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The Canon EOS-1D X DSLR camera is the latest addition to the company’s professional DSLR lineup. In this capacity, it will take over for both the sports-oriented 1D series and the high-resolution, studio-oriented 1DS family of digital SLR cameras. Changes to this kind of camera are often modest and discreet, with the goal of raising the bar on what is technically achievable.
The sensor in the 1D X has been upgraded to an 18MP full-frame CMOS sensor that can shoot at a rate of 12 frames per second. This is the most significant specification modification from the previous model. This is a significant improvement over the 1D Mk IV (it symbolizes a shift away from the smaller APS-H format that Canon previously utilized in their sports cameras), as well as a reduction in pixel count when compared to the 1DS line of cameras. However, as Rick Berk, Technical Specialist in Canon USA’s Pro Engineering and Solutions Division, points out, “picture quality is more than simply resolution.” “There is more to image quality than just resolution,” he explains.
According to Chuck Westfall, Technical Advisor in Canon USA’s Pro Engineering and Solutions Division, the transition from APS-H to full-frame is made possible by a sensor with quicker data readout: As opposed to the previous generation of chips, which had just 8 channels and a single line of readout, the new sensor has 16 channels and a dual-line readout. In this way, the business can provide 1DS customers with a big sensor (and the low-light capabilities that come with it), while also providing the high capture speeds that current 1D Mk IV users require. It is evident that the moment has arrived for the 1DX to completely replace the whole 1D series, according to Westfall.
Canon EOS-1D X Main Specifications:
General | |
---|---|
Model Number: | 1DX |
Alternate Model Number(s): | |
Camera Format: | Pro SLR |
Currently Manufactured: | No |
Retail Price: | $6800.00 |
Street Price: | $5,299.00 |
Date Available: | 2012-06-15 |
Tripod Mount: | Yes |
Weight: | 54.7 oz (1,551 g) includes batteries |
Size: | 6.2 x 6.4 x 3.3 in. (158 x 164 x 83 mm) |
Waterproof: | No |
Waterproof Depth: | n/a |
Image Sensor | |
Sensor Type: | CMOS |
Sensor Manufacturer: | Canon |
Effective Megapixels: | 18.1 |
Sensor Format: | 35mm |
Sensor size: | 864mm2 (36.00mm x 24.00mm) |
Approximate Pixel Pitch: | 6.94 microns |
Focal Length Multiplier: | 1.0x |
Aspect Ratio: | 3:2 |
Color Filter Type: | RGBG |
Anti Aliasing Filter: | Fixed |
Self-Cleaning: | Yes |
Sensor shift image stabilization: | No |
On-Sensor Phase Detect: | No |
DxO Sensor Score: | 82 |
DxO Color Depth Score (bits): | 23.8 |
DxO Dynamic Range Score (evs): | 11.8 |
DxO Maximum Effective ISO Score (iso): | 2,786 |
Image Capture | |
Image Resolution: | 5184 x 3456 (17.9 MP, 3:2), 4608 x 3072 (14.2 MP, 3:2), 3456 x 2304 (8.0 MP, 3:2), 2592 x 1728 (4.5 MP, 3:2) |
Image File Format: | JPEG, RAW, M-RAW (10.1MP), S-RAW (4.5MP); 14-bit CR2; RAW+JPEG |
Continuous-mode frames/second: | 12.0 |
Video Capture | |
Can take movies: | Yes |
Movie Resolution: | 1920×1080 (30p/25p/24p) 1280×720 (60p/50p) 640×480 (30p/25p) |
Movie File Format: | MOV (Video: H.264 Intra/Interframe, Sound: Linear PCM) |
Composite Video Out: | Yes |
NTSC/PAL Switchable Video: | Yes |
Video Usable as Viewfinder: | |
HD Video Out: | Yes |
HD Video Connection: | HDMI |
Lens & Optics | |
Lens Mount: | Canon EF |
Lens: | n/a |
Focal Length (35mm equivalent): | |
Focal Length (actual): | |
Zoom Ratio: | |
Aperture Range: | |
Integrated ND Filter: | No |
Normal Focus Range: | |
Macro Focus Range: | |
Filter Thread: | n/a |
Thread Type: | n/a |
Optical Image Stabilization: | No |
Digital Zoom: | |
Digital Zoom Values: | |
Auto Focus | |
Auto Focus: | Yes |
Auto Focus Type: | Phase Detect : 61-point / 41 F4 cross-type AF points inc 5 dual cross type at F2.8; Spot, Single, Single + Adj 4 pts, Single + Adj 8 pts, Zone, Auto |
Auto Focus Assist Light? | No |
Manual Focus: | Yes |
Viewfinder | |
Viewfinder: | Optical / LCD |
Viewfinder Type: | SLR type; eye-level pentaprism, 100% coverage, 0.76x magnification, 20mm eyepoint, -3.0 to +1.0 diopter |
Focus Peaking: | No |
EVF resolution: | n/a |
Viewfinder Magnification (35mm equivalent): | 0.76x |
Viewfinder Magnification (nominal/claimed): | 0.76x |
Display | |
Eye-level Viewfinder: | Yes |
Rear Display: | Yes |
Rear Display Size (inches): | 3.2 |
Rear Display Resolution: | 1,040,000 dots |
Touchscreen: | No |
Articulating Screen: | No |
Tilt Swivel Screen: | No |
Selfie Screen: | No |
Max Playback Zoom: | 10.0x |
Top Deck Display: | Yes |
Exposure | |
Maximum ISO (native): | 51200 |
Minimum ISO (native): | 100 |
ISO Settings: | Auto (100-51200), 100-51200 (in 1/3-stop or whole stop increments), ISO can be expanded to L: 50, H1: 102400, H2: 204800 |
Auto ISO Mode: | Yes |
White Balance Settings: | Auto, Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Tungsten, White Fluorescent light, Flash, Custom (up to 5), Color Temperature (Kelvin) |
Shutter Speed Range: | 1/8000 – 30 sec |
Bulb Mode: | Yes |
Exposure Compensation: | +/- 5.0EV in 0.3EV steps |
Metering Modes: | 100K-pixel RGB sensor: 252-zone Evaluative (35 zones in low light), Center-weighted, Partial, Spot (Center, AF Point-linked, Multi (max 8 spots)) |
Program Auto Exposure: | Yes |
Aperture Priority: | Yes |
Shutter Priority: | Yes |
Full Manual Exposure: | Yes |
Creative Exposure Modes: | Multiple Exposure. |
Self Timer: | 10, 2 seconds |
Time Lapse (intervalometer): | No |
High-Resolution Composite: | No |
Flash | |
Built-in Flash: | No |
Flash Modes: | n/a |
Flash Guide Number (ISO 100): | n/a |
Flash Range Description: | n/a |
Max Flash Sync: | 1/250 |
Flash Exposure Compensation: | +/- 3.0 EV in 0.3EV steps |
External Flash Connection: | PC Sync, Hot Shoe |
Built-In Wireless Flash Control: | |
Image Storage | |
Usable Memory Types: | CF1 / CF2 |
UHS Support: | |
Other Memory: | UDMA7 compliant |
Dual Card Slots: | Yes |
RAW Capture Support: | Yes |
Uncompressed Format: | RAW, M-RAW (10.1MP), S-RAW (4.5MP); 14-bit CR2; RAW+JPEG |
Movie File Format: | MOV (Video: H.264 Intra/Interframe, Sound: Linear PCM) |
Included Memory: | No memory included |
Included Memory Type: | |
Connectivity | |
Built-In Wi-Fi: | No |
NFC: | No |
Bluetooth: | No |
Built-In GPS: | No |
Microphone Jack: | Yes |
Headphone Jack: | No |
External Connections: | USB 2.0 High Speed, Ethernet |
PictBridge Compliant: | Yes |
DPOF Compliant: | Yes |
Remote Control: | Yes |
Remote Control Type: | Optional wired (N3 contact), wireless |
Connections (extended): | System extension terminal, RJ-45 LAN (1000BASE-T), mini HDMI, stereo mic mini-jack, PC-sync terminal |
Performance Timing | |
Cycle time for JPEG shooting in single shot mode (seconds per frame, max resolution): | <0.3 |
Cycle time for RAW shooting in single shot mode (seconds per frame): | <0.3 |
Buffer size for RAW shooting in single shot mode (frames): | Unlimited |
Cycle time for RAW+JPEG shooting in single shot mode (seconds per shot): | <0.3 |
Camera penalizes early shutter press? | No |
JPEG shooting speed in burst mode (fps, max resolution): | 12.0 |
Buffer size for JPEG shooting in burst mode (frames, max resolution): | 56 |
RAW shooting speed in burst mode (fps): | 12.0 |
Buffer size for RAW shooting in burst mode (frames): | 31 |
RAW+JPEG shooting speed in burst mode (fps): | 12.0 |
Buffer Size for RAW+JPEG shooting in burst mode (frames): | 16 |
Shutter lag (full AF, wide/mid): | 0.13 seconds |
Shutter lag (full AF, tele): | |
Shutter lag (full AF, live view – DSLR): | 0.75 seconds |
Shutter lag (prefocused, live view – DSLR): | 0.064 seconds |
Shutter Lag (manual focus): | 0.095 seconds |
Shutter lag (full AF, with flash): | |
Shutter Lag (prefocused): | 0.056 seconds |
Shutter Lag (notes): | Full AF lag, wide-area mode = 0.221s Prefocused lag, Shortened enabled = 0.038s Live View AF lag, phase-detect = 0.897s Live View AF lag, contrast-detect = 0.746s Live View prefocused lag = 0.064s |
Startup Time: | 0.5 seconds |
Play -> Record Time: | 0.2 seconds |
Flash cycle time, full power: | |
Power | |
Battery Life, Stills (CIPA Rating Monitor/Live View): | |
Battery Life, Still (CIPA Rating OVF/EVF): | 1120 shots |
Battery Life, Video: | |
Battery Form Factor: | Proprietary LP-E4N |
Usable Battery Types: | Lithium-ion rechargeable |
Batteries Included: | 1 x Proprietary LP-E4N Lithium-ion rechargeable |
Battery Charger Included (dedicated charger or AC/USB adapter): | Yes |
Dedicated Battery Charger Included: | Yes |
Internal Charging Supported: | No |
Software | |
Included Software: | Digital Photo Professional, EOS Utility, ZoomBrowser EX / ImageBrowser, Photostitch, Picture Style Editor |
OS Compatibility: | Windows XP (SP2/SP3) / Vista inc SP1 (excl. Starter Edition) / 7 (excl. Starter Edition); OS X v10.4-10.6 |
Canon EOS-1D X Design:
The Canon EOS 1DX camera body has a design that will be familiar to anybody who has used a Canon professional SLR in the recent past. The body is constructed in such a way that grip and control are practically the same when the frame is framed horizontally or vertically. As a result, you can quickly and easily switch between frames. To this goal, the EOS 1Dx, for example, features a second joystick that is activated when the camera is rotated by a quarter turn.
Because the Canon EOS 1DX must be able to operate without interruption in all weather conditions, all covers and knobs are equipped with a seal that protects against dust and splashes of water. Heavy rainfall or a sandstorm should pose no problems, given that you are working with L lenses, of course.
The ergonomics of the camera are excellent, and they are marginally better than those of its predecessors. The Canon EOS 1Dx, on the other hand, is a ‘large and heavy guy.’ A consequence of this is that the camera remains properly balanced even when using the heavier and longer L-lenses. Personally, I prefer a smaller, lighter camera that may be equipped with a battery grip if desired.
There is ample storage for a large battery in a large camera body, which many beginner photographers may not immediately recognize as a significant benefit. You will use fewer batteries with a professional camera than you will with a smaller camera: for example, with the Canon EOS 1Dx, you may capture one and a half times as many images on a single battery charge as you would with a Canon EOS 5D MK3 or similar camera.
Canon EOS-1D X Autofocus:
The Canon EOS 1Dx is a speed demon, allowing you to capture 12 frames (RAW + JPG) per second with its high-speed continuous shooting mode. As a result, this camera will be utilized frequently for fast-moving subjects, when the maximum demands on the focusing system will be placed on it. In the AF menu, there is a large amount of AF customization available through a menu with 6 AF presets that are tailored for different sorts of shooting. Using Case 4, for example, you have a different setting than you would for a subject who moves irregularly or unpredictably (case 3), for example (case 6). I can imagine that option 4 would be used at the start of a Formula 1 race, whilst option 6 would be more appropriate for a cheetah pursuing after an impala.
Canon EOS-1D X Resolution:
The Canon EOS 1Dx features 18 megapixels, which is 20 percent fewer than the Canon 5D Mk3’s 22 megapixels. The Canon EOS 1Dx also has a smaller sensor. You will not notice the change in resolution of 11 percent in practice, but you will be able to measure the difference. This is an 8 percent increase over the highest resolution we have measured for a Canon EOS 1Dx. The greatest resolution we have tested for a Canon 5D MK3 is 8 percent greater than the highest resolution we have recorded for a Canon EOS 1Dx. Despite this, the Canon EOS 1Dx achieves a little greater resolution in our test than the Canon 5D MK3 despite being a smaller sensor. In part, this is due to the enhanced signal-to-noise ratio of the Canon EOS 1Dx: even while shooting at its maximum ISO settings, the Canon 1Dx suffers little loss of resolution because of the high signal to noise ratio.
In general, Canon cameras have a very consistent resolution over the whole ISO range, but the resolution of other manufacturers degrades as the ISO value increases, for a variety of reasons, including noise control. When used with a high-quality lens such as the Canon 40 mm STM, the Canon EOS 1Dx produces jpg files with an average resolution of 2,100 lines per image height throughout the whole ISO range, according to Canon. An increase in sharpness may be gained by using the usual RAW file processing in Lightroom, which converts into an average resolution of slightly more than 2,550 lines per image height when using ISO 100 to ISO 6400.
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Final Thoughts
In terms of Canon professional SLR cameras, the Canon EOS 1Dx is unquestionably the flagship model. In terms of design, implementation, operation, speed, and image quality, it is one of the most technologically sophisticated cameras available in the whole range of digital single-lens reflex cameras. Its true capabilities are only shown when the camera is in the hands of an experienced, professional photographer who pushes the camera to its limits.
The Canon EOS-1DX’s build meets and exceeds expectations. This is a camera that should be able to withstand rigorous use for several years without breaking down. Because of the control arrangement and deep, comfortable grips, it is also a device that you will look forward to using.
Specifically, the Canon EOS-1DX’s noise management and focusing performance stand out, and these are important aspects for professional photojournalists who require a camera that they can rely on to produce excellent images no matter what the circumstances are.
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