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

      Canon EOS-1D X

      Canon EOS-1Ds Mark II
      70
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      58
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      Disclosure: We earn money from the affiliate links to products associated with content in this article.

      Overview

      In this comparison, we will evaluate the Canon EOS-1D X and the Canon EOS-1Ds 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 X was introduced in October 2011 and Canon EOS-1Ds Mark II was introduced in October 2005. Let us first list highlights of the models.

      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

      Canon EOS-1Ds Mark II Highlights

      • 17.2 MP Full Frame CMOS Sensor
      • 100 - 3,200 Native ISO
      • 45 Focus Points
      • 2.0" 230k dot Fixed Screen
      • Optical (pentaprism) Viewfinder
      • 4.0 fps Continuous Shooting
      • Wheather Sealed Body
      Table of Contents
      1. Overview
      2. Pros and Cons
      3. Advantage of Canon EOS-1D X
      4. Advantage of Canon EOS-1Ds Mark II
      5. Common Strengths and Weaknesses
      6. Screen and Viewfinder
      7. Sensor
      8. Photography Features
      9. Connectivity, Battery and Storage
      10. Other Features
      11. Physical Parameters
      12. For Different Types of Photography
      13. Evaluations
      14. Specifications  

      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 X and Canon EOS-1Ds Mark II.

      PROS

      Canon EOS-1D X

      Canon EOS-1Ds Mark II

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

      CONS

      Canon EOS-1D X

      Canon EOS-1Ds Mark II

      •   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)
      •   No Video Capture
      •   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 X

      Canon EOS-1Ds Mark II

      •   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
      •   Sensor Resolution - 17.2 Megapixel
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   45 Focus Points
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 4.0 fps
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/250 sec
      •   DxO Overall Score - 74

      Advantage of Canon EOS-1D X

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

      Canon EOS-1D X vs Canon EOS-1Ds Mark II
      Video Capture vs
      Higher Sensor Resolution 18.1 Megapixel vs 17.2 Megapixel
      Higher Native ISO 51,200 vs 3,200
      Max Image Resolution 5184 x 3456 vs 4992 x 3328
      More Focus Points 61 vs 45
      Center Autofocus vs
      Tracking Autofocus vs
      Face Detection vs
      Live View Autofocus vs
      Contrast Detection for Autofocus vs
      Larger Screen 3.2" vs 2.0"
      Higher Resolution Screen 1,040k dot vs 230k dot
      Live View vs
      Higher Viewfinder Magnification (35mm equivalent) 0.76x vs 0.70x
      Higher Max Continuous Shooting 14.0 fps vs 4.0 fps
      Multi-Segment Metering vs
      Center Weighted Metering vs
      Average Metering vs
      Spot Metering vs
      Higher DxO Low Light ISO 2786 vs 1480
      Higher DxO Color Depth 23.8 vs 23.3
      Higher DxO Dynamic Range 11.8 vs 11.3
      Higher DxO Overall Score 82 vs 74
      HDMI Output Mini vs
      Built-in Microphone Mono vs
      Microphone Input vs
      Lighter 1530 g (3.37 lb / 54.0 oz) vs 1565 g (3.45 lb / 55.20 oz)

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

      Canon 1D II
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      APS-H

      8.2 MP

      Canon 1D C
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      Full Frame

      18.1 MP

      Canon 1D
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      APS-H

      4 MP

      Canon 1D II N
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      APS-H

      8.2 MP

      Canon 1D IV
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      APS-H

      16.1 MP

      Canon 1D X II
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      Full Frame

      20.2 MP

      Canon 1D X III
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      Full Frame

      20.1 MP

      Canon 1D III
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      APS-H

      10.1 MP

      Canon 1Ds
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      Full Frame

      11 MP

      Canon 1Ds III
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      Full Frame

      21.1 MP

      Nikon D5100
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      APS-C

      16.2 MP

      Canon 7D II
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      APS-C

      20.2 MP

      Advantage of Canon EOS-1Ds Mark II

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

      Canon EOS-1D X vs Canon EOS-1Ds Mark II
      Timelapse Recording vs

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

      Canon 1D II
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      APS-H

      8.2 MP

      Canon 1D II N
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      APS-H

      8.2 MP

      Canon 1D
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      APS-H

      4 MP

      Canon 1D X III
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      Full Frame

      20.1 MP

      Canon 1D C
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      Full Frame

      18.1 MP

      Canon 1Ds
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      Full Frame

      11 MP

      Canon 1D III
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      APS-H

      10.1 MP

      Canon 1D IV
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      APS-H

      16.1 MP

      Canon 1D X II
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      Full Frame

      20.2 MP

      Canon 1Ds III
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      Full Frame

      21.1 MP

      Nikon D3500
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      APS-C

      24.2 MP

      Canon Rebel SL1
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      APS-C

      18.0 MP

      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 X Canon EOS-1Ds Mark II
        Large SensorFull FrameFull Frame
        High Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain)1/8000 sec1/8000 sec
        Environmental Sealing
        Many Storage Slots22
        Orientation Sensor
      WEAKNESSES Canon EOS-1D X Canon EOS-1Ds Mark II
        No Image Stabilization
        Screen TypeFixedFixed
        No Headphone Output
        No Built-in GPS
        No Built-In Wi-Fi via optional LC-5 transmitter
        No Built-In Bluetooth
        Heavy1530 g (3.37 lb / 54.0 oz)1565 g (3.45 lb / 55.20 oz)

      Screen and Viewfinder

      Screen

      Canon EOS-1D X has a 3.2" screen with 1,040k dot resolution and Canon EOS-1Ds Mark II has a 2.0" screen with 230k dot resolution. Both have Fixed screens.


      Viewfinder

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

      Sensor

      Canon EOS-1D X features a 18.1 megapixel Full Frame CMOS sensor with dimensions of 36 x 24 mm and a total area of 864 mm2. Its native ISO range is 100 - 51,200 and expands to 50 - 204,800 in boosted mode. Canon EOS-1Ds Mark II features a 17.2 megapixel Full Frame CMOS sensor with dimensions of 36 x 24 mm and a total area of 576 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 X is equipped with Dual DIGIC 5+ processor and can take pictures up to 5184 x 3456 resolution. It can also take pictures with lower resolution like 4608 x 3072, 3456 x 2304, 2592 x 1728 with 3:2 aspect ratios. Canon EOS-1Ds Mark II can take pictures up to 4992 x 3328 resolution. It can also take pictures with lower resolution like 3600 x 2400, 3072 x 2048, 2496 x 1664 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 X it means that you need lenses with optical image stabilization for vibration reduction. As for Canon EOS-1Ds Mark II nothing can be done. On Canon EOS-1Ds Mark II it means that you need lenses with optical image stabilization for vibration reduction. As for Canon EOS-1D X nothing can be done.

      Connectivity, Battery and Storage

      USB Inputs and HDMI Outputs

      Canon EOS-1Ds Mark II has a USB 1.0 (1.5 Mbit/sec) input for data transfer. connector for video signal output.


      Battery

      Canon EOS-1D X comes with LP-E4N battery pack with battery life of 1120 shots.


      External Storage Slots

      Canon EOS-1D X has Dual CompactFlash (Type I/II, UDMA 7) card slots. Canon EOS-1Ds Mark II has two card slots - one for SD and one for CompactFlash (Type I/II).

      Other Features

      Shutter

      Canon EOS-1Ds Mark II has Electronic with the CCD sensor and Electronically Controlled Vertical-travel Mechanical Focal-plane shutter. Shutter speed can go up to 1/8000 sec on Canon EOS-1D X, and up to 1/8000 sec on Canon EOS-1Ds Mark II. Canon EOS-1D X can shoot continuously up to 14.0 fps. Canon EOS-1Ds Mark II can shoot continuously up to 4.0 fps.


      Focusing

      Canon EOS-1D X has Dual Pixel CMOS AF system with 61 (41 cross-type) focusing points and Canon EOS-1Ds Mark II has 45 focusing points. Canon EOS-1D X has detection range from -2 to +18 EV.


      Exposure

      Exposure meterings of Canon EOS-1D X ranges from 0 to +20 EV and you can set the exposure compensation within the ±5 EV range on Canon EOS-1D X and ±3 EV range on Canon EOS-1Ds Mark II. You can also do exposure bracketing and manual exposure adjustment on Canon EOS-1D X and and manual exposure adjustment on Canon EOS-1Ds Mark II.


      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 X body has dimensions of 158 x 164 x 83 mm (6.22 x 6.46 x 3.27") and Canon EOS-1Ds Mark II body has dimensions of 156 x 158 x 80 mm (6.14 x 6.22 x 3.15"). Canon EOS-1D X weighs 1530 g (3.37 lb / 54.0 oz) and Canon EOS-1Ds Mark II weighs 1565 g (3.45 lb / 55.20 oz).

      Canon EOS-1D X

      Canon EOS-1Ds Mark II

      158 mm

      164 mm

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      156 mm

      158 mm

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      164 mm

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      158 mm

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      83 mm

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      80 mm

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

      Canon EOS-1D X and Canon EOS-1Ds 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 X

      Canon EOS-1Ds Mark II

      GOOD
      84
      •   Large Sensor
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,040k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   Environmental Sealing
      GOOD
      80
      •   Large Sensor
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   Environmental Sealing

      Sports Photography

      Canon EOS-1D X

      Canon EOS-1Ds Mark II

      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
      AVERAGE
      61
      •   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 - 4.0 fps
      •   2 Storage Slots
      •   Orientation Sensor

      Wildlife Photography

      Canon EOS-1D X

      Canon EOS-1Ds Mark II

      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
      AVERAGE
      63
      •   3,200 Highest Native ISO
      •   45 Focus Points
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 4.0 fps
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   2 Storage Slots
      •   Orientation Sensor

      Portrait Photography

      Canon EOS-1D X

      Canon EOS-1Ds Mark II

      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
      GOOD
      73
      •   Large Sensor
      •   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 X

      Canon EOS-1Ds Mark II

      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)
      AVERAGE
      65
      •   Large Sensor
      •   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 X

      Canon EOS-1Ds Mark II

      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
      POOR
      51
      •   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 X and Canon EOS-1Ds Mark II and give them scores of 70 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 X

      Canon EOS-1Ds Mark II

      OVERALL
      70
      OVERALL
      58

      Sensor

      Canon EOS-1D X

      Canon EOS-1Ds Mark II

      GOOD
      74
      •   Large Sensor
      •   Sensor Resolution - 18.1 Megapixel
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   51,200 Highest Native ISO
      •   DxO Overall Score - 82
      GOOD
      73
      •   Large Sensor
      •   Sensor Resolution - 17.2 Megapixel
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   3,200 Highest Native ISO
      •   DxO Overall Score - 74

      Photo

      Canon EOS-1D X

      Canon EOS-1Ds Mark II

      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
      AVERAGE
      63
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   High Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/8000 sec
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 4.0 fps
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/250 sec

      Video

      Canon EOS-1D X

      Canon EOS-1Ds Mark II

      BAD
      16
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      •   Low Video Recording Limit
      BAD
      0
      •   No Image Stabilization

      Focusing

      Canon EOS-1D X

      Canon EOS-1Ds Mark II

      GOOD
      83
      •   -2 EV Min AF Detection
      •   61 Focus Points
      •   41 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus
      AVERAGE
      69
      •   45 Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection

      Screen and Viewfinder

      Canon EOS-1D X

      Canon EOS-1Ds Mark II

      GOOD
      74
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Large Screen - 3.2"
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,040k dot
      AVERAGE
      66
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Small Screen - 2.0"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot

      Connectivity

      Canon EOS-1D X

      Canon EOS-1Ds Mark II

      GOOD
      73
      •   HDMI Output
      •   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 X

      Canon EOS-1Ds Mark II

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