A potelyt.com – Photography & Imaging Resources
ad

When you use links on apotelyt.com to buy products,
the site may earn a commission.

PW

Canon 1D Mark II Comparison Review

The Canon EOS-1D Mark II is a DSLR (Digital Single Lens Reflex) camera that was announced in January 2004 and is equipped with an APS-H sensor. It offers a resolution of 8.2 megapixel.

camera

Is the Canon 1D Mark II a good camera? The 1D Mark II has a Camera Elo of 1279. This rating puts the 1D Mark II below average of all digital single lens reflex cameras. In terms of its sensor size category (APS cameras), the 1D Mark II also ranks below average. Based on its within category standings, the camera earns a 2.5-star performance rating. – Well, the Canon 1D Mark II is more than 20 years old, and there have been many other good digital cameras released since 2004.

Headline Specifications
Canon 1D Mark II
Digital single lens reflex
Canon EF mount lenses
8.2 MP, APS-H Sensor
no Video
ISO 100 - 1 600 (50 - 3 200)
Optical viewfinder
2.0 LCD, 230k dots
Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive)
8.3 shutter flaps per second
Weathersealed body
1200 shots per battery charge
156 x 158 x 80 mm, 1 535 g

Read on to find out more about the camera's size, sensor, features, reception by expert reviewers, and how it compares to other digital cameras.

ad

Body comparison with a credit card

The side-by-side display below illustrates the physical size of the Canon 1D Mark II vis-à-vis a credit card. Three consecutive perspectives from the front, the top, and the back are presented. All width, height and depth dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

Canon 1D Mark II vs credit card front
1D Mark II versus credit card top view
1D Mark II and credit card rear side

The table below summarizes the key physical specs of the Canon 1D Mark II alongside a set of similar cameras. If you want to review a particular camera pair side-by-side, just move across to the CAM-parator tool and choose from the broad selection of possible comparisons there.

scroll hint
Body Specifications
#   Camera
Model
Camera
Width
Camera
Height
Camera
Depth
Camera
Weight
Battery
Life
Weather
Sealing
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Canon 1D Mark II 156 mm 158 mm 80 mm 1535 g 1200 Y Jan 2004 4,499ebay.com
2.
 
Canon 5DS 152 mm 116 mm 76 mm 930 g 700 Y Feb 2015 3,699ebay.com
3.
 
Canon 5DS R 152 mm 116 mm 76 mm 930 g 700 Y Feb 2015 3,699ebay.com
4.
 
Canon 1D Mark IV 156 mm 157 mm 80 mm 1230 g 1500 Y Oct 2009 4,999ebay.com
5.
 
Canon 1D Mark III 156 mm 157 mm 80 mm 1155 g 2200 Y Feb 2007 4,499ebay.com
6.
 
Canon 1Ds Mark III 150 mm 160 mm 80 mm 1385 g 1800 Y Aug 2007 7,999ebay.com
7.
 
Canon 1D Mark II N 156 mm 158 mm 80 mm 1565 g 1200 Y Aug 2005 3,999ebay.com
8.
 
Canon 5D 152 mm 113 mm 75 mm 895 g 400 Y Aug 2005 3,299ebay.com
9.
 
Canon 1Ds Mark II 156 mm 158 mm 80 mm 1215 g 1200 Y Sep 2004 7,999ebay.com
10.
 
Canon 1Ds 156 mm 158 mm 80 mm 1265 g 600 Y Sep 2002 8,999ebay.com
11.
 
Canon 1D 156 mm 158 mm 80 mm 1585 g 500 Y Sep 2001 6,499ebay.com
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.
padding

The listed prices provide an indication of the market segment that the manufacturer of the cameras have been targeting. The Canon 1D Mark II was launched in the US market at a price of $4,499. Usually, retail prices stay at first close to the launch price, but after several months, discounts become available. Later in the product cycle and, in particular, when the replacement model is about to appear, further discounting and stock clearance sales often push the camera price considerably down. Then, after the new model is out, very good deals can frequently be found on the pre-owned market.

logo
Check 1D Mark II offers at
ebay.com

Sensor comparison with a 35mm slide

The size of the imaging sensor is a crucial determinant of image quality. A large sensor will generally have larger individual pixels that offer better low-light sensitivity, provide wider dynamic range, and have richer color-depth than smaller pixels in a sensor of the same technological generation. Moreover, a large sensor camera will give the photographer more control over depth-of-field in the image and, thus, the ability to better isolate a subject from the background. On the downside, larger sensors tend to be more expensive and lead to bigger and heavier cameras and lenses.

The Canon 1D Mark II features an APS-H sensor and has a format factor (sometimes also referred to as "crop factor") of 1.3. Within the spectrum of camera sensors, this places the Canon 1D Mark II among the large-sensor cameras that aim for top notch image quality.

Canon 1D Mark II sensor measures

Since 2007, DXO Mark has published sensor performance measurements that have been derived using a consistent methodology. This service determines an overall sensor rating, as well as sub-scores for low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports"), dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), and color depth ("DXO Portrait"). The adjacent table reports on the physical sensor characteristics and the outcomes of the DXO sensor quality tests for a sample of alternative cameras.

scroll hint
Sensor Characteristics
#   Camera
Model
Sensor
Class
Resolution
(MP)
Horiz.
Pixels
Vert.
Pixels
Video
Format
DXO
Portrait
DXO
Landscape
DXO
Sports
DXO
Overall
1.
 
Canon 1D Mark II APS-H 8.2 3504 2336none22.311.1100366
2.
 
Canon 5DS Full Frame 50.3 8688 57921080/30p24.712.4238187
3.
 
Canon 5DS R Full Frame 50.3 8688 57921080/30p24.612.4230886
4.
 
Canon 1D Mark IV APS-H 16.0 4896 32641080/30p22.812.0132074
5.
 
Canon 1D Mark III APS-H 10.1 3888 2592none22.711.7107871
6.
 
Canon 1Ds Mark III Full Frame 21.0 5616 3744none24.012.0166380
7.
 
Canon 1D Mark II N APS-H 8.2 3504 2336none22.311.297566
8.
 
Canon 5D Full Frame 12.7 4368 2912none22.911.1136871
9.
 
Canon 1Ds Mark II Full Frame 16.6 4992 3328none23.311.3148074
10.
 
Canon 1Ds Full Frame 11.0 4064 2704none21.811.095463
11.
 
Canon 1D APS-H 4.1 2496 1662none........
padding

It should be noted that unlike many modern cameras, the 1D Mark II does not provide the possibility to capture videos.

Feature comparison

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. For example, the 1D Mark II has an optical viewfinder that provides a field of view of 100% and a magnification of 0.55x. The tables below summarize some of the other core capabilities of the Canon 1D Mark II in connection with corresponding information for a sample of similar cameras.

scroll hint
Core Features
#   Camera
Model
Viewfinder
(Type or
000 dots)
Control
Panel
(yes/no)
LCD
Specifications
(inch/000 dots)
LCD
Attach-
ment
Touch
Screen
(yes/no)
Max
Shutter
Speed *
Max
Shutter
Flaps *
Built-in
Flash
(yes/no)
Built-in
Image
Stab
1.
 
Canon 1D Mark IIoptical Y2.0 / 230 fixed n 1/8000s 8.3/s n n
2.
 
Canon 5DSoptical Y3.2 / 1040 fixed n 1/8000s 5.0/s n n
3.
 
Canon 5DS Roptical Y3.2 / 1040 fixed n 1/8000s 5.0/s n n
4.
 
Canon 1D Mark IVoptical Y3.0 / 920 fixed n 1/8000s 10.0/s n n
5.
 
Canon 1D Mark IIIoptical Y3.0 / 230 fixed n 1/8000s 10.0/s n n
6.
 
Canon 1Ds Mark IIIoptical Y3.0 / 230 fixed n 1/8000s 5.0/s n n
7.
 
Canon 1D Mark II Noptical Y2.5 / 230 fixed n 1/8000s 8.5/s n n
8.
 
Canon 5Doptical Y2.5 / 230 fixed n 1/8000s 3.0/s n n
9.
 
Canon 1Ds Mark IIoptical Y2.0 / 230 fixed n 1/8000s 4.0/s n n
10.
 
Canon 1Dsoptical Y2.0 / 120 fixed n 1/8000s 3.0/s n n
11.
 
Canon 1Doptical Y2.0 / 120 fixed n 1/16000s 8.0/s n n
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.
padding

One useful feature of the 1D Mark II is a presence of a top-level LCD. While being, of course, smaller than the rear screen, the control panel conveys some of the essential shooting information and can be convenient for quick and easy settings verification.

ad

Connection comparison

For some imaging applications, the extent to which a camera can communicate with its environment can be an important aspect in the camera decision process. The table below provides an overview of the connectivity of the Canon EOS-1D Mark II and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

scroll hint
Input-Output Connections
#   Camera
Model
Hotshoe
Port
Internal
Mic / Speaker
Microphone
Port
Headphone
Port
HDMI
Port
USB
Port
WiFi
Support
NFC
Support
Bluetooth
Support
1.
 
Canon 1D Mark IIY- / ----1.1---
2.
 
Canon 5DSYmono / monoY-mini3.0---
3.
 
Canon 5DS RYmono / monoY-mini3.0---
4.
 
Canon 1D Mark IVYstereo / -Y-mini2.0---
5.
 
Canon 1D Mark IIIY- / ----2.0---
6.
 
Canon 1Ds Mark IIIYmono / ----2.0---
7.
 
Canon 1D Mark II NY- / ----1.1---
8.
 
Canon 5DY- / ----2.0---
9.
 
Canon 1Ds Mark IIY- / ----2.0---
10.
 
Canon 1DsY- / ----FW---
11.
 
Canon 1DY- / ----FW---
padding

Further information on the features and operation of the 1D Mark II can be found in the free online Canon 1D Mark II Manual or on the Canon support site.

ad

Expert reviews

While the comparison of technical specifications can provide a useful overview of the capabilities of different cameras, it remains incomplete and does no justice, for example, to the way the 1D Mark II handle or perform in practice. User reviews that are available, for instance, at amazon can sometimes shed light on these issues, but such feedback is all too often partial, inconsistent, and inaccurate. This is why hands-on reviews by experts are important. The adjacent table relays the overall verdicts of several of the most popular camera review sites (amateurphotographer [AP], cameralabs [CL], digitalcameraworld [DCW], dpreview [DPR], ephotozine [EPZ], photographyblog [PB]).

scroll hint
Review Scores
#    Camera 
 Model 
 AP 
 score 
 CL 
 score 
 DCW 
 score 
 DPR 
 score 
 EPZ 
 score 
 PB 
 score 
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Canon 1D Mark II......+ +.... Jan 2004 4,499ebay.com
2.
 
Canon 5DS..+..83/1004.5/54.5/5 Feb 2015 3,699ebay.com
3.
 
Canon 5DS R5/5+..83/1005/54.5/5 Feb 2015 3,699ebay.com
4.
 
Canon 1D Mark IV5/5....89/100.... Oct 2009 4,999ebay.com
5.
 
Canon 1D Mark III............ Feb 2007 4,499ebay.com
6.
 
Canon 1Ds Mark III......+ +4.5/5.. Aug 2007 7,999ebay.com
7.
 
Canon 1D Mark II N............ Aug 2005 3,999ebay.com
8.
 
Canon 5D..88/100..+ +o.. Aug 2005 3,299ebay.com
9.
 
Canon 1Ds Mark II......+ +.... Sep 2004 7,999ebay.com
10.
 
Canon 1Ds......+ +.... Sep 2002 8,999ebay.com
11.
 
Canon 1D......+ +.... Sep 2001 6,499ebay.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.
padding

The above review scores should be interpreted with care, though. The ratings were established in reference to similarly priced cameras that were available in the market at the time of the review. Thus, a score needs to be put into the context of the launch date and the launch price of the camera, and comparing ratings of very distinct cameras or ones that are far apart in terms of their release date have little meaning. Also, kindly note that some of the listed sites have over time developped their review approaches and their reporting style.

logo
Check 1D Mark II offers at
ebay.com

Canon 1D Mark II FAQ

Below are some additional questions and answers concerning some particular features of the 1D Mark II.

What technology is the imaging sensor in the Canon 1D Mark II based on?

The camera features a CMOS (Complementary Metal–Oxide–Semiconductor) sensor.

Which image processing chip is used in the Canon 1D Mark II to convert the raw signal into an image file and perform noise reduction and image sharpening?

Canon equipped the 1D Mark II with the DIGIC II image processor.

What is the ISO sensitivity range of the Canon 1D Mark II?

The camera has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 1600, which can be extended to ISO 50-3200.

What is the life expectancy of the shutter in the Canon EOS-1D Mark II?

Canon does not publish a shutter rating for the 1D Mark II. Yet, shutters in comparable cameras from other manufacturers are said to be good for at least 200 000 actuations. It should be noted, though, that this number represents a Mean Time before Failure. The shutter might fail earlier, or it might last longer. Anyway, in order to exhaust an expected shutter life of 200 000 shots over, say, three years, one would have to take about 200 pictures each and every day.

How do I find the shutter count on my Canon 1D Mark II?

Canon embeds the number of shutter actuations in image metadata. You can check the number of shots that your 1D Mark II has taken up to now by uploading a recent image to the free online shutter count finder app.

What is the fastest shutter speed that can be used with the Canon 1D Mark II for flash photography?

The 1D Mark II's flash sync speed is 1/250 sec.

Which battery does the Canon 1D Mark II use?

The camera gets its power from the NP-E3 (here at amazon), which is a rechargeable Lithium-Ion power pack.

Camera to camera comparisons

In case you are interested in seeing how this camera compares to another one, just make a corresponding selection in the search boxes below. Alternatively, you can follow any of the listed hyperlinks for comparisons that others found interesting.

~
    loader
    ad
    Specifications Summary
    Camera Model Canon 1D Mark II
    Camera Type Digital single lens reflex
    Camera Lens Canon EF mount lenses
    Launch Date January 2004
    Launch Price USD 4 499
    Sensor Specs
    Sensor Technology CMOS
    Sensor Format APS-H Sensor
    Sensor Size 28.7 x 19.1 mm
    Sensor Area 548 mm2
    Sensor Diagonal 34.5 mm
    Crop Factor 1.3x
    Sensor Resolution 8.2 Megapixels
    Image Resolution 3 504 x 2 336 pixels
    Pixel Pitch 8.17 μm
    Pixel Density 1.49 MP/cm2
    Moiré control Anti-Alias filter
    Movie Capability no Video
    ISO Setting 100 - 1 600 ISO
    ISO Boost 50 - 3 200 ISO
    Image Processor DIGIC II
    DXO Sensor Quality (score) 66
    DXO Color Depth (bits) 22.3
    DXO Dynamic Range (EV) 11.1
    DXO Low Light (ISO) 1003
    Screen Specs
    Viewfinder Type Optical viewfinder
    Viewfinder Field of View 100%
    Viewfinder Magnification 0.55x
    Top-Level Screen Control Panel
    LCD Size 2.0 inch
    LCD Resolution 230k dots
    LCD Attachment Fixed screen
    Touch Input No touchscreen
    Shooting Specs
    Focus System Phase-detect AF
    Manual Focusing Aidno Peaking Feature
    Maximum Shutter Speed 1/8000s
    Continuous Shooting 8.3 shutter flaps/s
    Shutter Life Expectancy200 000 actuations
    Silent Shootingno E-Shutter
    Time Lapse Photographyno Intervalometer
    Fill Flash no On-Board Flash
    Storage Medium CF or SD cards
    Single or Dual Card Slots Dual card slots
    UHS card support no
    Connectivity Specs
    External Flash Hotshoe
    Studio Flash PC Sync socket
    USB Connector USB 1.1
    HDMI Port no HDMI
    Wifi Support no Wifi
    Body Specs
    Environmental SealingWeathersealed body
    Battery Type NP-E3 power pack
    Battery Life (CIPA)1200 shots per charge
    Body Dimensions 156 x 158 x 80 mm
    (6.1 x 6.2 x 3.1 in)
    Camera Weight 1 535 g (54.1 oz)

    Did you notice an error on this page? If so, please get in touch, so that we can correct the information.

    You are here Home  »  CAM-parator  »  Canon 1D Mark II Review