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

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      Overview

      In this comparison, we will evaluate the Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III and the Canon EOS-1D X 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-1Ds Mark III was introduced in August 2008 and Canon EOS-1D X Mark II was introduced in February 2016. Let us first list highlights of the models.

      Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III Highlights

      • 21.1 MP Full Frame CMOS Sensor
      • 50 - 3,200 Native ISO
      • 45 Focus Points
      • 3.0" 230k dot Fixed Screen
      • Optical (pentaprism) Viewfinder
      • 5.0 fps Continuous Shooting
      • Wheather Sealed Body

      Canon EOS-1D X Mark II Highlights

      • 20.2 MP Full Frame CMOS Sensor
      • 100 - 51,200 Native ISO
      • 61 Focus Points
      • 3.2" 1,620k dot Fixed Screen
      • Optical (pentaprism) Viewfinder
      • 16.0 fps Continuous Shooting
      • 4096 x 2160 Video Shooting
      • 30 min Video Recording Limit
      • Built-in GPS
      • 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-1Ds Mark III and Canon EOS-1D X Mark II.

      PROS

      Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III

      Canon EOS-1D X Mark II

      •   Large Sensor
      •   50 Lowest Native ISO
      •   High Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/8000 sec
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Long Battery Life - 1800 shots
      •   2 Storage Slots
      •   Orientation Sensor
      •   Video Capture
      •   Large Sensor
      •   51,200 Highest Native ISO
      •   61 Focus Points
      •   Touch-to-Focus
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus
      •   Touch Screen
      •   Large Screen - 3.2"
      •   High Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/8000 sec
      •   High DxO Overall Score - 88
      •   High Video Resolution - 4096 x 2160
      •   Webcam Functionality
      •   High USB Speed
      •   HDMI Output
      •   Built-in GPS
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Long Battery Life - 1210 shots
      •   2 Storage Slots
      •   Orientation Sensor

      CONS

      Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III

      Canon EOS-1D X Mark II

      •   No Video Capture
      •   3,200 Highest Native ISO
      •   No Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   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 - 1385 g (3.05 lb / 48.85 oz)
      •   Expensive
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Video Recording Limit
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      •   Heavy - 1530 g (3.37 lb / 53.97 oz)


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

      AVERAGE

      Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III

      Canon EOS-1D X Mark II

      •   Sensor Resolution - 21.1 Megapixel
      •   45 Focus Points
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 5.0 fps
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/250 sec
      •   DxO Overall Score - 80
      •   Sensor Resolution - 20.2 Megapixel
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   -3 EV Min AF Detection
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,620k dot
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 16.0 fps
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/250 sec

      Advantage of Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III

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

      Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III vs Canon EOS-1D X Mark II
      Higher Sensor Resolution 21.1 Megapixel vs 20.2 Megapixel
      Lower Native ISO 50 vs 100
      Max Image Resolution 5616 x 3744 vs 5472 x 3648
      Timelapse Recording vs
      Lighter 1385 g (3.05 lb / 48.85 oz) vs 1530 g (3.37 lb / 53.97 oz)
      Longer Battery Life 1800 shots vs 1210 shots

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

      Advantage of Canon EOS-1D X Mark II

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

      Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III vs Canon EOS-1D X Mark II
      Video Capture vs
      Higher Native ISO 3,200 vs 51,200
      More Focus Points 45 vs 61
      Touch-to-Focus vs
      Center Autofocus vs
      Tracking Autofocus vs
      Face Detection vs
      Live View Autofocus vs
      Contrast Detection for Autofocus vs
      Touch Screen vs
      Larger Screen 3.0" vs 3.2"
      Higher Resolution Screen 230k dot vs 1,620k dot
      Higher Max Continuous Shooting 5.0 fps vs 16.0 fps
      Multi-Segment Metering vs
      Center Weighted Metering vs
      Average Metering vs
      Spot Metering vs
      Partial Metering vs
      Higher DxO Low Light ISO 1663 vs 3207
      Higher DxO Color Depth 24.0 vs 24.1
      Higher DxO Dynamic Range 12.0 vs 13.5
      Higher DxO Overall Score 80 vs 88
      Higher USB Speed USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) vs USB 3.2 Gen 1x1 (5 GBit/sec)
      HDMI Output vs Mini
      Built-in Microphone vs Mono
      Microphone Input vs
      Headphone Output vs
      Built-in GPS vs

      Check out other cameras which are frequently compared to Canon EOS-1D X 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-1Ds Mark III Canon EOS-1D X Mark II
        Large SensorFull FrameFull Frame
        High Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain)1/8000 sec1/8000 sec
        Environmental Sealing
        Long Battery Life1800 shots1210 shots
        Many Storage Slots22
        Orientation Sensor
      WEAKNESSES Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III Canon EOS-1D X Mark II
        No Image Stabilization
        Screen TypeFixedFixed
        No Built-In Wi-Fi via optional WFT-E8 transmitter
        No Built-In Bluetooth
        Heavy1385 g (3.05 lb / 48.85 oz)1530 g (3.37 lb / 53.97 oz)

      Screen and Viewfinder

      Screen

      Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III has a 3.0" screen with 230k dot resolution and Canon EOS-1D X Mark II has a 3.2" screen with 1,620k dot resolution. Both have Fixed screens. Canon EOS-1D X Mark II also features touchscreen which has advantages such as easy menu navigation, intuitive controls, quick setting adjustment and most importantly a Touch-to-Focus functionality (available only on Canon EOS-1D X Mark II) allowing users to select a specific point on the screen where they want the camera to focus. This feature can be helpful for achieving precise focus in both photo and video recording.


      Viewfinder

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

      Sensor

      Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III features a 21.1 megapixel Full Frame CMOS sensor with dimensions of 36 x 24 mm and a total area of 864 mm2. Its native ISO range is 50 - 3,200. Canon EOS-1D X Mark II features a 20.2 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 - 51,200 and expands to 50 - 409,600 in boosted mode.


      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-1Ds Mark III can take pictures up to 5616 x 3744 resolution. It can also take pictures with lower resolution like 4992 x 3328, 4080 x 2720, 2784 x 1856 with 3:2 aspect ratios. Canon EOS-1D X Mark II is equipped with Dual DIGIC 6+ processor and can take pictures up to 5472 x 3648 resolution. It can also take pictures with lower resolution like 4368 x 2912, 3648 x 2432, 2736 x 1824 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-1Ds Mark III it means that you need lenses with optical image stabilization for vibration reduction. As for Canon EOS-1D X Mark II nothing can be done. On Canon EOS-1D X Mark II it means that you need lenses with optical image stabilization for vibration reduction. As for Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III nothing can be done.

      Connectivity, Battery and Storage

      Built-in GPS on Canon EOS-1D X Mark II

      Canon EOS-1D X Mark II has a built-in GPS (Global Positioning System) technology which allows you to automatically tag the location where you took your photos. You can later categorize, organize, and search for photos based on location. This is very useful for travel and outdoor photographers for documenting the locations where images were captured.
        Check out the cameras in our database that have built-in GPS.


      USB Inputs and HDMI Outputs

      Both models have USB inputs for data transfer. connector for video signal output.


      Battery

      Canon EOS-1D X Mark II comes with LP-E19 battery pack with battery life of 1210 shots.


      External Storage Slots

      Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III has two card slots - one for SD and one for CompactFlash (Type I/II). Canon EOS-1D X Mark II has two card slots - one for CompactFlash (UDMA 7) and one for CFast (CFast 2.0).

      Other Features

      Shutter

      Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III has Electronically Controlled Vertical-travel Mechanical Focal-plane shutter. Canon EOS-1D X Mark II has Electronic shutter and Mechanical Focal Plane shutter. Shutter speed can go up to 1/8000 sec on Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III, and up to 1/8000 sec on Canon EOS-1D X Mark II. Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III can shoot continuously up to 5.0 fps. Canon EOS-1D X Mark II can shoot continuously up to 16.0 fps.


      Focusing

      Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III has 45 focusing points and Canon EOS-1D X Mark II has Dual Pixel CMOS AF system with 61 focusing points. Canon EOS-1D X Mark II has detection range from -3 to +18 EV.


      Exposure

      Both cameras' exposure metering ranges from 0 to +20 EV and you can set the exposure compensation within the ±3 EV range on Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III and ±5 EV range on Canon EOS-1D X Mark II. You can also do exposure lock and manual exposure adjustment on Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III and exposure lock, exposure bracketing and manual exposure adjustment on Canon EOS-1D X 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. The fastest flash synchronization speed is 1/250 sec on both cameras.

      Physical Parameters

      Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III body has dimensions of 150 x 160 x 80 mm (5.91 x 6.3 x 3.15") and Canon EOS-1D X Mark II body has dimensions of 158 x 168 x 83 mm (6.22 x 6.61 x 3.27"). Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III weighs 1385 g (3.05 lb / 48.85 oz) and Canon EOS-1D X Mark II weighs 1530 g (3.37 lb / 53.97 oz).

      Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III

      Canon EOS-1D X Mark II

      150 mm

      160 mm

      Image cannot be displayed

      158 mm

      168 mm

      Image cannot be displayed


      160 mm

      Image cannot be displayed

      168 mm

      Image cannot be displayed


      80 mm

      Image cannot be displayed

      83 mm

      Image cannot be displayed

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

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

      Canon EOS-1D X Mark II

      GOOD
      84
      •   Large Sensor
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   Environmental Sealing
      EXCELLENT
      92
      •   Large Sensor
      •   Touch Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,620k dot
      •   Built-in GPS
      •   Environmental Sealing

      Sports Photography

      Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III

      Canon EOS-1D X Mark II

      AVERAGE
      66
      •   3,200 Highest Native ISO
      •   45 Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 5.0 fps
      •   Long Battery Life - 1800 shots
      •   2 Storage Slots
      •   Orientation Sensor
      GOOD
      80
      •   51,200 Highest Native ISO
      •   61 Focus Points
      •   Touch-to-Focus
      •   Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Touch Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,620k dot
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 16.0 fps
      •   Long Battery Life - 1210 shots
      •   2 Storage Slots
      •   Orientation Sensor

      Wildlife Photography

      Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III

      Canon EOS-1D X Mark II

      AVERAGE
      67
      •   3,200 Highest Native ISO
      •   45 Focus Points
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 5.0 fps
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Long Battery Life - 1800 shots
      •   2 Storage Slots
      •   Orientation Sensor
      GOOD
      76
      •   51,200 Highest Native ISO
      •   61 Focus Points
      •   Touch-to-Focus
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Touch Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,620k dot
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 16.0 fps
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Long Battery Life - 1210 shots
      •   2 Storage Slots
      •   Orientation Sensor

      Portrait Photography

      Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III

      Canon EOS-1D X Mark II

      GOOD
      76
      •   Large Sensor
      •   45 Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/250 sec
      •   Orientation Sensor
      EXCELLENT
      87
      •   Large Sensor
      •   61 Focus Points
      •   Touch-to-Focus
      •   Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Touch Screen
      •   Large Screen - 3.2"
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,620k dot
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/250 sec
      •   Orientation Sensor

      Street Photography

      Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III

      Canon EOS-1D X Mark II

      GOOD
      71
      •   Large Sensor
      •   45 Focus Points
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Heavy - 1385 g (3.05 lb / 48.85 oz)
      GOOD
      77
      •   Large Sensor
      •   61 Focus Points
      •   Touch-to-Focus
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Touch Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,620k dot
      •   Built-in GPS
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Heavy - 1530 g (3.37 lb / 53.97 oz)

      Travel Photography

      Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III

      Canon EOS-1D X Mark II

      AVERAGE
      63
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Heavy - 1385 g (3.05 lb / 48.85 oz)
      •   Long Battery Life - 1800 shots
      AVERAGE
      66
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Touch Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,620k dot
      •   High Video Resolution - 4096 x 2160
      •   Low Video Recording Limit
      •   Built-in GPS
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Heavy - 1530 g (3.37 lb / 53.97 oz)
      •   Long Battery Life - 1210 shots

      Evaluations

      We evaluate Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III and Canon EOS-1D X Mark II and give them scores of 61 and 77 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-1Ds Mark III

      Canon EOS-1D X Mark II

      OVERALL
      61
      OVERALL
      77

      Sensor

      Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III

      Canon EOS-1D X Mark II

      GOOD
      74
      •   Large Sensor
      •   Sensor Resolution - 21.1 Megapixel
      •   50 Lowest Native ISO
      •   3,200 Highest Native ISO
      •   DxO Overall Score - 80
      GOOD
      75
      •   Large Sensor
      •   Sensor Resolution - 20.2 Megapixel
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   51,200 Highest Native ISO
      •   High DxO Overall Score - 88

      Photo

      Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III

      Canon EOS-1D X Mark II

      GOOD
      71
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   High Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/8000 sec
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 5.0 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 - 16.0 fps
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/250 sec

      Video

      Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III

      Canon EOS-1D X Mark II

      BAD
      0
      •   No Image Stabilization
      POOR
      49
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   High Video Resolution - 4096 x 2160
      •   Webcam Functionality
      •   Low Video Recording Limit

      Focusing

      Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III

      Canon EOS-1D X Mark II

      AVERAGE
      69
      •   45 Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection
      EXCELLENT
      90
      •   -3 EV Min AF Detection
      •   61 Focus Points
      •   Touch-to-Focus
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus

      Screen and Viewfinder

      Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III

      Canon EOS-1D X Mark II

      GOOD
      70
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      EXCELLENT
      86
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Touch Screen
      •   Large Screen - 3.2"
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,620k dot

      Connectivity

      Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III

      Canon EOS-1D X Mark II

      POOR
      40
      •   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
      GOOD
      84
      •   High USB Speed
      •   HDMI Output
      •   Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth

      Battery, Storage and Physical

      Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III

      Canon EOS-1D X Mark II

      GOOD
      76
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Heavy - 1385 g (3.05 lb / 48.85 oz)
      •   Long Battery Life - 1800 shots
      •   2 Storage Slots
      GOOD
      72
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Heavy - 1530 g (3.37 lb / 53.97 oz)
      •   Long Battery Life - 1210 shots
      •   2 Storage Slots


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

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