Canon EOS-1D X: The Ultimate EOS

It’s way too easy to fall in love with the EOS 5D Mark III especially if you currently own a Mark II. I own two that I have enjoyed using extensively for work and occasionally for leisure. Returning the loaner unit this morning was an incredibly difficult experience especially after I’ve had so much fun with it for a few days straight. It’s now safely back in the hands of Interhouse Company where it’ll officially debut at the Camera and Travel Fair 2012 along side Canon’s new flagship, the EOS-1D X that I had the pleasure of handling this morning. Holding it with both my hands, its familiar weight and size was a walk down memory lane!

Using multiple AF points in the EOS-1D X and 5D Mark III

Canon has brought the best of the EOS-1D Series of digital cameras into one phenomenal model: the new flagship of the EOS line, the EOS-1D X. Its full-frame 18.1 Megapixel CMOS sensor and all-new Dual DIGIC 5+ Image Processors deliver high quality image capture at up to 12 fps (14 fps in Super High Speed Mode) and a powerful ISO range of 100 – 51200 (up to 204800 in H2 mode) provides sharp, low-noise images even in the dimmest low-light conditions. These images are also on my Facebook Page.

These images captured using EOS 5D Mark II + EF 100mm f/2.8 L Hybrid (unedited)

The biggest specification change to the 1D X is its new sensor – an 18MP full-frame CMOS chip capable of shooting at 12 frames per second. This represents a big change over the 1D Mk IV (it represents a move away from the smaller APS-H format that Canon has previously used in its sports cameras), and a decrease in pixel count compared to the 1DS series.

Another change to the 1D X’s storage is the addition of an Ethernet 1000 Base-T network port. This allows faster transfer speeds and the use of longer cables (the limit is 100m, rather than around 3.5m for USB).

The dual joystick design on EOS-1D X has made its way onto the EOS 5D Mark III when fitted with the optional BG-E11 battery grip.

The body of the 1D X closely resembles previous 1D cameras, but close examination reveals a series of changes. The most significant is perhaps the addition of a second joystick on the rear of the camera, to ensure all functions remain available when using the portrait orientation grip. The camera also features twin buttons next to the lens, in either orientation. These are customizable, allowing you to access features such as the electronic level gauge or jump to registered AF point.

Beyond the big changes is a move to twin CF cards. As before these can either be set to duplicate images onto both cards or overflow from one to the next. You don’t have the option of separately storing movies and stills, however.

An all-new, 61-Point High-Density Reticular AF and 100,000-pixel RGB Metering Sensor that uses a dedicated DIGIC 4 Image Processor, makes the EOS-1D X reach new levels of focus speed and accuracy delivering advanced tracking even for the most challenging shooting situations. Taken all together, the EOS-1D X’s improved HD video capture, numerous connectivity options, combination of processing power and durable construction, including shutter durability tested to 400,000 cycles, make it the ultimate EOS.

If the EOS 5D Mark III is more your thing:
Canon EOS 5D Mark III Incredible ISO 12800 Performance a Smashing Hit
EOS 5D Mark III + EF 50mm f/1.4 at ISO 12800 for Sports Photography?
Canon EOS 5D Mark III: Improvements That Matter. Or Not.
Canon EOS 5D Mark III: File Name Customization and Other Features That Make Sense
Canon EOS 5D Mark III + EF 100mm f/2.8 L Macro Lens an Appetizing Combo (Shooting Food at ISO 6400)