Canon EOS-1D X

    70
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    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
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    Disclosure: We earn money from the affiliate links to products associated with content in this article.

    Overview

    Canon EOS-1D X was announced in 2011 and is a Full Frame (36 x 24 mm) DSLR camera with 18.1 Megapixel CMOS sensor. Its native ISO ranges from 100 to 51,200 and expands to 50 - 204,800 in boosted mode. The camera has a Fixed 3.2" screen with 1,040k dot resolution and built-in Optical (pentaprism) viewfinder.

    Canon EOS-1D X can capture video up to 1920 x 1080 resolution.

    Table of Contents
    1. Overview
    2. Pros and Cons
    3. Predecessor
    4. Successor
    5. Screen and Viewfinder
    6. Sensor
    7. Photography Features
    8. Connectivity, Battery and Storage
    9. Other Features
    10. Physical Parameters
    11. For Different Types of Photography
    12. Evaluation
    13. Specifications  

    Here is the Canon EOS-1D series lineup, where you can view and compare the main specifications of the cameras within the same series.

    Canon EOS-1D series lineup
    Model Date Sensor Native ISO Screen Price
    Image cannot be found Canon 1D X III
    Compare
    		January
    2020    		 20.1 MP
    Full Frame    		 100 - 102,400 Fixed 3.2"
    2,100k dot
    Touchscreen
    Image cannot be found Canon 1D X II
    Compare
    		February
    2016    		 20.2 MP
    Full Frame    		 100 - 51,200 Fixed 3.2"
    1,620k dot
    Touchscreen
    Image cannot be found Canon 1D C
    Compare
    		April
    2012    		 18.1 MP
    Full Frame    		 100 - 51,200 Fixed 3.2"
    1,040k dot
    Image cannot be found Canon 1D X October
    2011    		 18.1 MP
    Full Frame    		 100 - 51,200 Fixed 3.2"
    1,040k dot
    Image cannot be found Canon 1D IV
    Compare
    		February
    2010    		 16.1 MP
    APS-H    		 100 - 12,800 Fixed 3.0"
    920k dot
    Image cannot be found Canon 1Ds III
    Compare
    		August
    2008    		 21.1 MP
    Full Frame    		 50 - 3,200 Fixed 3.0"
    230k dot
    Image cannot be found Canon 1D III
    Compare
    		February
    2007    		 10.1 MP
    APS-H    		 100 - 3,200 Fixed 3.0"
    230k dot
    Image cannot be found Canon 1Ds II
    Compare
    		October
    2005    		 17.2 MP
    Full Frame    		 100 - 3,200 Fixed 2.0"
    230k dot
    Image cannot be found Canon 1D II N
    Compare
    		August
    2005    		 8.2 MP
    APS-H    		 100 - 3,200 Fixed 2.0"
    230k dot
    Image cannot be found Canon 1D II
    Compare
    		June
    2004    		 8.2 MP
    APS-H    		 100 - 3,200 Fixed 2.0"
    230k dot
    Image cannot be found Canon 1Ds
    Compare
    		December
    2002    		 11 MP
    Full Frame    		 100 - 1,250 Fixed 2.0"
    120k dot
    Image cannot be found Canon 1D
    Compare
    		December
    2001    		 4 MP
    APS-H    		 100 - 3,200 Fixed 2.0"
    120k dot

    You can view their side-by-side comparison here: Canon EOS-1D X Mark III vs EOS-1D X Mark II vs EOS-1D C vs EOS-1D X vs EOS-1D Mark IV vs EOS-1Ds Mark III.

    Pros and Cons

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

    PROS

    •   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

    •   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

    •   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

    Predecessor

    Here we are comparing Canon EOS-1D X to its predecessor EOS-1Ds Mark III and displaying the major changes.

    UPGRADES Canon EOS-1D X vs Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III
    Video Capture vs
    Higher Native ISO 51,200 vs 3,200
    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 3.0"
    Higher Resolution Screen 1,040k dot vs 230k dot
    Higher Max Continuous Shooting 14.0 fps vs 5.0 fps
    Multi-Segment Metering vs
    Center Weighted Metering vs
    Average Metering vs
    Spot Metering vs
    Higher DxO Low Light ISO 2786 vs 1663
    Higher DxO Overall Score 82 vs 80
    HDMI Output Mini vs
    Built-in Microphone Mono vs
    Microphone Input vs
    DOWNGRADES Canon EOS-1D X vs Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III
    Lower Sensor Resolution 18.1 Megapixel vs 21.1 Megapixel
    Higher Native ISO 100 vs 50
    Max Image Resolution 5184 x 3456 vs 5616 x 3744
    Timelapse Recording vs
    Lower DxO Color Depth 23.8 vs 24.0
    Lower DxO Dynamic Range 11.8 vs 12.0
    Heavier 1530 g (3.37 lb / 54.0 oz) vs 1385 g (3.05 lb / 48.85 oz)
    Shorter Battery Life 1120 shots vs 1800 shots

    For more detailed comparison between the models please visit Canon EOS-1D X vs EOS-1Ds Mark III.

    Successor

    In 2016 Canon EOS-1D X was replaced by Canon EOS-1D X Mark II. Let us now have a look at some important differences between Canon EOS-1D X and its successor.

    UPGRADES Canon EOS-1D X Mark II vs Canon EOS-1D X
    Higher Sensor Resolution 20.2 Megapixel vs 18.1 Megapixel
    Higher Boosted ISO 409,600 vs 204,800
    Max Image Resolution 5472 x 3648 vs 5184 x 3456
    Lower Min AF Detection -3 EV vs -2 EV
    Touch-to-Focus vs
    Touch Screen vs
    Higher Resolution Screen 1,620k dot vs 1,040k dot
    Higher Max Continuous Shooting 16.0 fps vs 14.0 fps
    Partial Metering vs
    Higher DxO Low Light ISO 3207 vs 2786
    Higher DxO Color Depth 24.1 vs 23.8
    Higher DxO Dynamic Range 13.5 vs 11.8
    Higher DxO Overall Score 88 vs 82
    Higher Video Resolution 4096 x 2160 vs 1920 x 1080
    Speaker Mono vs
    Headphone Output vs
    Built-in GPS vs
    Longer Battery Life 1210 shots vs 1120 shots

    For more detailed comparison between the models please visit Canon EOS-1D X vs EOS-1D X Mark II.

    Screen and Viewfinder

    Fixed screen

    Canon EOS-1D X has a 3.2" Fixed screen with 1,040k dot resolution.


    Optical (pentaprism) Viewfinder

    Camera has a built-in Optical (pentaprism) viewfinder. It has a 100% coverage and 0.76x magnification.

    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.


    Here is a sensor size comparison chart where you can see how Canon EOS-1D X's Full Frame sensor compares with other types of sensors:

    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

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


    Lens Mount

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


    No In-Body Image Stabilization

    The camera does not have in-body image stabilization (IBIS) so it needs lenses with optical image stabilization for vibration reduction.

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

    Canon 1D II
    Image cannot be found

    APS-H

    8.2 MP

    Canon 1D C
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    Full Frame

    18.1 MP

    Canon 1D II N
    Image cannot be found

    APS-H

    8.2 MP

    Canon 1D
    Image cannot be found

    APS-H

    4 MP

    Canon 1D IV
    Image cannot be found

    APS-H

    16.1 MP

    Canon 1D X III
    Image cannot be found

    Full Frame

    20.1 MP

    Canon 1D X II
    Image cannot be found

    Full Frame

    20.2 MP

    Canon 1Ds III
    Image cannot be found

    Full Frame

    21.1 MP

    Canon 1Ds
    Image cannot be found

    Full Frame

    11 MP

    Canon 1D III
    Image cannot be found

    APS-H

    10.1 MP

    Canon 1Ds II
    Image cannot be found

    Full Frame

    17.2 MP

    Nikon D5100
    Image cannot be found

    APS-C

    16.2 MP

    Connectivity, Battery and Storage

    HDMI Output

    There is a Mini HDMI 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

    The camera has Dual CompactFlash (Type I/II, UDMA 7) card slots.

    Other Features

    Shutter

    Canon EOS-1D X's shutter speed can go up to 1/8000 sec. Camera can shoot continuously up to 14.0 fps.


    Focusing

    Canon EOS-1D X has Dual Pixel CMOS AF system with 61 (41 cross-type) focusing points and from -2 to +18 EV detection range There is also face detection feature which automatically finds and focuses on faces.


    Exposure

    Camera's 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 bracketing and manual exposure adjustment.


    Flash

    Canon EOS-1D X has no built-in flash but an external flash may be connected via Hot Shoe or PC Terminal or Wireless connection. The fastest flash synchronization speed is 1/250 sec.

    Physical Parameters

    Canon EOS-1D X has dimensions of 158 x 164 x 83 mm (6.22 x 6.46 x 3.27"). It weighs 1530 g (3.37 lb / 54.0 oz), so it is a heavy camera.

    158 mm (6.22")

    164 mm (6.46")

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    164 mm (6.46")

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    83 mm (3.27")

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    Canon EOS-1D X dimensions

    Canon EOS-1D X for Different Types of Photography

    We give scores to the camera for different type of photography based on its features and specifications. Let us see how Canon EOS-1D X is suitable for six different types of photography.


    Landscape Photography

    GOOD
    84

    Canon EOS-1D X gets a score of 84 and is GOOD choice for Landscape photography.

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

    Sports Photography

    GOOD
    74

    Canon EOS-1D X gets a score of 74 and is GOOD choice for Sports photography.

    •   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

    GOOD
    70

    Canon EOS-1D X gets a score of 70 and is GOOD choice for Wildlife photography.

    •   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

    GOOD
    80

    Canon EOS-1D X gets a score of 80 and is GOOD choice for Portrait photography.

    •   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

    AVERAGE
    69

    Canon EOS-1D X gets a score of 69 and is AVERAGE choice for Street photography.

    •   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

    AVERAGE
    55

    Canon EOS-1D X gets a score of 55 and is AVERAGE choice for Travel photography.

    •   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

    Canon EOS-1D X Evaluation

    We evaluate Canon EOS-1D X and give 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.


    OVERALL
    70

    Sensor

    GOOD
    74

    We give Canon EOS-1D X a score of 74 for Sensor parameters.

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

    Photo

    AVERAGE
    69

    We give Canon EOS-1D X a score of 69 for Photo parameters.

    •   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

    BAD
    16

    We give Canon EOS-1D X a score of 16 for Video parameters.

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

    Focusing

    GOOD
    83

    We give Canon EOS-1D X a score of 83 for Focusing parameters.

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

    Screen and Viewfinder

    GOOD
    74

    We give Canon EOS-1D X a score of 74 for Screen and Viewfinder parameters.

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

    Connectivity

    GOOD
    73

    We give Canon EOS-1D X a score of 73 for Connectivity parameters.

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

    Battery, Storage and Physical

    GOOD
    71

    We give Canon EOS-1D X a score of 71 for Battery, Storage and Physical parameters.

    •   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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