS-1D Canon EOS-1D Mark II
        No Video Capture
        Low Resolution Sensor4 Megapixel8.2 Megapixel
        Low Native ISO3,2003,200
        No Face Detection
        No Image Stabilization
        Screen TypeFixedFixed
        Small Screen2.0"2.0"
        Low Resolution Screen120k dot230k dot
        No Live View
        No HDMI Output
        No Built-in Microphone
        No Microphone Input
        No Headphone Output
        No Built-in GPS
        No Built-In Wi-Fi
        No Built-In Bluetooth
        Heavy1585 g (3.49 lb / 55.91 oz)1565 g (3.45 lb / 55.20 oz)

      Screen and Viewfinder

      Screen

      Canon EOS-1D and Canon EOS-1D Mark II have 2.0" Fixed screens with 120k dot and 230k dot resolutions respectively.


      Viewfinder

      Cameras have built-in Optical (pentaprism) viewfinders. They both have 100% coverage and 0.72x (0.55x 35mm equivalent) magnification.

      Sensor

      Canon EOS-1D features a 4 megapixel APS-H CCD sensor with dimensions of 28.7 x 19.1 mm and a total area of 548.2 mm2. Its native ISO range is 100 - 3,200. Canon EOS-1D Mark II features a 8.2 megapixel APS-H CMOS sensor with dimensions of 28.7 x 19.1 mm and a total area of 364.8 mm2. Its native ISO range is 100 - 3,200.


      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

      Canon EOS-1D can take pictures up to 2464 x 1648 resolution. It can also take pictures with lower resolution like 1232 x 824 with 3:2 aspect ratios. Canon EOS-1D Mark II can take pictures up to 3504 x 2336 resolution. It can also take pictures with lower resolution like 3104 x 2072, 2544 x 1696, 1728 x 1152 with 3:2 aspect ratios.


      Lens Mount

      Cameras have Canon EF lens mount. Due to their APS-H sensor their crop factor (also called lens multiplier) is equal to 1.3x. This means that a 35mm equivalent focal length of the mounted lens will be equal to its actual focal length times 1.3.


      No Image Stabilization

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

      Connectivity, Battery and Storage

      USB Inputs

      Canon EOS-1D Mark II has a USB 1.0 (1.5 Mbit/sec) input for data transfer.


      External Storage Slots

      Canon EOS-1D has a single CompactFlash (Type I/II) card slot. Canon EOS-1D Mark II has two card slots - one for SD and one for CompactFlash (Type I/II).

      Other Features

      Shutter

      Shutter speed can go up to 1/16000 sec on Canon EOS-1D, and up to 1/8000 sec on Canon EOS-1D Mark II. Canon EOS-1D can shoot continuously up to 8.0 fps. Canon EOS-1D Mark II can shoot continuously up to 8.5 fps.


      Exposure

      Exposure meterings of Canon EOS-1D Mark II ranges from 0 to +20 EV and you can set the exposure compensation within the ±3 EV range. You can also do and manual exposure adjustment on Canon EOS-1D and exposure lock and manual exposure adjustment on Canon EOS-1D Mark II.


      Flash

      Cameras have no built-in flash but an external flash may be connected to both of them. The fastest flash synchronization speed is 1/500 sec on Canon EOS-1D and 1/250 sec on Canon EOS-1D Mark II.

      Physical Parameters

      Canon EOS-1D and Canon EOS-1D Mark II bodies have the same dimensions of 156 x 158 x 80 mm (6.14 x 6.22 x 3.15"). Canon EOS-1D weighs 1585 g (3.49 lb / 55.91 oz) and Canon EOS-1D Mark II weighs 1565 g (3.45 lb / 55.20 oz).

      Canon EOS-1D

      Canon EOS-1D Mark II

      156 mm

      158 mm

      Image cannot be displayed

      156 mm

      158 mm

      Image cannot be displayed

      Size comparisons of Canon EOS-1D and Canon EOS-1D Mark II

      Canon EOS-1D and Canon EOS-1D Mark II 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

      Canon EOS-1D Mark II

      GOOD
      73
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 120k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   Environmental Sealing
      GOOD
      76
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   Environmental Sealing

      Sports Photography

      Canon EOS-1D

      Canon EOS-1D Mark II

      POOR
      50
      •   3,200 Highest Native ISO
      •   45 Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 120k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 8.0 fps
      AVERAGE
      59
      •   3,200 Highest Native ISO
      •   45 Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 8.5 fps
      •   2 Storage Slots
      •   Orientation Sensor

      Wildlife Photography

      Canon EOS-1D

      Canon EOS-1D Mark II

      POOR
      54
      •   3,200 Highest Native ISO
      •   45 Focus Points
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 120k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 8.0 fps
      •   Environmental Sealing
      AVERAGE
      61
      •   3,200 Highest Native ISO
      •   45 Focus Points
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 8.5 fps
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   2 Storage Slots
      •   Orientation Sensor

      Portrait Photography

      Canon EOS-1D

      Canon EOS-1D Mark II

      AVERAGE
      64
      •   45 Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Small Screen - 2.0"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 120k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   High Flash Sync Speed - 1/500 sec
      GOOD
      70
      •   45 Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Small Screen - 2.0"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/250 sec
      •   Orientation Sensor

      Street Photography

      Canon EOS-1D

      Canon EOS-1D Mark II

      AVERAGE
      57
      •   45 Focus Points
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 120k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Heavy - 1585 g (3.49 lb / 55.91 oz)
      AVERAGE
      63
      •   45 Focus Points
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Heavy - 1565 g (3.45 lb / 55.20 oz)

      Travel Photography

      Canon EOS-1D

      Canon EOS-1D Mark II

      POOR
      48
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 120k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Heavy - 1585 g (3.49 lb / 55.91 oz)
      POOR
      50
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Heavy - 1565 g (3.45 lb / 55.20 oz)

      Evaluations

      We evaluate Canon EOS-1D and Canon EOS-1D Mark II and give them scores of 55 and 58 out of 100 recpectively. 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

      Canon EOS-1D Mark II

      OVERALL
      55
      OVERALL
      58

      Sensor

      Canon EOS-1D

      Canon EOS-1D Mark II

      AVERAGE
      63
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 4 Megapixel
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   3,200 Highest Native ISO
      AVERAGE
      69
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 8.2 Megapixel
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   3,200 Highest Native ISO
      •   DxO Overall Score - 66

      Photo

      Canon EOS-1D

      Canon EOS-1D Mark II

      AVERAGE
      67
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   High Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/16000 sec
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 8.0 fps
      •   High Flash Sync Speed - 1/500 sec
      AVERAGE
      65
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   High Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/8000 sec
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 8.5 fps
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/250 sec

      Video

      Canon EOS-1D

      Canon EOS-1D Mark II

      BAD
      0
      •   No Image Stabilization
      BAD
      0
      •   No Image Stabilization

      Focusing

      Canon EOS-1D

      Canon EOS-1D Mark II

      AVERAGE
      69
      •   45 Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection
      AVERAGE
      69
      •   45 Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection

      Screen and Viewfinder

      Canon EOS-1D

      Canon EOS-1D Mark II

      AVERAGE
      65
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Small Screen - 2.0"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 120k dot
      AVERAGE
      66
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Small Screen - 2.0"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot

      Connectivity

      Canon EOS-1D

      Canon EOS-1D Mark II

      BAD
      25
      •   No HDMI Output
      •   No Built-in Microphone
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      BAD
      33
      •   Low USB Speed
      •   No HDMI Output
      •   No Built-in Microphone
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth

      Battery, Storage and Physical

      Canon EOS-1D

      Canon EOS-1D Mark II

      GOOD
      70
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Heavy - 1585 g (3.49 lb / 55.91 oz)
      GOOD
      78
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Heavy - 1565 g (3.45 lb / 55.20 oz)
      •   2 Storage Slots


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

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